Everton head down to the south coast to face Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium on Saturday, March 30. The Toffees are coming off a 21-day break as they look to cement their position outside the relegation zone. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match that kicks off at 3 pm.
Everton Predicted Lineup For Crucial Match Against Bournemouth
How Everton Have Lined Up Recently
The starting lineup had a familiar look about it against Manchester United. The backline of Ben Godfrey, James Tarkwoski, Jarrad Branthewaite, and Vitaliy Mykolenko has started the previous seven Premier League matches. Behind them, Jordan Pickford has featured in all league games this season, amassing eight clean sheets.
Read More: Abdoulaye Doucoure’s Renaissance: Why He Is Everton’s Most Important Player
The double pivot of Amadou Onana and James Garner anchored the centre midfield. In front of them was Malian international Abdoulaye Doucoure in an attacking midfielder / second striker role. Out-wide Dwight McNeil and James Harrison have been the first-choice options, the duo providing 13 goal contributions in the Premier League.
Portuguese striker Beto had a chance to become the club’s number-one striker. Starting two games ago against West Ham United, the former Udinese player scored and earned himself his second consecutive start against the Red Devils.
Everton Recent Form and Tactics
Winless in 2024, the Toffees have still managed to climb out of the relegation zone thanks to drawing five of their previous eight Premier League games. During this run of games, the team’s scoring woes have continued, as they are now ranked 18th for goals scored in the league.
They now face a Cherries side that has conceded 52 goals this campaign. Strikers Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will look to change their fortunes against a bottom-five defence.
Everton will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 that shifts to a 4-4-2 when Doucoure joins the striker in pressing and certain defensive situations. The wide players are crucial to the defensive prowess of the team tracking back and stopping any incoming crosses. Down the other end, they are just as important in generating dead-ball situations, where The Toffees have scored half their league goals.
Bournemouth ranks 18th in aerial duels won percentage, an area manager Sean Dyche may look to exploit. Pickford is used as an outlet for further up the pitch along with Tarkowski. These tactics have led to Everton attempting the league’s most long balls.
Everton Injuries to Consider
Idriss Gueye looks to return after the 21-day-long break after playing 70 minutes in a practice match. Arnaut Danjuma has rejoined first-team training after an ankle injury in January has seen him spend time on the sideline. Everton otherwise have a full squad except for Dele Alli, who has had surgery on his groin, though he has not featured in any first-team games this season.
Everton Predicted Lineup
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Seamus Coleman
CB: James Tarkowski
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: James Garner
CM: Amadou Onana
CAM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
LM: Dwight McNeil
RM: Jack Harrison
ST: Beto