Predicted Everton Line-up To Face Liverpool In The FA Cup
Sam Allardyce’s Everton fell to a demoralising loss at the hands of Manchester United earlier this week as they failed to strengthen their position in the league table. The manager will be desperate to have an impact in his first season at Goodison Park and their next game, a trip to Anfield, will give him the chance to do just that. The Toffees are set to visit their local rivals, in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, in a Friday-night kick off.
The Blues held their rivals to a 1-1 draw when they travelled to Anfield last month and Allardyce will hope for something similar this time as well. Liverpool are a team in form and will not be easy to beat.
Team News
In early team news, Everton are still without the services of Roberto Funes-Mori, Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines and Maarten Stekelenburg, who are all long-term absentees. Ross Barkley is finally back on the field but has to wait for a while before regaining match fitness. He is the only other player missing for Allardyce this weekend.
Probable Everton XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK – Joel Robles
Jordan Pickford has been solid under the bar in the league and Allardyce will have a chance to test his deputy, Robles, in this cup tie.
RB – Jonjoe Kenny
The youngster was dropped from the first-team for the game against United but is expected to return at right-back this weekend.
CB – Michael Keane
Having only found his place back in the first-team recently, Keane will have a tough task to keep the likes of Firmino and Mane away from goal.
CB – Phil Jagielka
Ashley Williams has been a regular presence at the back for Everton and deserves some rest. He should be replaced by Jagielka, who is yet to cement a place in the first-team under the new manager.
LB – Cuco Martina
The lack of options in this role should see Everton start Martina at left-back for yet another game.
CM – Idrissa Gueye
Was dropped for the game against the Red Devils and is expected to walk straight into the starting XI at Anfield.
CM – Morgan Schneiderlin
The former Manchester United man did not have a great outing earlier in the week and will once again be put to test, against an in-form Liverpool side.
RW – Kevin Mirallas
The Belgian international has not been able to break into the first-team under Allardyce, who has a chance to use him on the flank in this derby.
CAM – Davy Klaassen
Another player struggling to get into the first-team, Klaassen is expected to start this game in the No.10 role.
LW – Gylfi Sigurdsson
Sigurdsson was not a part of the team that lost to United earlier in the week. However, he should be back in action, starting this game on the left flank.
ST – Sandro Ramirez
Oumar Niasse and Calvert-Lewin have both been used regularly by Allardyce and deserve to be rested. This could see Spaniard Sandro Ramirez make his FA Cup debut this weekend.