Everton have the chance to wreck Liverpool's Premier League title dreams in Jurgen Klopp's final-ever Merseyside derby this week.

The arch-rivals are desperate for points at opposite ends of the table but come into this fixture buoyed by pivotal weekend wins.

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Jota has statistically been Liverpool's most clinical finisher this seasonCredit: Getty

Everton eased their relegation fears by moving five points clear of the drop following a controversial 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

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And Liverpool bounced back from crashing out of the Europa League with a hard-fought 3-1 away victory against Fulham.

The Reds remain only below Arsenal on goal difference at the top of the table, and both teams need to put the pressure on Manchester City - who can reclaim first place should they win their game-in-hand.

Sean Dyche has persisted with the same back five marshalled by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for much of the season.

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Ashley Young was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Anfield in the reverse fixture and has continued to struggle at right-back.

The 38-year-old was at the centre of the drama against Forest having been involved in all three of the visitors' potential penalty incidents.

Young is expected to keep his place in defence over Ben Godfrey, with James Tarkowski again partnering Jarrad Branthwaite in the middle.

Goalscorer Idrissa Gana Gueye will take over holding midfield duties, but Amadou Onana's added physicality might see him earn a recall.

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Thankfully, it appears Beto will make a quick recoveryCredit: Getty

The Belgian started against Liverpool in October and has more of a presence than Andre Gomes alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil are Dyche's preferred options on the wing, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin all but certain to lead the line.

The hosts are set to be without Beto after the striker was knocked unconscious during the Toffees' win over Forest.

Beto has been discharged from hospital following a sickening clash of heads with Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White but concussion protocols will surely see him miss out here.

Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson remain sidelined alongside long-term absentees Dele Alli and Lewis Dobbin.

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Dyche will be unlikely to make wholesale changes

Klopp sprung a surprise by dropping talisman Mohamed Salah against Fulham following a dip in form since returning from injury.

Since returning from a recurrence of a muscle issue in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City last month, Salah has struggled.

In his past six Premier League outings, the Egyptian has managed just two goals (one of which was a penalty) and registered zero assists.

However, his recent record in the Merseyside derby suggests it is likely he is returned to the starting XI on Wednesday.

Salah has been directly involved in six goals in his last five Premier League appearances against Everton, scoring five and assisting one.

He scored a brace in the reverse fixture in October – the last player to score 2+ goals in both Merseyside derbies in a league campaign was Dixie Dean in 1932-33, while the last for Liverpool was Dick Forshaw in 1925-26.

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Klopp heaped praise on Salah after taking him out of the team

Luis Diaz will revert to the opposite flank with Diogo Jota given the nod to spearhead the attack over Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

Salah won't be the only Liverpool recall from the players rested against Fulham, with another four stars in line for returns.

Alexis Mac Allister is set to be deployed as Liverpool's No.6 with Dominik Szoboszlai and local lad Curtis Jones ahead of him.

Ibrahima Konate will be given the nod to partner captain Virgil van Dijk, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson outwide.

Conor Bradley is the latest concern in the Liverpool treatment room, alongside long-term absentees Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara.

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Klopp has several big decisions to make in attack

This Premier League clash will take place on Wednesday, April 24.

Kick-off at Goodison Park is scheduled for 8pm.

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talkSPORT will live and EXCLUSIVE coverage from the Merseyside derby, presented by Adrian Durham.
For more news relating to Everton, visit our sister site EFC Live.