Thiago gets first Liverpool start for Merseyside derby

Thiago Alcantara has been handed his first Liverpool start for the Merseyside derby against Everton, while Sadio Mane is also in the line-up. 

Liverpool duo Thiago and Mane tested positive for coronavirus prior to the international break but after a hopeful update from manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of the game, they were both been named in the starting XI. 

Midfielder Thiago, who signed from Bayern Munich, made a stunning debut off the bench for the Premier League champions in their 2-0 win at Chelsea on September 20 but has not played since. 

Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson are also back in the team at Goodison Park as part of four changes from the Liverpool side humbled in a 7-2 loss at Aston Villa last time out. 

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How we line up for the derby #EVELIV

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 17, 2020

Naby Keita was ruled out for the game due to a fitness issue, with Diogo Jota, Georginio Wijnaldum and Joe Gomez dropping to the substitutes. 

League leaders Everton bring in Allan and Andre Gomes to replace Tom Davies and Gylfi Sigurdsson from the team who beat Brighton and Hove Albion 4-2 on October 3. 

Everton have won all four of their games to start the Premier League season but are winless in 19 top-flight meetings with rivals Liverpool, their previous victory coming in October 2010. 

 Allan and @aftgomes return to the starting XI.
Deadline Day duo Robin Olsen and @BenG0dfrey feature on the bench. #COYB  #EFC pic.twitter.com/c0P9ENxj4L

— Everton (@Everton) October 17, 2020