Everton vs Liverpool team news and predicted line-ups: Jota out but Salah to return for Klopp’s final Merseyside derby

Everton have the chance to destroy Liverpool’s Premier League title dreams in Jurgen Klopp’s latest derby on Merseyside this week.

The arch rivals are desperate for points at opposite ends of the table, but come into this match buoyed by crucial weekend wins.

Everton allayed their relegation fears by moving five points clear of the drop after a controversial 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

And Liverpool bounced back from their Europa League exit with a hard-fought 3-1 away win over Fulham.

The Reds remain only below Arsenal on goal difference at the top of the table, and both teams need to put pressure on Manchester City – who can reclaim top spot if they win their game in hand.

Everton

Sean Dyche persisted with the same back five led by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for much of the season.

Ashley Young was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Anfield in the reverse fixture and continued to struggle at right-back.

The 38-year-old was at the center of the drama against Forest after being involved in all three of the visitors’ potential penalty incidents.

Young should retain his place in defense against Ben Godfrey, with James Tarkowski alongside Jarrad Branthwaite in the middle.

Goalscorer Idrissa Gana Gueye will assume midfield duties, but Amadou Onana’s extra physicality could allow him to be recalled.

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The Belgian started against Liverpool in October and is more present than André Gomes alongside Abdoulaye Doucouré.

Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil are Dyche’s preferred options on the wing, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin almost certain to lead the line.

The hosts are expected to be without Beto after the striker was knocked unconscious during the Toffees’ win over Forest.

Beto was released from hospital following a sickening clash with Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, but concussion protocols will surely see him missed here.

Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson remain on the sidelines alongside long-term absentees Dele Alli and Lewis Dobbin.

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Liverpool

Klopp caused a surprise by dropping talisman Mohamed Salah against Fulham after a dip in form since returning from injury.

Since returning from a recurrence of a muscle problem in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City last month, Salah has struggled.

In his last six Premier League outings, the Egyptian has scored just two goals (including one from the penalty spot) and has not registered a single assist.

However, his recent record in the Merseyside derby suggests it is likely he will be back in the starting XI on Wednesday.

Salah has been directly involved in six goals in his last five Premier League matches against Everton, scoring five and assisting one.

He scored a brace in the reverse fixture in October – the last player to score more than 2 goals in both Merseyside derbies during a Championship campaign was Dixie Dean in 1932-33, while the last for Liverpool was Dick Forshaw in 1925-26.

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Luis Diaz will return on the opposite flank with Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo vying to get the nod to lead the attack.

One man who will not be honored will be Diogo Jota, after Klopp confirmed the Portuguese picked up a minor injury against Fulham.

Salah will not be the only Liverpool recall among the players rested against Fulham, with four other stars in contention for returns.

Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be deployed as Liverpool’s No.6 with Dominik Szoboszlai and local boy Curtis Jones ahead of him.

Ibrahima Konate will receive the nod from partner captain Virgil van Dijk, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson on the outside.

Conor Bradley is the latest concern in Liverpool’s treatment room, alongside long-term absentees Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara.

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Everton vs Liverpool: talkSPORT coverage

This Premier League clash will take place on Wednesday April 24.

Kick-off at Goodison Park is scheduled for 8 p.m.

talkSPORT will provide live, EXCLUSIVE coverage of the Merseyside derby, presented by Adrian Durham.

The comment comes from Sam Matterface and former England defender Stuart Pearce.