Aston Villa's English head coach Dean Smith (R) speaks with Liverpool's players as they leave the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on October 4, 2020. - Aston Villa won the game 7-2. (Photo by Rui Vieira / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
In one of the most awaited games after the international break, Liverpool go up against Everton in the Merseyside derby. Liverpool are coming off an inexplicable thrashing at the hands of Aston Villa in which they let in a staggering 7 goals.
Everton, on the other hand, are in a purple patch, winning all of their 4 games so far. They look in good touch as well, with a 4-2 hammering of Brighton in the last game. Jurgen Klopp might need to pull something out of the hat if he wants to topple Ancelotti in this derby.
Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alisson are ruled out for the game with injuries. Kostas Tsimikas and Joel Matip remain doubtful for the game. Matip could end up making the starting 11 given he has trained in the last few days.
Klopp will no doubt be happy to have Mane and Thiago back after their COVID recovery. Other than that, not many changes can be expected from the Reds manager.
Fans will be hoping for Alisson’s speedy recovery as Adrian showed again that he is not the best option to stand between the posts. Nonetheless, he will have to continue as the Brazilian might still be out for a while.
Will need to improve defensively as his tendency to stay high up the pitch left Gomez exposed to Jack Grealish’s bag of tricks.
Might have to be rushed into this game given how Gomez was specifically targeted in the last game.
The ever-reliable Van Dijk has looked shaky and breachable in recent games. One can only hope he deals with an in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin better than he handled Grealish and Watkins.
Another player who might need to curb his attacking instincts for this game. Robertson will need to close down the gaps between him and Van Dijk.
The big Brazilian will need to be on his toes against a free-flowing James Rodriguez. A lot will depend on how he deals with James’ creativity.
A welcome return for the team as they have missed his ability to dictate games from the middle of the park.
Could be brought back into the fold after watching the last game from the sidelines.
Salah was the lone warrior with his two consolation goals against Aston Villa. He will be hoping to keep up his end with the goals.
Firmino really needs to start getting in among the goals and assists. His recent exploits with the national team should give him some confidence.
The Senegal man will be another name to return to the starting 11 after his bout with COVID. Was severely missed in the last game.
