Everton predicted lineup vs Liverpool: One forced change as Dyche retains 4-4-1-1 shape

Everton will take on Liverpool on Monday night in the second Merseyside derby of the season. The Toffees are looking for their second consecutive win after taking three points against league leaders Arsenal.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool come into the game on the back of a turbulent run, winning just one game in their last five competitive fixtures. After the resilient performance against the Gunners, there is a sense of confidence that this side is capable of getting a positive result against the Reds, given their volatile form.

Though, Everton will be sweating over the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin who is a major doubt for the Merseyside derby. Manager Dyche has described the 25 year old’s condition as ‘touch and go at best’ with respect to his availability for the derby. Michael Keane is also unavailable as he continues to work on his match fitness.

Everton do have the necessary weapons in their arsenal to strike and can make a difference on their day. Demarai Gray could come in handy if called off the bench. Amadou Onana has been magnificent, and Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure have been reborn.

Everton predicted lineup vs Liverpool

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford is one of the first names on the team sheet. The shot-stopper will be a crucial player in Everton’s relegation battle and will need to produce solid performances, avoiding any blunders.

Defence:

Right back: Seamus Coleman

Seamus Coleman was excellent against Arsenal, taming the likes of Gabriel Martinelli. The Irishman is a crucial figure in the dressing room and a leader on the pitch. Coleman has been at the club for over a decade and knows exactly what a derby feels like. He could be a source of motivation and inspiration on the pitch against the arch-rivals.

Centre back: James Tarkowski

James Tarkowski scored his first goal of his Everton career against Arsenal and rounded up a robust defensive performance. The 30 year old will be tasked with negating Darwin Nunez and dealing with the venomous crosses of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

Centre back: Conor Coady

Coady and Tarkowski formed a formidable partnership against Arsenal, rarely letting any Arsenal attackers through. If Dyche’s Everton are to remain defensively solid, Coady and Tarkoowski should be the cornerstone of the rearguard.

Left back: Vitaliy Mykolenko

Vitaliy Mykolenko had received a lot of flak for his poor displays until the Arsenal game. The Ukrainian doesn’t offer much going forward but when there is a question about being defensively sound, Mykolenko has stepped up big time. He came on top of the battle against Saka and should have a feisty battle against Mohammed Salah.

Midfield:

Central midfield: Amadou Onana

Amadou Onana was majestic in the game against Arsenal, showing his true worth and why he is one of the best players Everton have signed in the Farhad Moshiri era. Onana’s presence in the midfield gives assurance to Everton and injects energy in the midfield.

Central midfield: Idrissa Gueye

Even though it is early days, Idrissa Gueye has been reborn under Dyche. The Senegalese worked hard throughout the Arsenal game and will have to put in a shift against the Reds too.

Left wing: Alex Iwobi

Generally, playing down the middle, Iwobi was deployed on the left flank by Dyche and the Nigerian did impress. There’s no reason to not deploy Iwobi on the left flank again.

Right wing: Dwight McNeil

Dwight McNeil has finally found his footing at Everton after the dismal first half of the season under Frank Lampard. The Englishman registered an assist and should be high on confidence.

Attacking midfield: Abdoulaye Doucoure

Abdoulaye Doucoure, playing in an advanced role, the Malian midfielder was omnipresent. The 30 year old retreated in the midfield, making it a midfield five when the Gunners pressed forward. The plan worked well and Doucoure could be instructed to carry out the same responsibility.

Striker: Neal Maupay

With Calvert-Lewin a major doubt for the derby, Neal Maupay could be in contention to start. If the Englishman does make it to the matchday squad, he could come on for a cameo appearance.

Will EFC win against Liverpool?