Liverpool’s line-ups for the match against Everton include decisions on Alexander Isak and the full-back positions.
The big clashes just keep rolling in for Liverpool. Having already gone up against Newcastle United and Arsenal in the Premier League, plus Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, the Reds now welcome neighbours Everton for the first Merseyside derby of the season.
Arne Slot’s reigning champions head into the game as favourites. They may not yet have reached their peak, but with four league wins out of four and another dramatic late victory over Atletico in midweek, confidence is high.
Everton, under returning boss David Moyes, are showing signs of progress despite their poor record at Anfield. Slot, however, won’t underestimate the 247th meeting between the fierce rivals, especially with a fully fit squad giving him some tough but welcome selection choices.
Here’s how our Liverpool writers think he should set up…
Paul Gorst
After two hard-fought wins in the space of a week, Slot may look to freshen things up for the derby. He kept faith with a rotated side in the midweek win over Atletico and could do the same here. The back five stays unchanged, although Conor Bradley will be pushing for a recall at right-back.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister is knocking on the door, but it’s tough to drop either Szoboszlai or Gravenberch, who are both in excellent form. Szoboszlai has arguably been Liverpool’s standout player so far, while Gravenberch looks like one of Europe’s finest young midfielders.
Further forward, Florian Wirtz impressed in the second half against Atletico and could be ready to really explode. Up top, Hugo Ekitike replaces Alexander Isak, who did well in Madrid but will likely feature from the bench this time.
Paul’s XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Ian Doyle
Derbies are never straightforward, and this one promises the same intensity as last season’s fiery contests.
Slot is expected to make tweaks. Alisson stays in goal, with Bradley slotting in at right-back, Robertson on the left, and Konate partnering Van Dijk in central defence.
Midfield remains unchanged, with Szoboszlai and Gravenberch pulling the strings and Wirtz operating as the playmaker. In attack, Ekitike starts through the middle, flanked by Salah and Gakpo.
Ian’s XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Theo Squires
With Arsenal facing Manchester City on Sunday, Liverpool have a golden chance to strengthen their lead at the top of the table. But Merseyside derbies are rarely simple, and the Reds’ run of late winners shows how hard-fought their recent victories have been.
Theo would make one adjustment to the defence, bringing in academy graduate Conor Bradley at right-back in place of Frimpong, who nevertheless impressed against Atletico.
Mac Allister once again has to settle for a spot on the bench, with Szoboszlai continuing in midfield. Isak drops out of the starting XI despite shining in midweek, with Ekitike restored to lead the line.
Theo’s XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
