Everton travel south to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, February 15. Both teams have dramatically improved their form in the new year and sit comfortably outside the relegation zone. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup.
Everton Lineup To Face Palace In Premier League Clash
How Everton Have Lined Up
The Toffees starting lineup has remained unchanged in their last two league matches. Guinea-Bissau striker Beto has led the line since Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hamstring injury. Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom have played out wide, with the latter playing closer to a wingback than a true winger.
Read More: How Beto Could Turn Around The Faltering Everton Attack
Abdoulaye Doucoure has played a more advanced role in a midfield three. He is supported by a double pivot of James Garner and Idrissa Gueye.
Vitaliy Mykolenko is the first choice left back, with makeshift Jake O’Brien being played in a hybrid centre-right back role. Centre-back duo James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite have helped keeper Jordan Pickford earn eight league clean sheets.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
Undefeated in their last four matches, the Toffees currently sit 10 points above the relegation zone. Tarkowski’s last-minute equaliser in the Merseyside derby helped continue their streak.
Read More: How Everton’s Defence Has Improved From Early Season Slump
The 4-2-3-1 formation that manager David Moyes has used turns into a 5-2-3 in defence. This change allows for quicker and more direct counterattacks through two players occupying the inside forward positions.
Balls in behind the opposition defence have been a new focus, playing into the strengths of Beto. The absence of Ndiaye and Doucoure will change how they attack. The former is their main outlet on the counter.
Everton Injuries To Consider
The club has confirmed that Ndiaye suffered a knee injury in the Merseyside derby. Doucoure’s involvement in the scuffle post-match with see him sidelined against the Eagles. DCL and Youssef Chermiti are both out with no timeline of return given by the club.
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
