Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has got a series of intriguing selection posers to consider ahead of the FA Cup fifth round tie with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
Who could keep their place
There are plenty of options in midfield.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – a scorer against United – seems to have the strongest claim for a start in the engine room but Ancelotti might well decide that it’s time for him to have a breather.
Andre Gomes has also been starting while Fabian Delph is fit again.
James Rodriguez was among the substitutes at Elland Road but made a scoring return at Old Trafford only to make way for Sigurdsson due to a tight calf.
Despite netting the Blues first goal at Elland Road, Gylfi Sigurdsson saw himself start on the bench at Old Trafford and replacement Tom Davies produced an impressive display.
Who could drop out
In goal, Jordan Pickford has missed the past two matches with a side injury after banging his ribs against the post making a save in the Blues last home game with Newcastle United.
Although understudy Robin Olsen made a string of impressive saves in the 2-1 win at Leeds United, he was less impressive at Manchester United with question marks over his reactions for the Red Devils’ third goal in a 3-3 draw.
The Swede has started in goal for Everton in the past two rounds of this competition but could make way for the England number one if Pickford is fit again.
Who could come in
In defence, Mason Holgate has started at right-back for the past two games but Ancelotti could be tempted to recall captain Seamus Coleman for Spurs’ visit.
On the other flank, Lucas Digne is the incumbent of the left-back slot but could make way for Ben Godfrey given the movable feast that has been Everton’s centre-back pairings in recent matches.
If Coleman is restored then Holgate could come into contention for one of the central berths and Ancelotti has rotated Michael Keane and Yerry Mina over the past two games.
Further forward, Richarlison, who netted 13 times in the Premier League last season but has just two strikes to his name so far this term, continues to labour and his place could come under threat from Alex Iwobi.
New signing Joshua King is cup-tied after playing and scoring in both previous rounds for Bournemouth so he can’t come in for the Brazilian or Dominic Calvert-Lewin who you would expect to lead the line again after netting in both of his last two games.
