Everton will look to bounce back to winning ways when they face West Ham in the Premier League at the London Stadium on Saturday (9 November).
The Toffees lost 1-0 against Southampton in their previous game, and Sean Dyche’s team selection received heavy criticism from the fans.
Everton were also lucky to come away with a point against Fulham. The Cottagers dominated the game throughout, but Beto scored a late equaliser to avoid the defeat.
They are up against West Ham who have won just twice in their last eight Premier League games. The Hammers are struggling badly, and Julen Lopetegui is under a lot of pressure to save his job.
A defeat for Everton could also lead to internal scrutiny over Dyche’s long-term future. It’s a vital game for both teams, and Dyche could make a few changes from the squad that lost at St Mary’s to get the best possible result away from home.
Here’s the predicted Everton XI for this game.
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford kept two clean sheets in his last five games, and he needs a big performance this weekend.
Defence
Seamus Coleman is out injured, but Nathan Patterson could play some part in this game. Ashley Young, therefore, is set to continue at right-back.
Dyche doesn’t want to disturb the defensive partnership between Michael Keane and James Tarkowski, but at the same time, he cannot keep his best defender, Jarrad Branthwaite, on the bench when he is fully fit.
Branthwaite has to play every week, which means Keane must make way for his inclusion.
Midfield
Dyche has confirmed that Abdoulaye Doucoure is fit again, and there is a chance he can play.
Orel Mangala has been impressive, and he should continue alongside Idrissa Gueye.
Attack
Iliman Ndiaye also returned to training this week. The summer signing suffered a knock against Southampton in the previous game and was taken off.
He has been terrific for Everton, and it is most likely that he will return to the starting line-up.
Dwight McNeil is one of the first names on the team sheet, and he’s been in great form this season.
Jesper Lindstrom wasn’t pleased with the level of performance last week and clearly voiced his frustration. He was open and honest about the fact that the performance level, especially in the first half, was not acceptable.
The 24-year-old could be dropped to the bench for this game, and Jack Harrison could be given another chance.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has cut a frustrating figure this season, and it is high time Beto should get a proper run in the first team.
Predicted Everton XI: Pickford; Young, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Gueye, Mangala; Ndiaye, McNeil, Harrison; Beto.
