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Predicted line-up: Cautious Sam Allardyce makes two key changes for first Merseyside derby as Everton boss?

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) greets Sunderland's English manager Sam Allardyce (R) for the English Premier League football match bet...
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Everton boss Sam Allardyce heads into his first Merseyside derby against Liverpool this weekend.

Sam Allardyce looks on from the stand during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on November 29, 2017 in Liverpool, England.

Everton have turned their season around of late with three consecutive wins while Liverpool look formidable as an attacking force, scoring 40 goals in their last 11 games.

The Toffees have seen victories over West Ham, Huddersfield and Apollon Limassol transform their campaign and give the side much needed confidence.

Sam Allardyce’s arrival has also galvanised the club after a period of uncertainty.

This will be Everton’s stiffest test of late, though, with Jurgen Klopp’s men looking razor sharp and hungry for goals.

So Allardyce, known throughout his career for a pragmatics approach to getting results, may well take a cautious approach to his first Merseyside derby when they make the short trip to Anfield on Sunday.

And that could see the former England boss make two key changes for the big game with the focus on solidity and pace to play on the break.

Michael Keane in for Mason Holgate

Michael Keane of Everton during the UEFA Europa League group E match between Everton FC and Atalanta at Goodison Park on November 23, 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Summer signing Michael Keane made his return from injury against Huddersfield in the Premier League last time out and will be needed to try and keep Liverpool at bay.

Allardyce will bring the England defender back into the side with Mason Holgate likely to make way.

Morgan Schneiderlin of Everton during the UEFA Europa League group E match between Everton FC and Olympique Lyon at Goodison Park on October 19, 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Morgan Schneiderlin in for Tom Davies

Allardyce will want to have two holding midfielders protecting his back four and Schneiderlin will come into the side alongside Idrissa Gueye which will allow the forward line more freedom when Everton do get forward, and they know they can hurt what is comfortably the weakest part of Liverpool’s team.

This is how Big Sam could line up on Sunday

Everton side to face Liverpool December 17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvwkKv_7N2I