Everton’s predicted lineup vs. Southampton: James Rodriguez starts, Gordon on the bench
By Zac Jones
The trio of Allan, Doucoure and Gomes will start.
Midfield:
Defensive Midfield: Allan
Allan, one of Everton’s summer signings, came straight into the Everton side upon his arrival and made an instant impact by performing a role that nobody else in the squad is seemingly capable of.
The Brazilian was familiar to Carlo Ancelotti from their time together and Napoli and is clearly a player that the manager has trust in, but Allan has also quickly earned the trust of the Toffees faithful and has become an almost guaranteed starter in the centre of Everton’s midfield.
Centre Midfield: Abdoulaye Doucoure
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been impressive since his debut and has wasted no time in cementing himself as a key for the Blues in their three-man midfield.
Everton loanee delighted with his loan move, expected to leave Everton permanently soon. light. Hot
But with the absence of Richarlison this Sunday, and potentially James Rodriguez, Ancelotti may be looking for Doucoure to play in a more attacking role and offer more of a goal threat than he has thus far in his Everton career.
Centre Midfield: Andre Gomes
With Everton’s undefeated start to the season still in tact, Ancelotti is unlikely to want to make too many changes to his side, besides the enforced changes we have already mentioned, so I fully expect Andre Gomes to keep his place alongside Allan and Doucoure in the centre of Everton’s midfield.
However, Gomes is probably the one player in the first choice eleven thus far whose position is most under threat. The Portuguese midfielder clearly has talent but far too many games pass him by without him having an influence on the game. This will obviously need to change if Gomes is to keep his place in the side over the course of the season.