Liverpool will travel to Goodison Park on Sunday to face their arch rivals, Everton and the match should be an interesting affair.
Roberto Martinez had made Everton into a solid side in Premier League since David Moyes departed for Manchester United. Everton is now holding the fifth place on the league table, which can give the board an ambition to set a season objective to a challenge for a Champions League football spot.
For Brendan Rodgers, the supporters have been losing patience with his conservative playing style; hence, each game is a make-or-break for the Northern Irishman’s future as a Liverpool manager.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet
The Belgium international had conceded three goals from the past two matches in the Premier League and Europa League. A clean sheet on Sunday can be a confident boost for Mignolet to pick up his game and prove to Rodgers that there’s no need for purchasing another goalkeeper in January.
Right Back
Nathaniel Clyne
The Englishman had a poor performance against FC Sion in the Europa League; and it was probably due to his new unfamiliar wing-back role and the lack of rest. However, without having a doubt, Clyne remains the first right back option in the current first-team squad.
Center Backs
Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho will build the Reds’ backline on Sunday at Goodison Park. The partnership from the two defenders presents separate attributes from physical presence, air dominance to leadership quality. It goes without saying, Skrtel and Sakho will be the core for the Reds to get a clean sheet in the coming fixture.
Left Back
Alberto Moreno
The Spaniard was involved in parts of the Europa League action; he is expected to start the game on the Merseyside derby. Moreno’s ability to break opponents’ line from the back provides the Reds an extra option for grabbing three points at Goodison Park. In addition, the 23-year-old starlet can be an X factor that influences the game unexpectedly for both sides.
Center Midfielders
Lucas Leiva and Emre Can will partner up to protect the Reds’ back four. Lucas completed 100 successful passes and won 10 possessions out of 13 challenges on the previous league action; Can has a successful passing rate of 82.3% in the league by far, which is the second highest behind Lucas (87.6%) in the Reds’ midfield. The two midfielders can help Liverpool’s frontline unleash its full strength and defensive pressure.
Right Winger
James Milner
The Reds’ vice-captain had played all the league games this season; he is likely to lead the team out of tunnel due to Jordan Henderson not recovering from a fractured foot. Milner’s versatility and work rate will ensure Liverpool to produce threats on the offensive third on the field at Goodison Park.
Left Winger
Adam Lallana
The English international was the man of the match against FC Sion on Thursday’s draw, which he completed three key passes and scored a goal to secure a point for the Reds. Lallana can provide sufficient supports to the Reds’ offense if he continues carrying his game to Goodison Park on Sunday.
Attacking Midfielder
Philippe Coutinho
The Reds’ talisman will be the key player for Liverpool’s performance at Goodison Park. He has an average of six shots per game, which is the highest average in the entire league. If the Brazilian could convert his shots to goals, it will be a happy journey home from Goodison Park to Anfield.
Forward
Daniel Sturridge
The English international missed out the European action but is expected to lead the front line on Merseyside derby. Sturridge had two goals against Aston Villa after a long absence from the Reds’ starting lineup. His pace and finishing will provide an extra edge for the Reds to get a positive result on Sunday.
(4-2-3-1)
