Gomes set to start in three changes: Predicted Everton starting XI v Manchester United
Everton go into Sunday’s clash with Manchester United looking to bounce back from a decent, if frustrating, showing against Arsenal last time out.
There was much to get excited about in the Toffees’ 3-2 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, but equally plenty to be frustrated with.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be counting on a much better defensive effort from his players at Goodison Park.
That will have to be the case, because all of a sudden the Blues are coming up against an in-form and firing United team.
The question for Ancelotti, then, is how many alterations does he make from that defeat against the Gunners?
The likeliest answer is a few. Central midfielder Andre Gomes will almost certainly come in for Fabian Delph after his rousing performance off the Emirates bench, while Seamus Coleman will most probably replace Djibril Sidibe at right back. Meanwhile, Bernard can expect to come in for Alex Iwobi.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford wasn’t perfect against Mikel Arteta’s team, but he was solid. With virtually no competition, the England international is a sure-fire starter once again here.
As mentioned, Coleman will likely replace Sidibe on the right hand side of the defence, with Leighton Baines most probably continuing on the left – unless Lucas Digne miraculously returns to full fitness.
At centre back, Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina have established a fine partnership of late. Both men can expect to play from the beginning on Sunday.
As mentioned, Gomes seems like a lock to start in central midfield after excelling in his cameo last weekend. Alongside him, Morgan Schneiderlin will surely get the nod over the underperforming Delph.
Bernard has to replace Iwobi, he just has to. The Nigerian was awful last week, and so Ancelotti will surely reinstate the Brazilian. Meanwhile, Gylfi Sigurdsson will likely take up residence on the right hand side of midfield.
There’s no question about who’s going to start up front, however. Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are in red-hot form, and both men are almost guaranteed to line up in the Toffees’ attack against the Red Devils.
In other Everton news, former Liverpool man Michael Owen has heaped praise on three Blues stars.