Everton have been handed a major injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside Derby, after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Allan are “fit to start”.

Brazil midfielder Allan returns after two months out on the sidelines with a muscular injury sustained against Leicester, whilst England striker Calvert-Lewin will be hoping to add to his 13 Premier League goals after missing the previous two fixtures with a minor knock.

Yerry Mina, however, will face up to four weeks on the sidelines having been substituted against Manchester City. Jean-Phillipe Gbamin remains unavailable for selection.

Meanwhile across the park, Liverpool are again without Fabinho, with Jordan Henderson and new signing Kabak likely to play in central defence. The Reds remain well stocked in midfield and up front although the game is too early for Jota.

Goalkeeper Alisson missed training on Friday leading to suspicious that Caoimhin Kelleher will play in goal. The Irish goalkeeper has impressed when called upon previously.

Our opinion is that it will be interesting to see if Pickford plays, given his erratic displays especially against Liverpool and overall unconvincing form. Although Olsen already has his critics, perhaps his no drama approach may be best suited to a fixture in which Everton crave a win so badly. Although Alisson has been heavily criticised, Evertonians would of course prefer to see Adrian (or Kelleher) in goal.

In terms of Liverpool, Everton must hope they are off the pace in terms of their energy and pressing but display bravery previously unseen in this fixture, especially with Liverpool losing their last three home league games. Predicted lineup – Olsen, Digne, Godfrey, Mina, Holgate, Doucoure, Allan, Davies, James, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin

Comments are closed.