Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are unstoppable in the league but they will now turn their attention to the second Merseyside derby of the season when they welcome their rivals from across town to Anfield, for a third-round FA Cup tie on Sunday.
The Toffees have failed to win a game at Anfield this century but under Carlo Ancelotti, they will believe they have a real chance to change that stat this weekend. Ancelotti has already faced Klopp twice this season with Napoli, picking up four points in the group stages of the Champions League. But this game will be a different challenge, even as Klopp is expected to rest a few of his first-team stars.
Here is a look at the probable Liverpool lineup Klopp might field for the tie.
Team News
In early team news, the Reds have just 12 senior players available for this game.
Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho and Nathaniel Clyne were all joined by Naby Keita on the sidelines. Klopp however, revealed that The Ox and Dejan Lovren could be back in the next few days.
Takumi Minamino is ‘in good shape’ according to Klopp, who will only take a decision on his involvement just before the game. Rhian Brewster is fit and could start while Nathaniel Phillips has been called back from his loan spell and could also feature this weekend.
PREDICTED LIVERPOOL LINEUP vs EVERTON (4-3-3)
Defence
Adrian was superb at the start of the season but has found game time hard to come by since Alisson Becker’s return. But the Spaniard should get his chance under the bar for this derby. Virgil van Dijk deserves some rest and could be replaced by Phillips while Joe Gomez could keep his place in the side to add some experience at the back in the Liverpool lineup.
Neco Williams has impressed whenever called upon and deserves to get a chance at right-back while James Milner could give Andrew Robertson some rest, starting at left-back.
Midfield
Injuries to first-team stars will mean Klopp does not have too many options for this role. Jordan Henderson also needs some rest and could be replaced by Adam Lallana, who only came off the bench in the game against the Blades on Thursday.
Curtis Jones has done no harm to his reputation so far this season and should start alongside Georginio Wijnaldum, who will add some experience to the midfield.
Wijnaldum could start in the no.6 role while Lallana and Jones could play in advanced roles in the Liverpool lineup.
Attack
Takumi Minamino may only find a place on the bench this weekend. Sadio Mane, who was subbed off against Blades could keep his place on the left flank while Harvey Elliot, who made his league debut for Liverpool in that game, deserves a chance on the right flank in the attack.
Divock Origi is still a fan favourite and could once again be the danger man for Everton in this tie.
LIVERPOOL LINEUP
