The Merseyside Derby is always a spectacle, but this weekend's clash carries extra weight for Liverpool. Coming off a tough European defeat to PSG, manager Arne Slot faces a series of enforced changes that will test his squad's depth and resilience. The biggest news is a devastating blow: Hugo Ekitike is ruled out for the season with a ruptured Achilles, forcing a major reshuffle in the attacking line.

Stepping into that void is a legend facing a poignant farewell. Mohamed Salah is expected to start, potentially for his final Merseyside derby in a Liverpool shirt. After a substitute appearance in midweek, Salah returns to the right flank with the spotlight firmly on him, carrying the hopes of the Kop in one of football's most intense rivalries.

The injury concerns don't stop there. Alexander Isak, while back in training, is not yet ready for a full 90 minutes, hinting at a likely role from the bench. At the back, Joe Gomez's absence paves the way for Jeremie Frimpong to slot in at right-back, a role demanding both defensive solidity and attacking verve in a game decided by fine margins.

Between the posts, the Reds will once again be without Alisson Becker, handing Giorgi Mamardashvili a baptism of fire in his first taste of this ferocious local showdown. His composure will be tested from the first whistle.

With these pieces in play, Slot's predicted lineup is a blend of necessity and tactical adjustment. It's a side built to weather Everton's physical challenge while seeking to exploit the spaces Salah and his teammates can create. The stage is set for a classic derby defined by passion, pressure, and a potential parting gift from a modern icon.