Everton predicted lineup vs Liverpool with 7 players missing as 2 changes made
Liverpool will be out to spoil Everton’s party tonight as the Reds make the short journey to Goodison Park for the last time.
The Toffees will be moving to their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock next season, and will be hoping to claim one last win over their neighbors this evening before saying goodbye to their old ground. Arne Slot’s side will of course be hoping that isn’t the case as they look to open up a nine-point lead over Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Everton though has been rejuvenated by the return of manager David Moyes in recent weeks. Despite a defeat to Bournemouth bringing their FA Cup run to an end at the weekend, three successive league wins have seen the Blues move nine points clear of the relegation zone, and they’ll be determined to give Liverpool a tough time this evening.
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Moyes though does have more than a few issues heading into tonight’s games, with the Everton boss having to contend with a lengthy injury list as at least seven players are due to miss out.
Full-backs Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson miss out with calf and thigh problems, while midfielders Orel Mangala and Dwight McNeill have both undergone surgery recently. Forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh), Armando Broja (ankle) and Youssef Chermiti (thigh) are also missing, but left-back Vitalii Mykolenko is set to return.
The Ukrainian is one of two changes Moyes could look to make this evening, with Everton likely to take on a similar look to recent outings.
Jordan Pickford will of course take his usual spot in goal, and no doubt play up to his usual role as the pantomime villain for the derby. Mykolenko may be the only change made in defense as he replaces Ashley Young, with Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite continuing alongside him.
Idrissa Gueye and James Garner will be looking to offer some added protection in midfield, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Iliman Ndiaye keeping their places further forward. Jack Harrison though could come into the side, replacing Jesper Lindstrom, with Carlos Alcaraz made to wait a little longer for his first start.
With Calvert-Lewin out injured, Beto will likely continue up front, and Moyes will be relying on him to find a way past Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate - a tall order for the Everton frontman.
Everton predicted lineup vs Liverpool: Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Garner, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto