"I would go for him": Pundit picks controversial midfield three to face Everton

Phil Thompson has voiced his opinion about the Liverpool team selection for tonight's match against Everton.

Anfield hosts the 242nd Merseyside derby this evening and Jurgen Klopp is being urged to pick what would be a controversial midfield.

The engine room has been the biggest issue for the Reds this season. A lack of investment is the biggest reason for declining midfield performances but there have been some encouraging displays.

Stefan Bajcetic has won plaudits with his mature displays at the tender age of 17. But is he ready for the intensity of a derby at a pivotal stage of the season for both Merseyside outfits?

Everton are 18th in the league which is why they called for Premier League specialist Sean Dyche to take over from Frank Lampard.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are 10th and have a lot of ground to make up to catch Newcastle United in 4th.

Phil Thompson urges Klopp to start Milner, Fabinho and Henderson

Thompson believes that James Milner should start the game alongside Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

They've collectively been the worst performers in the Liverpool engine room this season.

Injuries haven't helped but it's hard to ignore the signs of a declining midfield unit.

Speaking to Off The Ball on Friday last week, Thompson said: “I know he [Fabinho] was ill last weekend, but if I was picking this team, I would go for him on Monday, I would go for Milner on Monday, I would go for Henderson on Monday.

“That’s leaving out Thiago, Bajcetic who’s done really well. But I think this needs experience, it needs strength, because Everton will go with Doucoure again, Gana Gueye, they’ll go with Onana.

“These are big strong lads. I think we need to match them. Here’s me saying we need to match them, that should not be the case.”

Thiago Alcantara is ruled out with injury while Stefan Bajcetic is fully fit and available for selection.

What are Liverpool's midfield options to face Everton?

Jurgen Klopp has a tricky job each week to pick his starting XI and this has been made all the more difficult with Thiago ruled out for 4 weeks with a hip injury.

The players fit and available for selection are:

• Jordan Henderson
• Naby Keita
• Stefan Bajcetic
• Fabinho
• James Milner
• Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
• Curtis Jones
• Fabio Carvalho (illness)

Henderson is likely to start as is Naby Keita and while James Milner has been tipped to start, Fabinho is the likelier option.

While predicting the game this evening, I selected Fabinho as the only change in midfield.

The Brazilian is going through his worst spell since joining Liverpool but he remains a top-class player whose ball-winning ability is needed this evening.

Much like the rest of the squad, it seems as though fatigue and lethargy are affecting his game but if he can deliver an energetic and efficient display, it will greatly boost Liverpool's chances of picking up a league win for the first time since 30 December.