The near-fairytale return of David Moyes at Everton suffered its first major setback after being knocked out of the FA Cup, but can the Blues get back the feel good vibes with this midweek derby?
Unless we’re to slip back into the relegation mess, this is likely the last “big” game at Goodison Park, so a win to scupper the Reds’ title hopes would be a fitting send off.
And, importantly, how will David Moyes OBE set up his Mighty Blues of Everton?
Who’s Out?
Not too much news on the injury front. Patterson (hamstring), Coleman (calf), McNeil (knee), Calvert-Lewin (hamstring), Broja (ankle) and Chermiti (thigh) remain out.
The only real positive is that Vitaliy Mykolenko is hoped to be fit after training following a minor calf issue.
Aside from that, there are no further updates.
EVERTON SQUAD AVAILABLE VS LIVERPOOL
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Virginia, Begovic
Defenders: Keane, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko (DOUBT), Coleman (INJURED), Patterson (INJURED), Young, Dixon
Midfielders: Doucoure, Gueye, Garner, Iroegbunam, Mangala (INJURED), Alcaraz
Wingers: McNeil (INJURED), Harrison, Ndiaye, Lindstrom
Attackers: Calvert-Lewin (INJURED), Beto, Chermiti (INJURED), Broja (INJURED)
Tactics and Formation
The side has been pretty settled following three back-to-back victories in the league leading up to this game.
At the back, it’s mostly a question of whether Mykolenko is fit enough to replace Young.
In midfield, Garner and Gueye will hold. But Alcaraz impressed in his cameo from the bench against Bournemouth and might have done enough to oust Doucoure.
Likewise, Jack Harrison put in his best performance in a long-time as a sub against the Cherries and might oust Lindstrom.
Ndiaye on the left. Beto up top.
Starters (likelihood of starting rated out of 10)
Jordan Pickford – 9/10
Jake O’Brien – 8/10
Jarrad Branthwaite – 9/10
James Tarkowski– 9/10
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6/10
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 9/10
James Garner – 8/10
Jack Harrison – 6/10
Carlos Alcaraz – 6/10
Iliman Ndiaye – 9/10
Beto – 9/10
Bench
Joao Virginia
Asmir Begovic
Roman Dixon
Ashley Young
Michael Keane
Tim Iroegbunam
Abdoulaye Doucoure
Jesper Lindstrøm
Martin Sherif
