Everton predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Dyche sets up team in 4-4-1-1 with Calvert-Lewin up top
Sean Dyche’s first test is against league leaders Arsenal who look like poetry in motion under Mikel Arteta. On the other hand is a dysfunctional Everton side that is grasping for a breath of fresh air under new boss Dyche.
The next 18 games will determine Everton’s fate as at this point, they stare at relegation, sitting 19th in the table. In order to extract the best from this squad, Dyche will have to instill energy and confidence in a shaken squad. Tactics will also change as Dyche will look to integrate the team in his brand of football.
Everton predicted lineup vs Arsenal
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford remains the undisputed No.1 for Everton and the Englishman will be expected to be sound in between the sticks for the rest of the season. Any blunders will cost the Toffees and Pickford will have to produce his best performances until the end of the season.
Right back: Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman’s leadership and expertise is now needed more than ever. He might not be the fastest of the full backs, he is much more conservative than before but he still plays with his heart on the sleeve. The Irishman can stir up some inspiration in this side.
Centre back: Conor Coady
Conor Coady might just edge out Yerry Mina for the starting spot. The Englishman can operate with aggression and be defensively solid. It will be an interesting battle with the Arsenal forwards.
Centre back: James Tarkowski
James Tarkowski knows Dyche and his tactics well. He was exquisitely knitted in Dyche’s system for years at Burnley and knows exactly what the manager demands from his rearguard. The 30 year old will be the leader of the two central defenders and will be tasked negating the threat of Eddie Nketiah.
Full back: Vitaliy Mykolenko
Vitaliy Mykolenko isn’t having the best of the spells and seems like a retreated version of himself. Possibly, under Dyche, the Ukrainian can revive himself but his biggest test awaits in the form of fiery Bukayo Saka.
Central Midfield: Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana is one of the best players on the team and showed his loyalty to the club by rejecting advances from Arsenal and Chelsea during the transfer window. He could have easily left the sinking ship but the Belgian decided to fight till the end. This attitude would go down well with the fans. On the pitch, he will have to inject energy and be omnipresent.
Central midfield: Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye has had turbulent phases during his second spell at Everton. With James Garner still out, Gueye will continue the role of anchoring the midfield and winning the balls in the midfield.
Left winger: Demarai Gray
Perhaps, Deamrai Gray is the only live wire in the team who can make things happen in a flash. The electric speedster could be a valuable weapon in Dyche’s system when Everton are on the counter. The former Leicester City man could charge inwards before pulling the trigger rom the left side.
Right winger: Dwight McNeil
Dwight McNeil was a treat to watch under Dyche at Burnley. The 23 year old has failed to make a positive impact at Goodison but having a manager who knows how to get the best out of you would be a blessing for McNeil.
Second striker: Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi will be in the creator’s role just behind the striker. He can occupy the areas of a playmaker and act as the bridge between the midfield and the striker. Iwobi has been Everton’s only creative outlet in the middle and will have a huge responsibility when playing off the striker.
Striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had a tumultuous campaign but now is the time to step up. He has had a poor injury record but he should find back his rhythm once he has a run of games and finds some goals.
Will Everton manage to secure any points against Arsenal?