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Everton predicted lineup vs. Brighton: Bernard starts, Richarlison on the bench

By Parth Jhaveri

Everton's French defender Lucas Digne (L) vies with Brighton's English defender Adam Webster (R) during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Brighton Hove and Albion at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on January 11, 2020. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton's French defender Lucas Digne (L) vies with Brighton's English defender Adam Webster (R) during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Brighton Hove and Albion at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on January 11, 2020. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Everton
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 13, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Midfielders:

Central defensive midfielder: Abdoulaye Doucoure

Abdoulaye Doucoure is expected to have a slightly different role against the Seagulls. Generally, Doucoure is the energy tank, box to box guy but against Brighton he’ll play in a much deeper role and guard the back four. Allan’s absence will obviously be felt but Doucoure has the pedigree to carry out the duties of central defensive midfielder with poise.

Central midfielder: Gylfi Sigurdsson

Andre Gomes’ absence will work in favour of Gylfi Sigurdsson. So far, the 31 year old hasn’t started a Premier League game this season but has come on as a substitute in all 3 games. Sigurdsson, a natural playmaker, has been handed a different role this season and there are signs that he is adapting to it well.

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He’ll have to support Doucoure and even make sure that the attack is reaching the final third. Essentially, he’ll be acting as a bridge and will have to be alert to flick the switch and start the attack.

Central midfielder: Bernard

Bernard didn’t feature against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup and with Allan and Andre Gomes both out of the midfield, the 28 year old can find himself in the starting lineup. The Brazilian has enjoyed a fruitful start to the campaign, feeling rejuvenated in a new role which is closer to the striker.

Left wing doesn’t suit Bernard and he feels the most comfortable in an attacking mid role. Tomorrow, he and James Rodriguez could be the creators serving delicious balls on a plate for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to finish.

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