Wolves predicted XI v Everton: Boubacar Traore to miss out, Raul Jimenez to start
Everton are set to get their Premier League campaign back up and running against Wolverhampton Wanderers as Frank Lampard looks to pull the Toffees away from the relegation zone.
His side currently sit in 17th position, just four points ahead of Wolves, who are currently propping up the Premier League table.
The trip to Goodison Park will represent Julen Lopetegui’s first match in charge of the Black Country side and this could lead to a change in formation and personnel.
In their last Premier League game against Arsenal, Wolves lined up in a 5-3-2 formation, however, they’re likely to change their system now the Spaniard is in charge. The 56-year-old will likely utilising a 4-3-3 system, or variation of it, during his time at Molineux (Coaches Voice).
This could result Gonçalo Guedes and Adama Traore moving into wider roles, instead of the striking positions they took up in the defeat against the Gunners. Raúl Jiménez could also come back into the side and lead the line for Wolves.
If Lopetegui utilises a three man midfield, Matheus Nunes could return to the starting eleven after starting on the bench in their last fixture. Summer signing Boubacar Traore is a doubt for the game at Goodison Park, which could also increase the chances of Nunes returning to the side (Liverpool Echo, 24 December).
Jonny is also likely to be missing, which could lead to Wolves keeping Bueno and Nelson Semedo their places in the full-back positions. If the Spaniard does go with a back four, Toti Gomes and Charlie Killman are likely to be the central defensive partnership.
Everton are set to be without Andros Townsend and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the fixture at Goodison Park.