Everton are away to Manchester City, a fixture they have not won since 2010. The hosts are currently sitting second in the league while the visitors are sitting in the relegation zone, one point from safety. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for this crucial tie scheduled for Saturday
Everton Predicted Lineup For Premier League Clash
A fitness update from the boss ahead of Saturday's game at Manchester City.@wearfigs 🔵 #MCIEVE pic.twitter.com/hDRnzoZB8y
— Everton (@Everton) February 8, 2024
How Everton Have Lined Up Recently
Manager Sean Dyche has kept a steady side over the previous two games. A backline of Ben Godfrey, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko have held the line in front of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Ashley Young has come back into the team starting on the right wing, on the other side we have seen a rotation of Arnaut Danjuma and Dwight McNeil. The latter had a stint in the centre against Fulham two games ago.
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James Garner has been steadfast in the centre of the midfield. The return of Idrissa Gueye into the team was imperative to allowing McNeil to return out wide. James Harrison has played a more central role as the attacking midfielder in the absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The starting striker role has been given to Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the previous nine league games. This is despite the former Sheffield United player failing to score in his last 17 appearances for the club. Beto and Youssef Chermiti have provided relief from the bench, the former starting five games in the league this season.
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Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
The Toffees often line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and switch to a 4-4-2 when defending, with a midfielder joining the striker for their press. A system which has produced a high amount of turnovers in the attacking third, ranking 6th in the premier league for tackles in that area of the pitch.
Everton have started the new year with three consecutive draws, the latest being a thrilling 2-2 against Tottenham in which Branthwaite headed in the equaliser in the 94th minute.
The home side have enjoyed five league wins on the trot, scoring 14 goals in that span. A victory in this match will place them at the top of the table, ahead of Liverpool by one point with the same amount of games played.
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The two sides play a drastically different style of football. City ranks second in the league for short and medium passes attempted while the visiting side is leading in long passes attempted.
Similarly, the two sides are at opposite ends of possession held per game. The reigning champions lead the league while Everton is second last with an average possession of 38.9% per game.
Dyche, who is banned from the sidelines for this game due to a third yellow card this season will look for his team to counter at any opportunity. Calvert-Lewin will lead the line chasing down any possible long balls against the high line of City.
Everton’s Injuries to Consider
Midfielder Amadou Onana is back training with the first team and is in contention for this weekend’s match. Danjuma, Doucoure and Andre Gomes are all unavailable for the fixture. No players from the previous side are unavailable and with only Onana possibly returning it looks to be a very similar lineup to the last game.
Everton’s Predicted Lineup
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Ben Godfrey
CB: James Tarkowski
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: James Garner
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Jack Harrison
LM: Dwight McNeil
RM: Ashley Young
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
