Everton and Bournemouth have had bright starts to their new season, as both the teams are unbeaten after two matches.
New Everton signing Richarlison has hit the ground running but Bournemouth won’t be any pushovers when the two sides face off this weekend.
Everton – Team News
James McCarthy’s is yet to completely recover from his double leg-break injury, but his road towards revival started in the pre-season. Usual starter Morgan Schneiderlin limped off in Everton’s clash against Southampton and is an injury doubt for the weekend’s tie.
Phil Jagielka, who was sent off in the opening weekend against Wolverhampton Wanderers, will miss the clash as well.
Predicted Everton Lineup
Defence
Jordan Pickford didn’t have the best of games against Southampton as he nearly allowed Danny Ings to score in the first half after failing to collect a straightforward shot. His reflexes have been impeccable though and he’ll continue in goal.
Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines will start as the two fullbacks. Both arguably have contrasting styles, as Coleman prefers to focus on the defensive aspect on the game, whilst Baines is responsible for stretching the opposition’s by-line and deliver a few testing deliveries crosses into the box.
Mason Holgate replaced Jagielka in the lineup against the Saints, and he will most likely keep his place at the centre. The young defender and Michael Keane had made four clearances each in the previous match, and the pair will be confident of stopping Bournemouth’s attackers.
Midfield
Idrissa Gueye, who has excelled in his role as the holding midfielder, will be an integral part of the setup as he will be expected to break the flow of attacks and change the direction of play.
Schneiderlin’s absence means that Tom Davies could make his way into the team, despite obvious doubts regarding the 20-year-old’s defensive ability. Gueye will most likely sit in front of the defence while Davies could get forward more often.
Attack
The Toffees have a formidable attacking quartet with Cenk Tosun leading the line. Gylfi Sigurdsson will feature in the number 10 position. He delivered an astonishing six key passes against Southampton last weekend.
Theo Walcott and Richarlison will flank Sigurdsson on either side. Both of them inject pace, energy and creativity from the wide areas.
Richarlison’s Brazilian flair is quite evident, and he has started the season brilliantly by notching three goals in the first couple of matches.
