Liverpool will take on Everton this Saturday in what could be an entertaining derby to watch considering the form of both the sides. While Everton have been unstoppable in the second half of the season, Liverpool have picked up their form after a slow start to the year and have notched credible wins over Arsenal and Burnley in recent weeks. They also held Manchester City to a draw and are in the mix to finish in the top 4, like Everton.
When the two sides met at Goodison Park, Liverpool won the game narrowly thanks to a late Sadio Mane tap in. The goal was a sucker punch and the Everton side will want to do something about it at Anfield. They haven’t won at Anfield for more than a decade though and Liverpool’s home form will be a massive advantage for the Reds.
Both the sides had some casualties in the international break but it is safe to say Everton have come out worse. Long-term injuries to key defenders Funes Mori and Seamus Coleman means they won’t have a full strength backline for the derby game. As for Liverpool, Adam Lallana hobbled off with a thigh strain and will miss a few weeks.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up for the clash.
Defence
Dejan Lovren is fit again and is in contention to start the game alongside Joel Matip. Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner are expected to start as the two full-backs. Liverpool haven’t been all that sound at the back and with Romelu Lukaku in red hot form, the back four could have a jittery afternoon. Simon Mignolet is likely to guard the goal.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson has returned to training but the game might have come too early for him. Emre Can is expected to start alongside Gini Wijnaldum in the midfield. The deeper role could be taken over by Lucas.
Adam Lallana’s injury ahead of the derby could be a deciding factor as he’s been a chief creator for the side. Klopp can, of course, decide to play Milner in midfield and use Alberto Moreno at left-back, but that is something he could have done earlier in the season but refrained from doing.
Attack
Daniel Sturridge has returned to training but is not expected to start the game. He could be a good option in the coming weeks as the games will come thick and fast. Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho performed well for Brazil and are expected to start in attack.
Sadio Mane scored the winner in the last fixture between the two sides and the home fans will hope he can repeat that feat again come Saturday.
