View: Dyche Set to Drop Key Player from Wolves Win, Two Changes – Everton’s Predicted XI vs Liverpool

The 39-year-old played a pivotal role in Everton’s 4-0 victory over Wolves at Goodison Park on Wednesday (4 December), helping the Toffees secure a crucial three points.

However, despite his excellent performance, the veteran should be dropped for the upcoming Merseyside derby.

He has struggled with the pace of Liverpool’s Luis Diaz in the past, and with history showing that he was sent off at Anfield last season (21 October 2023) for two yellow cards after just 37 minutes, Everton cannot afford to risk a repeat of that scenario.

Jordan Pickford is set to retain his place in goal, having been in superb form.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper has kept five clean sheets in the last eight matches and was instrumental against Wolves, making ten recoveries, two diving saves, sweeping up three balls, and preventing 0.38xG, according to Fotmob.

Ashley Young, who broke the club record for being Everton’s oldest-ever goalscorer with a brilliant free-kick against Wolves, may be dropped despite his record-breaking achievement.

Nathan Patterson should replace Young at right-back, providing a better match for Diaz’s pace and dribbling skills.

While Young had a passing accuracy of 74%, misplacing ten of his 39 attempts, and defensively won four of seven tackles (57% success rate), Patterson could offer more stability in this crucial position.

In central defense, Jarrad Branthwaite, who bounced back from a tough game against Manchester United, should start alongside James Tarkowski.

Branthwaite completed 90% of his passes and won both tackles, as well as making four interceptions and eight recoveries.

Tarkowski was equally impressive, with an 87% passing accuracy and winning all four ground duels he contested, while also making eight clearances and four recoveries.

Vitaliy Mykolenko is expected to retain his place at left-back, having put in a solid performance against Wolves, registering five clearances, one interception, and three recoveries.

He also won both of his ground duels and the only aerial duel he contested.

In midfield, Orel Mangala should continue after his excellent display against Wolves, where he scored Everton’s second goal, recorded a 97% passing accuracy, and made four recoveries.

He should partner Idrissa Gueye, who posted a 96% pass accuracy and contributed with four recoveries and one interception.

Gueye’s steady performance in midfield will be crucial for Everton’s control in the center.

Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye are likely to keep their places on the wings.

McNeil was highly involved in the attack, creating two chances and providing four passes into the final third, although he had three assists ruled out – one due to a controversial VAR decision and the others from Craig Dawson’s own goals.

Ndiaye, who completed 100% of his 16 passes, created two passes into the final third and had a key touch in the opposition box, should continue his role on the left wing.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has struggled in recent matches, could be dropped after another lackluster display against Wolves, where he completed just 75% of his passes, created one chance, and had no touches in the opposition box.

However, given the lack of viable alternatives, Doucoure may keep his place.

Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to partner Beto, with the pair aiming to exploit Liverpool’s makeshift defense through their physicality and movement.

Calvert-Lewin was a constant nuisance against Wolves, creating a total of 0.31xG, and was unlucky not to score.

He had two touches in the opposition box and contributed three passes into the final third while also being fouled twice.

Overall, while Everton’s 4-0 victory over Wolves was a much-needed boost, the upcoming Merseyside derby presents a tough challenge.

With a few key changes, including a more pace-conscious defense and midfield stability, Everton will look to take advantage of Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities and continue their push for a strong finish to the season.