Slot drops new signing and makes decision big Alexander Isak decision: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Everton
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Liverpool host Everton at home in Saturday’s early kick-off, as the Premier League leaders aim to continue their flawless record in the Merseyside Derby.
It has been another dramatic week for Arne Slot’s side, who have once again pulled out a piece of magic from nowhere this time in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, beating them 3-2 at Anfield.
This win in Europe is just a continuation of the league form from the team topping the table with 12 points from their four opening games, as Liverpool set a dramatic new record with consecutive goals in the final 10 minutes of games this season.
However, there is a different kind of challenge on Saturday at 12:30 PM in the Toffees from the blue half of Merseyside.
David Moyes’ side have had a mixed start in the top-flight so far, but have found themselves in sixth after winning against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers so far this season.
Slot has already had derby experience, winning the last home derby after a vintage Diogo Jota goal, but drawing 2-2 when he visited Goodison Park for the final time in dramatic fashion.
The Dutchman will be hoping to avoid leaving it late, but a late winner would be all the more special in this fixture.
Here’s the XI we expect to see Slot pick.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
There is only ever one choice for a starting goalkeeper in this Liverpool side, and it is the Brazilian Alisson Becker, who has been underappreciated at times this season despite his consistency in the net.
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It would not be a Reds starting line-up without their club captain Virgil van Dijk marshalling the defence with even more confidence after scoring a 96th-minute winner in Wednesday’s game.
Joining van Dijk for the game will be Ibrahima Konate, who has improved since his rocky start in the league this season and has shown why he deserves a contract extension.
After being subbed off early in the Burnley game for a yellow card, Milos Kerkez’s aggressive style may not work in his favour in a derby of such intensity and would likely risk another early exit for the Hungarian.
READ MORE: Andy Robertson suggests what people often ‘forget’ about Milos Kerkez after his difficult start at Liverpool
Instead of a Kerkez start, expect vice-captain Andy Robertson to be bombing down the left flank, with his past two performances showing that he still has a lot left in the tank.
A difficult choice at right back for Slot with Jeremie Frimpong’s energy and pace, a good ace to play off the bench in a game which may need it, so expect Conor Bradley to start and provide some defensive stability on the right-hand side.
Similar to Alisson and van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch cannot be played out of his position and has proven at each time of asking that he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
With both right-backs now fit, and from seeing the line-up against Atletico, Dominik Szoboszlai will now head back into his more natural position after putting in some incredible performances on the right flank.
READ MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai proves his best position as Liverpool win Champions League rollercoaster
A very difficult choice in the attacking midfield role for the manager to sort out, but because of Alexis Mac Allister’s fitness struggles, it is unlikely he will be starting this Saturday.
Florian Wirtz, following an improved performance against Madrid, has a chance to show his worth to fans who may have doubts over his ability after a slower start to life in the league than anticipated.
Another easy choice for the manager to make is starting Mohamed Salah down the right, and with two goals this week, he will be brimming with confidence heading into a game he loves to score in.
If Salah were to score two goals, he would equal Steven Gerrard’s derby tally of 10 goals.
However, the one issue Slot will have in choosing his forward line for the weekend is whether to start Alexander Isak once again for the Reds after his Anfield debut.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak’s Liverpool debut made one thing absolutely clear about Hugo Ekitike
While he will have an involvement in the game, it is more likely that fans will see him come off the bench in this game to present Everton with some issues.
Hugo Ekitike will instead lead the line after being benched in the midweek European game and will hopefully look to score his third goal in the league this season.
There is no one else who can provide the consistency of Cody Gakpo down the left-hand side of the Liverpool attack, and there is no expectation that will change tomorrow.
Liverpool’s predicted XI for Everton game