Everton predicted lineup vs. Liverpool: James Rodriguez and Allan start, £27 million man on the bench

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 1197011810, 1177630705- GRADIENT ADDED) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Carlo Ancelotti, Manager of Everton (L) and Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool. Everton and Liverpool meet in the Merseyside derby on June 21,2020 at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Carlo Ancelotti, Manager of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton FC at Etihad Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Liverpool FC at Bramall Lane on September 28, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 1197011810, 1177630705- GRADIENT ADDED) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Carlo Ancelotti, Manager of Everton (L) and Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool. Everton and Liverpool meet in the Merseyside derby on June 21,2020 at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Carlo Ancelotti, Manager of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton FC at Etihad Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Liverpool FC at Bramall Lane on September 28, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Everton, Michael Keane
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Michael Keane of Everton during the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on September 30, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Football Stadiums around United Kingdom remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Michael Keane will be tasked with leading the Everton central defence.

Defence:

Right back: Seamus Coleman

Seamus Coleman was forced off due to a knock in the game against Brighton and was ruled out of the Ireland squad for the Nations League. Ancelotti did give an indication post the Brighton game that Coleman had picked up minor knock and he won’t be out for a long time.

The international break has come as a blessing in disguise for the 31 year old Everton captain as the two week duration has given him time to recover and be ready just before the all important derby. Sadio Mane vs. Coleman will be a mouth-watering battle.

Centre back: Michael Keane

Apart from players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane is a fixed name in the team sheet. The 27 year old has played every minute of every game so far for the Toffees yet has not shown any signs of fatigue or weakness. Keane will be expected to bring his A-game against Liverpool and hopefully contain the likes of Firmino and Mane well.

Centre back: Ben Godfrey

Everton new signing Ben Godfrey could make his debut against Liverpool. Yerry Mina was rested in Colombia’s clash against Chile as a precaution. The 26 year old had a thigh problem and even though the Everton medical team have cleared him to play, the Italian boss may spring up a surprise and give Godfrey a chance to taste the fierceness of the Merseyside derby.

Left back: Lucas Digne

Lucas Digne picked up a minor knee injury against Croatia during international duty which raised questions over his availability for the Merseyside derby. However, Lucas Digne is expected to feature against Liverpool as Ancelotti will be working on how to tame Salah on the Liverpool right flank.