Everton predicted XI v Manchester City
Everton are still awaiting the return of a host of key injured players as they prepare for Sunday’s tough trip to Manchester City.
Rafa Benitez confirmed in his press conference on Friday [via Liverpool Echo] that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes are still sidelined with issues, while Tom Davies has recently picked up an injury that will see him out of action until December at the earliest.
Mason Holgate, meanwhile, is suspended after his red card against Tottenham last time out.
That leaves Rafa Benitez with little wriggle room, especially in defence, where he is expected to name his only four senior defenders available – Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Lucas Digne – in front of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Allan and Fabian Delph will start in central midfield again with the latter impressing in recent weeks.
Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Richarlison should keep their spots in attack with the trio well-rested after not featuring for their respective countries during the international break.
The question then centres on who joins them.
Anthony Gordon played the full 90-plus minutes against Spurs on November 7, but Benitez could elect to bring Salomon Rondon or Alex Iwobi back into the fold.
The former seems less likely as Richarlison will surely be named as the central striker in order to spearhead counter-attacks against the home side, who are set to boss possession.
Gordon’s pace would be an advantage but Benitez may opt for slightly more experience in Iwobi, someone who is more adept in playing in the central areas and flitting between positions.
He has also featured at full-back in recent times, and that’s where the Everton attackers may find themselves at times against the reigning Premier League champions.
It’s not likely to go down well with Everton fans, but this could be the only change Benitez makes from the 0-0 draw with Spurs.
Here’s how we expect the Blues to line up at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday…
In other Everton news, the Blues have made an approach to sign this Spanish captain from a La Liga giant.
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