Marco Silva’s stint at Goodison Park has started on an average note. Though they remain unbeaten, Everton have won just one of their first four league games this season, and are still in search of some consistency. They took only a point each from their last two games against Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town and would look to get back to winning ways this weekend when they welcome a struggling West Ham United to Goodison Park.
The Hammers are rock bottom of the league table, having failed to pick up a single point so far this season. They have lost all their four games and have conceded more goals than 18 other teams in the league. Manuel Pellegrini would hope that his side can put up a fight, more so with the Toffees missing a number of their first team stars through injuries. Here is the predicted lineup Silva might field for this tie:
Team News:
Everton could have up to nine first-team stars missing for this game. The manager already has James McCarthy, Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka and Andre Gomes as long-term absentees in the squad. Yerry Mina and Seamus Coleman have also joined the list and would miss this game. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to be available for selection while both Theo Walcott and Idrissa Gueye could also be fit for this clash. Richarlison will serve another game of suspension and will also miss out.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
England’s no.1 Jordan Pickford has not been able to help Everton close out games. He needs to be at his best to keep out the guile of Marko Arnautovic. With Keane and Jagielka absent, Mason Holgate is expected to keep his place at the back and could start alongside Kurt Zouma, who also started against Huddersfield Town in the last game.
Everton will have to use Jonjoe Kenny at right back in the absence of Coleman while Leighton Baines should be back at left-back, to add some experience to the backline.
Midfield:
Though Gueye is expected to be fit, he might not be risked for this game. Silva should stick with Tom Davies and Morgan Schneiderlin in the middle of the park. The duo did well to control the game against the Terriers but need to be more creative to give their side a chance to beat West Ham this weekend.
Attack:
Cenk Tosun is yet to score a league goal for Everton this season but is their best choice to lead the line. Calvert Lewin is back fit after he picked up a niggle on international duty. He is expected to keep his place on the left flank.
Gylfi Sigurdsson has been average at best this season and needs to pick up his game quickly. He will start in a no.10 role while Ademola Lookman, who came on as a substitute in the game against Town, is expected to start on the right wing.
Here is how they might line up:
