Predicting Everton's starting XI for Saturday's Merseyside derby

In what will be the club's toughest task to date this season, Everton head up the road to take on Liverpool at Anfield.
Everton v Aston Villa - Premier League
Everton v Aston Villa - Premier League | Michael Regan/GettyImages

Everton hasn't lost since the opening weekend trip to Leeds United, and although the performances haven't always matched the results, the sum of seven points in four Premier League matches feels reasonable.

If we're being honest, Saturday's trip to Anfield is going to be a difficult fixture to continue the run through, not only because Everton have generally struggled there, but because Liverpool have yet to lose in the Premier League this season.

This isn't to say that the Reds cannot be beaten, it's just going to be a tough task for the Toffees. It doesn't help that they'll still likely be without two key members of the back line in Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko, making David Moyes' selection process more of a headache than it will be in future weeks.

Still, Everton's confidence will be high given their recent run of form, but it will be paramount for Moyes to get the team right, even if there aren't many choices.

Everton Starting Lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Jordan Pickford (GK): Nothing to discuss here. It's probable that England's no.1 will be called up for a big save or two if Everton want to stay in the match.

James Garner (LB): Garner has grown into the role, even if he's still limited there. While I'm still pining to see Adam Aznou get a run here, I don't think this is the avenue for that just yet.

James Tarkowski (CB): After a rough start to his season, Tark looks to be back to his old self of late.

Michael Keane (CB): While it will be excellent to have Branthwaite back, Keano has been solid deputizing for him.

Jake O'Brien (RB): Could Seamus Coleman get a run in what is more than likely his final Merseyside derby at Anfield? Maybe, but it's probably not going to be in the starting XI, where Moyes will appreciate the continuity of this group of defenders.

Midfielders

Idrissa Gana Gueye (CDM): No question here. The Senegal international remains a stalwart for Moyes' starting unit.

Tim Iroegbunam (CM): I had a thought to put Merlin Rohl here, but I'm not sure the German has enough experience to get thrown in here. Not like Iroegbunam does, but at least he's been with Everton for a while now.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CM): Everton won't be expecting to see much of the ball, so when it does come, they'll need Dewsbury-Hall ready to ping the ball forward.

Forwards

Jack Grealish (LW): His ability to link up with KDH will be one of the keys to the match if Everton has a mind to get a result. Will need to be deliberate in his movement.

Iliman Ndiaye (RW): Still not his best position, but the Senegal international has shown that he's pretty useful no matter where you put him.

Beto (CF): The moment is maybe too big for Thierno Barry just yet, and Beto's strength will be paramount to bullying Liverpool's center back pairing.

Read More Everton News Here: