Everton will lock horns with West Brom Albion at the Hawthorns on Thursday night, hoping to pick up a positive result and continue their good run of form in the Premier League. The Toffees will be heading into the contest on the back of an impressive 1-0 victory over Southampton, whereas the Baggies recorded a narrow 1-0 win against Graham Potter’s men.
Carlo Ancelotti will probably opt for a 4-3-3 formation with a couple of tweaks from the game at Bramall Lane. James Rodriguez is expected to return from a minor knock, thereby replacing Gylfi Sigurdsson in the starting line-up.
4-3-3 Everton Predicted Lineup To Face West Brom Albion
Defence
Jordan Pickford is expected to take command in goal for the away side. The English shot-stopper will be looking forward to adding to his tally of two clean-sheets in the last three league games. Ben Godfrey will form the customary centre-half partnership with Michael Keane at the heart of Everton’s backline as they look to prevent Allardyce’s’ men from finding the back of the net throughout the 90 minutes.
Full-backs Ben Godfrey and Lucas Digne will continue to operate down the right and left-flank side respectively.
Midfield
Adebayo Doucoure and Allan will slot in as the holding midfielders; however, the former could be assigned more of a central role as his ball-distribution could be decisive if the Toffees wish to dominate things at the centre of the park.
Before the match at Goodison Park, Carlo Ancelotti provided important injury updates on the fitness of James Rodriguez and Tom Davies.
“They had little problems in training this week, and so I prefer to give them rest to be ready for the next game. We have a busy schedule, we play again on Thursday, but they will recover soon. They are really light problems.” – The Italian coach stated.
Hence, Gylfi Sigurdsson seems likely to lose his place to James Rodriguez. The Colombian international will be determined to engineer some clear-cut goal-scoring chances for the men up front.
Andre Gomes will have to settle for a spot on the bench but could come on to influence the game in the second half if needed.
Attack
Richarlison should be fit to take up the left-wing spot on Thursday night as he seems set to create menace for Allardyce’s men in the wide areas. Alex Iwobi will operate on the other flank, looking to stretch the home side’s attack on the right side of the pitch.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will spearhead the visitors’ attack up top. The Englishman will fancy his chances of finding the back of the net when he faces off against the West Brom defence that has kept just four clean sheets all season.
