The Premier League resumed on Saturday after the international break but Everton will have to wait until Monday night to play their fixture as they take on Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.
Fortunately, there are no new injury concerns from the international break for Sean Dyche as he expects everyone to be available except Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Andros Townsend. Calvert-Lewin has returned onto the grass but is yet to start full training with his teammates. The Englishman will not play any part against Spurs but he seems to be close to returning.
The Merseysiders sit 18th in the Premier League table with 26 points, below Leeds United who are also on 26 points but are ahead because of the goal difference. Everton have two tricky fixtures to navigate as they take on Spurs on Monday and Manchester United on Saturday.
Everton predicted lineup vs Tottenham
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford was involved in both of England’s international games, keeping a clean sheet against Ukraine. The Englishman will have to lead from the front as a leader in the dressing room as we enter the last phase of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.
Right back: Nathan Patterson
Nathan Patterson was sidelined since January and was very close to making a return before the international break. In fact, he played a couple of games for Everton U-21 side to regain match fitness and sharpness before leaving for international duty. For Scotland, the 21 year old made two substitute appearances playing final 10 minutes of the game.
The Scotsman has never played under Dyche and the 51 year old must try him out at right back. Seamus Coleman has been excellent but Patterson gives a different dimension of attacking play as a full back which Dyche must experiment.
Centre back: Michael Keane
Michael Keane is slowly becoming the preferred centre back partner to James Tarkowski. Conor Coady no longer seems the first choice as Keane has started four consecutive Premier League games.
Centre back: James Tarkowski
Tarkowski remains Everton’s undisputed starter and although he is guilty of some errors, he is one of the best Everton centre backs and will be starting with Keane in the rearguard.
Left back: Ben Godfrey
Ben Godfrey was called to deputize at left back when Vitaliy Mykolenko was ill and missed the Nottingham Forest game. Since then, Dyche has preferred Godfrey at left back over Mykolenko and that trend doesn’t seem to change for the Spurs game. The former Norwich man isn’t the perfect full back but offers solidity at the back.
Central defensive midfield: Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye played both the AFCON qualification games for Senegal during the international break and put on a well-rounded performance for the Lions of Teranga. Gueye has been an important part of the steely midfield of Dyche’s side and will have the task of winning the ball back.
Central midfield: Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana has been linked with a move away from the club if Everton fail to secure Premier League football for next season but that shouldn’t deter the Belgian from giving his heart and soul to the club in the remaining games. He has been impressive for Everton and continues to show his flair under Dyche.
Central midfield: Abdoulaye Doucoure
Perhaps, Abdoulaye Doucoure is the player who has benefitted the most since Dyche’s arrival. It has been a 360 degree turn for Doucoure and his career at Goodison Park. In last three games, the Malian midfielder has scored twice and assisted two goals as he is undergoing through a purple patch of form.
Without a doubt, Doucoure must start as he is enjoying this new role of supporting the striker and getting forward when the opportunity presents itself.
Left wing: Dwight McNeil
Dwight McNeil hardwork has not gone unnoticed as the former Burnley man is now coming into his own under Dyche. McNeil will have an enticing battle with Pedro Porro and if McNeil is able to get the better of Porro, multiple attacks from the left could become a possibility as the Englishman will swing crosses in the box.
Right wing: Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi remains Everton’s best creative outlet, regardless of his position. The Nigerian continues to play on the wings and not in his preferred central role but he has not shied away from working hard and making defensive contributions.
Striker: Ellis Simms
Ellis Simms scored in the 89th minute to secure a draw against Chelsea. He deserves to start against Spurs and as a result, Demarai Gray will miss out. The 22 year old is steadily improving and that is being showcased in his displays.
Will Everton secure a positive result against Spurs?