Everton will take on arch-rivals Liverpool when they two teams lock horns at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Toffees returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 win over Cardiff City n midweek, and will aim to shatter Liverpool’s title aspirations as the Reds need to win to return to the top of the table.
Everton team news
Leighton Baines is currently the only injury-related absentee for Everton ahead of the Merseyside derby.
Kurt Zouma, on the other hand, is eligible to take part against Liverpool after serving his suspension.
Predicted Everton lineup vs Liverpool
Defence
Marco Silva has confirmed that key defender Yerry Mina is in much better condition and will be in contention to start against Liverpool. However, it is unlikely that the Portuguese will risk one of his best defenders, thus we expect Kurt Zouma to start at the heart of the Everton backline.
The Chelsea loanee will replace veteran defender Phil Jagielka and will be paired up with the ever-present figure of Michael Keane in central defence. Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne should occupy the full-back slots.
Digne, in particular, will play a key role on the right flank up against Trent Alexander-Arnold, who notched up three assists in the win over Watford.
Jordan Pickford will retain his place in goal and the England international might be in for a busy game against Liverpool’s front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Midfield
It is expected to be a cagey affair in midfield, thus coach Silva could once again opt for the experienced Morgan Schneiderlin ahead of Andre Gomes in the double pivot.
The Frenchman might be paired up with Idrissa Gueye, who will play an important role of disrupting Liverpool’s flow in midfield and most importantly, circulating possession for the home side.
Elsewhere, Gylfi Sigurdsson will operate as the lone attacking midfielder.
But, with the likes of Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum in good form, it will be interesting to see how Sigurdsson plays on Sunday.
Attack
Theo Walcott could be preferred ahead of Ademola Lookman in the right-wing position, while Bernard might return to the starting lineup, at the expense of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Brazilian might be deployed on the left-wing, which would then see Richarlison feature in a central attacking role.
The former Watford attacker has been the club’s top scorer this season with ten goals, and his physical prowess coupled with his ability to drive at defences will be key against a strong and disciplined Liverpool backline.
