Liverpool, after the international break, face their town rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby as the Premier League kicks off after a two-week gap. Klopp will be hopeful that his Reds come back strong after a humbling defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, which sent shockwaves. The Merseyside derby is one of the world’s most entertaining games, and with Everton, in fine form, this is likely to be an end-to-end game.
Liverpool will still be without their star goalkeeper Alisson but will have the likes of Thiago and Henderson back in contention. Diogo Jota’s form in front of goal for Portugal will also be encouraging for Jurgen Klopp. It will be a battle of tactics as well as Carlo Ancelotti is one of the best managers in the world.
Let us now have a look at how Liverpool might lineup against Everton in the Merseyside derby tomorrow.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 is Liverpool’s go-to formation and system when things aren’t going their way as the midfielders are full of running. Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago will provide Liverpool with drive going forward and will also shield the defence, which has looked nervy this season. Van Dijk and Gomez haven’t been at their best lately and so has been the case with Adrian, who has been thrown into action because of Alisson’s injury.
The full-backs will also be under scrutiny as they have been defensively poor from the beginning of the season. All the teams have targeted the space left by Liverpool’s full-backs when they are forward and have hurt the Reds as they hold a very high line. Unfortunately for Klopp, the high line hasn’t worked this season as strikers have easily timed their runs past the Liverpool defence.
Van Dijk will have to be careful and will have to lead the defence well to have any chance for Liverpool to win the game.
THE 4-2-3-1
This is the strongest Liverpool side according to the personnel available and the strongest system as well. With Salah, Mane and Firmino back as the front-three, Liverpool will only become better as it is arguably the deadliest striker force in the world. Mane and Firmino bring a different dimension to the gegenpress, which helps Liverpool turn possession higher up the pitch, giving the Reds more chances to score.
The midfield will also be revived with the return of Henderson and Thiago Alcantara who were both out lately. Their presence will bring the defensive solidity as well as the creative flair to Liverpool, which they missed against Aston Villa. But Everton will surely not be a walk in the park as they are yet to lose this season having had a great summer transfer window.
Everton have usually played with a 4-4-2 (diamond) from the beginning of the season and thus a 4-2-3-1 makes sense against a four-man midfield. No matter what, the game is surely going to be enthralling looking at both the sides’ position in the Premier League and Liverpool’s need for a win.
