Everton predicted lineup vs. Newcastle: Gordon and Nkounkou start, £40 million man benched
Jonjoe Kenny will be preferred over Ben Godfrey at right back.
Defence:
Right back: Jonjoe Kenny
Ben Godfrey made his debut against Liverpool when Coleman was forced off because of Kenny’s unavailability. Godfrey again had to slot into the right back role last week because Kenny was not fit for the game as the 23 year old was on the road to recovery from a injury that he picked against West Ham in the Carabao Cup.
Kenny is completely fit and ready to ease Godfrey from the right back role. A lot of debate has happened over Kenny staying at Everton in the summer and does he actually have the ability to take over from Coleman when required. The game against Newcastle will certainly help answer some of those questions.
Centre back: Michael Keane
Everton fans were greeted by some good news during midweek when it was declared that Mason Holgate is close to a return. When he returns the selection for CB role will even more competitive but as of now Keane will be Ancelotti’s first choice.
Apart from an odd off game, the 27 year old has stepped up as the chief in the defence. Keane deserves a lot of plaudits for his performances and he could play a key part in taming the likes of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.
light. Match Preview. Everton vs. Newcastle
Centre back: Yerry Mina
Personally, I wouldn’t mind Ancelotti giving Godfrey another game, this time in his favoured centre back role but it looks unlikely with Mina fully fit and in good form. Forgetting the Southampton game, Mina has complemented Keane well in the central defence and there’s no reason as to why Ancelotti won’t go with the same combination again.
Left back: Niels Nkounkou
Someone else’s loss is someone else’s gain. Niels Nkounkou could be the biggest gainer Lucas Digne’s suspension. The 19 year old has been a flattering addition and from what we have seen from him so far, he could make life difficult for Digne in a couple of seasons’ time. Nkounkou has an exciting opportunity in front of him and he could grab it with both hands.