Everton: Dwight McNeil to get golden opportunity v Tottenham Hotspur
Having been beaten by Manchester United to end their seven-game unbeaten run, Everton now face a tough trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
Antonio Conte’s side have started the season supremely well and currently sit third in the Premier League behind Manchester City and leaders Arsenal.
They edged their way past Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton on Saturday (8 October) in an understated game before putting their feet up to watch the Toffees throw away a 1-0 lead against the Red Devils.
During that game at Goodison Park, Anthony Gordon found himself in the referee’s book for the fifth time this season which means he is now suspended for the trip to the capital.
As a result, Frank Lampard has a tough selection headache on his hands but he could have solved his own issues in the summer with a young Englishman raring to go.
Dwight McNeil started away at Southampton and scored the eventual winner at St Mary’s but found himself dropped back to the bench against United with the manager opting to trust the homegrown talent.
Well now he has no choice but to leave Gordon out of the team and McNeil has to be the man who gets the nod having done no wrong in his time on Merseyside so far.
His precise crossing ability should see him begn on the left flank and Demarai Gray on the right which could mean Dominic Calvert-Lewin starts up front to use his height and movement effectively.
Neal Maupay would be unfortunate but the extra inches will be highly beneficial if McNeil starts.
There is always the possibility that both Calvert-Lewin and Maupay start together with Gray slotting in behind the duo which would be a crying shame for McNeil who has been very patient early on in his Everton career.
It may also disrupt the midfield balance that has been so good for the Toffees so far this season and helped them gain points when they perhaps shouldn’t have.