Liverpool team news v Everton: Isak and Wirtz drop to the bench among 4 changes from midweek win
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Liverpool will face Everton in the 247th men's Merseyside derby at Anfield, with the Premier League leaders looking to extend their lead to six points with a victory. Liverpool have not only been dominant in the league but also in recent derby matches at Anfield, where Everton have failed to win or score since February 2021. However, Everton have enjoyed a positive start to the season, sitting joint-sixth with seven points from their first four games, posing a solid challenge to Liverpool today.
Manager Arne Slot has made four changes to the Liverpool starting XI from their midweek Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. Notably, new signing Alexander Isak, despite making his debut in that midweek fixture, is among those dropped to the bench to manage his fitness after missing the preseason and early league matches post-transfer. Florian Wirtz, who impressed against Atletico with his counter-attacking influence, also starts on the bench. The defense sees changes at full-back positions with Conor Bradley starting on the right and Milos Kerkez preferred over Andy Robertson on the left, while the center-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate remains unchanged alongside goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Paul Merson has predicted a closely contested match with Liverpool narrowly winning 2-1 but acknowledges Everton’s renewed attacking threat, especially with Jack Grealish making a strong start to the season. Liverpool’s frontline featuring Mohamed Salah and nuanced strategic play promises an entertaining derby full of goalmouth action.
Fans are eager for Liverpool to secure all three points and continue their strong home record against Everton, while Everton look to break their Anfield scoring drought that has lasted over four years. The match kicks off at 12:30 pm BST at Anfield, with anticipation high for a fiercely competitive encounter.
PP