Everton are set to host Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday, February 22. The Toffees will look to redeem themselves after suffering a 4-0 loss in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match at 12:30 pm.
Everton Predicted Lineup Vs Manchester United In Premier League Clash
How Everton Have Lined Up
Injuries and suspensions have led to necessary rotations for Everton. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s role in the post-match scuffle against Liverpool, which saw him receive a second yellow card, led to new signing Carlos Alcaraz earning his first start for the club last match. Iliman Ndiaye suffered a knee injury in the Merseyside derby, and Jack Harrison returned to the starting lineup on the left wing in his place.
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Elsewhere on the pitch Guinea-Bissau striker Beto has continued his great form since earning the starting position, scoring four goals in his last three Premier League matches. Jesper Lindstrom has improved since David Moyes’ return as manager, playing in a hybrid right midfield-wingback role. James Garner and Idrissa Gueye have made up the double pivot at the base of the midfield.
The defence has stayed largely unchanged since the new manager’s appointment. Vitaliy Mykolenko is the first choice left-back, with a renewed freedom to join in on the attack and overlap. On the other side, Jake O’Brien is lined up in a traditional right-back position but often moves more centrally when the team is defending. The centre-back duo of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite have helped the team, alongside Jordan Pickford in net, to earn nine league clean sheets this season.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
Everton are undefeated in their last five Premier League matches, with their only blemish being a draw against cross-town rivals Liverpool two games ago. This run of form is largely due to their improved attack over the last month.
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A renewed focus on high pressing and playing balls in behind has transformed the team going forward. The biggest beneficiary is Beto, three of his four goals have been from runs in behind the defence.
Defensively the team shifts from a 4-2-3-1 to a 5-2–2-1 with Lindstrom pushing O’Brien into a central defending position.
Everton Injuries To Consider
Wingers Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil have both suffered long-term knee injuries, Moyes stating in the club’s press conference that the former is ahead of schedule for a return. Other injuries include Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Youssef Chermiti, none of whom have seen the field in recent months.
Everton’s Predicted Lineup
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Jake O’Brien
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
CB: James Tarkowski
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: James Garner
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Carlos Alcaraz
LM: Jack Harrison
RM: Jesper Lindstrom
ST: Beto
