Everton host Burnley on Saturday, April 6, a match that will shape the relegation battle. The Toffees are coming off a 1-1 draw against Newcastle that sees them stay 4 points above the drop. But with an impending points deduction coming, a bad result in this match may see them battling it come season’s end. Last Word on Football brings you our predicted starting lineup for the match kicking off at 3pm from Goodison Park.
Everton Predicted Lineup For Crucial Relegation Clash
Team news update ahead of Burnley…@wearfigs pic.twitter.com/hqtNqhZl8n
— Everton (@Everton) April 4, 2024
How Everton Have Lined Up Recently
Manager Sean Dyche returned to a familiar back four against Newcastle. Ben Godfrey returned to the right-back position after being shifted to the left previously due to the return of club captain Seamus Coleman. Vitaliy Mykolenko was on the left side of defence after being rested against Bournemouth. James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite continued their partnership, now starting 27 league games alongside each other. Jordan Pickford was in goals where he has started every league game this season.
The midfield double pivot was occupied by the returning Idrissa Gueye alongside Belgian international Amadou Onana. Ashley Young and Dwight McNeil provided the width, with Jack Harrison as an unused sub.
Read More: Fate Is In Their Hands: Everton’s Run Home To Avoid Relegation
Portuguese striker Beto earned himself another start before being substituted for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored the equaliser from the penalty spot against Newcastle United. Behind Beto was Abdoulaye Doucoure playing the second striker role.
Everton Recent Form and Tactics
Everton are currently on a 14-game winless streak. It is their longest streak without a victory in the Premier League era. Despite this they still have a claim to the league’s fourth-best defence, conceding just 42 goals this campaign.
The common theme throughout the winless streak has been the team’s inability to find the back of the net. But they now face Burnley who have conceded the second most goals in the comeptition.
Lining up in a 4-2-3-1, the formation will shift to a 4-4-2 when pressing. This is often a team focus and is where they create many of their best chances. Tackling high up the pitch, Everton ranks in the top three for tackles in their attacking third.
Against Burnley they may have to shift to a more possession-style game, the Clarets being the worst tackling team in the league. Ranking 16th in the league for tackles, those with less are teams that possess the ball at a high rate. This could see the likes of Andre Gomes and James Garner returning to the starting lineup.
Everton Injuries To Consider
In this week’s press conference, Dyche confirmed the status of multiple players in the squad. Arnaut Danjuma is getting back to full fitness after returning to training this past week. Lewis Dobbin is also getting close to a return as he recovers from an ankle injury. He also stated that the fitness levels of those observing Ramadan will have to be looked at which include Doucoure, Gana, and Onana.
Everton Predicted Line Up
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Seamus Coleman
CB: James Tarkowski
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: James Garner
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Andre Gomes
LM: Dwight McNeil
RM: Jack Harrison
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin