Everton predicted XI vs Liverpool: David Moyes axes Dwight McNeil
Everton are preparing to welcome Liverpool to Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first derby at their new stomping ground.
After an extended break as a result of international and FA Cup fixtures, the Toffees returned to action in West London last week, playing out a 2-2 draw with Brentford.
David Moyes’ side would have to come back twice, with Beto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall levelling the scores across both halves.
That result against a direct rival in the league keeps their European ambitions intact, before they welcome a Liverpool side licking their wounds from their own continental exit.
Arne Slot’s side were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday, with a 4-0 aggregate loss setting them up for what is set to be a fiery derby on Sunday.
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Tyrique George to provide substitute spark after stunning Brentford performance
One of the biggest decisions this weekend revolves around Tyrique George, who had a sensational impact from the bench last time out.
The young winger arrived on loan from Chelsea in January, slowly working his way into the side throughout his short stint, before his showing against Brentford quickly won supporters over.
| Tyrique George vs Brentford | Statistic |
| Minutes | 16 |
| Touches (in opposition box) | 12 (4) |
| Crosses completed | 1/2 (50%) |
| Shots on target | 1/2 (50%) |
| Pass accuracy | 83% |
| Defensive contributions | 2 |
Despite facing restricted minutes during his time on Merseyside, George has proven that he is a serious talent and an unpredictable livewire.
After his sensational performance last time out, the youngster will have most certainly left Moyes with something to think about.
As a result of this, he may well just find himself starting his first derby at the club, and it would be hard to argue that it is not deserved to the detriment of Dwight McNeil, who faces being axed to the bench.
With Iliman Ndiaye on the opposite flank, the Toffees are given options to rotate, with both players comfortable operating on either side – something that could cause the vulnerable fullback pair of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez huge problems.
Elsewhere, it will likely be more of the same for Moyes, as it has been for the majority of the campaign.
Last time out in West London, Jarrad Branthwaite finally made his first start in months, after battling through injury woes for large parts of the season. He will be a guaranteed starter on Sunday.
In terms of long-term absentees, Jack Grealish and Charly Alcaraz remain the only pair in this category as the Blues eye a European finish.
European ambitions put to the test in Merseyside derby
Sunday’s fixture will be one of the biggest tests of the season for the Toffees.
After an extended period fighting at the wrong end of the Premier League, Everton are finally back where they want to be – fighting for continental football.
It has been an extremely positive season, after fans would have snapped your hand off for a simple mid-table finish at the start of it, but they cannot pass up on this opportunity now they have found themselves in touching distance.
As Everton face their nearest and dearest, their mettle will seriously be tested, while their European ambitions will be put on the rack as fans find out just how strong their chances are.
Fans on the other side are already looking to paint the Toffees as favourites after what has been a dismal year for Liverpool.
And while that is a testament to just how well Moyes and his side have done this term, Sunday will be a big test that could define the remaining weeks of the season.
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