Everton host Tottenham at home on February 3, a matchup where the reverse fixture resulted in a 2-1 win for Spurs. A quick turnaround from a 0-0 draw against Fulham on January 30 sees a need for rotation, but with a thin squad and no players confirmed to come back, selection could get interesting. The game kicks off at 12:30 pm GMT. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup.
Everton Predicted Lineup vs Tottenham
The boss says Idrissa Gana Gueye is in contention for Saturday's squad following his return from #AFCON2023.#EVETOT 🔵 #EFC pic.twitter.com/HyDFv2mmnJ
— Everton (@Everton) February 1, 2024
How Everton Have Lined-up Recently
Due to injuries stacking up over the winter months, manager Sean Dyche has kept the starting lineup rotating throughout fixtures, particularly in midfield. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite are almost certain starters this season. Vitaliy Mykolenko and Ben Godfrey started at wingback in the previous game, where the regular starting right back, Nathan Patterson came off the bench.
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James Garner has started the last three games in the midfield, previously starting alongside Amadou Onana, who was left out of the squad against Fulham. With a lack of options in the centre of the park, Dwight McNeil started the last game alongside Garner. Harrison was in a more advanced role in the absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure. Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma started in the previous game, a duo that wasn’t expected by many.
The job of leading the line has often been a responsibility for Dominic Calvert-Lewin in league fixtures. The striker hasn’t scored in 16 games but continues to start in the league.
Everton Recent Form and Tactics
The Toffees have started 2024 with two 0–0 draws in the league to Aston Villa and Fulham. The defence has become rock solid this season, leading to Pickford having a league-high eight clean sheets.
Dyche’s preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, something he has not often strayed from in the league. Last time out against Spurs, the team lined up with three centre midfielders in this formation.
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Everton focuses their play through the wings, where McNeil and Harrison have been crucial throughout the season. The pair have provided over half of the team’s premier league assists this season, showing how crucial they are to the Toffees.
Everton Injuries to Consider
In this week’s press conference, Dyche outlined the uncertainty around many players heading into the game. Danjuma received a knock on Tuesday, while Onana was left out of the squad. Both will be doubtful heading into the weekend. Idrissa Gueye is in contention for selection after returning from AFCON, where Senegal lost in the round of 16. Seamus Coleman is getting back into match fitness and could be available for selection. Doucoure has started back training but is yet to join the first team in training.
Everton Predicted Line-up
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Ben Godfrey
CB: James Tarkowski
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: Amadou Onana
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: James Garner
LM: Dwight McNeil
RM: Jack Harrison
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
