How will Everton’s starting XI look as they host Stoke City on Saturday?
Everton’s January arrival Cenk Tosun will be looking to make it three goals in three games this Saturday as the Toffees make the trip to Stoke to take on Paul Lambert’s struggling side.
Stoke have not won in their last six league outings, whilst Everton bounced back with a strong win over Brighton after a disappointing defeat the week prior to Burnley.
As it stands, Sam Allardyce’s men sit comfortable enough and are in no grave danger of slipping into the relegation zone, however, with Stoke fighting for their lives to retain their Premier League status, it will not be an easy trip to the bet365 Stadium.
On top of this, the injured Gylfi Sigurdsson will miss the trip to the Potters having picked up an injury during the last outing. The Icelandic midfielder has grown into his role under Allardyce and has served as a vital component of the team and will leave the manager with a head scratcher when it comes to who to pick in his place in the number 10 position.
The obvious choice would be Wayne Rooney, who has excelled in that position so many times before, but Davy Klaassen will also provide some food for thought for the former England manager.
As it stands, along with the injured Sigurdsson, Allardyce will be without Ashley Williams, Idris Gueye, Morgan Schneiderlin and Theo Walcott. Williams missed through suspension, whilst Gueye, Schneiderlin and Walcott are injury doubts.
Jordan Pickford should start in goal as usual with a strong back four in front of him of Leighton Baines, Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman.
Cuco Martina could partner Tom Davies in midfield with the former Southampton man’s experience in this position, whilst Wayne Rooney will likely be the man to replace Sigurdsson in the hole.
On the right Yannick Bolasie should retain his starting place from Brighton, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin should slot in on the left in place of the doubtful Walcott.
In search of his third goal in three games, Cenk Tosun will lead the line once again for the Toffees.
Here is the 4-2-3-1 lineup in full…
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