Dominic Calvert-Lewin starts – Confirmed Everton XI vs Manchester City
Frank Lampard has made 4 changes to his Everton starting lineup as they take on champions Manchester City on New Years Eve in the Premier League.
The big news is that Dominic Calvert-Lewin starts up front in place of Neal Maupay, as Lampard gambles with the striker’s fitness after being out since early November with a shoulder problem.
Conor Coady comes back into the side in defence ahead of the injured Yerry Mina after being ineligible to face Wolves last week, while Ben Godfrey also starts in a back five. Anthony Gordon is unavailable for the game.
Everton XI: Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Coady, Godfrey, Mykolenko; Gueye, Onana; Iwobi, Calvert-Lewin, Gray.
Can’t lose
If this wasn’t a game against the champions and arguably the best team in world football right now, it would be considered a must win.
But since it is, it has to be considered a must not lose game at the very least for Everton who know the rut they’re in and the feeling of the fans recently.
The team have won just once in their last ten games in all competitions, and have lost each of their last four games in all competitions. It simply isn’t good enough.
Pressure is rising on Lampard and while he won’t be expected to get a result in this game, he has to find a way to turn things around and even earning a draw at the Etihad will show progression and the chance of something turning around.
Until then questions will continue to be asked about his future at the club and if he’s the right man to take us forward, but it will be difficult to judge him either way depending on how this game goes.