Liverpool FC vs. Everton: 5 Players That Should Start for Liverpool

With the 3-2 victory over Blackburn, Liverpool halted a horrible run and provided the perfect medicine for Liverpool fans going into the biggest game of the season.

Dalglish rested a few key players against Blackburn, which provided the fringe players with a chance to show what they can do and to push themselves into contention of a starting berth for Wembley. 

I complied a list of players who I believe should be giving a chance in the Merseyside derby next Saturday

5. Daniel Agger

The graceful Agger is the perfect accompaniment to Skrtel's no-nonsense approach to defending. It is no surprise that Skrtel has struggled since his partner suffered a rib injury.

When brought in against Blackburn, he assisted Carroll for the stoppage time winner. He made telling contributions with good dribbles into the opposition. It's this unpredictability that will be a great weapon against Everton.

Now, I know Agger is much more important that fifth place and he isn't really a fringe player because when he is fit, he plays. Unfortunately, that isn't as regularly as Liverpool fans would like.

4. Jonjo Shelvey

Why did Liverpool spend £20 million plus on Jordan Henderson when they had Shelvey? Now, to give credit, Henderson had a very good game against Blackburn. He worked his socks off today, but Jonjo brings a certain arrogance and forward minded thinking that I like.

When receiving the ball, Shelvey's first instinct is to control and look forward. Henderson always maintains possession whilst Jonjo always looks to cut open the defense—even if it means losing the ball.

I fear Kenny may play Henderson for his work rate and possession rather that go for the mercurial and unpredictable Shelvey. 

3. Maxi Rodriguez

Instead of celebrating wildly like I should have after Maxi Rodriguez scored the second, I threw my hands in aspiration and exclaimed, "WHY!?" 

It's a simple question really. Why is Maxi criminally underused? He scored 10 goals last season—more than any striker on the team so far this year. He has scored 11 goals in his last 10 games. Maxi's positional sense is top notch, his finishing is good and he has an eye for the pass. He seems like a perfect Dalglish player, not to mention he was one of the best performers last season.

He has to start and link up with Luis Suarez. It is a joy to behold the movement and deft touches. In a tight battle, you still need your flair players to do something magical to turn the game. Maxi is can do exactly that.

2. Andy Carroll

Bust up with the manager, taunted by former fans who once idolized him and not accepted by his current fanbase, it seems like Andy Carroll's career is at a crossroads. Rumors abound that he is unhappy at the expectation that came with his hefty fee.

You may forgive Carroll for feeling a bit in the dumps this week, but against Blackburn he worked his socks off and responded the way he should. He battered Hanley in the air today, forcing the young defender to clumsily give away fouls in dangerous areas of the pitch. 

Carroll was up front with little support, but held up the ball admirably and got his just rewards when he popped up with the winner.

Carroll is a momentum player, so it is important that Kenny doesn't damage his confidence and bench him for the big one next Saturday. I know a certain Belgium midfielder at Everton who would like to see Carroll seated come kickoff on Saturday...

1. Brad Jones

Well, he has to doesn't he?

Poor, Doni. A shocking pass from John Flanaghan cost him a Wembly trip. In a heart-breaking moment, a red card flashed and Doni saw his chances disappear in one swift motion from the referee. 

But if there is one man who knows heartbreak, it's Brad Jones. As most Liverpool fans are aware, Jones lost his son Luca to leukemia last November. After the penalty save from Yakubu, Jones pointed to the sky in a touching tribute to his son. 

Afterword

This is the team I would like to see play against Everton. Maxi and Suarez giving freedom to find pockets of space behind Carroll, which would cause the Everton defensive line to push up.

I would keep Gerrard from straying too much from midfield, but would tell Shevley to use those younger legs to support the attacking players. This is a team I think can book their place in another Cup final.

Share your predictions below in the comments. Can big Andy step up and score again?