After a comfortable win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have the Merseyside derby lined up next in their fixture list. With three consecutive Premier League defeats the Reds sit sixth, just three points above Everton who have a game in hand. Carlo Ancellotti’s men who were outclassed by league leaders Manchester City in their last match will be looking to pile up further misery on their neighbours.
With the hopes of retaining the title almost extinguished, Liverpool need to find their form with the race for the top four tougher than ever before. The Merseyside derby is perhaps the perfect stage to bounce back and lift the spirits of the fans and players alike. Naby Keita and Diogo Jota remain doubtful for this game despite recovering from their injuries.
Let us now take a look at how Jurgen Klopp might line his Liverpool team up for this big game at the Anfield on Saturday against Everton.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 has been Jurgen Klopp’s favoured system for his style of football with relentless pressing and attacking play from either wings. Despite his recent error stricken performances, Alisson is expected to retain his place in goal. New signing Ozan Kabak may retain his spot alongside captain Jordan Henderson in the heart of the defence.
The midfield trio of Thiago, Wijnaldum and Curtis Jones have featured in Liverpool’s recent games and will look to dominate proceedings. Thiago will look to dictate the tempo of the game but needs to be wary of the likes of James Rodriguez and Gilfy Sigurdsson.
The front three will most likely be the iconic trio of Salah, Mane and Firmino. Salah is the current top scorer in the league, and will be once again be in charge of leading the attack for Liverpool especially with Firmino and Mane struggling for goals this season.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 system was used by Klopp when he had the firepower of Diogo Jota to increase the explosiveness of their frontline. With him close to a return to the side, Liverpool might field this system to employ attacking football with extra protection to the backline with a double pivot in midfield.
Everton’s Lucas Digne is having another fine season and given Alexander-Arnold’s defensive frailty, the Reds need their midfielders to back him up. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to return in this game, Henderson and Kabak need to be at their best to stop him. Robertson will be expected to overload the left flank and whip in quality crosses to test the Everton defence.
Injuries have derailed Klopp’s side this season, but we can never write them off especially on big occasions like derby days. With the last couple of derbies ending on level terms, both teams will be looking to get three points from this contest.
