Liverpool may have the opportunity to further close the gap at the top of the table as they brace themselves for the iconic Merseyside derby on Wednesday. Along with the bragging rights, there could be a lot at stake for Jurgen Klopp’s men, especially after Chelsea’s draw with Manchester United helped them bridge the gap at the top of the Premier League on the weekend. Liverpool are now looking for three more points that could put pressure on both Man City and Chelsea this midweek.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup Vs Everton
Defence
Joe Gomez remains the only defensive absentee for Jurgen Klopp heading into this game. But with his side having kept three back to back clean sheets, the German has no reason to tinker with his current back-four.
Indeed, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are expected to continue at the heart of the LFC backline, as they hope to keep out the Toffees from making any inroads in the final third. Joel Matip is a backup option, should Klopp require any last-minute changes.
There should be no changes in the fullback slots, as the first-choice starters Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson once again look to bombard the flanks. Alexander-Arnold, in particular, could serve as a major source of creativity for the Reds this midweek.
Meanwhile, Alisson Becker remains the other guaranteed starter in this Liverpool defence. He will once again occupy his role in between the sticks, hoping to attain another clean sheet.
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Midfield
Naby Keita is not fully fit for Liverpool while Curtis Jones remains out with injury. Klopp, therefore, will be forced to persist with the midfield trifecta of Fabinho, Thiago and Jordan Henderson.
The trio has offered excellent variety and stability in the middle of the park for the Reds so far this season. They will be keen on maintaining that consistency, up against the Everton side who can be tricky, especially in the second line of press.
Attack
As for the attacking department, Klopp is expected to make no changes at all. With Roberto Firmino out injured, the German should once again deploy the preferred offensive trifecta of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane, the three top scorers in the Premier League this season.
Their performances could go a long way in helping the Reds prevail in this Merseyside derby, though Klopp does have the option of Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi, in case he requires a bit more variety.
