Everton take on Hajduk Split in the Europa League this evening.
Everton are edging ever closer to the Europa League group stage, and can move towards that when they take on Croatian side Hajduk Split in the first leg of the play-off clash this evening.
The Toffees saw off Ruzomberok of Slovakia in the last round of qualifying, picking up a 2-0 aggregate win thanks to goals in each leg from Leighton Baines and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Everton are coming off the back of a 1-0 home win over Stoke City in their opening game of the Premier League season on Saturday, and they are back at Goodison Park this evening for the visit of Hajduk Split.
Koeman does have some tough choices to make with his line-up though, having come off that Stoke game whilst also having a huge clash with Manchester City coming up on Monday evening.
Summer signing Jordan Pickford will almost certainly keep his place in goal, having not only established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at Goodison Park following his move from Sunderland, but also impressed against Stoke with a stunning late save from Xherdan Shaqiri.
Leighton Baines will almost certainly start at left back given the lack of depth behind him, whilst similar can be said of defender Michael Keane, who is already Koeman’s first-choice centre back following a summer switch from Burnley.
The other two positions in defence aren’t quite as clear. Ashley Williams was substituted at half time against Stoke, leaving Phil Jagielka to partner Keane at centre back, and with that trip to City looming large, Jagielka may well keep his place this time, with Williams back in contention on Monday.
The right back position has been the subject of many discussions among Everton fans, many of whom want Jonjoe Kenny to be given a chance. Whilst the youngster appears to be in contention, Koeman may prefer to go for the experience of summer signing Cuco Martina, despite some unconvincing displays so far.
In midfield, 19-year-old Tom Davies could give Everton drive in midfield whilst also handing Idrissa Gueye a rest before facing Manchester City, with Morgan Schneiderlin and summer signing Davy Klaassen both strong candidates to start against Hajduk.
With Sandro Ramirez doubtful due to a heel injury, it may be a good time to start another 19-year-old in Ademola Lookman in order to bring some pace to the Everton attack, with Kevin Mirallas and Saturday’s goal hero Wayne Rooney also in line for starts.
The likes of Williams, Kenny, Gueye and Muhamed Besic could be in contention for roles on the bench, though new signing Gylfi Sigurdsson won’t be included after only completing his move from Swansea City on Wednesday.
Who would you like to see start for Everton against Ruzomberok?
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