Following a string of exciting international fixtures, the Premier League is set to get back underway this weekend as Everton host table-toppers Manchester City.
The home side will be looking for their third consecutive victory in the league, after registering convincing wins against Brighton and Stoke respectively. Currently ninth in the Premier League table, the Toffees will have the chance to maintain their four-point gap over tenth placed Bournemouth.
Manchester City, on the other hand, will be just one win away from sealing the Premier League crown this season, should they manage to oust the Toffees this weekend. Interestingly, both the teams have faced Stoke City in their latest Premier League game, as City’s game with Brighton was postponed earlier this month.
Here’s the predicted Everton lineup to feature against the Sky Blues this weekend.
Defence
Jordan Pickford, one of the favourites to be England’s number one goalkeeper in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, will be the man between the sticks for Everton this weekend.
Although head coach Sam Allardyce won’t have many injury issues in the defensive department, new signing Ellaquim Mangala will miss the clash, due to an agreement in his loan deal. Besides, he is apparently injured anyway, meaning veteran skipper Phil Jagielka will partner Michael Keane in central defence.
Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines are both expected to retain their places in the starting lineup. The Toffees have been hugely boosted by the return of two of their star defender, both of whom, will play a key role this weekend.
Midfield
Everton will have to deal with a host of absentees in the midfield department. James McCarthy is out with a broken tibia/fibula while star playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson is out with a knee injury. Hence, Wayne Rooney might once again start in midfield for Everton this weekend.
The former English international will play alongside Morgan Schneiderlin in central midfield. Rooney’s attacking potency coupled with Schneiderlin’s stunning work-rate will surely make Everton a challenging force, in the middle of the park.
Attack
Everton’s star man in attack, Cenk Tosun will lead the attacking charge for the Toffees this weekend. The Turkish international has been prolific, of late, scoring four goals in his last three matches. His presence in the Everton attack might play a huge role in the outcome of the game.
Tosun will be supported by Yannick Bolasie and Theo Walcott, on the flanks while Tom Davies is expected to be deployed as the main attacking playmaker.