Now that the international break is over, we can get back to the action. This week, Everton have a home matchup against Aston Villa on the cards. Villa are currently sitting dead last in the Premier League and have struggled throughout the season, only picking one win so far. Everton in contrast are currently sitting in ninth with a favorable schedule to round out 2015. The Toffees will expect all three points here.
Goalkeeper
There has been a lot of criticism towards Tim Howard in recent weeks, deservingly so. Even with his dip in form, I think that the American is still a better option than Joel Robles.
Right Back
Returning to the team after helping Ireland qualify for the Euro, Seamus Coleman will continue his duties on the right side of the Everton defense.
Centre Backs
Everton’s best bet for this one is to continue with the John Stones/ Ramiro Funes Mori combination as there isn’t a lot of depth behind them with Phil Jagielka still out due to injury.
Left Back
Will this be the week that we see Leighton Baines return to the starting lineup? Most reports are indicating that he is very close to making his comeback. Despite Brendan Galloway’s good form for the team, I think the position is still Leighton’s to command. Baines offers the Toffees an alternative attacking option that they have been missing this season. If it’s too soon for Baines look for Galloway to continue to impress on the left.
Defensive Midfielders
Muhamed Besic is finally fit and ready to play, but I think that these spots should be kept by James McCarthy and Gareth Barry.
Centre Attacking Midfielder
Coming off a good performance for England, Ross Barkley will continue in his role for the Toffees in the middle of the midfield. Other options here could be Tom Cleverley or Steven Naismith. Neither offers what Barkley does though.
Right Wing
Gerard Deulofeu should be manning the right side of midfield for Everton this weekend. The U-21 Spanish captain has been great as of late and put away five goals for country during the international break. Deulofeu’s form means that Aaron Lennon will like play in a more reserve role for the foreseeable future.
Left Wing
This has been the hardest position to pick for me. On the one hand there is Kevin Mirallas who is a natural winger and has produced for the team in the past, but has been struggled throughout this campaign. On the other hand there is Arouna Kone. Kone is not a naturally winger, but his partnership with Lukaku has been important for Everton on many occasions.
I would like to see this game be the beginning of the resurgence of Kevin Mirallas, who I think is the better player overall.
Forward
This is probably the easiest position on the pitch to call. We will see Romelu Lukaku continue his reign up top for Everton.
(4-2-3-1)
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Via – Lineup Builder
