Fabian Delph expected to return to Everton starting XI v Arsenal
Everton midfielder Fabian Delph has been tipped to return to the starting lineup against Arsenal by journalist Adam Jones.
The 32-year-old has started the last two matches on the bench, but came on as a second half substitute in the 4-1 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday (1 December).
The Toffees host the Gunners at Goodison Park on Monday evening (6 December), with the pressure now ramped up on Rafa Benitez.
Writing in his latest piece for the Liverpool Echo, Jones suggested that the Spaniard was likely to play Delph from the start.
“If Benitez is to opt for a three-man midfield, for example, then you would expect Fabian Delph will earn a recall to the side – regaining a starting place he arguably shouldn’t have lost,” he said.
“However, Jean-Philippe Gbamin or the fit-again Andre Gomes could perhaps lay claim to that position if one is to be opened up for the next match.”
Surprise redemption
Delph appeared to have little future at Everton when he was reportedly told in the summer that he was free to leave Goodison Park [Liverpool Echo].
He played just seven minutes of Premier League football at the start of the season before suffering a shoulder injury, which he returned from last month (1 November).
After starting against Tottenham Hotspur on 7 November, Delph’s “impressive performance” was praised by Sky Sports, while he also earned credit from Benitez.
The Toffees moved away from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 against Liverpool and there was therefore no place for Delph in midfield, which meant that they were much more open against the Reds.
Bringing the former England international back into the side against Arsenal would give Everton more defensive solidity and also allow Abdoulaye Doucoure to push forward more, which he loves to do.
With Salomon Rondon expected to miss the game due to a hamstring injury, Benitez should revert to a 4-3-3 anyway, paving the way for Delph to return.
In other Everton news, one pundit has suggested a current Premier League manager as a replacement for Rafa Benitez.
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