Liverpool are back in action on Monday night as they host Everton in the 243rd Merseyside derby. Yet to win in the Premier League in 2023, they’ll be desperate to change that against the Blues and stop their Sean Dyche-led revival in its tracks.
The Reds fell to a heavy 3-0 defeat away at Wolves last time out, while their last Anfield outing ended in an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Chelsea. In contrast, Everton won 1-0 at home to league-leaders Arsenal in Dyche’s first game as manager, while they’ll be hungry to win their first away derby in front of fans since 1999.
Given the manner of Liverpool’s loss at Wolves, Jurgen Klopp was always likely to make changes in Monday night’s derby. But he looks set to have to make one enforced change regardless after confirming that Thiago Alcantara is suffering with a hip injury.
READ MORE: Cody Gakpo makes admission over Liverpool 'lie' after lifting lid on Manchester United talks
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola defends Man City with brutal jibe about Steven Gerrard's Liverpool slip
Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk, Roberto Firmino, and Arthur Melo all returned to training this week, but Klopp also confirmed that the Portuguese is perhaps the only one in contention to return against Everton. With that in mind, we predict the Liverpool team that could lock horns with the Blues…
Alexander-Arnold dropped
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of a number of players in the Liverpool squad not at their best in recent weeks, and as a result is by no means the only player whose starting place is under-threat.
Given his loss of form, Everton’s lack of pace, and the fact that James Milner has impressed whenever turned to in recent weeks, it would not be a surprise if the Reds’ vice-captain was given the nod on Monday night.
Meanwhile, Nat Phillips is perhaps in contention to start at centre-back with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez both struggling badly at Wolves. But having been limited to just five appearances this season, with two of them starts and two coming in the Premier League, it would admittedly be a bold call from Klopp to start the centre-back, who had been expected to leave the club during the final days of the January transfer window.
Thiago Alcantara replaced
With Thiago suffering with a hip injury, the Spaniard looks set to miss Monday’s Merseyside derby with captain Jordan Henderson, having been strongly defended by Klopp in last week’s pre-match press conference, perhaps the first-choice to replace the Spaniard.
Harvey Elliott is also in contention, but has impressed more further forward in recent weeks. Stefan Bajcetic looks set to continue as Liverpool’s holding midfielder, while Naby Keita will switch sides to the left. The likes of Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also available if Klopp wishes to rotate his engine-room further.
All eyes on Cody Gakpo
Yet to score or assist in his six appearances for Liverpool, the pressure is mounting on Cody Gakpo to start delivering for the Reds following his £37m move from PSV Eindhoven. Earlier this week the Dutchman would admit his goal drought is playing on his mind as he looks ahead to his Merseyside derby debut.
However, Klopp is expected to keep faith in the forward and stick with the same front three alongside Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez.
Harvey Elliott is an option if the German does wish to make a change, while Diogo Jota is in line for a place on the bench after returning from a long-term calf injury.
Predicted Liverpool starting XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Milner, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Bajcetic, Keita; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo.
READ NEXT
-
'Next season, son' - Brighton breakout star Kaoru Mitoma sent Liverpool transfer message
Inside story of £6m Liverpool transfer that 'hurt' Everton and left Bill Kenwright at 'lowest low'
Cristiano Ronaldo snub saw Liverpool take transfer gamble on 'next Deco' Steven Gerrard loved
- Son of former Premier League star scores brace as Liverpool come from behind in six-goal thriller
Joel Matip Liverpool stance confirmed but he can't escape the inevitable after transfer speculation
