Everton manager David Moyes is expected to make a couple of changes to his starting line-up for the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
The Toffees are actually predicted to beat Tottenham by Opta’s supercomputer, and it’s hard to disagree given the record at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
David Moyes’ side haven’t tasted defeat at the new 52,000-seater, and they’ve not even conceded more than one goal in a game there.
So, Spurs will know they’re going to be up against it and will have to suffer in moments when the crowd is spurring Everton forward.
Ahead of the game, we’ve predicted the starting line-up as Beto and Carlos Alcaraz drop out of the team from Manchester City.
Everton striker Thierno Barry.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
David Moyes returns Thierno Barry and Jack Grealish to the XI vs Tottenham
Moyes could change to a back three against Tottenham, as that system has had some success against Thomas Frank’s side in the past.
But that’s probably quite unlikely given the personnel available to Moyes, with Jarrad Branthwaite suffering an injury setback.
So, the Toffees are expected to line up with the usual 4-2-3-1 system, and Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry are set to come back into the fold.
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Grealish wasn’t available against Man City last weekend due to Premier League loan rules, so he’ll be back to replace Alcaraz.
And after Beto’s unconvincing display, he is set to drop to the bench, with Barry afforded only his third league start of the season.
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI.
Merlin Rohl should be considered to start
It’s unlikely, but summer signing Merlin Rohl should be a serious contender to start in the number 10 role on Sunday.
Rohl’s physical attributes could lend themselves well to the striker, as he can use his 6 ft 3 frame to help hold the ball up, which Barry and Beto are struggling with.
Dewsbury-Hall says he’s better as an eight anyway, so he’d be more than willing to drop into a deeper role.
Rohl has played just 44 minutes of Premier League football since joining from Freiburg as he’s had to nurse a hip injury.
He came off the bench at the Etihad on the weekend, so clearly Moyes feels as though he’s getting back up to speed.