With the small matter of a Merseyside Derby that divides the city of Liverpool into Red and Blue looming over the North-West this Saturday, here is a look at how Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool might line-up this Saturday:
Formation :- 4-4-2 (Diamond)
Simon Mignolet
Despite all the criticisms the Belgian has had to face in the past few weeks, Mignolet is still the undisputed number 1 at Anfield. A brilliant shot-stopper, Mignolet leaves Reds fans a lot to desire with his uncertainty while defending crosses and set pieces.
Javier Manquillo
Despite being hauled off mid-way through the first half last weekend against West Ham, young Manquillo is expected to start on the right side of the back-four after playing a crucial part in the mid-week encounter against Boro.
Martin Skrtel
The Slovakian hard man will most likely take his place at the heart of defence after sitting out the Capitol One Cup game. Returning from injury, Skrtel looked far from his best against West Ham but will certainly be up for the Derby this Saturday.
Dejan Lovren
The Croatian centre-half has had a mixed start to his Liverpool career. After a solid start to life on Merseyside against Dortmund and Southampton, mistakes and defensive lapses have seen the former Saints defender’s form to dip recently.
Alberto Moreno
Despite Jose Enrique starting the mid-week game against Middlesbrough, young Moreno will take his place at left back against Everton. The pacey wing-back is already one of the crowds’ favourite players and performances full of heart have only helped his cause.
Steven Gerrard
The 34 year old skipper has had to face a lot of criticism over the last couple of weeks but in a Merseyside Derby at Anfield no Liverpool fan would want to see their beloved skipper on the bench or not involved. The Huyton born Scouser will lead the Reds against the Toffees on Saturday.
Jordan Henderson
24 year old Jordan Henderson sat out the mid-week clash against Middlesborough with a slight niggle. Expected to be back to his fit self for Saturday, Henderson will have a key role to play in the way Liverpool assert control over the midfield against Everton.
Adam Lallana
With Joe Allen, Emre Can and Phillipe Coutinho all out injured; Adam Lallana will have to step up and occupy the left side of the diamond in the Liverpool midfield. With Lucas and Lallan both having played 120 minutes against Boro mid-week, its unlikely that both will start the derby. Lallana gets the nod ahead of Lucas as Gerrard will occupy the deeper role in midfield.
Raheem Sterling
The 19 year old will be called upon once again to produce the spark in attack. While the youngster shows no signs of fatigue or loss in form, Sterling carries the Liverpool attack in the absence of Daniel Sturridge.
Fabio Borini
The Italian will be given another opportunity to impress in the Merseyside derby. A big game player, to be fair to Borini, he has played his heart out in a Red shirt working tirelessly every game to no avail. Its only a matter of a couple of goals and the former Roma striker will start hitting the back of the net often.
Mario Balotelli
‘Mario Fantastico, Mario Magnifico… Ole Ole, Ole Ole’ – Rarely has a new signing been showered with so much affection in his very first month. Already a crowd favourite, Balotelli has looked sharper with every passing minute. Leading the Liverpool line against a shaky Everton defence, Mario will have to be at the top of his game.
