The Liverpool XI That Should Start Against Everton in the Premier League

03 December 2019 17:36

The Merseyside derby is one of the most exciting fixtures in the Premier League calendar, so we should all be in for a real treat when Liverpool and Everton collide at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds are firmly in charge of this season's title race, leading surprise package Leicester by eight points after winning 13 out of their 14 matches of the season.

Everton, meanwhile, have been pretty shambolic of late, with rumours of the imminent dismissal of Marco Silva as manager rife in recent days. However, the Portuguese boss remains in charge - though he won't be fancying his trip across Stanley Park very much, with Liverpool in such good form.

Here, 90min focuses on how the home side should line up in their bid to put defending champions Manchester City well and truly out of title contention...


​Goalkeeper & Defenders

Adrian

Adrian (GK) - With Alisson suspended after his red card for handball against Brighton, Adrian will again be between the sticks. He looked supreme earlier this season when the Brazilian was injured, but was anxious when he came on against the Seagulls - and was clearly ruffled by Lewis Dunk scoring a free-kick when he wasn't ready. Will need to keep his emotions in check on a big night.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) - 18 assists in 69 Premier League appearances is a ridiculous stat for a full-back, let alone one who is 21 years old. That's exactly what Alexander-Arnold has achieved, though, and he'll fancy bombing forward and adding to that tally against an Everton side bereft of confidence.

Dejan Lovren (RCB) - An injury to Joel Matip, coupled with Joe Gomez's apparent fall from grace, has seen ​Lovren reclaim a place in the Liverpool side - and he's been pretty good, on the whole. However, he still looks vulnerable at times, which will give Richarlison confidence.

Virgil van Dijk (LCB) - If Lionel Messi didn't exist, ​Liverpo​ol would have the 2019 Ballon d'Or winner leading their defence into battle at Anfield. Unfortunately, he does, so Van Dijk will return to action as the very best of the rest - but boy is he the best defender around right now. Calmness personified, the Dutchman will be buzzing to get back on the Anfield turf after netting twice at the weekend.

Andy Robertson (LB) - If Alexander-Arnold doesn't get you, Robertson will - that's pretty much the rule at Liverpool these days. Hasn't been as good as last season, but is still miles better than anybody else in the Premier League.


Midfielders

Georginio Wijnaldum

Gini Wijnaldum (CM) - Criminally underrated, there are very few players in the Premier League who are as smart as ​Wijnaldum. Has tremendous vision and awareness of what's going on around him, in addition to a fantastic touch and all-around great ball skills. Would love to score more goals at Anfield, but is one of the first names on Klopp's teamsheet.

Jordan Henderson (CM) - Liverpool's captain will hope to fill the sizeable boots of Fabinho in the holding role, and has plenty of experience he can draw upon. Can be relied on to deliver a performance of gusto and passion, with his intelligence and reading of the game a key ingredient of his ever developing game.

James Milner (CM) - If you're looking for someone to set the tone in a pulsating derby, look no further than Milner. Always plays with fire in his belly, understands what this fixture means to the fans and will forever give 100% to the cause.


Forwards

Roberto Firmino,Sadio Mane

Mohamed Salah (RW) - Scored a wonderful goal against Everton in this fixture two seasons ago, and would like nothing more than to get back on the goal trail against Liverpool's fiercest rivals. Hasn't been at his absolute best this season, which is a worry for any team he faces - as you sense something huge is coming from the Egyptian king.

Roberto Firmino (ST) - Probably the most intelligent centre forward playing in the Premier League, ​Firmino will drop into pockets of space to pick up the ball and seamlessly link play with midfield. Remains a constant goal threat, despite netting just four times so far this season.

Sadio Mane (LW) - Somehow ousted by Cristiano Ronaldo for third place at the Ballon d'Or, the Merseyside derby is the perfect setting for ​Mane to prove once again just how good he is. The Senegalese star has been Liverpool's standout performer going forward for the past year, and is sure to be relishing taking down the Toffees.


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Source: 90min