Everton have been very erratic in their Premier League campaign this year. After a solid start to their season winning four of the opening five games, they have struggled immensely to hold their ground. They suffered a humiliating defeat away to Chelsea before going to the international break. Chelsea undoubtedly had the better team but it was Everton’s shambolic defence that was responsible for conceding 5 goals.
This week they have a comparatively easier game against Swansea City at home, where Ronald Koeman will want is side to put in a convincing performance. Although form wise Swansea have been disastrous this season reeling at the 19th position as compared to Everton’s 7th place, Everton haven’t won any of their last 4 Premier League games against Swansea.
But an encouraging fact about the Toffees is also that Swansea are without a win in the last 10 games, which is their longest winless streak since 2001. Everton will also have to do well considering they have just won one of their last six league games.
Defence
Despite letting in five goals in the last game, Koeman is expected to put his trust in Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg ahead of Joel Robles. Coleman has been one of the few better defenders for Everton this season and is expected to start at right-back. He will be expecting to get back to form after a terrible game against Chelsea and Marcos Alonso in particular.
Wales’ ever-dependent Ashley Williams is an undisputed choice at centre-back and Phil Jagielka will take his place with Williams. Good news for Koeman is that Leighton Baines is returning this week but he is expected to take some time before starting a game. Hence, the left back position could be taken by Ramiro Funes Mori.
Midfield
With the return of James McCarthy from injury, Koeman will have a good replacement for the suspended Barry in midfield. The influential midfield dynamo Idrissa Gueye, who missed the game against Chelsea as the Senegalese international served a 1-game ban after picking up 5 yellow cards, is expected to take his place again alongside Tom Cleverley.
Ross Barkley will take the number 10 position and will expect to find the back of the net this time after a subdued performance last time.
Attack
With both Kevin Mirallas and Yannick Bolasie quite ineffective on the wings, Koeman is eyeing replacements in the January window. Till then the duo will start at the flanks as there are no better options in those areas as Oviedo’s experiment hasn’t gone well. Romelu Lukaku will take his place up front after a goal scoring performance in national colours. With the return of Arouna Kone, Koeman will have experience on the bench.