League leaders Liverpool play their second and final Merseyside derby of the season on Wednesday. After their lead at the top was cut to nine points on Tuesday by Arsenal, Arne Slot’s side will be keen to restore the gap to 12 against Everton. The last time these two sides met, the match ended in a 2-2 draw after a late equalizer from James Tarkowski.
Liverpool had a couple of disappointing results just before the international break. First, they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout at Anfield. Later that week, hopes of securing their first trophy under Slot were dashed as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
Liverpool's predicted lineup in the Premier League vs Everton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
The Brazilian returned early from national team duty due to injury. However, he has been training with Liverpool ahead of the game and should replace cup starter Caoimhin Kelleher, who played in the EFL Cup final.
Right-Back: Jarell Quansah
First-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined after sustaining an injury against PSG. His deputy, Conor Bradley, has only recently returned to training following an injury in February. As a result, Quansah could keep his place in the lineup.
Center-Back: Ibrahima Konaté
A straightforward pick. The French international played only 45 minutes during the break for his country and should be fresh to start.
Center-Back: Virgil van Dijk
The club captain and one of the best center-backs in the world. He will start once again.
Left-Back: Andrew Robertson
The Scottish captain endured a disappointing international break as Scotland lost 3-1 on aggregate to Greece despite winning the home leg 1-0. He will hope to put that behind him as he starts ahead of his Greek deputy, Konstantinos Tsimikas.
Central Defensive Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch
The Dutch international also returned from national team duty due to injury, but Slot confirmed that he is fine. He should start once again.
Central Defensive Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister
The Argentine had a successful international break, contributing to Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers. He was on the scoresheet against Brazil in the second of those matches and remains a key player for Liverpool.
Right Attacking Midfield: Mohamed Salah
The Premier League's leading goal scorer and top assist provider this season. He will aim to continue his superb form as he starts once again.
Central Attacking Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai
The Hungarian captain had an international break to forget, as Hungary lost 6-1 on aggregate to Turkey in their UEFA Nations League A qualification tie. However, he will hope to put that aside as he features in midfield once again.
Left Attacking Midfield: Luis Díaz
Only Salah has featured more under Slot than Díaz. The Colombian is expected to start again.
Center-Forward: Diogo Jota
The Portuguese forward has struggled with injuries this season and has not completed 90 minutes in nearly two months. He is also short on goal contributions. However, with Darwin Núñez struggling for form and Slot lacking trust in Cody Gakpo as a central striker, Jota could get the nod once again.
Liverpool's Predicted Lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Quansah, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Díaz; Jota.