With the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool coming up, just how should Everton line up against Appollon in their last Europa League match?
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
It’s perhaps not bad if Everton fail to win in Cyprus, but a loss would be catastrophic. To that end, Pickford must keep goal. Joel is simply not good enough.
Right-back: Jonjoe Kenny
Jonjoe Kenny is a quality young player who will only improve with added minutes. Rest won’t do him as good as action will.
Centre-back: Mason Holgate
Holgate started in Everton’s win over Huddersfield and played well. He should be given the opportunity to keep that form going.
Centre-back: Michael Keane
Keane was one of Everton’s big signings this summer but has thus far been a disappointment in blue. However with the big derby coming, starting a game for Sam Allardyce could be just what he needs to get back to his best. Should compete to start next to Williams vs. Liverpool.
Left-back: Cuco Martina
With Leighton Baines injured there’s no other option at left-back.
Defensive midfield: Beni Baningime
Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies are obviously going to be core to Sam Allardyce’s Everton side, and will need to put in a Herculean effort against Liverpool. As a result, they should be rested here and the promising Baningime should play in their stead.
Defensive midfield: Morgan Schneiderlin
There is no better occasion to suit Morgan Schneiderline’s post-van Gaal form than a Europa League dead rubber.
Attacking midfield: Gylfi Sigurdsson
Wayne Rooney’s age means that he should probably be rested, but Gylfi Sigurdsson is fit enough to play both here and against Liverpool at the weekend. In this side he would be the architect.
Right-wing: Nikola Vlasic
Resting veteran Aaron Lennon is important, giving summer signing Nikola Vlasic time to shine and find his footing is just as important. This move allows Everton to do both.
Left-wing: Ademola Lookman
Everton will start with Lennon and Sigurdsson wide on Sunday, so today why not bring Lookman into the fold? He has the talent to make a difference and if their super-sub picks up form before a huge game that could be very good for Everton’s chances.
Striker: Sandro Ramirez
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will need to put in a phenomenal physical effort against Liverpool, and while the England youngster has proven he’s capable of that, there’s no sense in draining his energy beforehand given how important he is. Meanwhile Sandro could use some of that Big Sam managerial magic
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