Everton are set to clash with Liverpool for their third-round FA Cup fixture at Anfield. A much-awaited derby between two powerhouses who are hellbent on toppling the other and progress further into the competition.
Liverpool’s last fixture against Burnley saw them clinch a win with a last-minute goal through Ragnar Klavan at Turf Moor. Their spirits are high coming into this fixture well motivated to get one over their rivals.
However, Sam Allardyce’s well structured defensive structure will be hard to match for Jurgen Klopp with the absence of Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah.
The duo was left out in their previous fixture and are a doubt along with striker, Daniel Sturridge.
Liverpool have cleared a healthy 4 point gap ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in the 4th spot of the Premier League. They are also favourably matched against FC Porto in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
The FA Cup and the League Cup should be one of their primary targets for the season with the league title already lost to Manchester City.
Both the sides last met on 10 December for their Premier League fixture and ended the game with a point each. This fixture is expected to produce a clear winner.
Jurgen Klopp is expected to field his men in the 4-3-3 formation.
Defence
Jurgen Klopp has already declared that Loris Karius will start ahead of Danny Ward in this matchup. The German needs to impress the manager if he wants more future starts instead of falling behind the understudy.
Joseph Gomez is expected to start in the right-back role with Andrew Robertson making a return to the starting lineup from the left.
New signing Virgil van Dijk will light up the eyes of the Anfield faithful with his name in the team sheet but might not start for such an important matchup. Ragnar Klavan’s impressive display against Burnley should earn him a spot alongside Joel Matip in the centre-back.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. His absence will probably see the trio of James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can return to the holding midfield role. Can is expected to take up the more defensive role behind the two.
Attack
Roberto Firmino received a well-deserved rest in the last fixture and should get the nod in the central forward role. Sadio Mane might start from the right wing with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left.
