After a much-needed break, Liverpool are on the cusp of returning to action, with a crucial Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield looming on Wednesday, 2 April 2025. The break followed a disappointing Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain and a Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United – a loss that stung given Liverpool’s otherwise dominant Premier League form, where they sit a commanding 12 points clear of Arsenal.
However, Arne Slot is acutely aware that the title race is far from over for The Red’s, and the derby presents a significant hurdle. Their previous encounter at Goodison Park was a fiery 2-2 draw, marked by Slot’s dismissal along with his assistant and Curtis Jones.
Slot faces selection headaches, with defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley likely still sidelined due to injury, and Joe Gomez also unavailable. He’ll also need to assess the fitness of his international players.
Here’s the predicted Liverpool starting line-up for the Merseyside Derby:
- GK: Alisson Becker (returned early from Brazil duty after a head collision, but insists he’s fit).
- RB: Curtis Jones (with Alexander-Arnold and Bradley likely out, Slot may opt for Jones in this role, a tactic he hinted at before the Carabao Cup final).
- CB: Ibrahima Konate (hoping to recover from a knock picked up on France duty).
- CB: Virgil van Dijk (vital for the derby’s intensity and the title push).
- LB: Andy Robertson (veteran who will need to be fresh after international duty with Scotland).
- CM: Ryan Gravenberch (withdrew from Netherlands duty due to a fitness issue, potentially giving him needed rest).
- CM: Alexis Mac Allister (should be boosted by Argentina’s wins, including a victory over Brazil).
- CM: Dominik Szoboszlai (needs to regain peak energy for the derby’s demands).
- RW: Mo Salah (needs to rediscover his form after underwhelming performances).
- ST: Diogo Jota (looking to break out of a recent dip in form).
- LW: Cody Gakpo (Slot might favor his strength over Diaz’s guile against a physical Everton defense).
Substitutes for the upcoming Merseyside Derby:
Kelleher, Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo, McConnell, Elliott, Chiesa, Diaz, Nunez.
Slot will be aiming to utilize a similar tactical approach to Jurgen Klopp to navigate these absences and ensure Liverpool are ready for the Merseyside Derby’s intensity as they push for the Premier League title.
