Everton host Liverpool in this season’s second Merseyside derby. The Toffees have found results hard to come by against their cross-town rivals, winning just once in the league since 2006. Last Word on Football brings you our predicted lineup for the game that kicks off Wednesday, April 24 at 8 pm GMT.
Everton Predicted Lineup For Merseyside Derby
Merseyside derby #244 ⏳
COYB! 🔵 #EVELIV pic.twitter.com/O4qxEK24la
— Everton (@Everton) April 24, 2024
How Everton Have Lined Up
Selection for defenders has been pretty straightforward this season. Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski have started all but three premier league games as the centre-backs together. Vitaliy Mykolenko is the first choice left back when fit while Jordan Pickford remains steadfast in goals with 10 clean sheets this season.
The right-back position has recently had a high level of rotation with James Patterson, Seamus Coleman, Ben Godfrey, and Ashley Young all seeing minutes over the last two games.
After poor performances from Amadou Onana and James Garner in the beating to Chelsea, rotation at the centre midfield position was needed. Andre Gomes and Idrissa Gueye were chosen for the match against Nottingham Forest. Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison provided support on the flanks.
Up top Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to the starting lineup after an injury kept him out of the squad last match. Abdoulaye Doucouré was in support, playing the second striker role.
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Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
The 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest means Everton are five points clear of relegation with six games remaining.
This match will be the Toffees’ toughest until the season ends. Likely to have less than 40% possession, Gueye will be a key piece in how this match pans out. His midfield partner will probably be Onana, to provide some steel in what will be a physical match.
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Expect DCL to be isolated up front, looking to hold up play for oncoming wingers. Doucoure will drop into the midfield to turn the formation into 4-5-1.
Everton will pick their spots when they press but often go all out when they do. They rank third in the league for tackles made in their attacking third. This is often their best way to create chances.
Everton Injuries To Consider
Nathan Patterson has been ruled out for the season because of a hamstring injury. Coleman was an unused sub last time out against Forest because of a knock received against Chelsea and will miss this match. Arnaut Danjuma will likely return to the squad after three months on the sideline recovering from an ankle injury. Manager Sean Dyche is hopeful that Calvert-Lewin will be fit to suit up for the derby.
Everton’s Predicted Line Up
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Ben Godfrey
CB: James Tarkowski
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: Amadou Onana
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
LM: Dwight McNeil
RM: Jack Harrison
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
