Predicted Everton starting XI v Manchester City
Everton avoided a record tenth home Premier League defeat in one season earlier this week after beating Wolves 1-0 at Goodison Park.
The Blues fell to a disappointing defeat against Sheffield United in their game prior to facing Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, leaving their chances of qualifying for Europe in the balance.
Now the Toffees face a huge challenge against Manchester City, with a win necessary to keep their slim hopes of European football alive.
At Goodison News, we have named our predicted Everton XI to take on the Cityzens on Sunday…
Jordan Pickford has been Everton’s mainstay for some time now and he’ll continue to start against City. He’ll face tough attacking threats but his ability between the sticks could help the Blues secure a vital result.
Seamus Coleman has been ruled out through injury so Mason Holgate will likely return to the starting line-up, with Ancelotti probably intent on sticking with a five-back formation.
Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane and Yerry Mina will man the central positions while Holgate and Lucas Digne will occupy wing-back roles on the flanks.
Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure will both start and prove vital against City at the Etihad, with Everton unlikely to dominate the midfield area.
Off the ball the duo will need to be willing to put in the hard graft, as will Gylfi Sigurdsson, who could be turned to as the club’s creator in the absence of James Rodriguez.
Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will once again be turned to as Everton’s primary goal threats, with both forwards keen to launch Everton into European competition.
Everton’s chances of making it into Europe really do look slim so their best bet is to go out and put on a performance that the fans can be proud of.
Ancelotti has overseen development and progression on Merseyside this season and whether or not European football can be secured it seems as though the club are moving in the right direction.
Ending the season with a win would be perfect, though it’ll certainly be tough, but hopefully we see a committed performance regardless.
In other Everton news, Blues hit with huge injury blow ahead of clash v Man City.
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