Frank Lampard prepares for his first game as Everton manager after taking over the reins at the club in January. The former Chelsea boss’ first test at Everton is a stern FA Cup fourth round fixture against Brentford.
With the arrival of Lampard, there is optimism among fans that he will give youngsters more prominent chances and given the injury issues and some players being cup tied, Lampard is likely to experiment with a few youngsters but also maintain the experience in the team.
New signing Dele Alli is cup tied. Along with Alli, loan arrivals Anwar El Ghazi and Donny van de Beek are also cup tied. With the trio missing the game, Everton fans will have to wait further to see the new signings in action. On the injury front, Everton will be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Fabian Delph and Tom Davies.
Lampard has largely employed a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 during his time at Chelsea and given the resources and certain player profiles, Lampard will stick with either of the aforementioned formations.
Youngsters like Tyler Onyango, Lewis Dobbin, Nathan Patterson could feature against the Bees given they missed the U-23 fixture against Leicester yesterday. Getting off on a winning note is a must as Lampard prepares to dip his toes in the managerial pool after a year of absence.
Everton predicted lineup vs Brentford:
Goalkeeper: Asmir Begovic
Asmir Begovic will return to goal after his last appearance was against Hull City in the same competition. The 34 year old has remained Jordan Pickford’s backup, hence, getting playing time only in cup competitions. Doubts have remained over his abilities from time to time but today would be a good time to put in an industrious shift and impress Lampard.
Nathan Patterson could get his first Everton start
Defence:
Right back: Nathan Patterson
Nathan Patterson could be in line to start his first game for the senior team. Former manager Rafa Benitez had hinted that the Scotsman won’t be directly thrown into the Premier League circus and will be gently integrated.
With Lampard coming in, he’d like to see Patterson’s skills and capabilities. An FA Cup game could be the perfect platform to test out Patterson. He impressed in the U-23 game against Tottenham, assisting the winning goal and showcasing his attacking talents as a full back.
Centre back: Ben Godfrey
At Chelsea and Derby, Lampard had Fikayo Tomori. The Englishman loved to work with the defender and played an important role in his polishing. Ben Godfrey has similar traits to Tomori and if there’s something that will catch Lampard’s attention the most is Godfrey’s recovery speed, athleticism and aggression. Given the underwhelming performances of Micheal Keane, Godfrey should start ahead of him.
Centre back: Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite is destined to become a top player and with Lampard’s counsel, stars have aligned in Branthwaite’s favour. The English youngster could have very easily been sent out on loan with Championship clubs enquiring about him in December but Branthwaite has stayed and could get much needed game time under the new manager. If he continues to perform well, he might even rise through the pecking order, displacing Mason Holgate who was linked with an Everton exit.
Left back: Vitaliy Mykolenko
Vitaliy Mykolenko has already made his Everton debut, playing 120 minutes of FA Cup in the last round. The Ukrainian missed the Aston Villa game but should be ready and charged for the game against Brentford.
Andre Gomes could start alongside Allan in the Everton midfield
Midfield:
Central midfield: Allan
Allan will be a key component in Lampard’s midfield given that he is an enforcer and particularly a strong ball winning midfielder. In absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan’s work is likely to increase but the Brazilian will be prepared to operate in the role. There were talks of bringing a defensive midfielder, possibly Idrissa Gueye but his return was far more complex. With the inconsistency of Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Allan will likely sit as a guardian to the back four.
Central midfield: Andre Gomes
Andre Gomes will have the freedom to roam forward and supplement the attack. With the arrival of Van de Beek and Alli, Gomes’ playing time could drastically reduce. Given the new duo are cup tied, Gomes will have an opportunity to impress the manager and make a case for himself.
Attacking midfield: Andros Townsend
Andros Townsend can operate in the midfield and also as an attacking midfielder. He likes to shoot from a distance and generally drifts inward when playing from the right, hence occupying similar spaces behind that of a striker. The former Crystal Palace man scored the winner against Hull in extra time and his side could look for some inspiration again.
Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray could be deployed on the wings
Attack:
Right wing: Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon has been the breakthrough star of the year. Even though he made his Everton debut way back in 2017, it is only this season that he is putting in vibrant performances. The 20 year old will be keen to show Lampard his buckets of potential and make a case for himself to be included in every game.
Striker: Richarlison
In the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who missed due to a knock sustained in the Aston Villa game, Richarlison will spearhead the attack. The striker may not play an entire game with Lewis Dobbin getting into the game at some point. The Toffees play three fixtures in eight days and preserving Richarlison is crucial as he himself has returned for a lengthy stay on the sidelines.
Left wing: Demarai Gray
Demarai Gray is someone who will surely excite Lampard and on some occasions even force him to spring up his seat. The jubilant attacker moves with the speed of lightning bolt and has tricks up his sleeve to fool defenders around him. He is dangerous not only in front of the goal but also between the lines.
Gray is a weapon that Lampard will be hoping to use to its maximum potential. He could give Brentford defenders a hard time and ease up the pressure on Richarlison. It will also be worth watching how Mykolenko combines with Gray on the left wing.
Will Everton manage to win their first game under Frank Lampard?