We take a look at how Jurgen Klopp could line up his Liverpool team against Everton for the 226th Merseyside derby.
Klopp tastes his first Merseyside derby action when Roberto Martinez’s Blues make the trip across Stanley Park on Wednesday night.
The Reds arrive for the grudge match in confident mood after posting a third successive win at Bournemouth on Sunday, and Klopp’s men will look to take advantage of an Everton side sure to have one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with Man United to extend that to four straight successes.
After making 10 changes against the Cherries, Klopp is set to ring the changes again to return to his strongest XI for the rivals clash, and the Reds boss has some exciting selections at his disposal as he looks to make an instant derby day impact.
Reds Team News
- Reds to return to full strength for visit of the Toffees
- Origi available after suffering minor back issue
- Skrtel a doubt after picking up small groin injury prior to Bournemouth win
- Toure suffered cramp in Sunday’s victory but could feature on the bench
- Mignolet and usual back four to reconvene with Clyne, Lovren, Sakho & Moreno fresh
- Milner set to come back into midfield and likely to partner Allen
- Lucas also an option if Klopp opts for change of shape
- Coutinho to return after weekend rest
- Lallana also fit and fresh to start after Bournemouth cameo
- Decision for Klopp to make over who leads attack out of Sturridge or Origi
- Liverpool manager could start both to form potentially lethal strike partnership
The Reds XI vs. The Blues
Klopp is set to name his strongest team against the Toffees, with one of those potentially seeing Liverpool line up in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Within that, Mignolet and what has become the first choice back four are set to resume defensive duties, while Allen and Milner are likely to form the midfield partnership – with Henderson and Emre Can both unavailable.
Lallana and the fully rested Coutinho can enter into attacking midfield alongside Firmino, where the creative trio should work in support of the sharpening Sturridge – who should lead a potentially lethal attack ahead of Origi.
A Reds team that is just about as strong as you can name currently would see Liverpool line up like this at Anfield:
However, after seeing the system prove too much for Borussia Dortmund to handle, the Liverpool boss could opt for the 4-4-2 diamond set-up from the start.
The same back four would remain, but Lucas could come in at the base of midfield, with Allen and Milner in engine room, allowing the re-energised Coutinho to play at the tip of the diamond behind the explosive strike-duo of Sturridge and Origi.
The change of system could see the Reds line up like this come 8pm kick-off time on Wednesday night:
Wednesday’s clash may not be the most crucial derby game ever played with little riding on the fixture, but with bragging rights at stake, victory against those from across the park would certainly be as sweet as ever.
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