Anthony Gordon and Niels Nkounkou must start on the left side for Everton against Newcaslte United.
Everton travel to Southampton without key players James Rodriguez, Richarlison, Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne. Digne and Richarlison are suspended after picking up red cards against Southampton and Liverpool respectively.
With the key duo out on the left side, Ancelotti will have to trust squad players. For left back, Niels Nkounkou and Fabian Delph can be possible replacements whereas Alex Iwobi, Bernard and Anthony Gordon are options for the left forward flank.
Rather than slotting Delph at left back and giving Iwobi or Bernard another go in the left wide role, Ancelotti must show some trust in the youth exuberance and hand Gordon and Nkounkou their first Premier League starts.
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The Gordon-Nkounkou combination worked wonders in the EFL Cup. The youngsters started against Salford and were a constant threat down the left flank. Everton have their hands on two of the brightest starlets in the league. Nkounkou arrived on a free transfer whereas Gordon is product of the Finch Farm setup.
The pair, having a current combined market value of £7 million, have impressed massively in the minimum chances they have got so far this season. Gordon has been working hard to polish his game and remain in contention, competing with the likes of Iwobi and Bernard. Nkounkou has been showered praises for his attacking intent as a full back.
Nkounkou showed a mixture of both- attacking as well as defensive stats in the three Carabao Cup games he has played. Against Salford and Fleetwood, we saw supreme offensive mindset of the 19 year old, raiding forward. Against West Ham, he blended himself and adapted to the demands of the game, showing his defensive pedigree.
As for Gordon, he has always looked energetic, full of ideas and brave to take on players. Gordon has stated that he is determined to feature more regularly with attacking players either out due to suspension or are injured.
Ancelotti has somewhat lost the trust in Iwobi after the Nigerian has repeatedly underperformed. Bernard has never looked fully convincing. All omens point at Gordon getting a start against Newcastle.
If the duo of Nkounkou and Gordon are able to live up to certain expectations, they may get get promoted in the pecking order and even get more regular minutes even after the first team players return to action.
It is a massive opportunity for both the 19 year old’s to show a glimpse of their potential and send a strong message.