Everton face Newcastle United on Wednesday night, hoping to bounce back after two consecutive losses. Frank Lampard’s men have massively improved in comparison to last season but they still lack the necessary bite required to challenge the status quo. While in the modern football world, success and improvement is demanded instantly, it isn’t as easy as playing FIFA.
One transfer window and few million are not enough to transform the squad into a cup winning side. It is a step by step process and Everton are still in the midst of figuring it out. It will be unrealistic for the fans to set trophy winning expectations or achieve ground breaking success in the league.
In the pre match press conference, Lampard did give some positive news in terms of injuries as Mason Holgate is back in the squad, meanwhile, Ben Godfrey is back on the grass doing light training. Anthony Gordon will also be available for selection after missing the Tottenham Hotspur game due to the accumulation of yellow cards.
Everton predicted lineup vs Newcastle United
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
There has been some contrasting views regarding last week’s penalty but there is no doubt over Jordan Pickford’s ability. He is England and Everton No.1 and will continue to retain the place in the side.
Defence:
Right back: Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman struggled against the duo of Ivan Perisic and Heung-Min Son during the weekend but the absence of Nathan Patterson means that the Irishman is likely to retain the right back position. Lampard should stick to a four at the back and have Coleman slot into the right back position instead of playing him at the wing back position.
Centre back: Conor Coady
Despite Holgate’s availability, Lampard will retain the services of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence. Coady did a satisfactory job and was tireless in keeping the resistance on against the Spurs attack.
Centre back: James Tarkowski
Despite a poor show in London, Tarkowski was one of the few players who lived up to the billing that night. The former Burnley man was excellent against Harry Kane, negating majority of his threat. The 29 year old has dazzled in the rearguard and continues to be the leader.
Left back: Vitaliy Mykolenko
Vitaliy Mykolenko had a silent game against Spurs with majority of his time going in tracking Richarlison. He couldn’t contribute much to the attack but was still defensively sound. His battle with Miguel Almiron will be enticing.
Midfield:
Defensive midfield: Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye’s majority time was spent in sitting ahead of the defence as Spurs dominated the ball. He worked hard and was pushing to win the ball back. These are the kind of performances that Lampard would want from his holding midfielder and Gueye should be up for the task against Newcastle too.
Central midfield: Amadou Onana
Lampard rates Amadou Onana highly and the Belgian has given a glimpse of his talent and skills. Onana supplies the energy in midfield that Everton have been yearning for. The midfield couldn’t make much of an impact in the last game, so Onana will be hoping to win the midfield battle against the Toons midfield.
Central midfield: Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi played on the right side of the midfield and eventually slotted into the wing back role where he was ineffective. It is crucial to have the most creative player of the team around the central areas of the pitch and reinstating him back on the left side of the midfield, where he is comfortable with should be a priority for Lampard.
Attack:
Right wing: Demarai Gray
Demarai Gray played as a secondary striker in the 3-5-2 shape last weekend but his pace and directness are much more effective when he starts out wide.
Striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be ready to start after being eased into the team, following an injury at the start of the season. The Englishman has the capability to be the focal point of attack, a profile that Everton have dearly missed in the last few games.
Left wing: Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon’s return would mean that Everton have pace and directness on both side of the flanks. The youngster is Everton’s leading goal scorer with two goals so far and will provide that extra attacking threat from the flanks.
Will Everton return to winning ways against Newcastle?