Liverpool face Everton in their next Premier League game as Jurgen Klopp’s side prepare for another early start.
Liverpool’s next Premier League game is none other than the Merseyside derby against Everton.
Jurgen Klopp’s side host their city rivals at Anfield on October 21 in their first game since the international break. The game starts at 12:30 on Saturday afternoon.
As is often the case with such breaks in the domestic calendar, there is often the risk of players returning with injuries after playing for their home country.
Unfortunately, that was revealed this time as Andy Robertson missed Scotland’s Euro 2024 defeat to Spain with a shoulder problem. It remains to be seen how long the left-back will be sidelined, although there is speculation that it may not be a quick return. Another problem Liverpool will have to face ahead of their meeting with Everton is that the club’s four South American backs are all involved in World Cup qualifiers in the days leading up to the derby before their long trip home to England.
Brazil face Uruguay on October 17 (October 18 at 1am UK), with the latter captained by Darwin Nunez. One positive in this clash is that Alisson may not play a role as his home province was still on the bench.
Alexis Mac Allister and Argentina travel to Peru, while Luis Diaz also plays away when Colombia visit Ecuador. There is every chance that none of Nunez, Mac Allister and Diaz will be in danger for Everton, as was the case after the last international break (apart from Mac Allister, who started against Wolves). Kostas Tsimikas is the obvious solution to Robertson’s problem, ensuring the Greek defender is ready to start in the first team. Elsewhere in defence, Joel Matip is the main candidate to keep his starting place alongside Virgil van Dijk as he no longer has to contend with the demands of international football.
In midfield, there could be opportunities for summer signings Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, with Curtis Jones ruled out and Mac Allister not in an ideal position to be involved from the start in such an important game.
With Diaz and Nunez likely to be content with positions on the bench, it is possible Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo – expected to improve – will start alongside the ever-present Mohamed Salah.
Possible Liverpool XI for Everton: Alisson; Aleksander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Jota.
