Another defender out for Liverpool ahead of Allardyce's first Merseyside derby

 

Liverpool will be without two first choice defenders for the visit of Everton in Sunday’s Merseyside derby as Alberto Moreno has joined Joel Matip on the sidelines for the Reds.

The Spaniard sustained an ankle injury in the 7-0 win over Spartak Moscow in midweek and will likely be replaced by James Milner at the weekend.

Elsewhere captain Jordan Henderson will hope to return to the fold having sat out on Wednesday, while Jurgen Klopp must decide between the 3-5-2 formation utilised at Brighton and the more traditional 4-4-2 he deployed against the Russian champions.

Having scored 12 goals across said games both systems clearly have their merits and Everton will no doubt be wary of another attacking masterclass from their local rivals.

Klopp has masterminded three wins from three in Merseyside derbies since his appointment, with Liverpool scoring nine goals across their last two meetings with the Toffees at Anfield.

 

 

Sunday, meanwhile, will be Sam Allardyce’s first taste of this rivalry, with the visitors still missing a number of first team stars.

Seamus Coleman, Ramiro Funes Mori, Leighton Baines, James McCarthy, Ross Barkley and Yannick Bolasie will all miss the trip to Anfield, with Allardyce likely to name an unchanged XI from his first match at the helm - a 2-0 win over Huddersfield.

The former England boss has frustrated his German counterpart in the past on Merseyside, winning with Palace last season and earning a point when manager of Sunderland the season previous.

Watch the above video for all of the top tips and odds for Sunday’s game and visit our full match preview for our predicted line-ups and scoreline.

Another defender out for Liverpool ahead of Allardyce's first Merseyside derby