Liverpool predicted line-up to face Everton in the FA Cup
European Champions Liverpool will face neighbours Everton in the FA Cup third-round tie to be held at Anfield on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool enter the Merseyside derby in sensational form, having ended the calendar year unbeaten in the Premier League after overcoming Sheffield United 2-0 on Friday.
However, despite their unbeaten run, Liverpool failed to bag domestic titles in 2019 and would be keen to start their proceedings with a win against the Toffees, having already exited the Carabao Cup recently.
Meanwhile, Everton, who started the season on a poor note, have witnessed a resurgence in form after the appointment of new boss Carlo Ancelotti. They have won 2 of their last 3 league outings under the Italian and are now sitting 11th in the table.
Liverpool clearly look stronger of the two and will have the home advantage, given their performances in recent times. It would still be too early to write off Everton, who are now just 5 points shy of a Europa League spot.
Team news
Manager Klopp is short of options as he has an injury-stricken squad under him, with as many as 7 of the main team players ruled out due to injuries.
Long-term absentee Nathaniel Clyne, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Xherdan Shaqiri, Joel Matip, and Dejan Lovren will all sit out of the weekend derby.
The Reds will also be without the services of midfielder Naby Keita, who suffered a groin injury during the pre-match warm-up against Sheffield United.
Liverpool predicted line-up to face Everton
Formation: 4-3-3
Adrian (GK)
Being a cup tie, Klopp might offer the starting role to the Spaniard. He has been decent in Alisson’s absence.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
Despite being a full-back, he is currently the league’s second-highest assist provider with 8 assists to his name and is in the form of his life.
Joe Gomez (CB)
He has grown in stature recently and has started matches in the place of injured centre-backs Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
A regular and inevitable presence in the Liverpool backline. The Dutchman stands out with his consistent performances. He is his side’s key player.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Much like his teammate Alexander-Arnold, Robertson too has been excellent for the league leaders and has 6 league assists to his credit so far.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
The Liverpool skipper has been playing a little deep of late in Fabinho’s absence. He is the team’s anchor and has lots of experience under his belt.
James Milner (RCM)
Injuries to Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain has seen Milner being handed the midfield duties once again. He is Klopp’s utility man for all occasions.
Adam Lallana (LCM)
Wijnaldum has started all of Liverpool’s league games this season and hence Lallana could get the nod if Klopp decides to rest the Dutchman.
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Mohamed Salah (RW)
The Egyptian was on target against the Blades in their last match and is one of most potent attackers in Europe at the moment.
Takumi Minamino (LW)
Sadio Mane has been on fire for the Reds but he certainly deserves a rest. This could be the ideal fixture for Klopp to hand new boy Minamino his Liverpool debut.
Divock Origi (ST)
Firmino is an irreplaceable player but Origi has been able deputy whenever called upon. He has a good record against Everton and should start this game.
