Everton had a tricky fixture to start their season with but had a strong answer to the test. One of the best teams from the last season, Spurs visited Goodison Park for their season opener and had to go home being content with just one point. Everton were leading the Lilywhites for quite a long time in the game thanks to an early Ross Barkley goal but Erik Lamela’s 59-minute equaliser salvaged 1 point for the North Londoners. The Koeman era at the Merseyside club started in a decent manner and now it’s time to build on it.
Next test in Everton’s way is a tough away fixture at the Hawthorns. A trip to West Bromwich Albion is never easy especially with a manager like Tony Pulis in charge. Koeman will give everything in his locker in this game to come back home with all three points. West Brom started their season with an impressive 1-0 win against Crystal Palace are no pushovers for the game.
Here is the predicted Everton lineup against West Brom.
Defence
Maarten Stekelenburg had a solid Everton debut last week against Spurs making a few key saves during the game. The Dutch international will keep his place under the bar. Everton are likely to opt for a back four in this game. New signing Ashley Williams should make it to the starting XI. The Wales skipper will partner Everton skipper Phil Jagielka at the heart of the defence. With Seamus Coleman injured, Ramiro Funes Mori will start in the right-back position. Leighton Baines is likely to start in the left-back position.
Midfield
Idrissa Gueye, Everton’s summer signing from Aston Villa looks an assured started in Everton’s two-man midfield. The Senegalese international is likely to be partnered by James McCarthy in the middle of the park. Ross Barkley had an excellent game against Spurs and should retain his place in the starting XI. The English international started on the right flank last week in a 3-4-3 formation but against West Brom, the 22-year-old should start as the number ten in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Gerard Deulofeu started as a false nine last week but with Romelu Lukaku back in the team, the Spaniard is likely to start on the right flank. Yannick Bolasie, Everton’s latest recruit, should start on the left flank ahead of Kevin Mirallas.
Attack
Want-away Everton striker Romelu Lukaku missed the last game due to lack of match fitness. It looks like the Belgian is going to stay at Goodison Park and should get back to the starting XI as the focal point of attack.
