Everton travel away to Leicester in a tie that could shape the relegation battle at season’s end. The two teams have yet to record a win in the Premier League this season. The hosts have secured two draws while the Toffees remain winless. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match at 3 pm on September 21.
Everton Predicted Lineup In Six-Pointer Match Vs Leicester
How Everton Have Lined Up
An injury and illness crisis has hit Goodison Park over the recent weeks. This has resulted in a high level of rotation, especially for a Sean Dyche team.
Joao Virginia started in net in a midweek cup clash, while Jordan Pickford is the first choice in the league. Winger Dwight McNeil was forced into playing left-back due to a lack of availability. England U20 right back Roman Dixon was given his second senior start in the absence of Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman. The centre-back pairing of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane has started every league game this season, Irishmen Jake O’Brien started against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
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Orel Mangala and Harrison Armstrong were given their first start in the centre of midfield for the club midweek. Tim Iroegbunam and Idrissa Gueye have been mainstays in league ties for the double pivot. Jesper Lindstrom started on the right wing for the cup clash with Iliman Ndiaye on the left. Abdoulaye Doucoure was back in the centre-attacking midfield position with McNeil in defence.
Portuguese striker Beto earned his second cup start, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been the first choice during league matches.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
Everton have failed to earn a point this Premier League season, conceding 13 goals in their four matches to start the season. The Toffees have been unable to recreate their stellar defensive record from last season.
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Manager Sean Dyche’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation relies heavily on the long ball with Everton ranking first in the league for that category. The team also focuses on their pressing, ranking second in tackles and interceptions. They now face a Foxes team that ranks fourth, potentially leading to an end-to-end game.
Everton Injuries To Consider
In this week’s press conference, Dyche outlined the issues that the club is facing with illness. The team has been struck with a virus that will affect selection for the match. Tarkowski returned to training and is likely to be fit for the match. Calvert-Lewin and Mykolenko trained on Thursday and are hopeful they will be fit for the match, while Harrison left training early with a suspected illness. Right backs Patterson and Coleman are returning from injury and unavailable for this weekend’s match. Branthwaite is likely to feature in a U21 match this week as he looks to play his first match this season.
Everton’s Predicted Line Up
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Roman Dixon
CB: Jake O’Brien
CB: James Tarkowski
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: Orel Mangala
CM: Tim Iroegbunam
CAM: Dwight McNeil
LM: Iliman Ndiaye
RM: Jesper Lindstrom
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
