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Everton vs. Leicester FA Cup: projected starting lineups

By Gary Pearson

Jul 31, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Everton midfielder Darron Gibson (4) holds off Juventus midfielder Mauricio Anibal Isla (33) during the first half at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Everton midfielder Darron Gibson (4) holds off Juventus midfielder Mauricio Anibal Isla (33) during the first half at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ronald Koeman said in his pre-match press conference that he intends on fielding the strongest possible starting 11 for Everton’s FA Cup match with Leicester on Saturday.

Everton’s projected starting 11

The Dutchman has some fresh – and lingering – injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s fixture, including Maarten Stekelenburg, James McCarthy, Aaron Lennon, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, all of whom are expected to be unavailable.

Calvert-Lewin could miss up to seven weeks with an ankle injury, while McCarthy may make his return against Manchester City on January 15. Lennon and Stekelenburg aren’t expected to be out for too long.

Koeman has been prone to play with a back three against Leicester, a club that usually employs a two-striker system. It worked to great effect when Everton traveled to Leicester on Boxing Day, beating the Foxes 2-0.

Phil Jagielka should come back into the team while Tom Davies has been extremely impressive in recent weeks and should retain his position in the heart of midfield. Idrissa Gueye is on his way to the Africa Cup of Nations and could miss the next six games.

Enner Valencia and Gerard Deulofeu are both options. It depends how defensive Koeman wants to line his team up, but Valencia deserves a starting spot after his second-half performance against Southampton. We’re just not sure if he’ll get it in the FA Cup match.

Leicester’s projected starting 11

It’s more difficult to predict the team that Claudio Ranieri will start at Goodison on Saturday, but Jamie Vardy is once again available for selection. It’s the perfect platform to get the England striker back into the fray, so expect him to start.

Next: How much will Everton miss Idrissa Gueye

Riyad Mahrez is unavailable due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Demarai Gray was preferred to Shinji Okazaki against the Hammers, but the Japanese international may come into the side against the Toffees. Ahmed Musa provides a further option both out wide and in attack for the absent Mahrez.

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