Everton vs Liverpool: Line-ups
Everton
Liverpool
Everton are clear underdogs
#1
All eyes will be on Richarlison to see how he fares against Virgil van Dijk. Not content with having a calm build-up to a game that needs very little invitation to ignite, Richarlison has put pressure on himself to perform by rejecting the notion that Van Dijk is among the top three defenders in the world.
#2
Liverpool’s run of picking up 106 points from a possible 108 may never be repeated, although they were in the midst of their first real wobble when play was suspended and travel to Goodison Park having lost four of their last six games across all competitions.
#3
The problems start right at the back for Everton, with Yerry Mina missing out for the Toffees due to a thigh injury. In the Colombian defender’s absence, Mason Holgate will start alongside Michael Keane at the heart of the Everton defence against Liverpool, with Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne being the two full-backs. The back-line will provide cover to Jordan Pickford.
#4
Relegation may not have crossed the minds of the Toffees, but it is worth noting that victory would take them to the magic 40-point mark and could lift them into the top half of the table.
#5
The derby in December saw seven goals but that was atypical of recent meetings between these sides, which have generally been low-scoring and often won by the odd goal.
