Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on the touchline. (Getty Images)
Liverpool lock horns with Everton at Goodison Park on Monday in what is expected to be a fiery Merseyside derby.
The Reds were beaten 3-2 by Atletico Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday, 4-2 on aggregate. Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid put on a defensive masterclass to dump the European champions out of the competition.
However, Jurgen Klopp and co. have no time to mourn for it as they quickly have to turn their focus towards the Premier League. There is a chance that victory for Liverpool could see them be crowned as champions for the first time in 30 years at the home of one of their greatest rivals should Manchester City lose to Burnley at the weekend.
Alisson Becker has been ruled out for the game with a groin injury, with the Brazilian shot-stopper expected to be back after the international break.
Deputising for the injured Alisson, Adrian’s howler gifted Atletico Madrid their first goal as Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday. However, the Spaniard will be desperate to redeem himself with a top performance at Everton.
Currently one of the best full-backs around, Alexander-Arnold is a certainty to retain his place at right-back.
Gomez has struggled of late but will have to be at the top of his game to stop Everton from scoring on Monday.
Liverpool boasts of the best defensive record in the Premier League largely due to Van Dijk’s excellent form. The Dutchman will partner Gomez at the back.
Another player responsible for Liverpool’s rich vein of form this campaign, Robertson is a certain starter at left-back.
Fabinho acts as a shield to the Reds’ backline and his main job will be to break Everton’s attacks on Monday.
Liverpool’s skipper, Henderson has been one of the consistent performers for the club this term and will be keen to produce a top performance in the Merseyside derby.
He offers Liverpool the energy and bite that they need in the middle of the park and can come up with goals at crucial junctures. The Dutchman should complete Klopp’s midfield.
The Egyptian is one of Liverpool’s consistent goal scorers over the last two seasons and is an undoubted starter at Everton.
Currently one of the best in the business, the Senegalese has terrorized almost every defender in the league and is one of Klopp’s best weapons on the field. He would look to get himself on the score sheet and guide the Reds to an important victory.
Firmino makes the Reds attack tick and is dangerous in the final third. He will lead the attack for Klopp’s side at Goodison Park.
