Chris Beesley - I wouldn’t do anything radical in terms of formation
You wouldn’t ‘quite’ go as far as saying this is a “must-win” game for Everton but for all their encouraging displays at times in what has been a difficult start to the season both on and off the field, they have to start picking up victories soon and this is a golden opportunity.
Fate decreed that the trip to Arsenal – the Blues’ least-productive of all regular Premier League away days – was off last weekend but the truth is they’ve accrued more points in the competition against West Ham United than any other opponent and if they don’t secure their first top flight success since Crystal Palace here then you’re left wondering just when they might do it.
If Frank Lampard’s side can do the business – which they should – then the result could provide them with a valuable springboard to take into the forthcoming international break so getting his team selection right is crucial for the Everton manager. Therefore I wouldn’t do anything radical in terms of formation so the 4-3-3 system deployed against Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby remains.
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The only changes in personnel are the enforced switch in goal with Asmir Begovic coming in for the injured Jordan Pickford and the returning Idrissa Gueye being handed the first start of his second stint at the club at the expense of Tom Davies with the Senegalese international having benefitted from another fortnight of training since coming back from Paris Saint-Germain. Up front, Lampard will be eager to reintegrate Dominic Calvert-Lewin but the sensible option at this stage is to continue with Neal Maupay and put the fit-again centre-forward on the bench.
My team (4-3-3): Begovic; Patterson, Mykolenko, Coady, Tarkwoski; Gueye, Onana, Iwobi; Gordon, Gray, Maupay
Connor O'Neill - Dominic Calvert-Lewin comes straight back in
It might not be what Frank Lampard wants to do, but the Everton boss has no option but to throw Dominic Calvert-Lewin straight in at the deep end this afternoon.
Despite some impressive displays so far this season, Everton still remain winless in the Premier League. And Calvert-Lewin leading the line will only aid the Blues’ chance of getting their first three points of the season this afternoon.
Asmir Begovic will no doubt start in goal, with Jordan Pickford set for a spell on the sidelines, while it should be a case of more of the same at the back for the Blues. That means Nathan Patterson, Conor Coady, James Tarkowski and Vitaliy Mykolenko all getting the nod to start.
While in midfield, Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana and Alex Iwobi should all start in the middle, with Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon on either flanks. And, as already stated, Calvert-Lewin should come in place of Neal Maupay.
My team (4-2-3-1): Begovic; Patterson, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Gueye, Onana; Gray, Iwobi, Gordon; Calvert-Lewin
Matt Jones - Maupay and Davies miss out despite strong derby showings
It feels like there is one big decision to make for Frank Lampard for the West Ham clash.
The goalkeeper and defence pick themselves due to the injury suffered by Jordan Pickford and improved fortunes for a number of players when lining up in a back four. Asmir Begovic may be a little rusty between the sticks, meaning Nathan Patterson, Conor Coady, James Tarkowski and Vitalii Mykolenko will all need to be alert at the back.
In midfield, fans are desperate to see the trio of Amadou Onana, Alex Iwobi and Idrissa Gueye. That is surely the way Lampard will go if the latter is up to the required fitness, although if he isn't the recent form of Tom Davies means there is no need to panic.
But up top, with Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray likely to remain in wide areas, Lampard must pick between Neal Maupay and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead the attack.
The latter of that attacking pair has not played a minute this season, although after two weeks back on the training pitch he should be up to speed. As much as Maupay was a pest to deal with for the Liverpool defenders a fortnight ago, with no wins on the board and an international break looming, Everton must get their apex striker on the pitch if he's fit enough.
My team (4-3-3): Begovic; Patterson, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Gueye, Onana, Iwobi; Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Gray
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