View: Nunez to be dropped in three changes- Liverpool predicted XI v Everton
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is expected to axe Darwin Nunez from the starting XI for the trip to Everton on Saturday.
The Uruguayan forward underwhelmed as the Reds lead at the summit of the Premier League was reduced to seven points after the 3-3 draw with Newcastle.
Alexis Mac Allister will miss the trip to Goodison Park (7 December) through suspension after he picked up a yellow card on Wednesday (4 December).
Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to continue in goal with Alisson still not fully recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace (5 October).
The Irishman has been dependable while deputising for the Brazilian but had a wobble against the Geordies.
The Reds made a stunning comeback to lead 3-2, but the 26-year-old failed to catch a late cross that Fabian Schar slotted home from a tight angle.
Star right-back to return for Liverpool?
Trent Alexander-Arnold was rested for the game at St James’ Park after his excellent display against Manchester City, but should return to the starting XI for the Merseyside derby.
The 26-year-old recorded two assists, had a 88 per cent pass accuracy, created three chances and made five passes into the final third in a 23 minute cameo on Wednesday. [Fotmob]
Captain Virgil van Dijk will lead the side for the clash at Goodison Park, the Dutchman had a 90 per cent pass accuracy, four passes into the final third.
Defensively, he made seven recoveries, six clearances, three interceptions, won two of four ground duels and both aerial duels he was involved in.
Joe Gomez will partner the 33-year-old for the derby, the Englishman was rusty against Newcastle but he is a more reliable option than Jarell Quansah.
Against Newcastle, he played just one accurate long ball out of four attempts for a 25 per cent success rate and he won just one of the three ground duels attempted for a 33 per cent success rate
Andy Robertson will continue at left-back due to Tsmikas’ absence, the Scottish international recorded a 91 per cent pass accuracy and nine passes into the final third.
Defensively, he won 50 per cent of his four ground duels and made four clearances and four recoveries.
Ryan Gravenberch had a poor game by the lofty standards that he has set so far this campaign, recording an 89 per cent pass accuracy and was accurate with just one out of four long balls, for a 25 per cent success rate.
He also won just one of six attempted ground duels for a success rate of 17 per cent but he did make four interceptions.
Curtis Jones enjoyed his 150th appearance for the club, he scored the equaliser to get the Reds back into the game when they were 1-0 down, had four touches in the opposition box and had a 96 per cent pass accuracy.
Dominik Szoboszlai was another who had a good cameo from the bench against the Magpies, he will replace Alexis Mac Allister who is suspended after picking up five bookings.
The Hungarian recorded a 100 per cent pass accuracy, made three recoveries and won the only tackle he attempted in a 23 minute cameo.
Darwin Nunez decision made
Mohamed Salah was almost responsible for a sensational comeback win with an assist for the Reds’ opener and two stunning goals, that took the Egyptian’s tally to 13 goals and eight assists in 14 Premier League matches.
Cody Gakpo will keep his spot on the left-wing, the Dutchman had seven touches in the opposition box, two passes into the final third and nearly set up Darwin Nunez with a header across the box.
Luis Diaz will get the nod over Nunez upfront, the Uruguayan forward was disappointing in the draw at St James’ Park, where he had the fewest touches of any Reds starter with just 25.
The 25-year-old missed two big chances, had just three touches in the opposition box and had zero successful dribbles.
In other Liverpool news, the Reds may be forced to make a decision on young star Jayden Danns in the January transfer window.
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