The poor start to the league campaign under Ronald Koeman has left Everton with nothing to fight for late this season. Standing unbeaten in their last three games, Everton are fresh off a victory over Newcastle United at home and will look to continue their winning run today when they travel to Kirklees Stadium to take on Huddersfield Town.
David Wagner’s side have won just one of their last six league games, but that came in the last weekend when they beat Watford at home. Their top-flight status is all but confirmed for the next season but the manager will want his side to finish on a strong note and will surely test Everton in this game. Allardyce’s men have no real shot at European football next season but will also be desperate for all three points. Here is the predicted lineup Everton might field for this trip to Kirklees:
Team News:
In early team news, Mason Holgate, Gylfi Sigurdsson, James McCarthy and Eliaquim Mangala are all long-term absentees and will not be available for selection this weekend. Morgan Schneiderlin suffered a dead leg after last weekend but should be fit and up for selection against The Terriers.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
Jordan Pickford is a crucial part of Everton’s squad at Goodison Park and is one of the first names on the team sheet. He will start under the bar and will be protected by a CB partnership of Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka, both of who have found some consistency late this season.
The experienced full-back duo of Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman is easily one of the most dependable in the league and they will start at left-back and right-back respectively against Wagner’s men.
Midfield:
Morgan Schneiderlin had a tough game against Newcastle United but is crucial to the manager’s plans for the side. He will start at the heart of the midfield, alongside Idrissa Gueye, who will add some mettle to the Everton side.
Attack:
Theo Walcott scored the winner against the Magpies last weekend and has turned into a goal scorer for Everton. He will start on the right flank while Yannick Bolasie will add some width and pace on the left side of the attack for the Toffees.
Wayne Rooney has been used in a floating role this season and he will start in a no.10 role, dropping deep when his team needs numbers in the midfield. Cenk Tosun is yet to take the league by a storm but will continue to lead the attack for Everton.
Here is how they might line up:
