Liverpool go into the Merseyside derby with questions already forming over their title defence.
The manner of Jurgen Klopp’s side’s defeat to Aston Villa in their last outing has left many concerned about their backline, and Everton may not have been the next fixture the Reds would have ideally chosen.
Liverpool’s recent record against Everton is impeccable, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side have started this campaign brilliantly.
Everton would surely love nothing more than to inflict further misery on their biggest rivals, meaning Klopp’s team selection will be crucial.
Adrian is likely to continue in goal through a lack of other options, and their back-line will surely stay the same, despite their struggles at Villa.
Of the defensive four, Joe Gomez is the Liverpool player under most threat of losing his place, and he will need to put in a solid performance if he is to stop Joel Matip from returning to Klopp’s favoured line-up sooner rather than later.
In midfield, Liverpool also face a dilemma over whether to throw Thaigo in.
Liverpool’s summer signing, who was hailed as ‘world-class’ by Gary Neville (Daily Mirror), has had a disrupted start to life at Anfield, but his inclusion may be the boost needed to pick his players up again.
Thiago’s first cameo in a Liverpool shirt was highly encouraging, and he could well be given the nod to perform over 90 minutes at Goodison, in what would be an exciting change.
Elsewhere, Liverpool’s deadly attack is set to take its familiar shape – with Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah almost certain starters.
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