Predicted Everton Lineup To Face Stoke City On The Opening Day Of The Premier League Campaign
Everton will start off their 2017/18 Premier League campaign, by welcoming Mark Hughes’ Stoke City to the Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Toffees are already underway with their European campaign and qualified for the UEFA Europa League playoffs, after beating Ruzomberok over two legs last week. They will want to begin their league campaign on a winning note as well. They have been one of the biggest spenders in the Premier League this summer, bringing in as many as seven first-team players so far.
Team News
Ronald Koeman will be without winger Aaron Lennon and James McCarthy while want-away midfielder Ross Barkley is also set to miss out due to a groin injury. Ramiro Funes Mori, Seamus Coleman and Yannick Bolasie are the long-term absentees.
Here is how the Merseysiders could line up at home, against the Potters:
Manager: Ronald Koeman
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Jordan Pickford (GK)
The goalkeeper arrived for quite a large sum of money and managed to keep a shut-out in the second leg against Ruzomberok. Will want to start off in a similar way in the league.
Mason Holgate (RB)
Having played a three-man defence in the previous game, we could see Koeman switch back to an orthodox four-man backline which could see the young Mason Holgate start at right-back.
Michael Keane (CB)
The club-record signing will have a huge role to play this season, if the Toffees are to challenge for a spot in the top six.
Ashley Williams (CB)
The senior man in defence, Williams will be extremely vital to the club’s fortunes in the coming campaign.
Leighton Baines (LB)
One of the longest serving players in the current Everton squad, Baines remains consistent as ever and is a certain starter.
Morgan Schneiderlin (CM)
The former Manchester United and Southampton man is Koeman’s trusted lieutenant in the holding midfield role. A definite starter.
Idrissa Gueye (CM)
The second midfield spot is likely to be occupied by last summer’s signing Idrissa Gueye. The Sengalese midfielder offers the hustle and bustle along with energy in the middle of the park.
Wayne Rooney (RW)
The prodigal son returned home from United earlier this summer. Given his vast experience and proven quality, Koeman is likely to give him the nod on the right-hand side of the attack.
Davy Klaassen (CAM)
Another exciting summer arrival, Klaassen has made his reputation as a creative and a goal-scoring attacking midfielder. He should make his Premier League debut on Saturday.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (LW)
The youngster has had a promising pre-season and looks like the real deal. Should get a start on the left-flank ahead of Kevin Mirallas.
Sandro Ramirez (ST)
Leading the line will be another new signing, Sandro Ramirez. The 21-year old is coming on the back of a strong campaign in the La Liga with Malaga and will get his first real taste of English football on Saturday, facing the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Kurt Zouma.