Liverpool Starting XI vs Everton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Everton: Injury Woes and Selection Dilemmas Ahead of the Merseyside Derby

As the Merseyside Derby looms on the horizon, Liverpool find themselves navigating a complex web of injuries and rotation decisions under new manager Arne Slot. With the clash against Everton set for 8pm on Wednesday, April 2nd at Anfield, the Reds face questions both in terms of personnel and momentum following a series of disjointed displays.

Selection Shaped by Absentees

Liverpool’s defensive options have been particularly hard hit. Trent Alexander-Arnold, reportedly close to finalising a move to Real Madrid, remains sidelined and out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. While he is targeting a return later this month, his Merseyside Derby involvement is non-existent.

Photo: IMAGO

Conor Bradley is also ruled out, still recovering from a hamstring issue despite signs of progress. Joe Gomez, similarly absent through injury, has resumed light running but is not yet in contention. This leaves Arne Slot likely turning to Jarell Quansah once more at right-back – a role the young defender filled in the Carabao Cup final.

Quansah’s versatility offers short-term cover, but Liverpool’s lack of natural full-backs available on the right could pose problems, especially against an Everton side expected to play with width and intensity.

Midfield and Attack Options in Flux

In midfield, Slot has more flexibility – albeit with questions around form and sharpness. Harvey Elliott is in contention after recovering from a knock sustained at Wembley, and his involvement in the late goal alongside Federico Chiesa against Newcastle may have earned him another look.

Chiesa, too, has been a spark in an otherwise lethargic frontline and is one of the players fans are eager to see more of.

Photo: IMAGO

Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo are also pushing for starts in midfield, with the former likely to be eased back into action after a spell on the sidelines. Tyler Morton returned to training this week but remains unlikely to feature.

Up front, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez offer alternative attacking options. With rotation likely amid Liverpool’s congested schedule and recent performances crying out for fresh impetus, both could be considered to start. The forward line will almost certainly include Mohamed Salah, with Luis Díaz and Dominik Szoboszlai also expected to retain their places.

Injury Summary and Predicted Line-up

Liverpool remain without three defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Bradley and Gomez. The injury situation continues to test Slot’s squad depth and his ability to adapt tactically in high-stakes matches.

Predicted Liverpool XI vs Everton: Alisson; Quansah, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Díaz, Gakpo

Photo: IMAGO

Eyes on Anfield and Beyond

Slot has downplayed “outside noise” in recent weeks, focusing instead on internal development and performance. But he’ll know that form against Everton can’t be taken lightly – not just for points, but for pride. Liverpool’s ambitions, from securing the Premier League title to restoring local supremacy, depend on consistency, and the Merseyside Derby is no place for hesitation.

Kick-off is at 8pm BST on Wednesday at Anfield, with live coverage available on Sky Sports.