Alexander Isak will start for Liverpool in place of the injured Hugo Ekitike in today’s Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, a decision that pits a player not yet ready for 90 minutes against an Everton side pushing hard for European qualification.
Everton sit tenth in the Premier League, just one point behind Chelsea in sixth, with a game in hand, giving David Moyes rare cause to speak openly about continental ambitions. “This is a great position that Everton are in,” Moyes told Sky Sports. “We’ve not been in this position for a long time. Why would we not talk it up?”
Liverpool, meanwhile, have made four changes to their lineup, bringing in Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah to replace the injured Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister. Giorgi Mamardashvili retains his place in goal, with Dominik Szoboszlai expected to fill in at right-back again, though Curtis Jones remains an option there.
Everton’s side remains largely as anticipated, with Beto leading the line and Dwight McNeil, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye providing the creative thrust behind him. The Toffees will line up: Pickford. O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.
Liverpool’s confirmed XI is: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak. Subs: Woodman, Pecsi, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ngumoha.
The atmosphere around the stadium is already building, with fans flooding the streets ahead of what promises to be a cracking derby. The first Merseyside clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium has added significance, not just for local pride but for the contrasting trajectories of the two sides.
One of the key battles could unfold in midfield, where Everton’s James Garner faces Liverpool’s Dominic Szoboszlai. Garner averages 1.4 key passes per game, while Szoboszlai ranks third in the league with 2.0. Both are known for their engine and passing range, making this a pivotal area for Liverpool to establish control.
For Everton, the derby represents more than just a local rivalry; We see a chance to cement their push for Europe. Moyes’ willingness to discuss European hopes openly reflects a shift in tone at Goodison Park, where such talk has been scarce in recent seasons.
For Liverpool, the absence of Ekitike — ruled out long-term with an Achilles injury — forces Arne Slot into a tactical gamble. Starting Isak, who is not yet match-fit for a full game, risks leaving the side short late on, but leaving him out would mean sacrificing a potential game-changer off the bench.
Why is Alexander Isak starting instead of Cody Gakpo?
Arne Slot has opted to start Alexander Isak in place of the injured Hugo Ekitike, despite concerns over his fitness for 90 minutes, likely to preserve Cody Gakpo as an impact substitute later in the game.
What are Everton’s European hopes based on?
Everton are tenth in the Premier League, just one point behind sixth-placed Chelsea, with a game in hand, giving them a realistic chance to qualify for Europe if they maintain form and win games in hand.
