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Predicting Everton’s Starting XI vs Manchester City

By James Reeve

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Everton have had two very different performances to start the season, with a 2-2 draw with Watford followed by a 3-0 victory over Southampton.

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While Everton’s formation has stayed pretty much the same, some movement of players could be the key to continuing on from Everton’s success against Southampton.

So who will Everton line-up against a team favoured to win the Premier League this season?

Goalkeeper – TIM HOWARD
The American is clearly Roberto Martinez’ first-choice goalkeeper and it doesn’t look like it’s going to change in the immediate future. Joel Robles will likely get his chance in cup matches, which is where he will show Everton fans what he’s capable of.

Right Back – SEAMUS COLEMAN
Coleman had a mixed performance against Watford but followed that up with a self-assured, expected performance at Southampton. He will be Everton’s first-choice RB throughout the season.

Centre Back – PHIL JAGIELKA (c)
Captain of the team and currently facing no competition for his spot. Jags put in a good performance against Southampton and will look to try and impress again this weekend.

Centre Back – JOHN STONES
Could be argued as Everton’s best defensive player and is likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet week-in, week-out.

Left Back – BRENDAN GALLOWAY
Galloway, who is a natural centre back, has performed exceptionally well while Leighton Baines has been injured. Being just 19-years-old, he could arguably keep Baines out of the side if he maintains these performances.

Centre Midfielder – GARETH BARRY
Everton are thin at the centre midfield position, with just Barry and James McCarthy likely to get a look-in, unless they bring in another player before the end of the transfer window.

Centre Midfielder – JAMES McCARTHY
McCarthy is a better player than Barry, so it’s unlikely that he will lose his place in the starting line-up if players such as Darron Gibson and Muhamed Besic began to push for playing time after their long-term injuries.

Right Winger – TOM CLEVERLEY
Cleverley has found a home on the right side of the midfield for Everton, playing a more attacking role than previously allowed. He could very well win a place in Roy Hodgson’s next England squad if he continues to perform the way he has recently.

Attacking Midfielder – ROSS BARKLEY
Barkley has put in two very good performances so far this season, netting two goals in the process, and Everton fans will be hoping that he can continue to perform at the level throughout the season.

Left Winger – AROUNA KONÉ
Last season it would have seemed almost impossible to see Kone in the starting line-up ahead of players such as Kevin Mirallas, but his performances recently warrant this. He started against Southampton and has performed more to the standard expected of him.

Striker – ROMELU LUKAKU
Two goals against Southampton showed the quality Lukaku truly possesses and now it’s time for him to put up the high goal totals that is expected of a £28 million player. The only player that is guaranteed a starting spot, with no real threat waiting for a chance to shine.

Everton will continue to utilise the 4-2-3-1 formation and hope that it continues to bring in the goals, with the club scoring 5 goals in the last two matches.

If Everton can perform to the level they demonstrated against Southampton, then they could give Manchester City some problems.

Would you play a different system? Who would you like to see in the starting line-up? Let us know in the comments!

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