Pranav Shahaney

Sun 18 September 2022 6:53, UK

Frank Lampard is reportedly unlikely to play both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay in the same Everton playing eleven ahead of their game against West Ham.

According to Talk Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, Calvert-Lewin’s return from injury gives the Toffees boss an interesting problem to have.

Lampard is unlikely to change his system to a two-striker one which would mean that either the summer signing from Brighton or their main striker will have to sit on the bench.

Phillips told Give Me Sport, “That’s the big issue that he’s [Lampard’s] going to have. It’s a good problem to have, but at the moment, in the setup that he plays, he only uses one centre forward.

“Both of these guys are only really going to be comfortable playing as a centre forward rather than a wide striker. Unless he is going to change formation and use two up top, which is not going to happen, then it looks likely that both these guys are going to have to battle it out for one position.”

Makes sense

The Maupay links in the summer seemed a tad baffling as his goal-scoring record wasn’t the best at Brighton and he did not really seem like an upgrade.

However, if the Toffees want to play direct, having a striker like him leading the line is always welcomed as he provides someone the defenders can play the out ball to.

But, if they’re relying on him to get double figures in terms of Premier League goals this term, it may be a steep ask and we do see Calvert-Lewin coming in.

The England international has been seen in training for a while and Lampard has talked up his chances of featuring ahead of the West Ham clash on Sunday.

In our head, it’s a no brainer and Calvert-Lewin needs to be starting this one as he’ll offer more of a threat in front of goal as well from set pieces.

His strong leap means that Lampard can rely on him while defending corners too and that’s going to be very important for Everton against the Hammers as they love capitalising from set plays.