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Liverpool can finally avenge their latest result 13 days later, but Jurgen Klopp faces a number of key decisions for Saturday, some of which are out of his hands.
The Reds have been forced to worry about the events of the last outing for almost two weeks, and the international hiatus ensures that no immediate response can be given after the nightmare at Villa Park.
After three consecutive victories to start the Premier League season, few could anticipate what would happen before Klopp’s men took off around the world.
First, Sadio Mane would test positive for coronavirus, Alisson would suffer a cruel injury and then, for the first time since 1963, Liverpool would concede seven goals in a single game.
Fundamentally, Liverpool now have a chance to bounce back and return to their terrifying prime.
This is an undefeated Everton brimming with confidence, yet it presents a different set of circumstances in what is the 238 Merseyside derby.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are the only team to have accumulated a full complement of points to start the season, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the way at the top with six goals from four games.
With just a clean sheet in the league, a weakness is there to exploit – it’s just a question of whether Liverpool can restore normal order with limited time to prepare before taking a trip to a field that has returned very few goals. in the last meetings.
With much to consider against Everton, here are three key areas that require a solution from the men in red for their fifth league outing of the 2020/21 season:
Brazilian availability
The first comes in the form of Liverpool’s Brazilian duo Roberto Firmino and Fabinho, who traveled to South America for the international break.
They were expected to be one of the last to return to Melwood, where subsequent results of their COVID-19 tests would not be known until hours before the 12:30 p.m. start.
However, the duo participated in training on Thursday, suggesting that a negative test result has already been returned, which has a positive effect on the way the Reds face Everton.
But it should never have been a concern in the first place had it not been for a ridiculous international rift during a global pandemic.
Before his goal and assist for Brazil, there had been widespread discussion about Firmino’s drop in production and if an omission occurred after 140 more minutes of action, Takumi Minamino could be drafted into the starting lineup and with a possible change in the formations to a 4. -2-3-1.
With the absence of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gini Wijnaldum could fill the position of attacking midfielder that he regularly repeats for the Netherlands.
The Reds could handle the loss of their No. 9 if necessary given the bigger picture.
Fabinho, on the other hand, was unable to play a single minute in what would have been music to Klopp’s ears as form and injury have seen him required as a central defender and Jordan Henderson has just returned to action.
His presence could pave the way for Thiago to start at his side for the first time should he not be required in the heart of the defense after the return of a 6’4 ”central defender.
A timely return?
The player in question is, of course, Joel Matip.
The 29-year-old has consistently been given the score for a comeback after the October international break after a mysterious injury following the opening day clash against Leeds.
His absence has forced Virgil van Dijk to play every game to date, Fabinho to rotate and has given Rhys Williams a chance to debut.
But now, with seven games in 21 days, Matip’s return would provide a timely boost for Liverpool.
With Joe Gomez traversing the extreme peak and valleys, his presence gives Klopp the opportunity to balance his ranks with greater efficiency in both form and fatigue.
While he’s unlikely to start at Goodison Park as he continues to work his way to match fitness, a spot on the team of the day at least ensures a central defender is an option off the bench after running out. one recognized during the last three league games.
Goodison Park scoring drought
In the last six games between Liverpool and Everton at Goodison Park dating back to 2015 only three combined goals have been scored and four have ended in goalless draws, including the last three meetings.
Danny Ings ‘goal in the last game of Brendan Rodgers’ tutelage and Sadio Mane’s goal in 90 + 4 minutes in Jurgen Klopp’s first visit are Liverpool’s only efforts to find the net in those games.
With just a clean sheet for every team in the Premier League so far, I’d suggest there is unlikely to be a deadlock on the cards this time around.
Mane’s return after a period of self-isolation certainly increases Liverpool’s chances, as does Thiago’s expected output of creative ingenuity in the middle of the park, which could also provide room for the wings if Everton focus their energy on stop No. 6.
In the last 17 league games, Liverpool have been scoreless only twice, against Man City and Everton, and after the events of their last outing they should be intent on unleashing their own vicious response.
