After an embarrassing FA Cup exit at the hands of last-place Championship side Plymouth Argyle, Liverpool now face a tricky challenge with the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park tomorrow.
In addition to the obvious significance of the rivalry itself, the Reds will now play the game in hand they’ve had over Arsenal after this fixture was postponed in December, giving them the chance to officially go nine points clear of the Gunners if they can secure a win.
Everton may sit at a lowly 16th place in the table, but positions hardly feel like they matter in a game that carries so much history and bad blood between these two clubs.
With much to play for tomorrow, let’s take a look at the Starting XI Arne Slot will be most likely to deploy against the Toffees.
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Alisson seems to be the clear choice after Caoimhín Kelleher started against Plymouth in order to give the Brazilian a break from play.
Center-backs: Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté
Another easy selection after both likewise rested on Sunday while Joe Gomez and Jarrell Quansah started.
Supporters will need to hope that the pairing can stay fit and energized for the full 90 minutes after Gomez re-injured himself against the Pilgrims.
Fullbacks: Andrew Robertson and Connor Bradley
With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury status still uncertain, Slot should play it safe and start Bradley, especially after his outstanding performance while filling in for Trent during Liverpool’s 4-0 EFL Cup semi-final win over Tottenham.
Look for TAA to provide a spark off the bench if needed and ready to go.
Robertson should start opposite of Bradley following his weekend rest and Kostas Tsimikas' underwhelming performance against Plymouth.
Robertson's strong history of both scoring and contributing to extracurriculars in the Merseyside Derby makes him the better option as well.
Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool’s best middie trio should get the nod after all three sat out of action against Plymouth. With Curtis Jones informing Slot that he wasn’t feeling 100% before their FA Cup exit, the Reds will need to count on their usual midfield starters to perform as they have all season long.
If a sub is needed to reignite the attack, Harvey Elliott will look to redeem himself after a poor performance at Home Park; Endo could see action in defensive duties if Liverpool establish a strong enough lead.
Wingers: Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo
No surprise in starting Salah as he will play every match of importance he’s available for. It also helps that he happens to love scoring against Everton, bagging 7 Premier League goals vs. the Toffees to claim the top scorer spot in the fixture since joining the club.
Cody Gakpo will be fresh after sitting out over the weekend and deserves the start given his recent goalscoring form.
Luis Díaz could be an option off the bench to replace the Dutchman, looking to turn in a better game after a subpar showing against Plymouth.
Striker: Darwin Núñez
Diogo Jota made his return from injury on Sunday, playing the full match vs. Plymouth—a promising step towards regaining full fitness, despite not scoring or assisting.
However, Slot should keep him on the bench to start against Everton to avoid rushing his recovery, opting instead to switch starting roles with Darwin Núñez from Sunday.
Núñez came on as a sub vs. Plymouth and was denied a late, late equalizer after a well-placed header was met with a brilliant save by Pilgrims' goalie Conor Hazard.
He’s never scored in the Premier League against Everton and could generate some chaos for Liverpool that a rivalry game needs.