Predicting Everton’s Starting XI Against West Ham
Everton travel to Upton Park on Saturday afternoon looking to build on their hammering of Sunderland last weekend, but who will start for Roberto Martinez’s men?
Here are my starting eleven predictions.
Goalkeeper – Tim Howard
The under-fire stopper looked better in the victory over Sunderland, but his consistent inclusion is still very harsh on Joel Robles, who will almost certainly have to settle for a place on the bench once more tomorrow.
Right-Back – Seamus Coleman
The full-back should have regained his match fitness by now after a spell of action in the first team and hopefully he will display better form than he has been showing in recent matches.
Centre-Back – John Stones
There has been speculation recently that Stones is set to sign a new contract at the club and maybe he has taken his eye off the ball, because he has seemingly lacked concentration in vital moments of games recently.
He will have to be back on the ball against a creative and vibrant Hammers’ front line.
Centre-Back – Ramiro Funes Mori
The summer signing has looked impressive since coming in for the injured Phil Jagielka, but he was beaten far too easily in the air by Stephen Fletcher last weekend for the visitors’ equaliser.
Given Everton’s allergy to defending crosses, it would be no surprise if Andy Carroll started up top for the hosts, and if so Funes Mori will have to contend with him aerially.
Left-Back – Brendan Galloway
Galloway was left out of the first eleven at Goodison Park on Sunday, but with Bryan Oviedo back in the treatment room and Leighton Baines still not fit, Galloway is sure to start back in the place where he made his full debut for the Blues.
Defensive Midfielder – Gareth Barry
After a sticky spell before the game Barry was outstanding against the Black Cats five days ago and hopefully he will keep that up in what is sure to be a physically demanding test in the midfield engine room at Upton Park.
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Defensive Midfielder – James McCarthy
Like Barry, McCarthy will have to be at his very best and stand up to the physical challenge the home side are sure to put forward. Another performance like the one he put in against Sunderland would do nicely.
Right Winger – Gerard Deulofeu
After his sublime showing at the weekend, Deulofeu will have all eyes on him as he will attempt to recreate those heroics at Upton Park. That is easier said than done, however, so high has the bar been set by the young Spaniard.
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Central Attacking Midfielder – Ross Barkley
This is the position that will cause the most concern for Evertonians. You have to be willing to put a shift in and put your foot in when it counts at a hostile ground and Barkley simply won’t do it. The match might just pass him by on Saturday.
Left Winger – Arouna Kone
After his dream game on Sunday, Kone will almost certainly be handed a start by Martinez, likely on the left-hand side where he can drift inside and combine with Lukaku, hopefully to devastating effect once more.
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Striker – Romelu Lukaku
The more you see of Lukaku, the more you realise he is a player that goes through patches of form.
The Belgian is currently enjoying a fine spell of form and he likes playing against the Hammers as well – here’s hoping he continues his run tomorrow afternoon.