View: Predicted Everton starting XI v Tottenham
Everton are set to host Tottenham at Goodison Park on Friday night as they look to end a four-game winless run in the Premier League.
Defeats to Chelsea and Burnley, as well as draws with Crystal Palace and Brighton, have left Everton far below where they want to be in the table.
Much like the Blues, Tottenham are also gunning for a place in Europe next season, having spent much of the season outside of the top six. It’s certain to be a tough game.
At Goodison News, we have named our predicted Everton XI to take on Tottenham on Friday…
Carlo Ancelotti revealed in his pre-Tottenham press conference that Jordan Pickford was one of four players set to return from injury against Spurs. Olsen has done an admirable job in his place, but the 27-year-old England shot-stopper is likely to take his starting spot back.
With Yerry Mina unavailable after picking up an injury against Brighton, Ancelotti’s defensive choices have been made much easier. Assuming he retains a back-three shape, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey should all earn game time.
Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne are almost certain to retain their places as wide midfielders/wing-backs, while Tom Davies would be disrespected if he was dropped instead of Gylfi Sigurdsson who has been a flop in recent weeks.
Ancelotti also confirmed the return of both Andre Gomes and Allan ahead of the game on Friday, and given the club’s lack of depth in central midfield, both players come straight back into the line-up.
James Rodriguez will once again operate in the final third, allowed to drift wide and through the centre, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s continued absence will see Richarlison lead the line once more.
Josh King is available once again, but given that Ancelotti has started him yet, we wouldn’t bet on that changing against Spurs.
Ancelotti has underscored the importance of getting a result against Tottenham. Everton’s European qualification hangs in the balance, and only a positive result against Jose Mourinho’s men will keep it alive.
In other Everton news, an ‘outstanding’ star is keen on signing for Everton as Marcel Brands is given price to seal big deal.
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