Everton will be facing their biggest challenge of the season when they host Manchester City at the Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Toffees have had a disappointing start to the campaign so far, collecting only seven points from the first six games. The Merseyside club will come into this clash on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in the third round of the EFL Cup in midweek. However, they need to be careful against a Man City side who are in tremendous scoring form.
Here is how Marco Silva’s men could line-up against the defending champions this weekend.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Silva could make a couple of changes in the defensive department against Manchester City. Seamus Coleman will return to the starting eleven and operate as a right-back, ahead of new signing Djibril Sidibe. The Irishman will play a key role in coping with the threat of Raheem Sterling.
Lucas Digne, meanwhile, is once again leading Everton’s assists charts. But, the Frenchman will be expected to do a lot of defensive work against the Citizens this weekend. He will retain his place at left-back.
Yerry Mina was given a start against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek. However, the former Barcelona youngster will make way for England international Michael Keane.
The onus will be on Keane to lead this Everton defence against a Manchester City side that has netted 24 goals this season. Mason Holgate will partner him at the heart of the four-man backline.
And finally, Jordan Pickford will retain his place in between the sticks for the Toffees. He will be looking for his third clean sheet of the campaign.
Midfield
Andre Gomes is still recovering from the rib injury he picked up against Wolves at the start of this month. Jean-Philippe Gbamin is also out injured, meaning Silva will once again have to stick with Fabian Delph in central midfield.
It will be a special game for the England international, who will be playing against his former club for the first time. He will likely feature alongside Morgan Schneiderlin, who could get the nod ahead of the attack-minded Tom Davies given the quality of the opponent.
Attack
Richarlison is the club’s top goal-scorer in the Premier League this season. He is a guaranteed starter on the right flank, with Alex Iwobi moving on to the other side. Gylfi Sigurdsson, meanwhile, will operate as the lone attacking midfielder, just behind the central striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
