Liverpool head into the Merseyside derby on Saturday looking to extend their perfect Premier League start under Arne Slot. Three wins from three have brought excitement and nerves in equal measure, with the side repeatedly racing into early leads only to let opponents back in before rescuing results late. After edging Atletico Madrid in midweek Champions League action, the focus shifts back to domestic duty, where Everton arrive at Anfield eager to spoil their neighbour’s rhythm.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Everton in Premier League Clash
How Liverpool Have Lined Up Recently
Slot has been consistent in sticking to his 4-3-3, even when circumstances have forced adjustments. In recent weeks, Dominik Szoboszlai filled in at right-back, handling the role with composure, but with Jeremie Frimpong now fully fit, the Dutchman is expected to reclaim his natural place in defence. That frees Szoboszlai to return to midfield, restoring balance and bite in the middle of the park. At centre back, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate remain the trusted pairing. Both came through international duty and midweek action unscathed, and their partnership is crucial in a fixture where organisation and aerial dominance often define the contest. On the left, Milos Kerkez is pushing to start after being rested against Atletico, and his energy on the overlap could prove valuable against an Everton side likely to sit deep. Read More: Five Managers Who Have Had a Permanent Impact on Football In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch has impressed in the deeper role, breaking up play while also carrying the ball into attacking areas. Florian Wirtz continues to grow into his role as the creative spark, linking midfield to attack with clever movement and vision. Curtis Jones has returned to training but is more likely to feature from the bench after his recent injury. Up front, Mohamed Salah remains the talisman, with Cody Gakpo favoured on the left for his direct running and pressing intelligence. The major question surrounds Alexander Isak, who played 60 minutes against Atletico. Slot admitted the striker is still recovering, but if he shows no setbacks in training, he could make his first Premier League start since joining Liverpool. Hugo Ekitike is on standby should the manager choose to manage Isak’s minutes.
Recent Form and Tactics
Liverpool’s start has been exhilarating, if not entirely convincing. Eight goals in their opening league games underline the attacking threat, but defensive lapses against Bournemouth and Newcastle nearly cost them points. Against Arsenal, there were signs of progress, with greater control late in the game and fewer frantic moments. Read More: The Best and Worst Players to Wear Liverpool’s Number 9: The Shirt That Crowns or Destroys Slot’s philosophy is clear: aggressive pressing, vertical speed, and quick combinations in the final third. The return of Frimpong gives Liverpool the width they lacked in recent weeks and reestablishes his developing partnership with Wirtz on the right. Kerkez on the left provides similar thrust, meaning both flanks will be heavily involved in stretching Everton. The challenge will be concentration. Liverpool have shown they can score quickly, but they have also invited opponents back into matches. In a derby, where emotion often overrides rhythm, keeping their structure intact will be crucial.
Team News
The manager confirmed in his press conference that all senior players are available for selection. Jones has returned to training, though a bench role seems most likely. Frimpong is back to full fitness, removing the need to continue with Szoboszlai at right-back. Isak’s involvement is less certain after Slot described him as “still feeling” his midweek exertions. The manager will decide after the final training session whether the forward starts or makes way for Ekitike.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Everton
Predicted XI: Alisson Becker; Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz; Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak.
This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.