Everton are set to host West Ham on Saturday, March 15. It is a match-up that will see David Moyes manage against his former club for the first time since his departure. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match that kicks off at 3 pm at Goodison Park.
Everton Predicted Lineup Vs West Ham For March 15
How Everton Have Lined Up
Everton has maintained a consistent lineup under Moyes. The only change in their last four matches has been the rotation of Carlos Alcaraz and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the attacking midfield role.
Everton plays with a double pivot at the base of midfield, with Idrissa Gueye and James Garner starting there. Providing width in the midfield is Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison, the latter scoring his first goal of the season in the last match. Guinea-Bissau striker Beto leads the team up front.
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The defence has played exceptionally well and has not changed in eight league matches. Jordan Pickford has started every league game in goal as has James Tarkowski at centre-back. Alongside Tarkowski has been England international Jarrad Branthwaite. On the right of defence Jake O’Brien, naturally a central defender, has been playing as a makeshift right back. Vitaliy Mykolenko has returned to better form on the left.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
The Toffees’ great early run under Moyes has come to a halt with three consecutive draws. But they remain undefeated in eight league matches. Making the most of their chances has been a recent struggle with Beto not keeping his stellar run of five goals in his first four starts. But the team still plays to his strengths, aiming to get him in behind the defence.
High pressure and forcing turnovers in their attacking third are key to their chance creation. The key to this is Gueye whose work rate helps keep the opposition from settling. Garner is crucial to the quick counters, with the ball often finding him straight after a turnover.
Read More: Beto’s Revival at Everton: How David Moyes Transformed His Game
Defensively they focus on making the opposition go wide and cross into their defence, both Branthwaite and Tarkowski being well-equipped in the air. Their formation turns into a 5-2-2-1 from a 4-2-3-1, allowing O’Brien who stands at 6’5 to help with any aerial balls.
Everton Injuries To Consider
Seamus Coleman and Armando Broja are closing in on a return to the first team after long-term injuries. Meanwhile, Iliman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil, and Orel Mangala are all sidelined for the foreseeable future.
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