With Liverpool’s ever-changing nature of their first choice keeper, Joel Robles of Everton gets the nod in between the sticks. The Spaniard replaced Maarten Stekelenburg during the reverse fixture, and since then has kept nine clean sheets in his 13 starts. Conceding just ten goals in these 13 games, Robles stands out in a list weakened by the frailties of the red half of Merseyside.
Seamus Coleman has been arguably one of Everton’s players of the season and will be sorely missed at right-back due to his season-ending injury from international duty with Ireland. Ashley Williams and Dejan Lovren fill the centre back spots, with the latter impressing on numerous occasions for the Reds. The former meanwhile has played every minute of every league game this season, apart from missing the first two through injury, while also scoring a vital goal in the 2-1 home victory over Arsenal. James Milner occupies his unfamiliar left-back role, with seven goals and three assists in an inspiring campaign.
In a Liverpool-dominated midfield, Georginio Wijnaldum has driven his side to a fourth place spot as the season reaches its climax, with crucial goals against Chelsea, Man City and Burnley, and is beginning to show his evident potential. Adam Lallana occupies a role out wide, with the England attacker shining in a Liverpool shirt this season, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in an impressive individual season.
Sadio Mane, possibly Liverpool’s player of the season, finds himself on the right of this midfield four, with 12 goals and five assists in a stand-out season, while also providing the solo goal in the return fixture back in December.
Ross Barkley is Everton’s only representative in this midfield, with a significant nine assists for his teammates in Blue, while also adding a few goals to round off a sharper edge to his game.
Romelu Lukaku leads the front line, with the Belgian scoring a remarkable 21 league goals this season, and will undoubtedly be searching for more in this feisty encounter. The young forward has emphasised his wish to move to a bigger club, but until then he will certainly be looking to add to his total as the season draws to a close.
His front-partner has often played a lesser role in many games this season but has constantly stepped up to the plate when required. Roberto Firmino has found the back of the net with ease on numerous occasions, while also proving his quality in the build up to many spectacular team goals for Liverpool this season.
