Liverpool will be aiming to take another huge step toward the Premier League title today, although the Reds could hardly have been handed a bigger test as they face Everton in the Merseyside derby.
With just nine games to go, Arne Slot’s side is potentially just a few weeks away from being crowned as champion. Arsenal did its bit to keep things interesting on Tuesday, although Liverpool will be aiming to restore its 12-point lead at Anfield later.
It will have to overcome one of the most in-form sides in the league to do that though, with David Moyes’ return proving to be a huge success so far, having gone unbeaten in the last nine league games to all but secure their safety. The Everton boss though is still searching for a first win at Anfield in his managerial career, and he’ll have some big decisions to make with his side if he’s to break that record.
The Toffees are definitely without midfielder Orel Mangala and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye and Vitalii Mykolenko are all doubts, with the latter having picked up an injury while away on international duty for Ukraine.
That could have a big impact on Moyes’ selection, with the Everton boss potentially having to turn to Ashley Young at left-back. The veteran 39-year-old doesn’t have great memories of Anfield, having been sent off there last season.
Everything else looks pretty familiar at the back, with Jordan Pickford keeping his usual spot in goal, while Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite complete the defense. If transfer rumors are anything to go by, Liverpool fans might be keeping a keen eye on the latter of those names ahead of the summer.
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In midfield, Idrissa Gueye and James Garner will look to win the battle over Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, with Jack Harrison and Carlos Alcaraz offering more support in attack.
With Calvert-Lewin out, Beto continues up top and will be aiming to get on the scoresheet against the Reds once again, having scored the opener at Goodison Park in February. Speaking of that game, Abdoulaye Doucoure probably didn’t make too many friends with the Liverpool players that night, and no doubt he’ll be aiming to wind up the Anfield crowd on this occasion.
Everton predicted line-up vs Liverpool: Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young, Gueye, Garner, Harrison, Doucoure, Alcaraz, Beto
