Everton vs Liverpool: Latest team news, predicted lineups and injuries
Everton host Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, with the Toffees aiming to put a dent in the Reds’ Premier League title charge.
Arne Slot’s side sit top of the league with a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, with Liverpool able to go nine points clear with a victory.
This season’s top-flight Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was originally set to take place in December but was postponed – and later rearranged – due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh.
Liverpool are hoping to get back to winning ways against Everton after they suffered a shock FA Cup fourth-round elimination to Plymouth on Sunday.
Everton are keen to avoid a second successive defeat too after they crashed out of the FA Cup at home to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
Despite their cup defeat, Everton have enjoyed strong form in the Premier League in recent weeks, winning their last three top-flight games against Tottenham, Brighton and Leicester respectively under David Moyes.
The same is true for Liverpool – who have also won their previous three Premier League matches – with victories over Brentford, Ipswich and Bournemouth.
‘TAA and Joe Gomez in doubt’
In terms of team news, Liverpool defensive duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are both doubts for the clash against Everton.
Alexander-Arnold limped off during Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth on February 1 – missing the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg win over Tottenham – as well as the FA Cup defeat to Plymouth.
‘Difficult to say,’ Liverpool head coach Slot said when asked if Alexander-Arnold would be back to face Everton.
‘Like I said before, it’s not going to take months, and not even weeks, but that’s only three days after the Plymouth Argyle game, so let’s wait and see if he’s available.’
Gomez, meanwhile, was forced off with injury after just 11 minutes against Plymouth on Sunday in his first game back since late December.
‘I am not too sure if it was the same leg, but I haven’t had time to ask him,’ Slot said about Gomez ahead of the clash with Everton.
‘It was clear, I think we all know which moment he felt a bit insecure about [it] because he didn’t sprint back fully.
‘Then he said, ‘I am not 100 per cent sure and I am afraid if I make one extra sprint things will go wrong’ – it’s not torn I assume, but it didn’t feel good for him.’
Slot also revealed that Curtis Jones was not 100 per cent fit on Sunday, although given he was named on the bench against Plymouth, it would suggest the issue isn’t too serious and he will be able to face Everton.
Everton are dealing with a number of injury problems with Orel Mangala, Armando Broja, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil and Seamus Coleman all ruled out of the clash with Liverpool.
Predicted Liverpool XI to face Everton
Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
Predicted Everton XI to face Liverpool
Pickford, Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Gueye, Garner, Alcaraz, Ndiaye, Beto, Lindstrom
Where to watch Everton vs Liverpool? Kick-off time and TV channel
Everton vs Liverpool kicks off at 19.30pm UK time on Wednesday, February 12.
Live coverage is available in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. You can also live stream the Merseyside derby on discovery+.