Arne Slot has named his Liverpool side for Sunday afternoon’s Merseyside derby against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the Dutchman making four changes from his previous selection as he looks to continue the Reds’ push in a high-stakes period of the season.
The headline news from the teamsheet is the return of Mohamed Salah to the starting eleven. The Egyptian King, so often the man who defines the big occasions at Liverpool, slots back into the attack and will immediately be the focal point of Everton’s defensive attention. His presence alone changes the dynamic of any match, and Everton‘s backline will have spent the week devising a plan to contain him though history suggests that is easier said than done in a Merseyside derby.
Joining Salah in a revamped forward line is Cody Gakpo, who comes in after being left out of the previous fixture. The Dutchman has shown a real knack for arriving in the right place at the right time this season, and his ability to operate across the front line gives Slot tactical flexibility. Gakpo is also a player who seems to grow into the biggest occasions, and there are few bigger in English football than this one.
Curtis Jones completes the attacking changes, and his inclusion adds a different texture to Liverpool’s midfield. The Scouser from Toxteth needs no extra motivation for a Merseyside derby this fixture has a particular resonance for him and he will be desperate to impose himself on proceedings from the first whistle. Jones has matured considerably this season, developing into a player capable of controlling tempo and making late runs into the box. Everton will need to track him carefully.
Andy Robertson also comes back in, reclaiming his place at left back. The Scottish international is one of Liverpool’s most experienced and reliable performers in high-pressure situations, and his energy going forward will complement the attacking intent in the wide areas.
The four changes are enforced and rotational in equal measure. Hugo Ekitike misses out through injury, which is a blow for the young forward who has been making a real impression. His absence means Slot must reconfigure, and the manager has responded with experienced heads rather than reaching into his squad for cover.
Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister drop to the bench but are far from out of the picture. Mac Allister in particular could be a crucial weapon if the game opens up in the second half his range of passing and ability to dictate possession make him exactly the kind of player you want at your disposal when a match needs changing.
The Full Picture
The Liverpool starting eleven reads: Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal behind a back four of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Florian Wirtz and Andy Robertson. The midfield is built around Ryan Gravenberch with Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones operating ahead of him. Up top, Alexander Isak leads the line with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo providing the width and creativity on either side.
It is a team packed with quality from one to eleven. Mamardashvili has grown into his role as first-choice goalkeeper impressively, commanding his area with confidence and producing crucial saves at key moments this season. His distribution has also been a significant part of how Liverpool build from the back.
Van Dijk and Konaté at the heart of the defence represent one of the most formidable central partnerships in the division. Van Dijk’s reading of the game and aerial dominance combined with Konaté’s raw athleticism and aggressive pressing makes them an enormously difficult pairing to play against. In a derby, where long balls and set-pieces are inevitable weapons, having these two at the back provides real assurance.
Wirtz, operating in a deeper creative role, has been one of the talking points of Liverpool’s season. The German international has brought a level of technical brilliance and positional intelligence that has given Slot’s system a new dimension. His ability to receive the ball in tight spaces and pick the right pass keeps Liverpool ticking at their best.
In midfield, Gravenberch is the engine the player who gives the unit its structure and work rate while Szoboszlai’s tireless running and goal threat from distance add another layer of danger. The Hungarian has shown repeatedly that he is a player built for the big occasion, and a Merseyside derby is exactly the kind of game where his intensity can be the difference.
And then there is the front three. Isak leading the line brings relentless movement and a finishing quality that is as good as anything in the Premier League when he is at his best. Salah remains simply one of the greatest players in the history of this club, a player who continues to defy expectations and deliver in the moments that matter most. And Gakpo, as already noted, adds pace, directness and goals from wide areas.
A Bench Full of Threat
What makes Liverpool’s position even more comfortable is the quality available from the substitutes’ bench. Goalkeeper Woodman provides experienced backup, while Pecsi offers another option between the sticks. Kerkez can come on and add fresh legs at left back if Robertson fades; Mac Allister is always a threat in the second half when space begins to open up; Federico Chiesa brings creativity and unpredictability on the wing; Frimpong adds pace and energy on the right; and the young talents of Nyoni and Ngumoha offer Slot the option of genuine pace and flair if the game demands it.
It is a squad depth that reflects Liverpool’s ambitions this season and signals just how seriously this club is being built for sustained competition.
The Derby Awaits
The Merseyside derby never needs extra context to feel important, but given the point in the season and what is at stake for both clubs, this one carries additional edge. For Liverpool, it is a chance to maintain momentum and send a statement. For Everton, it is always about pride, passion and the chance to ruin their neighbours’ afternoon.
Kick-off at Hill Dickinson Stadium is at 18:30. The city of Liverpool holds its breath and then the fun begins.
🔴Find the Latest News on Player Ratings | Transfers | Prematch | Postmatch
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com