Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool got back on track last Wednesday with a 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough. They now travel crosstown to Goodison Park to take the field in the first Merseyside Derby of the season.
Everton themselves will be coming into the match with a lot of confidence after their 2-1 win over Arsenal. Still, they were lucky not to concede another goal in that match and they hadn’t won in almost a month before then. The Reds should get a massive win in this match and keep the streak alive.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet will start the derby after Klopp confirmed the change this week. While the decision is somewhat surprising given Klopp’s constant backing of Loris Karius, Mignolet’s experience in the derby will be useful.
Right-Back
Nathaniel Clyne has been getting forward with regularity over the last two matches but he might be more subdued than usual on Monday. That is because he will also have to keep track of Leighton Baines‘ runs as well as whoever starts on Everton’s left flank.
Center-Backs
With Joel Matip still likely missing the match, Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren will be tasked with defending one of the Premier League’s best strikers in Romelu Lukaku. While Matip’s physicality will be missed, Klavan’s experience could make him a match for the big Belgian.
Left-Back
James Milner had some trouble against Adama Traore’s speed but he should be much better prepared to deal with someone like Gerard Deulofeu or Aaron Lennon or Enner Valencia
Midfield
Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, and Adam Lallana dominated the match against Middlesbrough. They could do much of the same against Everton if they find a way to keep possession and pass through the middle of the pitch. Idrissa Gueye will be tasked with disrupting the Reds’ tempo but given the form of Henderson and Lallana, it shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Right Wing
Sadio Mane will be able to take advantage of the space that Baines leaves open when he goes up the pitch. He came close to scoring against Middlesbrough and there is no doubt that he would like to get on the scoresheet in his first Merseyside derby
Forward
With five goals in five matches, Divock Origi has been the man on form for the Reds in recent weeks. Since Everton will be without Phil Jagielka for this match, Origi may very well continue his hot streak.
Left Wing
Roberto Firmino is slowly but surely becoming more and more comfortable with playing on the left flank. While he doesn’t possess the speed to truly be an effective winger, the style that Liverpool play and his high work rate allow him to continue to disrupt opposing defenses.
4-3-3
