Joe Thomas: The international break came at a frustrating time for Everton. Five points from three games represented positive momentum, meanwhile Spurs were in meltdown. Two weeks later there are still reasons to be positive, including that Sean Dyche has had another fortnight to work with his squad, but it is still chilling to see the Blues back in the bottom three, while tonight’s visitors have also moved to try and get their house back in order.
Although Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s absence looks set to continue, Dyche has more options than at any point since he joined Everton. Ellis Simms’ late goal at Chelsea puts him in contention to start, James Garner and Nathan Patterson earned minutes on international duty - as did Vitalii Mykolenko, whose pre-break illness led to Ben Godfrey getting a run in the team. I don’t see a need to make changes to a successful formula though.
Simms rightly grabbed the headlines at Chelsea but Demarai Gray has put in a series of useful performances up top, Coleman and Godfrey have done well and while Garner has a strong case for inclusion, I’m not sure who he comes in for - it would have been Idrissa Gueye a few weeks ago, but his form has improved. I know Dyche is less extensive with his use of substitutes anyway, but it is good to go into a game in the knowledge he has genuine options if he does want to freshen things up on the hour mark.
My team (4-5-1): Pickford, Godfrey, Keane, Tarkowski, Coleman; McNeil, Onana, Doucoure, Gueye, Iwobi; Gray
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Chris Beesley: It's been 16 days since Everton's last game against Chelsea but with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still not expected to be fit to be back - manager Sean Dyche said in his pre-match press conference that his centre-forward was "making good progress" despite still not training with the group or disclosing a timescale on his return - arguably the biggest dilemma surrounds whether super sub Ellis Simms now merits a start against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Oldham-born striker netted his first Premier League goal last time out at Stamford Bridge when he outmuscled Kalidou Koulibaly before coolly firing past the world's most-expensive goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to ensure the battling visitors came from behind for a second time and secured a deserved share of the spoils. However, despite that landmark moment, auxiliary striker Demarai Gray continues to work hard as a 'false' number nine and his greater experience, albeit not necessarily in this position, is likely to ensure he gets the nod here after putting in a real shift in west London when he often had to hold the ball up with his back to goal.
Captain Seamus Coleman has survived an injury scare while away with Ireland so should also retain his place despite Nathan Patterson being fit again and coming off the bench to help Scotland to their famous win over Spain so therefore it's the same again in terms of the starting line-up.
My team (4-5-1): Pickford; Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Tarkowski; Gueye, Doucoure, Onana, Iwobi, McNeil; Gray.
No Simms and more of the same
Connor O’Neill: More of the same is what is required at Goodison Park, and that includes Michael Keane keeping his place at the back and Ellis Simms staying on the bench.
Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski, Seamus Coleman and Ben Godfrey should make up the rest of the back five with Keane.
Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwboi should start on either flank, with Idrissa Gueye starting behind Abdoulaye Doucoure and Amadou Onana in the middle of the pitch.
While up top, Demarai Gray should lead the line instead of Neal Maupay and Simms. Even though the youngster came off the bench and scored against Chelsea last time out, he could be more useful as an impact player than a starter at the minute.
My team (4-1-4-1): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Tarkowski, Godfrey; Gueye; McNeil, Doucoure, Onana, Iwobi; Gray.
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