Liverpool lineup for Everton as Alexander Isak dropped and tough left-back call made - The Mirror

Liverpool take on Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday afternoon and Arne Slot has some big decisions to make over his starting XI

Liverpool are bracing themselves for a series of high-stakes matches. Having already squared off against Newcastle United and Arsenal in the Premier League, and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, today they welcome local rivals Everton to Anfield for the season's first Merseyside derby.

Arne Slot's reigning champions are tipped as favourites. Despite not yet reaching their peak, they've managed to secure victories in their five matches in the Premier League and Champions League, including a last-minute triumph over Atletico Madrid in midweek.

Everton, despite their dismal record at Anfield and manager David Moyes' own unfortunate history, are showing signs of improvement under the guidance of the Scot. Therefore, Reds boss Slot won't be taking the 247th clash between these age-old adversaries lightly.

For the renewal of Merseyside rivalries, Slot has dropped Alexander Isak to the bench as he continues to build match fitness. And perhaps more surprisingly, Florian Wirtz starts as a substitute, meaning Liverpool will have £240m to impact the game.

LFC XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Salah, Ekitike.

Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Wirtz, Isak, Jones, Robertson, Frimpong, Ngumoha.

Everton XI: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish, Beto.

Subs: Travers, Patterson, McNeil, Barry, Dibling, Coleman, Alcaraz, Aznou, Iroegbunam.

Here's how writers from the ECHO thought the Reds boss would go.

Paul Gorst

Having navigated two-thirds of a challenging week with two wins and a couple of last-gasp goals, Arne Slot might be ready to tap into more of his squad for the 247th Merseyside derby. After making three changes for Wednesday night's 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, could we see further tweaks for the Blues' visit?

Personally, I'd stick with the same back five as Wednesday night, despite the temptation to bring Conor Bradley back on the right side.

In the midfield, there's a strong inclination to bring back Alexis Mac Allister, but it's tough to bench either Dominik Szoboszlai or Ryan Gravenberch, who are both in top form at the moment. Szoboszlai has arguably been Liverpool's standout player this season, while Gravenberch is one of the best midfielders in Europe right now, if you ask me.

Further up the pitch, Florian Wirtz gets the green light. The German international has been improving with each game and his performance against Atletico Madrid, especially in the second half, was promising. This could be the match where he truly shines.

Hugo Ekitike replaces Alexander Isak, whose significant contribution on Wednesday came with a price. The £125m man should get 15 or 20 minutes off the bench, all being well.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Ian Doyle

The Merseyside derby, a match that everyone adores - as long as they're not involved in it. There were two major clashes last season and there's no reason to believe today's game will be any different. So, what should Liverpool boss Arne Slot do?

Changes are needed. Not in goal, though, where Alisson Becker remains the first choice.

Conor Bradley, however, can step in at right-back, with Andy Robertson retaining his left-back position and Ibrahima Konate continuing to partner captain Virgil van Dijk at centre-back. In the midfield, there's no need for change. Dominik Szoboszlai can carry on in the double pivot alongside Ryan Gravenberch with Florian Wirtz as the number 10.

Up front, Hugo Ekitike is set to take centre stage as the main striker, flanked by Mohamed Salah on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Theo Squires

With Arsenal squaring off against Manchester City on Sunday, Liverpool have a golden opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they host Everton at Anfield. But when has a Merseyside derby ever been straightforward?

While the Reds have relied on late winners in each of their last five matches, they'll be hoping for less drama against their local rivals.

I'd make one alteration to the back five for this match, bringing in Conor Bradley at right-back. This isn't a slight on Jeremie Frimpong, who impressed against Atletico Madrid.

But it's derby day, so let's include at least one academy graduate in the line-up - especially given the influx of new signings in the squad.

Alexis Mac Allister will have to settle for a spot on the bench once more as Dominik Szoboszlai continues in the number eight role.

And Alexander Isak will step down from the starting XI after his standout performance against Atletico. He'll have to be content with a substitute appearance - and who knows, perhaps he'll be the next late match-winner - with Hugo Ekitike stepping in to spearhead the attack.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

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