Liverpool will face Merseyside rivals Everton in the third round of the FA Cup at Anfield on Sunday.
The European champions will welcome a familiar face in the form of Carlo Ancelotti who is the only manager to get the better of Jurgen Klopp this season following Napoli’s 2-0 victory in the Champions League group stages.
Following 10 matches in the space of a month, Klopp will be expected to make wholesale changes to the team that beat Sheffield United 2-0 on Thursday.
This is RTK’s predicted line-up to face Everton:
Goalkeeper: Adrian
The Spaniard has proven an adequate back-up to Alisson Becker and deserves some game-time in the domestic cup competitions following some early-season heroics that included the UEFA Super Cup triumph.
Right-back: Neco Williams
The Welshman was outstanding when called upon against Arsenal. He will prove adequate cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold who is surely due an evening off.
Centre-back: Nat Phillips
The Liverpool centre-back was called back for his loan spell with Stuttgart for a reason, he will be needed as cover for cup competitions such as this.
Centre-back: Ki-Jana Hoever
The Dutch centre-back is usually deployed as a right-back under Klopp but his best position is suited centrally. An inexperienced pairing perhaps but a leap of faith from the German manager could be rewarded with an inspired partnership.
Left-back: Yasser Larouci
The Frenchman has been patiently waiting for his opportunity and even Andy Robertson needs the occasional evening off.
Centre-midfield: James Milner
Milner’s experience will be vital in what is likely to be an inexperienced side come Sunday. The vice-captain filled in for the injured Naby Keita against Sheffield United on Thursday and will be called upon again.
Centre-midfield: Adam Lallana
Another whose experience could prove vital against Ancelotti’s Blues. The Englishman is still a reliable performer and could benefit from another vital goal in a big game similarly to his late strike at Old Trafford.
Centre-midfield: Curtis Jones
One of Liverpool’s brightest academy prospects. The Liverpool U23’s skipper has been sensational in the Reds’ two Carabao Cup triumphs against MK Dons and Arsenal and deserves to be entrusted for another big occasion.
Right-wing: Harvey Elliott
The 16-year-old made his Premier League debut for Liverpool on Thursday and will likely make his fourth competitive start for the European champions.
Left-wing: Takumi Minamino
The man everyone has been talking about. Liverpool’s January signing will be desperate to showcase his talent against the club’s fiercest rivals. Could we be about to see another Van Dijk moment against Everton?
Striker: Divock Origi
The Belgian just loves tormenting Liverpool’s noisy neighbours across Stanley Park. With three goals in his last two Anfield encounters against the Blues, Origi will surely be unleashed once again.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
