Everton will face Liverpool in the second Merseyside derby of the season. The reverse fixture had late drama with James Tarkowski’s goal securing a 2-2 draw for The Toffees. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton Predicted Lineup for the match that kicks off.
Everton Predicted Lineup For The Merseyside Derby
How Everton Have Lined Up
Everton have kept their starting lineup much the same as that under David Moyes. The only rotation in their last two league matches has been Carlos Alcaraz replacing Jesper Lindstrom.
That change shifted Jack Harrison to the right wing with Alcaraz on the left. Their target up front was Beto who has been a mainstay in the Moyes era after minimal opportunities under Sean Dyche. In the attacking midfielder role, Abdoulaye Doucoure has started in front of the double pivot of James Garner and Idrissa Gueye.
Read More: Beto’s Revival at Everton: How David Moyes Transformed His Game
In defence, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite start in the centre in front of Jordan Pickford in goal. Jake O’Brien has been made a makeshift right back under Moyes and Vitaliy Mykolenko, who is the only natural left back in the team, starts on the other side.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
The Toffees are undefeated in their last nine Premier League matches, only their cross-town rivals currently hold a longer streak. These teams faced off in the reverse fixture just six games ago due to a postponement earlier in the season.
That 2-2 result showed exactly how Everton will look to do better in this match. Both goals came from set-piece situations, which will be key in this game with the Toffees missing Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil, their two most creative players.
Read More: How The April Fixtures Could Shape Everton’s Future
Defensively a lot will hinge on the fitness of Mykolenko, if he is unable to play it is likely that 39-year-old Ashley Young will play on the left against Mo Salah. Not allowing the wingers to drive inside is a main focus of Everton, as letting a team cross into Branthwaite and Tarkowski is often a dead end for their attack.
The 4-2-3-1 formation that they line up in often shifts to a 5-2-2-1 in defence with O’Brien becoming a third centre-back and Harrison moving into a wingback position. They will likely play in the latter for the majority of this match because Liverpool has the majority of possession.
Everton Injuries To Consider
In this week’s press conference, Moyes outlined the availability of the first team squad. McNeil and Ndiaye both returned to training this week but are unlikely to feature in this midweek clash. Mykolenko will be tested prior to the match to determine fitness. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still a way off from returning from his ongoing hamstring issues.
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: Abdoulaye Doucoure
LM: Jack Harrison
RM: Jesper Lindstrom
ST: Beto
