Kerkez, Mac Allister and Ekitike return for Merseyside Derby: Predicted Liverpool XI vs Everton

Liverpool get matchday five of the Premier League underway with the 12:30 kick-off tomorrow against Everton in the first Merseyside Derby of 2025/26, as they look to continue their positive start to the season.

The Reds are on a five-match winning streak having won all their outings in the league, while also getting their Champions League campaign up and running with a 3-2 success over Atletico Madrid midweek.

Here is a look at the possible line-up Arne Slot is likely to deploy as he looks to add more points on the board.

Goalkeeper – Alisson Becker has kept just two clean-sheets so far in the season but is expected to continue as the number one for Liverpool tomorrow.

Defenders – Andy Robertson played at left back against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday but could drop to the bench this time around with Milos Kerkez potentially replacing him. Jeremie Frimpong, meanwhile, could make his second straight start after fully recovering from his injury.

Virgil van Dijk, the match-winner in the Champions League game, is expected to continue in defence and captain the side, while Ibrahima Konate could cap off a backline with just one change.

Mac Allister in midfield, Ekitike preferred over Isak

Midfielders – Alexis Mac Allister is expected to return to the team after playing only 30 minutes off the bench against Atletico Madrid. He could replace Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been one of Liverpool’s most used players this season, and could do with a rest. Ryan Gravenberch might partner the Argentine international in the double pivot.

Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz might play his first Merseyside Derby as the number 10. Mohamed Salah could start on the right flank looking to continue his fantastic record versus Everton, while Cody Gakpo might also retain his place on the left wing.

Forward – £69 million summer signing Hugo Ekitike might replace Alexander Isak in the line-up as the team’s number nine. Arne Slot admitted the Swede isn’t fully match-fit yet to play three games per week, so his involvement might be limited to coming off the bench.

Here is how the Reds might look on paper.