Everton vs Aston Villa: Predicted Line-Up and Absentees
How Will Everton Line Up in Search of Their First Win of the Season?
The international break has come and gone too quickly, and Everton now face a challenging trip to Villa Park.
It’s tough to imagine the Blues earning their first points of the season anytime soon with such a difficult matchup ahead.
The big question is: how will Sean Dyche set up his team against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa?
Who’s Out?
Seamus Coleman picked up a knock while playing for Ireland during the international break and is considered “touch and go” for the weekend.
There’s little other news on player availability, although Orel Mangala, who recently signed from Lyon, is now ready to join the squad.
Youssef Chermiti and newly-signed Armando Broja are both sidelined until October.
On a positive note, Nathan Patterson and Jarrad Branthwaite have returned to training but remain unfit for this match.
Everton Squad Available vs Villa
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Virginia, Begovic
Defenders: Keane, Branthwaite (injured), Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko, Coleman (doubt), Patterson (injured), Young, Dixon
Midfielders: Doucoure, Gueye, Garner, Iroegbunam, Mangala, Armstrong
Wingers: McNeil, Harrison, Ndiaye, Lindstrom
Attackers: Calvert-Lewin, Beto, Chermiti (injured), Broja (injured)
Tactics and Formation
Despite the disappointing finish in the Bournemouth game, the first 88 minutes were promising. Therefore, significant changes to the starting lineup seem unlikely.
The most pressing issue lies at right-back. If Coleman isn’t fit, will the inexperienced Roman Dixon fill in, or will veteran Ashley Young get the nod? Most Everton fans likely have a preference.
Iliman Ndiaye is expected to retain his spot in midfield after impressing against Bournemouth.
While Orel Mangala is unlikely to start due to Dyche’s cautious approach with new signings, he may feature later in the game.
Predicted Starters (likelihood of starting out of 10)
Jordan Pickford – 9/10
Roman Dixon – 6/10
Michael Keane – 7/10
James Tarkowski – 9/10
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 9/10
Iliman Ndiaye – 8/10
Idrissa Gueye – 8/10
Tim Iroegbunam – 8/10
Jack Harrison – 8/10
Dwight McNeil – 8/10
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 9/10
Bench
Virginia, Young, O’Brien, G
arner, Mangala, Armstrong, Doucoure, Lindstrom, Beto
