Starting XI: How should Liverpool line up against Everton?
By @AdamMNVi
A comfortable 4-0 win against Southampton cruises us nicely into a derby against an Everton side who have slowed down after a positive start.
It’s going to be strange seeing Rafa Benitez in the opposition’s dugout, and while he won’t be too disappointed if Liverpool take all three points, he will make it difficult for us to break the Blues down on the night.
Klopp has surprised us before with the inclusions of Divock Origi in December derby matches before, but with this one being at Goodison Park, the front three from the weekend can use their form to come into this one firing on all cylinders.
Here’s how we should line up:
Alisson starts in goal after another excellent display. The Brazilian is quickly becoming a generational goalkeeper at Anfield, and we always have a chance of staying in games when this man is between the posts..
If Andy Robertson is fit after recently returning from injury, then there’s no reason to change the back four. Konate dealt with situations comfortably last time out which could see him start, but he could also be saved for Saturday, with Liverpool facing a pacey Wolves attack. I’ve started him here to give the Frenchman a chance to earn a regular run in the team.
Fabinho and Thiago (of course). While Ox looked bright when he came on against Southampton, I’ve gone for Henderson here with the game being a derby. The Goodison Park crowd will be up for it, so we need to match their intensity in the middle of the park.
Salah, Mane, and Jota continue as the front three as we look to put the game out of reach early.
Chelsea’s draw with Manchester United has pushed us closer to being on top of the Premier League summit by Christmas Day, but the Reds must repeat the performance from the weekend to avoid another ‘West Ham.’
More importantly, it’s a matter of revenge this time. Everton’s antics in this fixture last season were a disgrace. And with VAR rules relaxed this time around, the Blues will have nowhere to turn should Henderson find the net in a similar fashion.
Score prediction: Everton 0 – 2 Liverpool
How does Chris think Liverpool will line up? Check out the Starting XI Prediction Show below!
