After two-and-a-half long weeks, Liverpool finally makes its return against Everton later, with Arne Slot facing some big decisions for the Merseyside derby.
The Reds will be happier than most to end the international break and get back to domestic matters, with the Premier League title within reach during the final nine games of the season. Arsenal did its bit to keep the race alive on Tuesday, meaning Liverpool has to win if it’s to restore its 12-point advantage at the top of the table.
Everton though will provide a stern test, with the Toffees yet to lose a league game since David Moyes’ first game back as manager. Slot will be eager to gain some revenge after the way the derby ended at Goodison back in February, and he has some big calls to make with his side.
Alisson Becker should be fine to start in goal despite having to return from international duty with Brazil early with concussion. The long international break may have helped Liverpool in that regard, with the goalkeeper able to serve out the protocol with time to spare before the derby.
Likewise, Ibrahima Konate is expected to be fine despite suggestions he might have picked up a knock while playing for France. He should therefore line up alongside Virgil van Dijk as usual in defense, with Andy Robertson getting the nod at left-back.
The big decision at the back comes on the right. Conor Bradley has been back in training, and would normally be the obvious choice to replace the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, but having had his own fitness problems this season, is it worth the risk? We’re not so sure, so Jarell Quansah starts at right-back for now.
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The midfield stays the same as it has done for some time now, with Ryan Gravenberch hopefully refreshed after making an early return from his duties with the Netherlands. Alexis Mac Allister hopefully played himself back into form with Argentina, while Dominik Szoboszlai might be glad to put a bad-tempered clash with Turkey behind him while with Hungary.
The front three is perhaps where we will see the most changes. Mohamed Salah keeps his usual spot on the right, and he’ll be hoping to get back on the scoresheet after drawing blanks against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.
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Having scored for the Netherlands during the break, it’s an easy decision to bring Cody Gakpo back in on the left, while the biggest decision comes in the center. Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez would normally be the choices here, but none have been in great form of late.
Having made a big impression from the bench in the Carabao Cup final, and after looking sharp in training, Federico Chiesa has to be in contention for a first league start. Whether Slot is ready to make the call is the big question, but for us, he simply needs to be given his chance now.
Predicted Liverpool line-up vs Everton: Alisson; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Chiesa.
