Confirmed Everton starting XI v Sheffield United
Everton have made just one change to their starting XI for their Premier League clash against Sheffield United this evening.
Carlo Ancelotti welcomes back James Rodriguez to the starting line-up against the Blades with Gylfi Sigurdsson finding himself axed to accommodate the Colombian ace.
Confirmed on their official Twitter account prior to kick-off, the Toffees have largely kept the same team that faced Aston Villa on Thursday, with Abdoulaye Doucoure retaining his starting spot after recently returning from injury.
After failing to inspire against Aston Villa earlier this week, Ancelotti was always likely to introduce Rodriguez into the starting line-up should he be available to feature.
The Toffees have massively missed his creative impetus over the past few weeks, and with their European hopes having by a thread they can’t afford to miss any more chances.
Everton’s defensive work against Aston Villa was fairly solid though, and with Yerry Mina still out injured Ancelotti didn’t really have any difficult decisions to make at the back.
After failing to beat Aston Villa, Everton really did put Europe almost entirely out of reach.
The Blades are certainly beatable, they’re a team that Everton shouldn’t have any trouble overcoming, but now the club face more pressure to ensure they don’t make any more mistakes.
Europe might remain out of reach even if the Blues win their remaining games but they’ve certainly got to give themselves every chance to qualify, and Ancelotti will understand the importance of getting back to winning ways.
Already relegated, Sheffield United are able to express themselves while remaining free from repercussions, and that could potentially them harder to deal with.
In other Everton news, former Toffees ace names the two Everton players who have caused the side problems this season.
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