Everton’s Predicted Lineup for the Merseyside Derby
Everton will host Liverpool in the second Merseyside derby of the season on Wednesday, April 24, at 8 pm GMT. The Toffees have found it difficult to get results against their cross-town rivals in recent years, winning just once in the league since 2006. Last Word on Football provides a predicted lineup for Everton in this crucial match.
Defense:
Selection for defenders has been fairly straightforward this season. Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski have started all but three Premier League games as the center-backs together. Vitaliy Mykolenko is the first choice left-back when fit, while Jordan Pickford remains steadfast in goals with 10 clean sheets this season. The right-back position has recently had a high level of rotation with James Patterson, Seamus Coleman, Ben Godfrey, and Ashley Young all seeing minutes over the last two games.
Midfield:
After poor performances from Amadou Onana and James Garner in the defeat to Chelsea, rotation at the center midfield position was needed. Andre Gomes and Idrissa Gueye were chosen for the match against Nottingham Forest. Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison provided support on the flanks.
Attack:
Up top, Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to the starting lineup after an injury kept him out of the squad last match. Abdoulaye Doucouré was in support, playing the second striker role. The 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest means Everton is five points clear of relegation with six games remaining. This match will be the Toffees’ toughest until the season ends.
Key Players to Watch:
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Idrissa Gueye:
Gueye will be a key piece in how this match pans out, as Everton is likely to have less than 40% possession. His midfield partner will probably be Onana, to provide some steel in what will be a physical match.–
Dominic Calvert-Lewin:
Expect DCL to be isolated up front, looking to hold up play for oncoming wingers. Doucoure will drop into the midfield to turn the formation into a 4-5-1.Injuries and Suspensions:
– Nathan Patterson has been ruled out for the season because of a hamstring injury.
– Coleman was an unused sub last time out against Forest because of a knock received against Chelsea and will miss this match.
– Arnaut Danjuma will likely return to the squad after three months on the sideline recovering from an ankle injury.
– Manager Sean Dyche is hopeful that Calvert-Lewin will be fit to suit up for the derby.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Ben Godfrey
CB: James Tarkowski
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: Amadou Onana
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
LM: Dwight McNeil
RM: Jack Harrison
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton will be hoping to secure a positive result in this crucial derby match to boost their chances of avoiding relegation and end their poor run against Liverpool.
