Mina And Digne Fit As Ancelotti Urges Everton to Match Liverpool's Intensity

 

Everton left-back Lucas Digne who was substituted minutes from time in France's 2-1 victory over Croatia on Wednesday night, and Yerry Mina sat out  of Colombia’s 2-2 draw with Chile on Tuesday as a precaution after feeling discomfort in his thigh  are both in contention to face Liverpool.

They are not the only boosts for Carlo Ancelotti with right-back Seamus Coleman and midfielders Allan and Andre Gomes fit after knocks and injuries that meant they missed Everton's last Premier League game against Brighton and international matches.

"I’m going to decide what the line-up will be knowing I have a lot of players who are fit and want to play," said Ancelotti. "This is good and we can think about substitutions during the game.

"Every team had players involved during the international break but the important thing for us is our players came back without problems and in good condition. Maybe they are a little bit tired which could be a consideration to choose the line-up and also to see what happens during the game."

Everton have had a fantastic start to the season and currently sit top of the Premier League.

They face their biggest challenge of the campaign so far on Saturday lunchtime through, when neighbours and champions Liverpool make the short journey across Stanley Park.

Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti has been impressed with his sides start to the season but urged them to match Liverpool this weekend.

“Everyone knows the importance of the derby and how important the game is for this period,” said Ancelotti.

“We started the season really well and the feeling in the dressing room is good.

“It is a really important period for us and we want to keep our form good for the future.

“Saturday is an exciting game and a fantastic challenge. It will be good for us to have this kind of test.

“We have to be confident and happy to play this game.

“Liverpool play with a lot of intensity and quality and we have to pay attention.

“But we have to be confident to be able to show our quality in the game.”

One of the key features of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign has been goals.

However, Carlo Ancelotti thinks the goal boom will prove short-lived.

The 10 top-flight fixtures a fortnight ago yielded 41 goals, two weeks after this season’s second round of games delivered a Premier League record 44 goals.

“In general, there has been a lot of goals scored because all the teams want to attack," said Ancelotti.

"Also, the fact also there is no crowd means you are less worried about defending.

“I think it will change and teams will be more focused defensively."