Tsimikas gets chance to shine
Kostas Tsimikas has started 18 Premier League games since joining Liverpool for £11.75m from Olympiakos in 2020; never threatening to take Andy Robertson’s place at left-back but proving himself a dependable stand-in, with a decisive shootout contribution to the 2022 FA Cup victory thrown in for good measure. Liverpool’s reliance on “the Greek Scouser”, as he is known at Anfield, is set to increase for the foreseeable future with Robertson sidelined by a shoulder injury suffered in Scotland’s defeat by Spain. Tsimikas faces an intense start in the first Merseyside derby of the season, although how much his defensive attributes will be tested may depend on the tactics Sean Dyche adopts at Anfield. Liverpool coped adequately the last time Robertson was absent for a sizeable period – winning three, drawing one and losing one of the five matches he missed 12 months ago – and need his deputy to seize a rare chance to impress as Jürgen Klopp’s side seek a return to winning ways. Andy Hunter
