Everton Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool for September 20

This is an Everton predicted lineup for the first Merseyside derby of the campaign. They take on league leaders Liverpool in the early Saturday slot as the Premier League kicks off the weekend with a bang. The Toffees are doing well and look set to make a push for Europe as David Moyes works his magic to make them a defensively solid unit with the ability to attack with pace and physicality. Let’s take a look at how they could line up against their biggest rivals.

Everton Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool for Premier League Tie

How Everton Have Lined Up Recently

Jordan Pickford is the go-to option in goal. The ideal back line has shifted a bit with injuries but Michael Keane and James Tarkowski have been the reliable centre-back options in the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite. Jake O’Brien has comfortably made the right-back position his own. The problem comes on the left side where Vitalii Mykolenko’s fitness has seen him come in and out with James Garner forced to deputise in his absence.

Garner’s preferred use is in the defensive midfield pivot alongside Idrissa Gueye. With him needed in the back line, it has made the pivot of Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam the most likely pairing so far this season. Summer signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been the central attacking midfielder of choice with Jack Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye, and Carlos Alcaraz operating as the wingers.

Up front there’s a bit of a tussle for the main spot with Beto starting most matches but Thierno Barry breathing down his neck. Regardless of who starts they are almost like-for-like switches that allow Moyes to keep a physical striker on the pitch at all times.

Everton Recent Form & Tactics

The team sets up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, nothing too insane but a useful setup nevertheless. The defensive midfield pivot is a defensive-minded duo who shield the physical centre-back pairing. The squad does press but it’s not a hardcore press, moreso focused on interceptions and cutting off lanes than going man to man, this does allow them to win the ball back and counter more often instead of sitting back and kicking long for aerial duels on every play.

An opening day loss to Leeds provided a spark that has seen the Toffees go unbeaten since then, they picked up wins over Mansfield, Wolves, and Brighton before nabbing a draw with Aston Villa. They arguably should’ve beaten the Villans but their attacking output occasionally lacks the cutting edge as evidenced there. Three clean sheets in five is a positive sign that even with a star defender out, they’re playing well and keeping a good line.

Everton Injuries to Consider

According to PremierInjuries there are two absences for this one. The aforementioned Branthwaite remains sidelined while Mykolenko’s status is more murky. The full-back is making progress but likely won’t be risked for such a physical match.

Everton Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool

GK – Jordan Pickford

LB – James Garner

CB – James Tarkowski

CB – Michael Keane

RB – Jake O’Brien

DM – Time Iroegbunam

DM – Idrissa Gueye

AM – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

W – Jack Grealish

W – Illiman Ndiaye

ST – Beto