Arne Slot has made just one adjustment to Liverpool’s starting XI for tonight’s derby, with Caoimhin Kelleher retaining his place in goal as Alisson Becker misses out entirely.
Curtis Jones returns to the lineup as the sole change, slotting into a midfield trio alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. Jones’ energy and press resistance could be pivotal in a derby where midfield battles often dictate the tempo.
The backline remains unchanged, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté forming a commanding center-half partnership, flanked by Andy Robertson’s relentless runs on the left. Notably, there’s no natural right-back in the lineup, suggesting Slot may deploy a hybrid system—possibly with Szoboszlai drifting wide or Konaté stepping into wider areas.
Up front, the explosive trio of Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, and Diogo Jota will look to exploit spaces behind Everton’s defense. Their movement and link-up play will be crucial in breaking down a compact low block.
Bench Impact:
Substitutes like Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, and Harvey Elliott offer firepower and creativity if the game demands a second-half spark. Kostas Tsimikas and Jarell Quansah provide defensive flexibility, while James McConnell lurks as a wildcard.
Confirmed Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3):
Kelleher; Van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Jota, Díaz.
Subs: Jaros, Endō, Núñez, Chiesa, Gakpo, Elliott, Tsimikas, McConnell, Quansah.
