Liverpool lineups vs. Everton – Mac Allister squeezed out or Szoboszlai at right-back?

Liverpool have a fully fit squad for the first Merseyside derby of the season, but Arne Slot has a decision to make when it comes to Alexander Isak.

Merely 62 hours after the final whistle of yet another dramatic late win, Liverpool are back at Anfield to face David Moyes’ Everton.

With such a short turnaround, a few changes will be expected ahead of likely planned rotation against Southampton in the Carabao Cup early next week.

There are a couple of big decisions to make, and here’s how Liverpool could line up against Everton.

Liverpool’s XI vs. Everton

The notable decisions for Slot heading into this match is who plays at left-back, right-back and up top, and there is a sense of inevitability that at least two changes are made.

Milos Kerkez, despite his early withdrawal at Burnley, is likely to return with Andy Robertson to need time to bounce back after his first start at club level this season.

Jeremie Frimpong‘s return to fitness makes him a suitable choice at right-back, allowing Dominik Szoboszlai to stay in midfield to partner Ryan Gravenberch, at the cost of Alexis Mac Allister‘s place.

With Slot conceding Isak felt “his body more than ever before after the 60 minutes he played,” there is enough doubt over his starting chances to see Hugo Ekitike return:

• Kerkez returns at left-back, Frimpong retained on the right
• Szoboszlai and Gravenberch continue as midfield pairing
• Ekitike replaces Isak for fifth league start

Liverpool would then line up like this:

Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Alternatively, Slot could go another direction with his XI if Isak is given the green light to start twice in the space of four days.

Despite both Frimpong and Conor Bradley being fit to start, Szoboszlai may be preferred in defence to ensure Slot can start the Hungarian and Mac Allister.

With Kerkez to return, the Reds could then lineup as follows:

• Szoboszlai starts at right-back, Kerkez on the left
• Mac Allister returns to midfield
• Isak given thumbs up for second successive start

Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

Liverpool’s clean bill of health gives Slot plenty of options to keep Moyes guessing, but he will be aware of which players are capable of backing up so soon after the win over Atletico.

Everton are full of confidence after starting their league campaign with two wins, a draw and a defeat, but that isn’t to say they won’t sit deep and wait to ask questions on the counter attack.

They have not scored at Anfield since they last won at the ground in 2021, Liverpool have to make sure it stays that way.