Everton are struggling for Premier League survival and the situation has not improved either even after appointing Frank Lampard as the new Goodison Park boss. They are currently 17th in the league standings and the gaffer must turn things around against Burnley to avoid yet another setback on Wednesday night.
The Clarets are also fighting for their top-flight existence and the contest at Turf Moor would hand them an extra edge. They suffered a 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park earlier this season and the Toffees, therefore, must perform at their best level to do a double over Sean Dyche’s men. The outcome of this fixture would play a decisive part in escaping relegation by the end of May.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Everton Lineup To Face Burnley
Defence
Jordan Pickford is likely to be tested quite frequently given the frailty in deep defence. He must maintain his composure between the sticks and deliver a resolute display against the hosts’ ‘old school’ strategy.
Right fullback Seamus Coleman should return to action for the Burnley game, but the manager would be forced to restore Mason Holgate in the heart of the backline alongside Ben Godfrey. Due to Michael Keane’s suspension and Yerry Mina’s injury absence, they don’t have another senior centre-half available for selection. Revitalised Jonjoe Kenny has been the brightest spark in a gloomy defence and the 25-year-old Englishman should feature from the left ahead of Vitaliy Mykolenko. Nathan Patterson, the winter signing from Rangers, is also sidelined with an ankle injury.
Midfield
Everton have a crisis in the centre of the pitch with Donny van de Beek, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies unavailable due to injury concerns. Allan is also suspended after receiving a marching order against Newcastle United. Fabian Delph is in contention for a starting role if declared fit for the midweek clash, and the veteran Three Lions star should be lined up alongside Abdoulaye Doucouré in the middle of the park.
Anthony Gordon must operate as the ‘number 10’ to exhibit his creative spark as an attacking playmaker, and Alex Iwobi, known for his high work ethic, should occupy the right midfield role to offer a defensive cover. Richarlison, down the left, is expected to threaten the Burnley defence with his pace, swift footwork and tricky movements. Demarai Gray might get introduced as a substitute.
Attack
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is having a difficult time due to form and fitness reasons. He must step up his game while spearheading the attack in these remaining fixtures. Salomón Rondón might play a key role from the bench with his physical as well as aerial supremacy inside the box.
