ANOTHER international week is done, and another early kick-off match awaits Liverpool.
The fixtures have not been kind to the Reds as the match against Everton this weekend will be the second early kick-off this season following an international break.
Liverpool’s Gakpo is in a race against time to be fit. — Reuters
A third one, against league champions Manchester City, has also been scheduled for later next month.
In the first one during the 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in September, Liverpool had been woeful in the first half, conceding first to a Hwang Hee-chan goal before coming alive in the second half.
Alexis Mac Allister, who started the match a few days after playing for Argentina, had a forgettable performance and was hauled off at half-time.
With South American players like Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mac Allister having flown back late to Liverpool in midweek, Jurgen Klopp will undoubtedly be concerned about risking any injuries while ensuring he still has the tools to take on the Blues.
With Cody Gakpo in a race against time to be fit following his knee injury suffered against Tottenham, Klopp may be forced to play Diaz and Nunez.
Diogo Jota, who has served his one-match suspension, could also be called on to play on the left side in the middle of the front three.
Ryan Gravenberch, who was not involved in any international duties with the Netherlands, could get the nod to play in the middle of the pack.
Meanwhile, at the back, with Andrew Robertson suffering a shoulder injury with Scotland, Kostas Tsimikas could take his place at left back.
As for Everton, Sean Dyche will have a full squad to choose from, with only Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli and Andre Gomes unavailable.
Dyche will most likely start Dominic Calvert-Lewin up at the top of the line, with Abdoulaye Doucoure just behind him and Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye, Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil making up the midfield quartet.
The Blues, in 16th spot, are still struggling for consistency with their performances, winning one game before losing the next one.
Against a team that they do not have a good head-to-head record with, the Toffees will hopefully be able to capitalise on the Reds’ recent slow starts to matches, to deal a blow to the latter’s top-finishing ambition.
It is also possible for Dyche to set up a low-block formation to frustrate Liverpool while waiting to launch a counter attack.
The Reds, meanwhile, in fourth place with 17 points, need to start racking up wins to keep pace with the teams above them.
If they manage to overcome any slow start and pick up speed, they should end the match with all the points.
