Everton vs Leicester – Who Will Start For The Blues?
Everton will be looking to bounce back from three disappointing draws on the spin in the Premier League when they take on Leicester at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon, but who will start for the Blues?
Here are my predictions.
Goalkeeper – Tim Howard
No doubts about this one – many doubt he is truly Everton’s number one, but so long as he is fit, Howard will always start.
Right-Back – Seamus Coleman
Another no-brainer. With Tyias Browning out for the season and Tony Hibbert plagued by injuries, Coleman is the Toffees’ only recognised right-back.
Even with Browning and Hibbert fully fit, the former Sligo Rovers man will always get the nod.
Centre-Back – John Stones
Following criticism of his performance against Norwich at the weekend, this is a big chance for Stones to get back onside with the disgruntled fans – if he can keep the league’s most deadly striker in Jamie Vardy quiet then that should do the trick.
Centre-Back – Ramiro Funes Mori
With Phil Jagielka reportedly close to a return to fitness, Funes Mori might just see this as a last chance to give Roberto Martinez a selection upon his return to the team.
Left-Back – Leighton Baines
Baines was understandably nowhere near his best at the weekend following his long-awaited return after a drawn-out injury problem, but he will most likely start against Claudio Ranieri’s men.
He will have a job on his hands keeping Riyad Mahrez out of the game, however.
Central Defensive Midfielder – Gareth Barry
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Barry will no doubt start this weekend, but with the intensity with which Leicester press and the length of time the Everton midfielder likes to take on the ball, it could well prove to be a recipe for disaster.
Barry is one of the Blues’ better players, but he simply isn’t tactically suited to some matches – this might just be one of them.
Central Defensive Midfielder – Tom Cleverley
Cleverley has been somewhat of an unsung hero since he filled in for the injured James McCarthy upon his return to fitness and he will have to be at his best on Saturday afternoon on Merseyside.
Right Winger – Gerard Deulofeu
Logic and history dictates he will either score or assist a goal at Goodison Park – he does almost every time he plays – a guaranteed starter.
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Central Attacking Midfielder – Ross Barkley
Barkley’s performances have been consistently inconsistent this season, but Martinez seems to think he will eventually come good – here’s hoping he has one of his better days against the Foxes.
Left Winger – Arouna Kone
It’s getting to the point now where Kone is perhaps living on his hat-trick against Sunderland.
The Ivorian hasn’t done too much to justify his place in the team ahead of better and more naturally positioned players out left who are sat on the bench and features sporadically in almost every match he plays.
He is a favourite of Martinez though, and will definitely start.
Next: Jagielka On The Mend, Browning Out For Season
Striker – Romelu Lukaku
The most in-form striker in the country will always start games and it is no different with Romelu Lukaku.
Can he maintain his excellent scoring run and edge closer to the record set recently by a certain Leicester City striker? Let’s hope so.