Everton sit top of the Premier League going into the weekend, although Aston Villa could have overtaken them by the time the Toffees run out at St Mary’s against Southampton.
They remain unbeaten after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 against Liverpool last weekend.
It has all been going well for Carlo Ancelotti, but he has a number of injury problems to deal with ahead of Sunday’s trip to the south coast.
Seamus Coleman, Richarlison and James Rodriguez all need replacing, which should give some fringe players a chance to impress centre stage.
Jordan Pickford’s form continues to be a talking point but we still expect him to start between the sticks here.
Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne all look pretty assured of theri places in the back four.
But there is a two-way battle to replace Coleman at right back, between Jonjoe Kenny and Ben Godfrey.
We’ve got Kenny in our team, because he’s the more natural right back and re-joined training on Tuesday – but Ben Godfrey came on for Coleman against Liverpool and could feature if Kenny isn’t ready.
The now-familiar midfield trio of Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andre Gomes should resume here.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a shoo-in to start up front but there are question marks over who will play in the wide areas.
Richarlison is suspended and James has a slight injury, and Ancelotti says that opens the door for Alex Iwobi, Bernard and Anthony Gordon.
The Italian told the club’s official website he is a fan of Iwobi’s ‘quality’, and we’ve got him in this team alongside academy graduate Gordon.
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