Liverpool is set to host Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield this Saturday afternoon, with a strong desire to return to their winning form.
Fixtures Matchweek 9⃣ #PremierLeague 📷#PL pic.twitter.com/2XxdDEC72h
— PL News (@PLNews5) October 20, 2023
Liverpool heads into the match against Everton after experiencing a loss and a draw in their previous two league fixtures. Consequently, they are eager to make a strong comeback in the Merseyside Derby, which kicks off Saturday at lunchtime.
Their promising start to the Premier League season has been interrupted by two disappointing results. Therefore, Jurgen Klopp will insist on a determined response from his squad. Currently sitting fourth in the Premier League standings, Liverpool aims to narrow the gap with league leaders Tottenham Hotspur by securing a victory in this fixture.
On the flip side, Everton occupies the 16th spot in the league table, having secured just two wins from their eight league matches. They aim to exploit Liverpool’s recent vulnerabilities and secure a positive outcome at Anfield.
It’s worth noting that Everton has only managed one victory against Liverpool in their last six encounters, presenting a significant challenge. Liverpool, on the other hand, has emerged victorious in five of their last six meetings with Everton at Anfield and is determined to secure yet another impressive home victory.
Team News:
Liverpool supporters received distressing news regarding Andy Robertson, who is believed to have suffered a dislocated shoulder during Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifying loss to Spain last week. He will undergo surgery and require an extended recovery period.
Kostas Tsimikas is expected to step in for the remainder of 2023, while Liverpool’s beleaguered midfield will remain without Thiago Alcantara (hip injury) and the suspended Curtis Jones. Additionally, Stefan Bajcetic’s calf issue will not heal in time for him to participate. Second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher (knee) and young attacker Ben Doak (muscle) are also sidelined. Dutchman Cody Gakpo (knee) will need further evaluation, but Diogo Jota is back from a one-game suspension.
Diogo Jota is likely to be in Jurgen Klopp’s considerations for a starting role, especially considering Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz’s extended journeys back from South America. The 12.30pm kickoff time might not please Klopp, but if Gakpo doesn’t recover quickly, Nunez may be Klopp’s only choice up front.
Meanwhile, there hasn’t been much progress in Everton’s injury list during the international break. Seamus Coleman (knee) and Dele Alli (groin) are still on the path to full fitness, while Andre Gomes (calf) remains unavailable.
Idrissa Gueye was initially set to start against Bournemouth two weeks ago, but a heel injury during warm-up led to Garner taking his place in midfield, and he impressed with a stellar performance. Gueye was able to represent Senegal during the international break, but Sean Dyche may stick with the winning lineup from the previous match, which would see Dominic Calvert-Lewin retain his spot as the number nine.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Jota
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Onana, Garner, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin
