Everton's eleven against Spurs and another new position for Ben Godfrey

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Luke Shaw of Manchester United battles for possession with Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on February 06, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Midfield:

Defensive Midfield: Tom Davies

In his pre-match press conference, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Allan is not quite ready to feature in tomorrow’s game, although he may be available for the weekend’s tie against Fulham.

Allan’s presence has been a big miss for the Toffees in recent months, but Tom Davies has deputised well in the holding midfield role and put in his best performance of the season at Old Trafford at the weekend.

Davies has visually grown in confidence over the last few games and will be desperate to get a chance to carry his recent form into one of Everton’s biggest games of the season so far.

Centre Midfield: Abdoulaye Doucoure

Abdoulaye Doucoure quickly became a key player for the Toffees following his arrival from Watford in the Summer and is an almost guaranteed starter for tomorrow’s night important game.

The French midfielder’s physicality and work rate have made such a difference for the Blues in the middle of the park and he has started to add goals to his game in recent weeks.

Doucoure is vital to the way Everton play at both ends of the pitch and will likely be a busy man in not only nullifying Tottenham’s attacking threat, but also supporting the Toffee’s forward players when the opportunity arises.

Centre Midfield: Gylfi Sigurdsson

The remaining central midfield position is arguably the toughest to call, with a number of options that have all impressed in recent weeks.

Andre Gomes has found a new lease of life over the last couple of months and will be hoping to get the nod for tomorrow’s game. Whereas James Rodriguez is also another option in the ‘number 10’ role, as opposed to his usual role of coming in off the right wing.

However, perhaps Gylfi Sigurdsson is the best option who, like Andre Gomes, has re-emerged as a trusted player in Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton side. The Icelandic midfield could be tasked with man-marking Pierre-Emile Hojberg to prevent Spurs’ midfield from getting time on the ball, similar to how he marked Kalvin Phillips against Leeds in last week’s game.

Everton predicted XI against Spurs: a new position for Godfrey?

By Zac Jones | Feb 9, 2021