Everton and Liverpool will renew their Merseyside rivalry on Wednesday when both teams cross swords at Goodison Park in the Premier League.
The Toffees have lost all the momentum they had gained at the start of the season, losing four out of their last five league games. They are in a wretched run of form and head into Wednesday’s derby off the back of a 1-0 defeat to newly-promoted Brentford.
On the contrary, Liverpool are in blistering form and enjoyed the perfect warm-up to their derby visit in midweek by thrashing Southampton 4-0 at home over the weekend.
Everton vs Liverpool – Team News
Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from a quadriceps injury, while midfield duo Tom Davies (knee) and Andre Gomes (calf) are still out. Yerry Mina is still nursing a hamstring problem.
Surprisingly, Demarai Gray returned to the Everton bench against Brentford on Sunday after sustaining a groin injury during last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City. Mason Holgate serves the final of his three-game suspension but Richarlison is available having overcome a one-game ban for picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at Manchester City.
Rafa Benitez on #BREEVE. pic.twitter.com/PH5k0hfmns
— Everton (@Everton) November 28, 2021
Everton are leaking goals at an alarming rate in recent weeks, leaving a lot to be desired from their back four and goalkeeper. Rafael Benitez is unlikely to make any changes to his defence that started at Brentford, meaning Jordan Pickford will start in goal with Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Lucas Digne keeping their places in the Everton lineup.
Benitez might look to add an extra body in midfield given how easily the Toffees have been run over. This could see Fabian Delph start in the Merseyside derby to add some much-needed robustness to the Everton midfield, which will also feature Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Richarlison’s availability after serving his suspension should see him walk straight into the Everton lineup. The Brazilian will lead the attack, flanked by Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray.
Liverpool
Naby Keita continues to nurse a hamstring injury but was apparently close to making the squad against Southampton, so the Guinean international has a chance of being involved in the Merseyside derby.
Roberto Firmino remains out with a hamstring problem, while Curtis Jones’ eye injury is expected to keep him out for the next few weeks. Joe Gomez is recovering from a calf problem and could be available for the Reds’ weekend clash against Wolves.
Alisson Becker is a sure-shot starter in goal for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is expected to stick with the same backline that started against Southampton, meaning Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson will retain their places in the Liverpool lineup.
Thiago Alcantara has made a great impact since returning to the Liverpool XI from a calf injury, netting two in as many games. He is a certain starter in the Liverpool midfield, along with skipper Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Seven goals in 12 league games, including a brace against Southampton, should see Jota lead the Liverpool attack against Everton. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane and unquestionable starters, and the African duo will look to wreak havoc against a leaky Everton backline.
Everton vs Liverpool – Predicted Lineups
Everton Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Jordan Pickford; Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Lucas Digne; Fabian Delph, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure; Richarlison, Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend
Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Andrew Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson; Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane
Everton vs Liverpool – Key Players
Everton—Richarlison
Richarlison’s availability is a big boost for Everton. He brings a very different dynamic to Rondon and will be a lethal counter-attacking outlet for Everton, given Liverpool are expected to dominate possession at Goodison Park. The Brazilian has the ability to create chances and score goals out of nothing, so he will pose the biggest threat against Liverpool.
Liverpool—Mohamed Salah
Undoubtedly Liverpool’s best player of the season so far, Mohamed Salah has been only dealing in goals. He’s in superb form and Everton cannot afford to give him even a yard of space on Wednesday. If the Egyptian has his shooting boots on, the hosts are in for a big test.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Liverpool