With Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Dejan Lovren and Jon Flanagan guaranteed absentees, and Christian Benteke unlikely to start, here’s the side expected to take the field today against the Bitters…
GK) Simon Mignolet
A surefire starter unless he crocks himself in the warmup. Let’s hope he’s more solid than in recent weeks.
DRC) Emre Can
Can seemingly starts in all three competitions currently, and he’s a certainty for the spot on the right of the back-three if we do stick with the wing-back formation as expected.
DC) Martin Skrtel
Rested for the Europa League clash, Skrtel will return to the side to do battle with on song Romelu Lukaku.
DLC) Mamadou Sakho
The Frenchman’s been recalled to his international squad after winning a place back in the team and will return to the left centre-back role in Joe Gomez’s place.
WBR) Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne was poor against FC Sion, and that kind of sloppy performance won’t do versus the in form Toffees. Luckily for him, Leighton Baines won’t be bombing on past him due to injury, but his replacement Brendan Galloway has been doing well.
WBL) Alberto Moreno
Our only real option at left wing-back, Moreno’s width, energy and crossing from this position has made him one of our crucial players. The battle with Seamus Coleman will be intense.
MC) Lucas
Lucas loves a midfield battle, and we’ll badly need his tackles, interceptions and ferocity in what’s going to be a fiery encounter. Our best player against Aston Villa, a similar performance would massively boost our chances of a positive result.
MC) James Milner
Milner will skipper Liverpool in his first Merseyside derby, some accolade for the England international. It’ll mean the world to him as well, and like Lucas, his tenacity centrally will be crucial against James McCarthy, Gareth Barry and co.
AMC) Coutinho
The Brazilian will of course be given the pivotal no.10 role in the derby, despite Adam Lallana’s promising Europa League exploits. His ability to create chances for Daniel Sturridge will be our best chance of securing a result.
FC) Danny Ings
Ings played an hour against FC Sion and did nothing to suggest he should be starting the derby, but his performances prior to that and Christian Benteke’s injury means he’ll get the nod again.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
His two goals versus Aston Villa whet our appetites, but derby winning goals at Goodison will send us into overdrive.
