Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure must prove point v Bournemouth
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is expected to start against AFC Bournemouth in the EFL cup tie on Tuesday night (8 November) away from Goodison Park.
Frank Lampard is likely to make a few changes to the side for this game, and he could shuffle his midfield pack.
The likes of Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana are out injured, and the Toffees boss is unlikely to take any risk with them before the World cup.
Both players are expected to play for their countries, and chances are high that Lampard will use his other midfield options. That means Doucoure could start along with James Garner and Tom Davies, as per Liverpool Echo.
This is a massive game for Doucoure.
The 29-year-old has made only two Premier League starts this season and he was out injured for a while.
In midfield, Lampard has forged a strong midfield partnership with Gueye, Onana and Alex Iwobi. Iwobi has been sensational for the club in midfield, and it’s hard to see Lampard dropping him from that role.
Iwobi is creating chances for others and he is one of the first names on the team sheet. Likewise, Onana is proving to be a top summer signing by the club.
He is the midfield dynamite and a key component of Lampard’s plans. Now, Doucoure has a strong fight on his hands to dislodge either of the two.
Moreover, he has a contract at the club until the end of the season. He has not done enough this season to convince Lampard that deserves a new deal.
Thus, his future is on the line. He is likely to be picked for this game, and he needs to show his quality and prove a point to his manager.