After a disastrous start to the season, Everton take on Brighton and Hove Albion at the Falmer Stadium today. They have just seven points from their seven games after having lost at Goodison last time out to a well-drilled Burnley side. The two sides have the same number of points but Everton start as the favourites owing to a better team, well at least on paper.
Latest team news
Seamus Coleman, McCarthy (will feature in U-23s), Ross Barkley, Funes Mori and Bolasie remain out. Phil Jagielka returns after a hamstring problem that kept him out for a month.
Predicted line up: (4-3-1-2)
GK: Jordan Pickford
He is not at his best but is expected to start. Everton’s defence have exposed him far too often.
RB: Cuco Martina
He will start at right-back but needs to work harder. His lapses of concentration have often cost the team.
CB: Michael Keane
He will start at the back. He is sharp, quicker to react and is showing signs of improvement slowly.
CB: Phil Jagielka
Ashley Williams is having a nightmare of a season so far, and hence Phil Jagielka could replace him and look to lead from the front in the process of Everton’s revival. He is the best CB in their ranks despite his age.
LB: Leighton Baines
Baines is one consistent, experienced player in this Everton team. Maybe drive forward a little more, play higher up and take up more attacking responsibility with the team struggling to create chances?
CM: Tom Davies
He has been coming on as a substitute but has sparkled. Has the desire to get forward and create. He should start in midfield.
CDM: Morgan Schneiderlin
Another decent performer, he will have to sit deep and protect the defence better.
CM: Idrissa Gueye
He needs to be better in one on one situations, both going forward and while defending. His box to box abilities should be utilized by Koeman.
CAM: Wayne Rooney
Why not? If Gylfi is nowhere close to his best, Rooney at least is proving to be better at corners and set pieces. He seems to link up more often that Sigurdsson and is more involved. It was clearly seen against Burnley.
ST: Oumar Niasse
He has played well so far and must start. Although, the consistency is required.
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
A very hard working young lad, he has fought his way into the starting lineup.
