Liverpool lineups for Everton as Alexander Isak dropped and tough left-back call made

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Having already squared off against Newcastle United and Arsenal in the Premier League, and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, today they welcome local rivals Everton to Anfield for the season's first Merseyside derby.

Arne Slot's reigning champions are tipped as favourites.

The £125m man should get 15 or 20 minutes off the bench, all being well.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Andy Robertson could retain his place at left-back(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The Merseyside derby, a match that everyone adores - as long as they're not involved in it.

Dominik Szoboszlai can carry on in the double pivot alongside Ryan Gravenberch with Florian Wirtz as the number 10.

Up front, Hugo Ekitike is set to take centre stage as the main striker, flanked by Mohamed Salah on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

With Arsenal squaring off against Manchester City on Sunday, Liverpool have a golden opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they host Everton at Anfield.

This isn't a slight on Jeremie Frimpong, who impressed against Atletico Madrid.

But it's derby day, so let's include at least one academy graduate in the line-up - especially given the influx of new signings in the squad.

Alexis Mac Allister will have to settle for a spot on the bench once more as Dominik Szoboszlai continues in the number eight role.

And Alexander Isak will step down from the starting XI after his standout performance against Atletico.

He'll have to be content with a substitute appearance - and who knows, perhaps he'll be the next late match-winner - with Hugo Ekitike stepping in to spearhead the attack.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

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