It’s been on hold for a while, due to Liverpool’s involvement in the Capital One Cup final, but we’re finally set for the second Merseyside derby of the season tonight as the Reds clash with rivals Everton.
In this fixture there will also be plenty of attention upon the match but there’s perhaps even more so this time around, as it comes at a crucial period for both clubs. Both Liverpool and Everton will have their eyes on other competitions, in the Europa League and FA Cup respectively, but this Premier League fixture is still crucial.
Roberto Martinez is under immense pressure at Everton and a loss here today could prove to be decisive, whereas Liverpool’s quest for adventure in Europe next term still hands in the balance. Their goal is to win the Europa League, and subsequently qualify for next season’s Champions League, but they need to have something to fall back upon.
A win tonight would lift Liverpool up to sixth and in the Europa League spots, so it would be a valuable victory and the Reds need to be on their toes to get the result they’re looking for.
Hit Klopp below to see the XI that would give Liverpool the best chance of winning tonight!
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GK: Simon Mignolet
Still not thought of favourable by many Liverpool fans, Simon Mignolet has shown Jurgen Klopp what he can do and he remains first-choice goalkeeper- at least for now. Come the summer that may change but this is the sort of game when the Belgian can show his worth.
With Liverpool now not keeping a clean sheet for over a month, which came in the Europa League win over Manchester United, Mignolet is likely to be called into action on a number of occasions and the result may depend on whether he can keep Romelu Lukaku quiet.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
Perhaps unfortunate not to be considered first-choice right-back for England, due to Kyle Walker’s sensational form this season, Nathaniel Clyne needs to remain at the top of his game to keep hold of a chance of featuring in this summer’s tournament.
The final games of the season may be decisive on what Clyne’s role at the European Championship’s will be and this match, barring the one against Chelsea, is the most testing game for Clyne in the Premier League that’s left.
CB: Dejan Lovren
Before Jurgen Klopp’s arrival, Dejan Lovren looked to be an awful purchase but he’s really come to life under the new manager. Now showing the sort of form that earned him the high-profile transfer from Southampton, Lovren will need to be at his best against Everton tonight.
As well as his impact at the back, Lovren is also a potential match winner at the other end as he’s shown himself to be a real threat from set-pieces. Whilst his only goal this season is the dramatic winner against Borussia Dortmund, he’s certainly a handle in the area.
CB: Mamadou Sakho
With Dejan Lovren doing so well recently, Mamadou Sakho has found himself playing for his first-team future at Liverpool as wholesale changes are expected this summer. With the Reds already agreeing a deal to sign Joel Matip at the end of the campaign, Sakho needs to remain consistent.
Like Lovren though, the French defender has shown real improvements since Brendan Rodgers’ departure and a continuation of his form could decide his stance in France’s European Championship squad this summer. With Raphael Varane and Laurent Koscielny to compete with, it’s not an easy crowd to be amongst.
LB: Alberto Moreno
If one Liverpool player optimises the effect of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, it’s Alberto Moreno. Still sketchy in defensive areas, Moreno’s pressing has become his most valuable asset and it will be crucial in tonight’s pressure.
Gegenpressing, as Klopp’s game is known, is an important part of the German’s philosophy and Moreno’s resilience in adapting to his new expectations has certainly put the Spaniard in amongst his manager’s good books.
CDM: Lucas Leiva
A player potentially playing for his Anfield future, Lucas Leiva needs to take the chance tonight and in the coming games with both hands. Emre Can and Jordan Henderson’s absence through injury mean the Brazilian is expected to fulfil this role in the side, which is crucial for tonight’s game.
The midfield battle may be where the Merseyside derby is won or lost, so Leiva needs to keep his head. With Liverpool reportedly eyeing a wealth of talented midfielders in the summer, Leiva needs to show he can still be useful to the Reds.
CDM: Joe Allen
Although thought of fondly at Anfield, Joe Allen is another who may need to show himself to be capable of remaining as part of the squad. Whilst he has his traits and attributes, there is many players Liverpool could bring in that are better than the Welsh midfielder.
With Can and Henderson absent though, Allen will be an influential player in the middle of the park and he could be a match winner. He showed what he can do with a tremendous performance against Arsenal back in February, so Everton need to keep their eyes out.
RM: James Milner
The man with the captain’s armband tonight, James Milner’s experience in the coming weeks will be vital to how Liverpool finish the captain. Milner can keep the squad gelled together to push for a Europa League finish, as well as providing the cool head when required in the race for Europa League glory.
In tonight’s Merseyside derby, his experience will be vital in keeping his side behaving and not getting drawn into the silly antics that are common in a game of this magnitude. If he can do that, Liverpool will have a much better chance of emerging victorious.
CM: Philippe Coutinho
The shining light and holy grail at Liverpool, fans will be concerned that they may be approaching the last few games of seeing Coutinho in a Reds jersey. Whether that’s the case remains to be seen but Liverpool’s success at the back end of the season will be decisive.
If they can earn a return to Champions League football, Coutinho is more likely to stay and he’s a player who thrives on consistency. Get him in the mood tonight and he can kill Everton off with a sublime bit of skill but, if he loses his way, he turns into a player who offers little.
LM: Adam Lallana
A senior member of the squad, and one who has featured regularly this season, Adam Lallana faces a crunch test to prove himself as a suitable first-team regular heading into next season as Klopp may elect to bring in new faces in this area.
On top of that, Lallana is a player who may not have his seat to France this summer booked as the England midfield is breaming with talent. In huge derbies like this, a quality performance could be the difference and he’ll be seen as a creator.
ST: Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge has performed brilliantly since returning from injury but the same danger looms over him. Just one slight problem could see the forward out for months and, if that were to happen again, Liverpool may get fed up.
He needs to continue with his current level of performances to show himself to be in-expendable, whilst more goals will only solidify his claim for a spot on Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad for Euro 2016.
