View: Gomes in for injured Allan – Predicted Everton XI v Arsenal
Everton welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park on Saturday night, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side looking to make it three wins in a row in the Premier League.
Ahead of the game, the Italian has some decisions to make, with the Toffees in such good form at the moment.
He will be without star midfielder Allan, who was forced off with an injury against Leicester during the week.
This is going to force Ancelotti in some changes, but we do not think that they will be limited to just the midfield.
Robin Olsen came into the side to face Leicester and while he kept a clean sheet, we think that Jordan Pickford needs to be playing in the top games.
The latter was impressive against Chelsea last time out and looked somewhere close to his best.
We do not predict any changes for the Toffees at the back – if it is not broke, do not fix it, Carlo.
Two clean sheets in a row and a visibly improved defensive performance means the back four should stay as it is.
Mason Holgate will need to be at his best to deal with the pace of Gunners star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Ancelotti’s biggest decision will come in midfield. His move to bring on Andre Gomes off the bench after Allan’s injury against Leicester is the biggest indicator that the Portuguese might be the man to get the nod on Saturday night.
With Fabian Delph still injured, Gomes’ experience ensures he gets the nod ahead of Tom Davies on this occasion.
Gylfi Sigurdsson deserves to start once more in his favoured more advanced role, with the Iceland attacking midfielder rediscovering some of his best form in an Everton shirt.
Just like they are in defence, Everton are finding their consistency with the current attack, so we do not think any changes are necessary in the final third.
In other Everton news, Lawrenson backs Arsenal to improve vs Everton as he predicts Sat evening clash