Liverpool’s early Premier League matchup at Anfield on Saturday is against none other than their Merseyside rivals, Everton.
With a respectable start to the season, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are presently positioned fourth in the Premier League standings.
Liverpool are also doing well in the Europa League, winning their opening two games, and in the Carabao Cup.
The Reds will play an Everton team that is currently struggling. Despite having won two of their previous three games, the Blues are 16th in the standings.
When it comes to choosing Liverpool’s starting lineup, Klopp struggles in the midfield. Thiago Alcantara and Stefen Bajcetic are listed as unavailable on the Reds website.
Klopp is also bothered by Alexis Mac Allister’s tardy return from his international duty; he played for Argentina on Wednesday morning.
The Liverpool boss started Mac Allister in similar circumstances against Wolves last month, but ended up replacing him at the break.
In light of this, Klopp may consider using Wataru Endo, a summer acquisition for the Reds, against Everton.
It’s almost a given that Dominik Szoboszlai will start. He’s simply that talented and valuable to the Reds.
There will therefore probably be competition for the third midfield spot between Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch.
We predict that Klopp will start the game with the 21-year-old Dutchman. Elliott is a fantastic offensive player, but Gravenberch would provide greater balance.
The Reds’ summer acquisition is also more physically built, which should help him against Everton’s midfield, and he has more preparation time because he hasn’t been playing for his country.
Given Gravenberch’s “insane” talent, it will be interesting to watch how he performs for Liverpool in the derby should Klopp decide to start him.
