Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister could miss the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton after moving closer to a Premier League suspension following his latest booking.
The Argentine midfielder was shown a yellow card during Liverpool’s impressive 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday. Mac Allister had earlier opened the scoring before becoming involved in a heated confrontation with Jefferson Lerma late in the match.
Both players were cautioned following the incident, leaving the Liverpool star just one booking away from triggering a domestic suspension.
Mac Allister Facing Premier League Suspension Threat
Under Premier League disciplinary rules, players who receive five yellow cards within their team’s first 19 league matches must serve a one-match suspension.
Mac Allister has already collected four yellow cards in the Premier League this season, having been booked in each of Liverpool’s last three league outings.
The midfielder must therefore avoid another caution during Liverpool’s next nine league fixtures if he wants to escape suspension at this stage of the campaign.
His disciplinary situation is particularly concerning ahead of the November 29 trip to Everton.
Liverpool face Manchester United before travelling to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. If Mac Allister receives a yellow card against United, he would be forced to miss the highly anticipated Merseyside derby.
Liverpool’s Upcoming Fixtures Could Prove Crucial
Liverpool have several important Premier League matches approaching, making Mac Allister’s availability increasingly significant for head coach Andoni Iraola.
Following the Manchester United fixture, the Reds are scheduled to face Sunderland on December 2 before travelling to Chelsea three days later.
Anfield clashes against Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur will follow, before Liverpool enter a demanding festive schedule.
With Mac Allister playing an important role in Liverpool’s midfield, losing him for the derby would represent a potential setback for Iraola’s side.
UEFA Rule Change Gives Mac Allister European Relief
Although the midfielder faces suspension concerns in domestic competition, he has received some positive news regarding his Champions League campaign.
Mac Allister has collected two yellow cards across Liverpool’s first four European matches this season.
Previously, players who received three bookings during the Champions League league phase would automatically face a one-match suspension.
However, UEFA introduced a change to its disciplinary rules for the 2026/27 campaign.
Under the revised system, players are suspended after receiving four yellow cards that do not result in a red card, with further suspensions triggered by subsequent even-numbered bookings.
This means Mac Allister will not be suspended for Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League fixtures against Club Brugge on November 25 and FC Porto on December 9 simply because of his existing two bookings.
However, another booking in both matches could put him at risk of missing the January 19 trip to Inter Milan.
Other Liverpool Stars Also Approaching Suspension
Mac Allister is not the only Liverpool player who needs to be careful with disciplinary matters.
Ronald Araujo, Bradley Barcola, Milos Kerkez and captain Virgil van Dijk have each received three Premier League yellow cards this season.
Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have collected two bookings apiece, while Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak have each been cautioned once.
With several important fixtures approaching, Liverpool will hope their key players can avoid unnecessary bookings.
For now, Mac Allister will be particularly eager to stay out of trouble as Liverpool prepare for their crucial clash against Everton on November 29.
