Once again, we must deal with the dreaded early kickoff following an international break. How will Jurgen Klopp manage his suspended and injured absentees for the derby?
For the first time in four weeks, Premier League football will be played at Anfield, and nothing tops the yearly visit from our neighbours across the park.
Everton once more seemed destined to fight for survival all season long, but Sean Dyche’s team entered the international break with a spring in their step after defeating Bournemouth 3-0.
Sadly, Liverpool did not escape that break unscathed, and a number of fitness questions are expected to be added to the list of probable absences for this weekend.
For this one, Adam Beattie (@beatts94), Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_), and David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) have acted in the manager’s position to discuss the choices to our injured parties and the entire spectrum of selection options.
Who is your choice at left-back this weekend after Robertson received an unfortunate knock over the break?
ADAM: Given his strong start to the season, there is clearly a case to be made for Joe Gomez, but given that Kostas Tsimikas has only recently signed a new contract, I would be a little shocked to see anyone else on the teamsheet.
He will have to respond to questions about whether the new system suits him over the next few weeks, but you would think he was given some assurances about his job before to signing the agreement.
JOANNA: Adam, I have to concur with you there. Currently, it seems to be the only option, but as the weeks pass and Gomez is discussed, that may alter, which might be intriguing.
There will be many demands placed on Tsimikas because he has never started more than two consecutive Premier League games. I can’t deny that it makes me a little uneasy, though!
DAVID: It has to be Tsimikas because you don’t give a squad player a new contract if you’re not confident in his ability to perform in circumstances like this.
Robertson may not be on his level, but that’s how backups are! However, I believe that recently the Greek has strayed into almost underestimated region.
His creative statistics demonstrate how much of a threat he is from both open play and set-pieces. He was one of the players that made sure Liverpool’s roster depth was sufficient to compete in all four tournaments a couple of seasons ago.
If Klopp has concerns about Tsimikas’ ability to play in a stretch of four league games against teams ranked no higher than 13th, like some fans, then he really shouldn’t have agreed to that contract last month.
There are some questions at the top of the pitch as well. Will Klopp surprise us or will the front three choose themselves?
DAVID: The main concern here is if Darwin Nunez has sufficiently healed from the cramping he experienced while serving with his country to be a starter, but I believe Klopp should do all in his power to get him in.
Not only did he dominate Brazil while playing for Uruguay, but I also believe that his most recent appearance in a Liverpool jersey at Brighton was one of his most quietly brilliant efforts.
In that match, Nunez demonstrated just how much his hold-up play and press discipline have improved recently. When combined with his inherent goal threat, these qualities make Nunez the ideal center-forward. Let’s hope he’s in top shape.
JOANNA: After the break, I don’t anticipate any shocks with this one given who will be present and who won’t.
I believe that Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota will start right away. Jota only played 28 minutes for Portugal during the break, which is a great advantage for Liverpool.
Despite the fact that Diaz played every minute for Colombia and is one of the late returnees, I believe it will be too soon for Cody Gakpo, so I expect Diaz to start on the left.
ADAM: We’re in a fortunate position where we don’t have to put somebody like Nunez or Gakpo in danger, and I don’t anticipate we will do so right away.
We had those types of choices to bring off the bench, which contributed to how well we started; hopefully, both of them will at least be physically fit enough to be included in the matchday squad.
Although I’m always partial to a little of Nunez, a front three of Diaz, Salah, and Jota still sounds like more than enough to give the Everton backline plenty to worry about!
Is it time for Gravenberch to make his debut in the league? He looked sharp before the break and, unlike others, has had time to relax.
JOANNA: Simply expressed, the answer is yes.
Ryan Gravenberch has thus far really pleased me, and the fact that he was allowed to sit out and train normally leading up to the game provides him an advantage over other choices.
He also adds height and physicality to the team, which is a necessary quality in a derby!
DAVID: I sincerely hope Gravenberch receives his due since I don’t believe he could have done much more to build a claim for a start in this game.
The Dutchman has been active in every start and cameo off the bench since joining Liverpool, notably two weeks ago when he replaced Harvey Elliott against Brighton halftime.
Klopp surely regrets not starting Gravenberch from the beginning of that game, but with Curtis Jones still serving a suspension, he will have the chance to make amends in the Merseyside derby. Undoubtedly, a huge opportunity is waiting.
ADAM: He has most definitely provided a compelling argument.
Gravenberch or Elliott will likely be the only options if Klopp sticks with Mac Allister as the holding midfielder, though that may just depend on the type of game he wants to play.
As Jo mentioned, Gravenberch’s physicality wouldn’t hurt us in this game, but regardless of the manager’s decision, I expect we’ll see both players at some point.
Lastly, choose the team you’d go with!
ADAM: Salah, Jota, Diaz, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, and Tsimikas.
DAVID: Salah, Nunez, Diaz; Alisson; Alexander-Arnold; Konate; Van Dijk; Tsimikas; Mac Allister; Szoboszlai; and Gravenberch.
JOANNA: Salah, Jota, Diaz; Alisson; Alexander-Arnold; Konate; Van Dijk; Tsimikas; Mac Allister; Szoboszlai; and Gravenberch