Everton started their Premier League campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Toffees next face Southampton this weekend, and Marco Silva will be optimistic of the team’s chances after their gutsy display against Wolves last weekend.
Everton – Team News
James McCarthy isn’t ready to return after his horrific double leg fracture last season. The midfielder resumed training last month but it could be a while before he is ready for the intensity of the Premier League.
Andre Gomes is touted to recover from his muscle injury by the end of the month. Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered a back injury back in April and he too is a doubt.
Predicted Everton lineup
Defence
Jordan Pickford is the preferred choice in goal and should keep his place. Pickford has only grown in confidence after his stupendous performances in the World Cup.
Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines will start as fullbacks. Lucas Digne is the more long-term solution at left-back but Silva is unlikely to rush him into the first team setup.
Phil Jagielka was sent off in the last game and the club captain is suspended for three games. Michael Keane, who made seven clearances and won four aerial duels against Wolves, will start at the heart of the defence. Newcomer Kurt Zouma could partner Keane in the absence of Jagielka.
Midfield
Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye will form the double pivot at the centre of the park. Both of them are quite defensive in nature and focus more on recovering the ball. Gueye’s energy coupled with Schneiderlin’s tendency to recycle possession and distribute the ball is the ideal combination for Silva.
Schneiderlin put in three tackles and two interceptions last time out but was quite reserved from an offensive point of view.
Attack
Cenk Tosun will lead the line against Southampton. The Turk was getting used to the pace of the league during the second half of last season and will want to leave a mark this season.
Theo Walcott and Richarlison will play on the flanks, while Gylfi Sigurdsson will take up the number 10 role. Walcott and Richarlison’s pace and trickery adds dynamism and bite to Everton’s forward line.
Richarlison had a dream debut last weekend as he managed two goals against Wolves on his competitive debut.
Sigurdsson, meanwhile, was sacrificed for an extra defender last weekend following Jagielka’s sending off and will want to make an impact this time around.
Stats via Whoscored
