Formation: 4-3-3
Jordan Pickford (GK) - Probably one of the most contentious choices in this starting XI, with the majority of Evertonians being pretty evenly split between him and Robin Olsen. Though, given his recent return to the starting lineup (all be it in not especially convincing fashion) and Olsen’s tricky spell between the sticks that saw him concede 9 goals in three games. I’d expect Pickford to keep his place in this one. It’s a game that he should really have a point to prove considering the events of the last derby game where he didn’t exactly cover himself in glory.
Mason Holgate (RB) - Another of the potentially controversial selections in this side, with many fans suggesting the Seamus Coleman could start this game. Holgate has certainly struggled of late, he has looked increasingly uncomfortable at right back which of course isn’t his natural position. However, I’m going to stick with him in this one because I believe that, despite his frailties as a right back and occasional issues with temperament, he will make the team a more solid defensive unit in the low block we will no doubt look to play. A role that is less suited to the more attack minded Coleman.
Ben Godfrey (CB) - A permanent fixture of the Everton starting XI now, Godfrey has to be a part of this side whether it’s in either fullback position or in the centre of defence. Given Mina’s absence I think Godfrey will move into his place, there is an argument to suggest the Holgate could play centre back and Godfrey at right back but I’m going to go with Godfrey here because he is simply a more solid defender and I have no issues with him starting in the middle on Saturday. His pace will no doubt be key to keeping the likes of Mané and Salah quiet.
Michael Keane (CB) - He’s our first choice centre half, he’s definitely going to play. Suited more to a low block so I think we’ll see the best of him in this game. He’s had a couple of pretty disappointing displays over the last month but he’s still had a brilliant season this year and has cemented himself in our back line. Scored against Liverpool in October and will no doubt be a threat from set pieces.
Lucas Digne (LB) - One of the best left-backs in the Premier League and will get to test himself against one of his closest competitors in Andy Robertson. His crossing ability and creativity will again be vital if we are to get anything from this game. He got an Assist for Calvert-Lewin’s equaliser in October and will need to serve up more of the same this weekend.
Tom Davies (CM) - If you’d have told me two months ago that I’d be predicting Tom Davies to start away at Anfield when Everton have a near fully fit squad available I’d have laughed you out of the room. But, Davies has earned his place in the absence of Allan, and since that day he hasn’t looked back. He certainly hasn’t been perfect but he’s been exactly what we needed him to be, calm and solid sitting in front of the back four to provide some defensive solidity. Let’s hope for more of the same.
Allan (CM) - Set to return after two months out with a hamstring injury, the Brazilian will be a welcome sight back in that Everton midfield. With Tom Davies occupying the defensive midfield role, this could free up Allan to play slightly higher where he can use his tenacity and energy to pressure the Liverpool midfield higher up the pitch.
Abdoulaye Doucoure (CM) - Probably the player who will prove most important in this game is Abdoulaye Doucoure, his pace and power will be absolutely vital to the way the side transitions from defence to attack. It will be his responsibility to get up and support the attacks of the front three in his typical box to box role. If he isn’t able to link up with the front 3, we won’t cause Liverpool many problems at all but if he can then we’ll certainly be a threat on the break.
James Rodríguez (RW) - James is always a difficult player to consider when picking a starting XI, on the one hand he does have a tendency to switch off and vacate his defensive responsibilities but on the other he just has so much quality on the ball that he can create a goal out of nowhere. I’m going to say he starts though as I believe we’ve got enough defensive minded players on the pitch to compensate for the occasions he may leave us exposed. Because he is such a creative outlet for us that he just absolutely has to play.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST) - DCL goes straight back in, absolutely no doubts about it. If he’s fit, he starts. Our best goal scorer by a mile, he’s got that clinical edge that a lot of our players seem to struggle with, he only needs one chance to score a goal. And in a game where chances on goal will most likely be at a premium, he will need to bring that clinical edge he’s shown this season.
Richarlison (LW) - After playing up front for the last two games in the absence of DCL, I’m going to move Richarlison back out to the wing. He’s struggled for a large part of the season but looks to be slowly finding his way back to his best, the goals he’s scored against Tottenham and Manchester City will hopefully give him the boost in confidence he needs to kick on and get back to the high standards we know he can produce. He’ll certainly need to reach them if we’re to get a result at Anfield.
No comments:
Post a Comment