Everton predicted lineup vs Manchester City: Two changes as Mykolenko starts 4-3-2-1

Vitaliy Mykolenko has the support of the club and the Everton fans

Defence:

Left back: Vitaliy Mykolenko

Perhaps, if he is in a right frame of mind, playing Vitaliy Mykolenko can be a wise decision. This may certainly help the player take his mind off from the miserable situation in his country for some time.

Everton fans are in solidarity with Mykolenko and the club is offering all possible support to the 22 year old. The supporters are going to display a banner in support of Mykolenko. The Ukrainian will be a better choice compared to Jonjoe Kenny given that Riyad Mahrez could cause havoc on that flank and an athletic player like Mykolenko can help negate the opposition.

Centre back: Michael Keane

With Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina still out, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate will partner again in the centre back role. Keane had another shambolic performance against Southampton, one of many this season. Even though City operate without an outright striker, the movement of Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden can give serious worries to Keane.

Centre back: Mason Holgate

Holgate had a half decent performance against Southampton, making a couple of goal clearances and putting in perfectly timed tackles to dismantle the Saints’ attack. Just like Keane, his inconsistency is his biggest worry. Lack of confidence doesn’t help either.

Unlike Godfrey, Holgate’s recovery speed is underwhelming which can be a huge negative against City. As things stand, chances are grim for Everton’s defence against the dynamic attack of Cityzens.

Right back: Seamus Coleman

Seamus Coleman has also had a mix of decent and poor performances since Lampard arrived at the helm. There’s surely a debate whether Nathan Patterson should be given a free hand given that winning against City seems impossible, at least on paper. Giving the young Scotsman a chance to show his potential might be a smart plan, giving the 33 year old Coleman some rest ahead of the FA Cup fixture.

However, this plan could massively backfire because if City run riot and Patterson cannot deal with this kind of pressure, it may result in a breakdown eventually causing his confidence to crumble.

Lampard should stick to Coleman, given his experience could be handy in dealing with Raheem Sterling. He might not be able to match Sterling’s pace but years of tactical understanding can give Coleman a fair chance to neutralize the Englishman.

Continued on the next page…