The international break is finally over and club football is on the verge of a comeback. There are some incredible matches this weekend but very few more interesting than one of the fiercest rivalries in England, the Merseyside derby. In what is expected to be a feisty affair, Ronald Koeman’s Everton will travel across the park to Anfield in a lunchtime kickoff on Saturday as both teams will look to climb up the points table with a victory in this game. The Toffees have won their last two games without conceding a goal while Liverpool are also coming into this game after a stalemate at the Etihad in the last round. Jurgen Klopp’s men cannot afford to drop points if they are to keep their place in the top-4 but they will not find it easy against an inform side in Everton. Klopp is expected to go with his strongest XI and here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this tie:
Team News:
Midfielder Jordan Henderson is back on track to full fitness but might not be risked for this game while striker Daniel Sturridge is also doubtful for this tie. Brazilian duo Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho are both busy with an international game just a couple of days before this clash but Liverpool have arranged for them to get back immediately, which might see them start this game. Firmino is hit with an illness but is expected to be fine while Danny Ings and Ovie Ejaria are set to miss out on this tie. Adam Lallana was missing from the Liverpool training session with a suspected thigh problem.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK – Simon Mignolet
The Belgian shot stopper had a sedate international break and will be itching to get back into action this weekend for Liverpool.
RB – Nathaniel Clyne
A decent outing in the international break will keep Clyne on his toes and he should be up and ready for this all important Merseyside derby.
CB – Joel Matip
The Cameroon star was not a part of his international squad and has been with the Liverpool team, getting ready for this tie. He must be in great shape and hence Klopp would be hoping that he keeps Lukaku quiet.
CB – Dejan Lovren
The Croatian international enjoyed his time with the Croatian national side but will have to switch back on when he comes back to Anfield for the Premier League game this weekend.
LB – James Milner
The former English midfielder has been exceptional at left-back and should keep his place in the side for this intense night.
CM – Emre Can
The German midfielder was used on the wing as a part of the back-4 by his national side during the break but he should start in his usual central midfield position for Liverpool.
CM – Lucas Leiva
Lucas is the safest bet for Jurgen Klopp for the central midfield position as he is already short of options. With Henderson and Lallana unavailable, Leiva would be a really safe choice as experience is vital for taking up the central midfield role.
CM – Georginio Wijnaldum
After a forgettable qualifying journey, the Dutch international will be low on spirits but he’ll need to lift himself up for this fierce occasion.
RW – Sadio Mane
The danger man for Liverpool, Mane will hope to get the better of Everton defence in a game of utmost importance for both sides.
ST – Roberto Firmino
Though he is now down with an illness, Firmino is not too seriously ill and is expected to be fit in time for this game, to lead the attack.
LW – Philippe Coutinho
The playmaker was exceptional for the Brazil national team and will need to put in a similar performance to help his side to a comfortable victory over their fierce local rivals.
Comments are closed.