Everton face Burnley at Goodison Park on Monday
Everton resume their Premier League campaign at home, welcoming Sean Dyche’s Burnley on Monday. The Toffees are unbeaten in the league with two wins and a draw, with a win against the Clarets propelling them to joint first.
Ahead of the tie, there were some injury concerns as Seamus Coleman suffered a hamstring injury on international duty but Rafa Benitez has confirmed that the injury isn’t too serious and the captain will be available for the clash.
All eyes were on the situation of James Rodriguez as the Colombian has failed to move away from Goodison and Benitez stated that the player has started training but is lacking in match fitness. Fabian Delph remains out with a shoulder problem but the rest of the squad is fit and available for selection.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was not part of England’s world cup qualifiers as he was recuperating from a toe injury and even though he’s training with some pain, he’ll be ready and available for the Burnley clash.
Everton faithful may have a chance to see their new signing Salomon Rondon who could make his debut in front of a jam packed, vociferous Goodison Park. Burnley comes to Goodison Park, lingering in the relegation zone having secured just a solitary point in three games. The Toffees will have to break Burnley’s defensive low block and muscle their way through the defence.
Here is the Everton predicted lineup against Burnley:
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford had a decent international break, keeping one clean sheet in two games and making a total of four saves. Pickford is now considered as one of the senior members of the core team as he has matured with time and experience. The 27 year old will have to remain alert against the threat of Chris Wood and Ashley Westwood.
Ben Godfrey could make his first Everton appearance of the season
Defence:
Left back: Lucas Digne
Lucas Digne is almost a guaranteed starter in the side given that there is no competition for him. Given Burnley’s low block, Digne will be on the ball and will have space but penetrating inside the box will be difficult. His crossing skills will also be tested as the 28 year old will face pressure and even if he can put a cross, finding an Everton shirt can be difficult in the congested goal area.
Centre back: Michael Keane
Michael Keane’s best performance of the season came against Brighton. He struggled in the first two games but has recovered well against Graham Potter’s side. The Englishman still needs to improve as Rafa Benitez still seems unsure about the best centre back pairing. His aerial presence will be required to minimize the danger posed by Chris Wood and to deal with crosses from Dwight McNeil.
Centre back: Ben Godfrey
Ben Godfrey has missed the first three games but is available for the Burnley clash. The former Norwich City man has established himself as one of the fan favourites after just one season and his excellent defending has been a key ingredient in winning over the Everton faithful. The 23 year old has improved a lot in one season and his aggressive defending style blended with pace and power make him an exciting centre back to watch.
Right back: Seamus Coleman
The Irishman has a difficult game ahead of him as he faces a tough duel with McNeil, who has been one of the brightest Burnley players. Furthermore, if Maxwel Cornet makes his Clarets debut, his agility and pace can cause problems to Coleman and Everton.
Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend could feature on the flanks for Everton
Midfield:
Central midfield: Allan
Allan has been excellent under Rafa Benitez even unleashing his attacking side, playing key passes and venturing forward. The Brazilian primarily played as a guardian of the defence under Carlo Ancelotti but in Benitez’s system, the former Napoli man is flourishing and enjoying the extra freedom he’s having.
Central midfield: Abdoulaye Doucoure
Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure are a very productive midfield pair, complementing each other’s skillsets. The energetic Doucoure has been a perfect box-to-box presence so far, making contributions in both the halves of the pitch. The former Watford man is a tireless workhorse who is easily becoming an untouchable in the lineup.
Left wide midfield: Demarai Gray
Demarai Gray has been the biggest positive of the season so far. Arrived for a bargain of £1.7 million, the speedy winger has provided exactly what the Toffees have been screaming for. He has notched up two goals but more importantly amplified Everton’s menace in the final third. His pace and ability to take on defenders will be tested against a sturdy Burnley side.
Right wide midfield: Andros Townsend
Andros Townsend has had a bright start to his Everton career and has provided impressive service from the right flank. The Englishman has been defensively committed in all his performances which will definitely make Benitez happy who demands certain intensity from all his players. He might have to launch numerous crosses against the Clarets and hope that either Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison are on the end of it.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead the line against Burnley
Attack:
Striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Rafa Benitez insisted that despite feeling some discomfort, DCL trained and was pushing, and will be expected to start against Dyche’s side. The Englishman has scored 3 goals in 3 games and has been unstoppable. The forward will tussle with James Tarkowski and Ben Mee, expecting a very intense, physical battle. Despite being 24, Calvert-Lewin is now seen as a senior player in the squad and he will be expected to make a big impact against Burnley.
Secondary striker: Richarlison
Richarlison has had a bit of a shaky start to the season, after scoring in the opening fixture of the season, the Brazilian hasn’t quite been able to stamp his authority. Nonetheless, he has still made an impact with his presence. His sheer passion and dedication to win the ball back, make defensive contributions and pose a threat with his direct running.
Could Salomon Rondon make his debut?
Salomon Rondon is poised to make his Everton debut against the Clarets. The Venezuelan’s physical superiority can massively help Everton encounter the stern Burnley defence. He has good link up play skills and can form a productive partnership with Calvert-Lewin.
Will the Toffees secure three points against Burnley?