Cody Gakpo axed in two changes – Liverpool predicted XI vs Everton
Arne Slot could make two changes to his Liverpool starting line-up when they host Everton on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home to secure a last-gasp 3-2 win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, but now the focus returns to the Premier League.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their Premier League title defence, relying on late winners in every match so far, and Slot will be looking for more defensive security.
Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic are doubtful, but the Reds have no other injury concerns for the Merseyside derby.
Arne Slot to change Liverpool backline for Everton clash
Alisson is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up after he made two saves and two high claims against Atletico, per Sofascore.
Slot is predicted to bring Conor Bradley in at right-back, as the Northern Irish defender is back to full fitness and won three of five duels, for a success rate of 60 per cent.
The rest of the backline is expected to remain, with Virgil van Dijk partnering Ibrahima Konate at the heart of defence, and Andy Robertson at left-back.
Ryan Gravenberch was immense against Diego Simeone’s side, notching an assist and winning six of the nine ground duels that he attempted, for a 66 per cent success rate, so he is expected to keep his place.
Alexis Mac Allister made a second-half cameo in the European clash, and he is predicted to start alongside the Dutchman against David Moyes’ side.
Dominik Szoboszlai might retain his role as the number 10; he notched an assist and recorded a 91 per cent pass accuracy against Simeone’s men, and he is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Slot.
Cody Gakpo to be dropped after lacklustre Atletico display
Gakpo was one of the Reds’ players who had an off night against the Madrid-based outfit, as he failed to record a single shot and completed just one of his three dribbles, for a 33 per cent success rate.
The Dutch winger is predicted to be dropped for the clash against Moyes’ men, and Florian Wirtz might replace him on the left flank.
The German had his finest game in a Liverpool shirt, with five key passes and two big chances created in the Anfield encounter, and he may be rewarded with a start in a more advanced position.
Mohamed Salah is expected to keep his spot on the right-hand side, as the Egyptian scored and assisted by the sixth-minute mark against Atletico.
Alexander Isak is predicted to retain his starting berth to lead the line, as Slot revealed that he has been surprised by his fitness levels after the contest.
He will likely be replaced by Hugo Ekitike around the 60th-minute mark, as the Reds manage his fitness after his move from Newcastle.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Liverpool news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @liverpoolnews247_