Merseyside Derby team news and XI calls as Isak fitness dominates the chatter

Clear the Saturday morning schedule; the first Merseyside Derby of the season has arrived. Liverpool sit pretty at the summit after four wins from four, and while Everton have started brightly themselves, Anfield has been a graveyard for their ambitions for most of this century. Add David Moyes back in the away dugout for the first time since his Everton return, and Arne Slot taking charge of his second home derby, and you’ve got spice before a ball is kicked.

Liverpool team news and the Isak call

Slot’s treatment room is mercifully quiet. Alexis Mac Allister shook off that Burnley knock and featured against Atletico Madrid, while Jeremie Frimpong is match-ready after a Champions League start. Curtis Jones missed the European tie but, by Slot’s own admission, is “back in the fray” and should be in the squad.

The big talking point is up top. Alexander Isak started in midweek but felt the effects after the hour, and with an early kick-off compressing recovery, Slot will be careful with his minutes. He’s talked about sticking to a 4-3-3 but keeping the option to finish with two No 9s. Hugo Ekitike can operate off the flank if needed, which gives Liverpool the flexibility to tweak late on.

Everton team news

Across Stanley Park, Moyes is sweating on Vitalii Mykolenko after the Ukrainian picked up an issue on international duty. Jarrad Branthwaite hasn’t kicked a ball yet this season and isn’t expected back until the end of the month. Moyes praised Michael Keane’s recent form and hinted that a couple of minor knocks elsewhere will be checked late. If Mykolenko doesn’t make it, James Garner could continue at left-back, with promising midfielder Merlin Rohl in line for a full Premier League debut after impressing off the bench at Villa.

Manager hints and schedule squeeze

Slot has been open about the schedule: three games in six days is no picnic, and he’s adjusted the routine to squeeze in extra recovery and sleep before this early start. Expect a pragmatic bench too — if Ekitike gets the nod, Liverpool could still call upon a high-wage cavalry of Isak, Frimpong and Federico Chiesa should the game require fresh legs and pace.

Predicted XIs

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Ekitike, Luis Diaz. Bench options: Isak, Frimpong, Chiesa, plus Jones if fully cleared.

Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner; Onana, Gueye; McNeil, Doucoure, Rohl; Calvert-Lewin. Likely subs include the experienced Seamus Coleman and Thierno Barry.

Tactical take

Liverpool will fancy the wide match-ups, with Salah drifting into that channel between left-back and centre-half. If Garner deputises at left-back, Patterson’s side will need to stay compact to avoid being stretched by Diaz’s direct running. For Everton, quick counters through Doucoure’s third-man runs are their best route to troubling Van Dijk and Konate. Set pieces remain a leveller — Tarkowski and Keane will target that near-post zone.

Isak update: minutes management

Don’t be shocked if Isak starts on the bench and gets a controlled stint in the second half. Slot clearly likes the balance Ekitike gives the press from the front, and with Isak still building rhythm, saving his legs for the final half-hour could be the sensible play.

Verdict

Form and depth point to Liverpool. Everton’s best chance is to keep it attritional, slow the tempo, and pounce from restarts. If Liverpool score early, though, the derby could tilt quickly towards the Kop.

Thinking of a flutter on the derby? Check our best betting sites guide before you have a punt — and remember, the form book doesn’t always survive Merseyside.