da bet7： Liverpool will certainly fancy their chances of beating Everton in this Sunday’s Merseyside derby. The Toffees haven’t actually beaten the Reds in the top flight since 2010 or done so at Anfield since 1999.
da bwin： More than just history being on their side though, the Reds are currently enjoying a blaze of potent attacking form, whereas Everton are still recovering from a disappointing start to the season.
Indeed, Liverpool are the firm favourites this weekend but to ensure his side live up to that billing, Jurgen Klopp must find the right answers to these three key questions…
Can Liverpool’s fab four fit into the same side?
Sadio Mane’s recent absences against Chelsea and Brighton were incredibly telling. While the Liverpool gaffer will welcome a situation where he can rotate his attacking options without significantly impacting the quality of his side, it also suggests Klopp has some doubts over whether the fab four – Mane, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah – can all operate in the same team without exposing the Reds’ defensive weaknesses.
Interestingly, all four started in the 7-0 win over Spartak Moscow on Wednesday night and only Firmino was subbed off, hinting at least one will be benched for the derby this weekend. Currently, Mane appears to be the most expendable of the four – but he’ll still have a big part to play even if he doesn’t start.
Who replaces Alberto Moreno at left-back?
While his injury may not be as bad as first feared, Alberto Moreno remains a doubt for Sunday’s game – which inevitably begs the question of who should replace the Spain international at left-back. There are two obvious and most likely candidates; summer signing Andrew Robertson, a natural No.3, and versatile veteran James Milner.
The latter’s experience could be crucial in what will likely be an incredibly feisty affair at Anfield, but Robertson is highly-rated and has waited patiently for his chance since arriving from Hull City – winning over the fans with an impressive performance against Everton could provide the confidence the Scotland international needs to truly ignite his Liverpool career.
Considering Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses though, albeit not so much at home this season, Klopp has an important decision to make.
Who starts in central midfield?
Perhaps the most contentious part of Liverpool’s starting XI is the engine room, something highlighted by the fact even captain Jordan Henderson found himself dropped for the Reds’ most recent outing on Wednesday night. Midfield battles are often crucial in bitter-fought derbies and Klopp’s selections in the middle of the park will say much about the mentality he wants his side to take into Sunday’s game.
While the obvious suggestion is to favour the power and brawn of Emre Can, Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, a more delicate presence may be in order to break down what will likely be an incredibly compact Everton side.
That could mean a first start of the season for Adam Lallana; he’s just recovered from a lengthy injury layoff but an outing in the derby would catch Sam Allardyce off guard and cause Everton’s defence a few problems.
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