Everton’s predicted XI vs Liverpool as David Moyes makes bold Tyler Dibling decision

Everton return to action on Saturday as they take on Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby.

David Moyes’ side have made a really bright start to the season and currently reside in sixth place in the league table.

Team
MP
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1

Liverpool
4 4 0 0 5 12
2

Arsenal
4 3 0 1 8 9
3

Tottenham
4 3 0 1 7 9
4

Bournemouth
4 3 0 1 1 9
5

Chelsea
4 2 2 0 6 8
6

Everton
4 2 1 1 2 7
7

Sunderland
4 2 1 1 2 7
8

Manchester City
4 2 0 2 4 6
9

Crystal Palace
4 1 3 0 3 6
Liverpool, meanwhile, are the only team to have won all four of their opening games, however, they’ve not been on top form by any means.

Mohamed Salah converted a 95th-minute penalty against Burnley on the weekend to spare the Reds’ blushes.

So, it should be a very competitive game at Anfield, and with that said, here is Everton’s predicted starting line-up.

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Tyler Dibling prior to Wolves against Everton.

Everton’s predicted XI vs Liverpool
James Garner filled in at left-back against Aston Villa and produced another really impressive performance.

So, he may retain his spot in that role even if Vitali Mykolenko is back fit, which will allow Merlin Rohl to make his full debut in the midfield alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye.

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Rohl’s physicality and running ability suits this game perfectly, and he could be a real threat from set-pieces.

The big decision, though, is who Moyes decides to start up front, with Beto and Thierno Barry not really delivering.

He could actually opt for Tyler Dibling to play the false nine role, as he has flourished there with Southampton previously.

Back in April, former Southampton manager Russell Martin explained that Dibling would become a central player eventually.

Everton’s predicted XI against Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby.
The benefit of playing Tyler Dibling as a false nine
Dibling as a false nine would allow the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to make penetrating runs in behind the Liverpool backline, which is often very high.

As the Coaching Voice explains, there are multiple benefits to playing a false nine.

“The dropping centre-forward helps create gaps in the opposition’s back line. If the opposing centre-back presses, gaps appear for others – usually a wide forward or attacking midfielder – to make a penetrative run into.

“If the full-back narrows as the centre-back presses, space then appears to attack around the narrowed back line.

“If no defender presses, the centre-forward can receive and turn freely between the lines. If a central midfielder drops to screen the false nine, a central midfield teammate can then progress into the space they have left and pick a pass from there.”

It would be a bold decision for Moyes to make, however, it’s the perfect moment to try it with Barry and Beto not yet up to speed.