Ronald Koeman kicks off his season with his star-studded side against Slovakian side Ružomberok and the Dutch boss would be under tremendous pressure to get the job done in the most convincing way. After Scottish side Rangers’ antics in the Europa League’s previous round, Everton will be wary.
Here is the predicted 4-2-3-1 Lineup
Defence
The position under the bar will be taken by Jordan Pickford and it would definitely be a huge night for the 23-year-old. He has shown his abilities for the Toffees in their pre-season tour where the young shot stopper showed his brilliant ball distribution against Genk. However, the Belgian side hardly tested him and Friday night will be his biggest challenge in an Everton shirt so far.
The back line should see a major upgrade with the presence of Michael Keane alongside Welshman Ashley Williams. Everton’s back line is widely regarded as one of the best in the league with critics even stating them as the title challengers. And Europa League’s third qualifying round would be the perfect platform to announce their arrival.
The full-back positions should be taken by the assured Leighton Baines and Cuco Martina. Ronald Koeman had immense faith in the former Southampton man since his time at the club and with Seamus Coleman out for the first half of the season, he is expected to take up the cudgels.
Midfield
Perhaps the most exciting part of Everton’s transfer business this summer. The two holding midfielders would be Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye. The duo was simply brilliant for the Merseyside club in the second half of last season and Koeman would be banking on them heavily.
While Schneiderlin’s dominance from aerial duels makes him one of the best options to have in the midfield, Gueye has already shown his potential last season. He is only expected to improve this season with many touting him to even surpass N’Golo Kante.
The number 10 position remains a difficult position for Koeman to choose from. The manager has tried both his new arrivals Wayne Rooney and Davy Klaassen there in the playmaking position and we expect him to go with the Dutch maestro. The 24-year-old comes on the back of huge expectations.
Attack
The left wing is expected to be taken by Kevin Mirallas while Sandro Ramirez should take the right wing. The Spanish forward has shown his passing skills in the pre-season games as Rooney was linking up well with him.
The centre forward role will be taken by Rooney, the biggest risk Koeman has taken this summer. While the English striker has shown he is worth every penny in the practice games, now comes the main event.
