Premier League football is back, and it returns with a bang on Merseyside. There’s no bigger game around these parts than the derby, and today Liverpool is set to host Everton at Anfield.
A win for the Reds would edge them closer to the Premier League title, while any points for the Blues would nudge them towards the mathematical safety that David Moyes is aiming for.
In truth, Liverpool should already be well on the way to the title, while Everton is essentially safe following a nine-match unbeaten streak, which includes the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park in February.
That result felt like a loss for Liverpool, as it conceded the equalizing goal deep into stoppage time. The league leader will undoubtedly be keen to get one over its rival and recover from a tough week before the international break, which saw it bow out of the Champions League and lose the Carabao Cup final.
So, what’s the state of play with the squads ahead of the derby? Both teams have at least two players each on the sidelines.
Joe Gomez was spotted back on the grass this week after a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury, but he won’t feature for the Reds tonight. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also ruled out.
Everton will be without midfielder Orel Mangala and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who, like Gomez, is now back on the grass but not yet training with his teammates.
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That’s four players definitely missing, with another four also in doubt.
Conor Bradley has returned to training for Liverpool and seems the most suitable right-back option with Alexander-Arnold and Gomez out of action. However, after a six-week absence, Reds boss Arne Slot may choose not to risk the young player.
David Moyes, Slot’s counterpart at Everton, faces a similar dilemma with wingers Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye, both of whom have returned to training following injuries. Vitalii Mykolenko was injured while on duty for Ukraine and, although he has been able to train since returning to Everton, a late fitness test will be required.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defender Ibrahima Konate and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch all gave injury scares while on international duty, but they are all expected to be fit, along with young midfielder Tyler Morton.
