David Moyes faces selection dilemma for Liverpool clash as Everton boss unsure about injury

David Moyes faces selection dilemma for Liverpool clash as Everton boss unsure about injury sets the tone for a pivotal week at Finch Farm. With the Merseyside Derby looming, Moyes has decisions to make over who leads the line, who fills the left-back slot, and whether to hand a debut start to a new midfield recruit.

Everton’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa highlighted both their resilience and their limitations. Beto, who had scored in his previous two appearances, was handed the nod in attack but squandered multiple opportunities before being replaced by Thierno Barry late on. Barry also fluffed his lines when presented with a golden chance, leaving Moyes with no clear standout option.

The manager’s decision at centre-forward could be crucial. Beto’s Premier League experience and past record of troubling Liverpool’s defence — he struck the post at Anfield last season after pouncing on a Virgil van Dijk error — make him the favourite to retain his place. Yet the raw, unpredictable energy of Barry remains an intriguing alternative.

Injury uncertainty over Mykolenko

Perhaps the biggest variable in Moyes’ selection puzzle lies at left-back. Vitalii Mykolenko has endured stop-start availability since suffering a setback in last season’s derby win over Liverpool at Goodison Park. The Ukrainian defender was forced to withdraw from international duty this month and remains a major doubt for Anfield.

When quizzed after the Villa game about Mykolenko’s prospects, Moyes admitted:

“I have no idea yet.” — David Moyes

In Mykolenko’s absence, James Garner has once again deputised, filling in as a makeshift full-back. While the converted midfielder has coped admirably, the thought of him going head-to-head with Mohamed Salah is enough to give Moyes pause. Teenage prospect Adam Aznou is another option, though the derby intensity may be too big a stage for him at this stage of his development.

Could Merlin Rohl make his first start?

Moyes may also consider shaking up his midfield. German deadline-day arrival Merlin Rohl made his debut off the bench against Villa, replacing Tim Iroegbunam for the final 25 minutes. The 22-year-old’s composure and energy have pushed him into contention for a starting spot alongside Idrissa Gueye.

The rest of the midfield appears more settled. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish, and Iliman Ndiaye have built momentum, with Moyes hailing the latter two as “fantastic” following the Villa draw. That leaves summer signings Charly Alcaraz, Dwight McNeil, and £30 million man Tyler Dibling waiting for opportunities from the bench.

Key decisions for Moyes

Striker: Stick with Beto’s experience or gamble on Barry’s freshness?
Left-back: Hope for Mykolenko’s recovery, persist with Garner, or risk Aznou?
Midfield: Give Rohl his first start or continue with Iroegbunam?

Each decision carries weight given the scale of the challenge ahead. Liverpool, buoyed by Mohamed Salah’s record-breaking penalty in their win at Burnley, are in confident mood. Everton, meanwhile, must find a balance between solidity and ambition if they are to spring an upset at Anfield.

Analyst verdict – by John William

Moyes’ dilemma is a classic derby headache. In attack, Beto’s hold-up play and nuisance factor may outweigh his wastefulness, particularly against a Liverpool back line vulnerable to physicality. Barry could provide a wildcard option, but starting him at Anfield would be a huge gamble.

At left-back, the decision may be forced. If Mykolenko cannot prove his fitness, Garner’s defensive nous will likely be trusted despite the mismatch against Salah’s pace. In midfield, Rohl represents Moyes’ most intriguing card to play — injecting fresh energy and pressing ability into a notoriously difficult fixture.

With Everton sitting precariously in the early table, bold decisions could define their derby hopes.

Key insights

Moyes must choose between Beto and Barry to lead the attack.
Mykolenko remains a doubt for the derby; Garner may again deputise at left-back.
New signing Merlin Rohl is pushing for a first start in midfield.
Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish, and Ndiaye look set to continue in attacking roles.
Facing Salah down Everton’s left remains the biggest defensive concern.

What’s next for Everton?

All eyes are on Anfield next Saturday. The derby atmosphere will test Everton’s composure, with Moyes’ selections under the spotlight. A positive result could kick-start their season, but another defeat would deepen questions about their attacking efficiency and squad balance.

👉 Should David Moyes stick with Beto’s experience up front — or gamble on Barry’s unpredictability for the derby?

David Moyes faces selection dilemma for Liverpool clash as Everton boss unsure about injury