There are only three all Premier League fixtures in the 3rd round of the FA Cup and Everton are involved in one of them, as they host Premier League defending champions Leicester City. The Toffees will be brimming with confidence after their 3-0 mauling of Southampton in the Premier League.
However, playing Leicester City will be a tricky job as the Foxes have been tremendously unpredictable this season. While they totally dominated Manchester City with a convincing 4-2 win, they have struggled against the likes of Sunderland. Given that Everton have already beaten them 2-0 away, Koeman would be confident they can replicate that performance again.
Defence
Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman are likely to take their places on the defensive flanks. Baines was absolutely solid against Southampton last game showing tremendous discipline, while Coleman’s work rate both off and on the ball, gave him one assist for the Valencia goal.
The central defensive positions are likely to be taken by Ashley Williams and Phil Jones. Williams is the best player Everton have at the back. Jones didn’t start against the Saints and is likely to start this game. Funes Mori looked quite nervy giving away possession a lot of times. Koeman is unlikely to risk him in a knockout game.
Midfield
The anchor positions will be taken by Tom Cleverley and Gareth Barry. Gueye has been really sharp for Everton recently making brilliant interceptions and breaking down opponents’ build up midway and his absence, due to his national duties, will make him a huge miss. Although Tom Davies has shown promising displays at times and is touted by many as the next big thing, Koeman is unlikely to risk an inexperienced player in such a high-octane game.
Ross Barkley will take the number 10 role. Although he was very impactful throughout the last game, he was unfortunate not to get a goal. He will be hungry for a goal this time.
Attack
Kevin Mirallas came in early for the injury of Dominic Calvert-Lewin against Southampton and he will have to again take his place on the wings. He hasn’t been the best on the left flank this season so far, but he is the only decent option Koeman has in that position. Enner Valencia is expected to start on the right flank. He made a real impact coming off the bench against Southampton and Koeman will want his side to break the deadlock much sooner than they managed in their last game.
Romelu Lukaku will start up front. He has been the key player for Everton for long now and the Toffees will hugely rely on him to get the job done.
