Everton will travel to the Riverside Stadium as they look to build on their astounding 6-3 win over Bournemouth. The Toffees have slowly settled down under Ronald Koeman and with the new signings and the existing players gelling well, there is a sense of excitement around Goodison Park. Koeman has gone about his job quietly and the results are there for all to see. He made the switch from Southampton under controversial circumstances and the club has stayed true to their promise of backing him to the hilt in the transfer market.
He has gradually built a team and along with small buys, he has had the occasional splurge in the market also. The transformation continued in the January transfer window as well and although there weren’t a lot of new guys coming in, the change has been subtle and with a couple of additions in the coming window, we will see an Everton side challenging for the Top 4 pretty soon. But for that to become a habit, the team needs to win matches on a regular basis. And especially matches like the ones which are coming up.
Middlesbrough away will not be a cakewalk but the Toffees need to win these in order to attain a level of confidence and inculcate the winning habit which is so important to have a go at the Top 4.
PREDICTED EVERTON XI VS MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Robles might carry on his job of protecting Everton’s goal as of now but any major slip-ups will afford Stekelenburg a chance to thrown his hat into the ring once more. Coleman is likely to be at right-back and will look to carry on his marauding form against the Teesiders. Williams and Funes Mori will be the central defensive pairing and will have a job on their hands tackling the likes of Negredo and Gestede. Baines will be on the left-hand side and will have to deal with the raw pace and physicality of Adama Traore.
MIDFIELD
The double pivot will certainly see Morgan Schneiderlin as one of the players with the likelihood of Barry or Gueye lining up alongside him. Gueye is likely to be the long-term partner and will be preferred alongside the former Manchester United man. In the No.10 role, McCarthy is likely to continue after his goal and assist last week.
ATTACK
Lookman got a left-wing berth against Bournemouth and he might be given another start. Lukaku will be spearheading the attack and Barkley might get another go on the right wing. Mirallas, Lennon and Valencia offer alternatives.
