Just three sleeps after the thrilling win over Newcastle, Everton welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park with optimism at a recent high.
But with such a quick turnaround between games, how will Sean Dyche line up his side?
Will it be the same again or will he look to freshen up some legs?
Who’s Out?
James Garner was a surprise absence on Thursday, due to a sickness bug. It’s hoped he’ll be fit in time for Chelsea, though.
Amadou Onana should also be ready to return to the squad after being hampered by a calf problem over the past month; he’s back in training with the squad.
Andre Gomes could also be nearing a return to the squad. Seamus Coleman and Jordon Pickford both picked up knocks against Newcastle. Pickford came through the 90 minutes, but Coleman came off – so he may be rested.
Dele is the only other player still unavailable.
EVERTON SQUAD AVAILABLE VS NEWCASTYLE
Goalkeepers: Pickford (SLIGHT DOUBT), Virginia, Lonergan,
Defenders: Keane, Godfrey, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Coleman (DOUBT), Patterson, Young
Midfielders: Doucoure, Onana (DOUBT), Gueye, Garner, Onyango, Gomes (DOUBT), Dele (INJURED)
Wingers: McNeil, Danjuma, Dobbin, Harrison
Attackers: Calvert-Lewin, Beto, Chermiti
Tactics and Formation
With a few knocks and some slight muscle twinges in recent weeks, I think we could some see a few changes to the starting line-up for this one – primarily in order to keep players fresh and fit heading into the busy Christmas period.
Patterson or Young will likely replace Seamus Coleman at right-back, but the rest of the backline will surely stay the same. Patterson really deserves a game. Young can rest.
Harrison will move back out wide with Garner joining Doucoure and Gueye in midfield.
I’m wondering if Beto may also get another start on the back of his goal, and DCL having some muscle tightness last week.
Starters (likelihood of starting rated out of 10)
Jordan Pickford – 9/10
Nathan Patterson – 5/10
Vitalii Mykolenko – 9/10
James Tarkowski – 9/10
Jarrad Branthwaite – 9/10
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 9/10
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 9/10
James Garner – 6/10
Jack Harrison – 8/10
Dwight McNeil – 8/10
Beto – 6/10
Bench
Joao Virginia
Michael Keane
Ashley Young
Ben Godfrey
Amadou Onana
Arnaut Danjuma
Lewin Dobbin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Youssef Chermiti
