Tom Davies could feature alongside Allan as the Toffees look to replace Abdoulaye Doucoure in midfield
Midfield:
Central midfield: Allan
Allan has been a ginormous presence in the midfield for the Toffees and he’ll be expected to turn up a notch in absence of Doucoure. The Brazilian averages 26.7 pressures per 90 minutes in the Premier League and has 27 tackles, maintaining his place in the top five for most tackles this season. Allan will anchor the midfield, looking to win the cagey midfield battle with the help of Tom Davies.
Central midfield: Tom Davies
Tom Davies is likely to retain his place ahead of Jean-Philippe Gbamin in the lineup and despite Delph returning to training, the academy graduate will feature alongside Allan. Davies scored the opening goal for Everton against Watford but as the ship sunk, the Englishman was nowhere to be found. Replacing Doucoure is a daunting task, rather an impossible one and it was evident to the naked eye that Davies struggled to match the energy.
Attacking midfield: Alex Iwobi
Anthony Gordon was terrific against Watford. A bundle of energy and intent looking dangerous on the left flank but Rafa Benitez is likely to revert to Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian’s confidence has hit a new low after his horrendous outing against West Ham and he will be determined to prove that he can be useful to Benitez. Iwobi operating behind the striker will allow Demarai Gray to operate out wide which is where he looks far more dangerous.