After a poor start to the season under Ronald Koeman, Everton are back fighting for a place in Europe, after Sam Allardyce shook things up at Goodison Park. The Toffees are unbeaten in their last seven games but are fresh off back to back draws against West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea. They will look to get back to winning ways when they travel to the Vitality Stadium this weekend.
Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth are struggling to get out of the bottom 3, losing each of their last four games against top-6 opponents. Everton will be no different but playing at home, The Cherries will fancy at least a point from this game. However, Allardyce’s men cannot afford any complacency and will go for the kill. Here is the predicted lineup Everton might field for this tie:
Team News:
The Toffees are still without the services of Maarten Stekelenburg, Roberto Funes Mori, Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman and Ross Barkley, all of whom are out injured. Wayne Rooney and James McCarthy are both expected to fit for this game but midfielder Idrissa Gueye is doubtful and will undergo a late fitness test. Allardyce played a 3-1-4-2 system against the Baggies in the last game but should revert to a more traditional 4-2-3-1 in this tie.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
Jordan Pickford has not been extraordinary but he is getting the work done for the Toffees and deserves to keep his place under the bar this weekend. Young Mason Holgate has seriously cemented a place in the first team this season and should start on the right side of the CB partnership while Ashley Williams should start on the left-side.
Baines’ injury should see Cuco Martina keep his place on the left flank while Jonjoe Kenny, another youngster who is the first choice for Allardyce in the backline, should start at right back.
Midfield:
Morgan Schneiderlin is slowly gaining some confidence and should be given another start in the midfield but the absence of Gueye might see young Tom Davies play alongside Schneiderlin in the midfield. It is an area Everton are weak in and Bournemouth could try to exploit this, in this tie.
Attack:
Wayne Rooney’s return will be a huge boost for Everton and he should be pushed straight into his place as a CAM or a support striker while young Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had a decent outing against West Brom, should lead the line in this game.
Yannick Bolasie is finally back in action but had a forgettable game, earlier this week. However, he could keep his place in the side on the wings while Gylfi Sigurdsson, who also needs to improve on his output in front of goal, will start on the other flank.
Here is how they might line up:
