Liverpool suffered a few jitters just before the lockdown as they lost four of their last six matches across all competitions, which has been extremely unlike the Klopp era. However, they would love to bounce back when they visit their Merseyside rivals this Sunday. The Reds are within touching distance of the Premier League, and another six points would ensure the elusive title.
Carlo Ancelotti, on his behalf, would like to bounce back from the forgettable encounter with Liverpool in the FA Cup tie when they faced defeat from a side comprised of youngsters. Although the Italian manager started his spell in charge of Everton promisingly, at the turn of the new year, the form of the club has slipped. Ancelotti would hope that his team can start in a rejuvenated manner after having a long break.
Team setup
Everton could line up in a 4-2-3-1 manner with Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the top. The Toffees would have to soak in the constant pressure of the Liverpool forwards and thus need to control the possession in the midfield.
Liverpool, in their usual colours, would take the field in a 4-3-3 setup. The full-backs would again have the liberty to sprint down the flanks with the ball at their feet and assist the forwards in the attack. Henderson and Keita would have to win the contest at the midfield and Minamino could be used in the later stages of the match to add some fresh legs.
Team News
Everton
Ancelotti would have some of his key players missing as Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Theo Walcott are out of action for a long time. The Italian gaffer would have liked to have some good news on the injury front after the break, but unfortunately, that has not been the case. Morgan Schneiderlin would also not feature in this match, or as a matter of fact for most of the season, following a knee operation. Yerry Mina has also suffered a knock and thus could be unavailable for selection, although his condition is still under assessment.
Everton Predicted Lineup
Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Digne; Bernard, Gomes, Davies, Sigurdsson; Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison
Liverpool
The German manager would have almost a full squad to chose from as most of his players are injury-free and ready to go. The two players who would not be able to take the field anytime soon are Nathaniel Clyne and Xherdan Shaqiri, both of whom do not feature in the plans of the manager anyway.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Keita, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Key men
Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be the key man for the side as the Englishman has so far scored eight times in eleven matches under Ancelotti. Richarlison would also have to play a vital role in the attacking department of the team, and the partnership of these two could play a significant role in deciding the outcome of the match.
Liverpool
The Reds would again rely on the firepower of the front three for their attacking output. Defensively, Van Dijk would have to be at his best and lead the side from the front. His clash with Richarlison could prove interesting as the latter has not had too many kind words for the Dutchman recently.
