Back-to-back wins against Southampton and West Ham United have boosted the Everton camp, particularly after a slow start under Frank Lampard. While they are still without an array of first-team stars due to injury concerns, a number of summer additions has rejuvenated the entire squad. The Toffees have momentum with them ahead of hosting Manchester United at Goodison Park.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, suffered a shambolic 6-3 defeat against ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City in the previous gameweek. Their Europa League victory over minnows Omonia Nicosia was not a comprehensive one either and gaffer Erik ten Hag has a few decisions to make before travelling to Merseyside for the Sunday evening fixture.
Predicted 4-3-3 Everton Lineup To Face Manchester United
Jordan Pickford returned between the sticks versus the Saints as he recovered from a minor knock. He is expected to retain the ‘number 1’ status even though veteran Asmir Begovic secured a clean sheet in his absence prior to the international break.
Everton have an entire backline sidelined for fitness reasons. Although Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Nathan Patterson remain unavailable for the United game, Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have formed a resilient partnership in the heart of defence. Seamus Coleman looked steady at the back while operating as a right fullback, also the headstrong performances from Vitaliy Mykolenko seem to have resolved the crisis down the left following Lucas Digne’s departure back in winter.
Midfield
Lampard has parted ways with Allan and Andre Gomes in favour of Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gana Gueye. Onana, who joined from Lille for £33m, has been stupendous so far with his physical presence as well as ball-carrying ability.
Despite leaving for PSG back in the summer of 2019, Everton re-signed Gueye before the transfer deadline day in order to bolster themselves in the centre of the pitch. He has cemented the ‘number 6’ status straight away, also the composure of Alex Iwobi has helped him settle in as a box-to-box option after failing to deliver as a wide attacker.
Attack
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still struggling to recover from a long-standing injury layoff, but the arrival of Neal Maupay has been a breath of fresh air in the attacking third. The club has mostly roped in those with ample Premier League experience and Maupay, being one of them, has slotted in expertly as a target-man.
Anthony Gordon has been a revelation since last season and the manager must restore him to the starting XI for this high-profile encounter. The versatile youngster should operate from the right allowing Demarai Gray to exhibit his flair down the left-hand flank. Dwight McNeil might be deployed as a ‘super sub’ after firing in the winner at St. Mary’s.
