View: Predicted Everton XI vs Chelsea
Everton head into a Premier League game against Chelsea this weekend inside the bottom three for the first time this season after defeat last week.
The Toffees currently sit two points behind Burnley with a game in hand, but could find themselves further behind with the Clarets playing before them this weekend.
Now Frank Lampard hosts his former side at Goodison Park knowing they need a big result, and must pick a team that can compete on all fronts to get it.
In goal Jordan Pickford is assured of his starting role so long as he’s fit and will deservedly continue between the sticks.
Captain Seamus Coleman has been a key man for Lampard at right back while Vitalii Mykolenko has started regularly recently on the left and both should keep their places after good performances against Liverpool.
Ben Godfrey’s muscle injury is likely to keep him out of the side which means Michael Keane should start again, but Yerry Mina could return after being left out as a precaution last time out.
In midfield Fabian Delph is expected to still be unavailable, which should see Abdoulaye Doucoure continue. But after a shocker at Anfield saw him complete just one pass, Allan should find himself benched.
That opens up the opportunity for Donny Van de Beek to come back into the side after missing several games for a multitude of reasons as part of the pivot.
Ahead of him Anthony Gordon’s reputation continues to rise and he will start on the right, while Alex Iwobi’s performances and energy are likely to keep him in the lineup.
But with Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured and allowing Richarlison to play as the number nine, Lampard could and should finally hand Dele Alli his first start as a Toffees player.
It would be his first start since January when he lined up for Spurs against Morecambe, but his recent substitute performances have earned him the chance.
Predicted Everton XI v Chelsea – Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Mykolenko; Doucoure, Van de Beek; Gordon, Dele, Iwobi; Richarlison.
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan shares verdict on ‘biased’ Jamie Carragher after Everton v Liverpool
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.