Everton travel to the Wembley stadium to face another acid test, against another side above them on the table, having played Liverpool (FA Cup) and Manchester United previously. After a fine run of unbeaten games under Big Sam, the Toffees have now lost three in a row and are winless in five games.
Everton have climbed up the table, though, and will want to push on and challenge the top 8 sides. This could be the first game for the newly signed striker from Besiktas, Cenk Tosun, whose arrival might be the boost the club needs.
Unfortunately, Everton haven’t won against Spurs in over five years and are one of Harry Kane’s favourite opponents. Allardyce would love to change that!
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Cenk Tosun is most likely to receive a place in the starting XI as Niasse and Calvert-Lewin haven’t been at their best of late.
Michael Keane picked up a foot problem after the game against Manchester United and is still doubtful. Even if he is fit, there is enough back up to not rush him.
Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman and Maarten Stekelenburg are long-term absentees.
Predicted line up (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Jordan Pickford will feature in goal. The Englishman has been outstanding since the arrival of Big Sam, especially with the narrow range stops and his distribution.
He will be protected by a four-man defence. Phil Jagielka had a decent outing against arch-rivals Liverpool and will mostly play this one too. He will be alongside Ashley Williams, whose defensive presence and strength is required to get something from this game.
Cuco Martina and Jonjoe Kenny will play in the full-back positions.
Midfield
James McCarthy has been much disciplined since returning and will feature in the holding midfield role. The attack-minded, hardworking Ben Davies is expected to start this one.
Gylfi Sigurdsson could start on the left. We haven’t seen the best of him yet, perhaps because he hasn’t been given enough games in his favoured role
Vlasic will play on the other side of the pitch as a part of the rotation.
Wayne Rooney could play behind the striker, mostly in a deeper role due to defensive duties. Nonetheless, his late attacking runs will be crucial.
Attack
It will be a big game for a debutant, as he might end up isolated for the defensive approach. However, Tosun will have to take anything that comes his way as Spurs have a mean defence.
