Everton is set to host Aston Villa in David Moyes’ first game as the club’s new manager. The Scot returns to the Goodison Park sideline after leaving the Toffees 12 years ago. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match that kicks off at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, January 15.
Everton Predicted Lineup For Premier League Clash vs Aston Villa
How Everton Have Lined Up
Everton debuted a new lineup in their FA Cup fixture against Peterborough. Caretaker manager Leighton Baines gave the team a new look, with three centre-backs in front of Joao Virginia in goal. Michael Keane slotted in between the usual centre-back pairing of Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski. Jordan Pickford has started all games in the Premier League but was rested for the match.
Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko were in the wing-back positions, providing width for the centre midfielders. The midfield duo was Orel Mangala and Idrissa Gueye for the FA Cup fixture, Aboulaye Doucoure has often featured if a midfield three is used.
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Senegalese international Iliman Ndiaye has been the main attacking outlet for the team on the left wing. Harrison Armstrong earned himself a start on the right wing, the 17-year-old has featured in small stints in the league this season. Beto was given the starting striker role, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja having both earned a start in the last month as the team looks to find a consistent goal threat.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
In the Premier League Everton has lost their previous two games, before that drawing three consecutively. A run of results that led to the sacking of manager Sean Dyche. Defensively the team improved to its form that was key to its survival last season but the other end of the field was an ongoing issue.
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In their last five games, they have scored just one goal. Not finding the net was an ongoing theme under Dyche. Whether Moyes is the man to change their fortunes in front of the net will be proven soon.
Moyes has used a 4-2-3-1 formation, used predominantly by Dyche as well, previously which will help players as they change tactics. An overreliance on long balls and crosses was the only way the Toffees found themselves threatening the other team’s net.
Everton Injuries To Consider
The new manager faced the media for the first time and detailed the fitness status of those in the first team squad in this week’s press conference. Armando Broja has suffered another injury that will keep him out for an extended period of time. Dwight McNeil continues to suffer setbacks and will be unable to return for this fixture. DCL is set to return after a minor injury suffered during training last week.
Everton’s Predicted Lineup
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Ashley Young
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
CB: James Tarkowski
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Harrison Armstrong
LM: Iliman Ndiaye
RM: Jesper Lindstrom
ST: Beto
