Everton face another of their relegation rivals next up with a trip to London Stadium to face West Ham United but just what changes might the Blues make when they head to the capital?
Respective managers Frank Lampard and David Moyes, both of course previous employees of the opposition club, remain under pressure with their respective sides having taken just 15 points apiece so far this season with the Premier League campaign now at its halfway mark.
Given Everton and West Ham’s battles to stay up, who is to say that they’ll both be on the touchline in five days’ time, let alone for the clubs’ next fixtures given the magnitude of this crucial ‘six pointer.’
READ MORE: Everton Women start year with a bang as Jess Park dazzles against Reading
READ MORE: Kevin Thelwell cuts lonely figure before £88m near miss as Everton fans send emphatic message
In terms of team selection, the Blues must opt whether to retain the three centre-back system of Ben Godfrey, Conor Coady and James Tarkowski that they have deployed in three of their last four games. Even if they do, there could be a change in personnel with Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate both on the bench against Southampton.
Midfield has been a fairly settled area with Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana and Alex Iwobi the incumbent trio – although the Nigerian was used in a slightly different role against the Saints out on the right wing – but both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Tom Davies offer alternatives in the engine room.
Demarai Gray, back out on the left wing last time out, has been a mainstay in the side this term but Anthony Gordon – who returned off the bench in the Southampton game only to give away the free-kick from which the winning goal was scored – and Dwight McNeil, will be pushing for a place out wide, although the former replaced captain Seamus Coleman who had been playing as a wing-back.
Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was back in the starting line-up after coming off the bench at Manchester United and he’d be expected to lead the line but with only one goal all season his place can never be secure given that Neal Maupay’s only Everton strike to date came in the reverse fixture back in September.
READ NEXT
Everton crisis hits new low as four nightmare themes haunt Frank Lampard
- Everton protests unfold inside and outside ground as Yerry Mina faces up to fans
Southampton boss Nathan Jones makes blunt Everton tactics and Goodison Park atmosphere claims
Frank Lampard sends message to Everton fans after insisting he's still right man for job
Everton player ratings as Amadou Onana good but quality badly lacking vs Southampton
