Everton will try to hit the ground hard when they face Sunderland in the Carabao Cup. The Toffees failed to provide the necessary thrust to their campaign as they lack the pace in comparison to the other teams.
Ronald Koeman would have thought, that his new signings would come calling to the first team with their individual contributions but so far, neither of them has been able to make a mark.
Sunderland got demoted to the Championship last season but Simon Grayson does have the ammunition to play spoilsport for the Merseyside club. The Black Cats would like to grind out a result in their favour but Goodison Park has always provided a tough atmosphere to them.
Koeman is under severe pressure as the Merseyside club are winless in four matches in all competitions and would like to start a new journey from here.
Predicted 4-3-3 Everton Starting Lineup Against Sunderland
Defence
Despite conceding three goals against Atalanta Maarten Stekelenburg’s performance was pretty convincing in goal and it should be enough to earn him a call-up to the first team.
Mason Holgate has been filling the void of Seamus Coleman but Koeman might use him in his natural position in the heart of the defence. Ashley Williams was very error prone in the last match and will get a chance to rectify his mistakes against a much weaker Sunderland.
Jonjoe Kenny is one of the most admirable talents nurtured at the Everton academy and he should get a chance in this must-win match. Leighton Baines will continue on the left-hand side.
Midfield
Muhamed Besic has been used on a rotational basis but with Koeman scheduled to give his usual misfiled pairing of Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gana Gueye a rest, the midfielder should see out this game with ease.
Tom Davies burst to the scene in the last season but failed to buckle up this time. He was pretty ordinary against Manchester United in the last match and this match will provide him with the necessary stage to replicate his performances.
Davy Klaassen hasn’t been used to his best and this match is surely the best bet for him to impress his gaffer.
Attack
Koeman might tweak his attacking lineup in a bid to test his reserve bench. Kevin Mirallas has been searching for form and there couldn’t be any better chance than this match.
Ademola Lookman will start from the other side.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shown signs of encouragement and should find a place in the starting lineup.
