On Monday, Everton were without several key players on the defensive side of the field. The makeshift backline was somewhat shaky and conceded a two goal lead to the Baggies. Everton managed to claw back after being down 2-0 to score three great goals in the second half to grab a victory. The comeback is a great momentum builder for the team as they look towards the Merseyside Derby on Sunday.
Everton have relied heavily on its young players this season and I think we will see a lot of the same in this one as we take a look at the strongest possible lineup to face Liverpool.
Goalkeeper
As always this is easy, we will see Tim Howard between the sticks.
Left Back
Brendan Galloway continues to play well on the left in the absence of Leighton Baines. Look for Galloway to retain his starting spot over Bryan Oviedo for this one.
Center Backs
Phil Jagielka as always is penned to start and will look to replicate the brilliance he showed with his equalizer goal last season against Liverpool.
Who will partner with Jags remains somewhat of a question. It appears that John Stones has a good chance of starting in this one, but if not Ramiro Funes Mori will likely lineup next to Jags once again.
Right Back
The signs coming out the Everton camp are positive for Seamus Coleman. If he’s fit, he will be the starter on the right and if he can’t go, we will likely see Tyias Browning step up.
Defensive Midfielders
Here we will see a lot of the same with James McCarthy and Gareth Barry continuing their partnership in the defensive midfield.
Left Wing
This is the toughest position to call for me. I think we will either see Steven Naismith or Arouna Kone on the left. Naismith has been handed the last two Premier League starts after his hat trick against Chelsea and has since failed to contribute much in terms of offense.
Kone on the other hand managed to score a goal only minutes after coming on as a substitute against West Brom. I like Naismith to come off the bench as an energy guy in this one and would hand the start to Kone.
The other two big options here are still unavailable. Kevin Mirallas continues to serve his ban for the red card he received against Swansea City and Tom Cleverley is still recovering from his injury.
Right Wing
Martinez and I had the same idea going into the West Brom game that Gerard Deulofeu should get his first Premier League start. The Spaniard rewarded the confidence with two assists and has provided some of the best crosses for the team so far this season. I would look to see Deulofeu once again fielded on the right against Liverpool.
Central Attacking Midfield
Ross Barkley has been great for the team so far and will continue to facilitate the offense in this one.
Striker
Romelu Lukaku scored two goals in Everton’s comeback win against WBA and continues to be the point man for the Everton attack. Look for the Belgium big man to continue his role up top for the Toffees.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
