Everton travel to Wolverhampton for a Saturday night Premier League match. A win for the Toffees would all but finalise their safety, putting them 15 points above their opponent who are the first team above the drop zone. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match that kicks off at 8 pm on March 8.
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How Everton Have Lined Up
Everton have used minimal rotation in their starting lineup over the last month. The only change is Carlos Alcaraz starting in the central attacking midfield role in place of Abdoulaye Doucoure who has missed matches due to suspension and personal leave.
The midfield is rounded out by James Garner and Idrissa Gueye, who play in a double pivot. Jesper Lindstrom starts on the right wing, and on the other side Jack Harrison, both crucial to the success of the team with their defensive work. Beto, nominated for PL Player of the Month in February, leads the team at the top.
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James Tarkowski and Jarrad Brantwaite make up the centre of defence ahead of Jordan Pickford in net, the trio helping the team to the sixth-best defence in the Premier League. The wing-backs are Vitaliy Mykolenko and Jake O’Brien, the latter not a natural right back and often moves centrally.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
Everton are undefeated in their last seven league games, but three draws in their last four games have stopped their ascension up the table. Currently 16th in the table, they are 15 points clear of the relegation zone.
David Moyes’ small tweaks to the lineup have seen a shift in performance. A more free-flowing style of football with a focus on direct passing through the lines rather than long balls over the top.
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The Toffees press is crucial to creating chances. They rank first in shots created from high turnovers since the manager’s arrival. Gueye is the leader for tackles in the league and a key part of their ability to press.
The starting formation turns from a 4-2-3-1 into a 5-2-2-1 when defending. They force opponents wide to make crosses into their defence that is well equipped in the air.
Everton Injuries To Consider
In this week’s press conference the fitness of the first team was confirmed. Seamus Coleman and Armando Broja are closing in on a return from long-term injuries but will not feature in this match. Other long-term injuries include Iliman Ndiaye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil, none of which are near returning to the pitch.
Everton’s Predicted Lineup
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Jake O’Brien
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
CB: James Tarkowski
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: James Garner
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
LM: Jack Harrison
RM: Jesper Lindstrom
ST: Beto