Introduction

As excitement builds for the highly anticipated Merseyside derby, Liverpool's title challenge resumes at Anfield this Wednesday at 8pm BST. The clash against Everton promises to be another intense chapter in this historic rivalry, and both teams are monitoring their squads closely ahead of the match.

Liverpool Team Updates

Liverpool's head coach, Arne Slot, shared some updates during a pre-match press conference on Tuesday. He stated, "Ryan is OK, although we still need to train one more time before the match, but he should be fine." Notably, goalkeeper Alisson Becker returned early from international duty after sustaining a collision in Brazil’s recent game against Colombia. The fitness of other players remains uncertain, prompting Slot to stress the importance of making informed decisions regarding player availability.

"Conor is back in training, but we have to consider whether he should start or if it’s better for him to come off the bench," Slot commented. He also confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold would miss the match due to an injury sustained during Liverpool’s Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.

Key injuries for the Reds include Joe Gomez and young player Bradley, who has been sidelined since February due to a muscle issue. With Everton's visit, Slot will hope to have the best possible squad at his disposal.

Everton Team Insights

On the other side of the pitch, Everton manager David Moyes provided insights into his roster ahead of the derby. While Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a significant concern due to a lingering injury, Moyes expressed optimism about the potential return of players like Dwight McNeil and Vitalii Mykolenko. “Ili is a little further along than Dwight right now, but it’s encouraging to see them both back in training,” said Moyes.

Calvert-Lewin, however, is still behind in his recovery, and Moyes admitted he doesn't have a specific return date. The manager stated, “He’s back on the grass, which is encouraging, but we still have a ways to go.” Meanwhile, Orel Mangala is confirmed as a long-term absentee for Everton.

Recent Form and Expectations

Both teams are coming off mixed results in their most recent games: Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, while Everton managed a 1-1 draw against West Ham United. With the stakes high in this derby match, fans can expect a fierce battle for three vital points.

Conclusion

As the teams prepare to take the pitch, the Merseyside derby promises drama, excitement, and the relentless pursuit of glory! Will Liverpool continue their title charge, or can Everton pull off a stunning upset? Stay tuned as the action unfolds!