Everton’s season went from bad to worse when they were dumped out of the Europa League unceremoniously after losing 3-0 to Lyon to remain winless after 4 matches in the tournament. The Toffees now sit bottom of the group and have no chance of progressing to the next stage no matter what the result may be for the last round of fixtures.
Their Thursday night outings in the Europa League has been woeful with the Toffees claiming one point in four matches which included a 2-2 draw against Apollon Limassol at Goodison Park and a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta and back to back defeat at the hands of Lyon, 2-1 at Goodison Park and 3-0 at Groupama Stadium.
This Europa exit adds further humiliation after already bowing out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of a second-string Chelsea team when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Things in the league are equally dire if not more as the Toffees are now 19th in the league table and one point behind the safety zone. They have the third worst defensive record in the league, statistic that has seen them lose 6 out of their 10 matches this season.
The Toffees have shipped in 15 goals in their five matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham; not a good sign for a side who were claiming to challenge for the top six at the beginning of the season. Following their latest defeat against Leicester City last weekend, Everton are in serious threat of losing out on their Premier League status.
Injury update:
Everton will be buoyed by the return of several players after the horror show in the midweek clash. English ex-internationals Wayne Rooney, Leighton Baines, and Phil Jagielka are all expected to be in the team for the Toffees as they eye a return to league action.
Michael Keane’s freak leg infection injury has shown great signs of recovery and the promising young center back is expected in the starting line-up this weekend.
Cuco Martina is surely out for the weekend clash against Watford after suffering a hazardous fall during their mid-week defeat to Lyon.
The long-term absentees would include Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman, Yannick Bolasie and Ramiro Funes Mori.
Here is how they are likely to line-up for the fixture with 5-2-3:
Defence:
Jordan Pickford in goal is likely to be the logical choice. Leighton Baines will return to the left-back position with the experienced Ashley Williams alongside the returning Michael Keane and the experienced Phil Jagielka as the three center backs. Young Jonjoe Kenny is expected to play at right-back.
Midfield:
The bright Tom Davies and the dynamic Idrissa Gueye next to him is likely to be the pairing at the center of the midfield.
Attack:
The attacking trio is likely to consider of the returning Wayne Rooney alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Gylfi Sigurðsson. Here is how they might line up:
