With 37 points from 30 games, Sam Allardyce’s Everton are currently 9th place in the points table and even a strong finish might see them miss out on a Europa League spot. But the Toffees will look to continue their momentum, having won three of their last six games in the league. They are fresh from a 2-0 win over Brighton and turn their attention to matchday 31 when they travel to Stoke on Saturday.
The Potters, struggling in the 19th place, have lost just two of their last seven games and will believe that they can take something from this tie. Everton, however, will go with a strong lineup, in search of three crucial points and here is the predicted lineup Allardyce might field for this tie:
Everton Team News
Everton are still without the likes of Eliaquim Mangala, James McCarthy, Maarten Stekelenburg, Ashley Williams and Gylfi Sigurdsson, all of who are ruled out for this game. However, Allardyce can call upon Ramiro Funes Mori, Idrissa Gueye, Theo Walcott, and Morgan Schneiderlin, all of who are back to full fitness.
Everton Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Defence
Allardyce has preferred Jordan Pickford in goal for most of the season and should stick with the Englishman between the sticks this weekend. With Williams out injured, Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka are expected to start together like they did in the easy win against the Seagulls last time.
Leighton Baines is back and has been effective in recent games. He will keep his place at left-back while Cuco Martina is expected to start at right-back against the Potters.
Midfield
Everton had a makeshift midfield in that game but have both Gueye and Schneiderlin back in action this weekend.
Tom Davies did a decent job in that game and could keep his place in the side alongside both Gueye and Schneiderlin, who are expected to add some creativity and mettle to the Everton midfield in this tie.
Attack
Cenk Tosun helped himself to a goal in that game against Brighton and could continue to lead the line while Yannick Bolasie, who did no wrong against the Seagulls, could keep his place on the left flank in attack.
Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has been productive for the Toffees and should retain his place on the right side of the attack.
Here is how they might line up:
