Connor O’Neill - Two debuts for the new boys
Another game, another selection dilemma for Rafa Benitez as his side aim to return to winning ways following last weekend’s defeat to Brighton.
After that defeat at Goodison Park, and the fact it is the FA Cup, normally most supporters would expect changes to be made.
But with the current injuries Everton have, and the fact they need to win the game, boss Benitez simply has to go as strong as he can.
Last weekend saw the Blues try and operate with wing-backs and three centre-backs in a bid to freshen things up.
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However, it simply didn’t work and Benitez must go back to a more natural four-man defence with a three-man midfield.
Jordan Pickford will no doubt start in goal, while Nathan Patterson should come in and start his first game for the club at right-back.
Even though they struggled last week, injuries mean Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey should start at the back, with Vitaliy Mykolenko making his debut at left-back.
While Allan, Andre Gomes and Abdoulaye Doucoure should form a midfield three, with Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray out wide, and Ellis Simms up top.
My team (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Patterson, Keane, Godfrey, Mykolenko; Allan, Gomes; Gordon, Doucoure, Gray; Simms.
Paul Wheelock - Confidence and momentum needs to be built up
It's clear that Rafa Benitez has the backing of Farhad Moshiri given Everton's transfer business in the opening week of the window and the combative nature of the manager's press conference to preview the trip to Hull City.
In truth, the FA Cup third-round tie is the least important game of the three the Blues have over the course of the next week.
Failure to take at least four points from the home clash with Leicester City and the must-win match at Norwich City will leave Evertonians fearing that their side are sleepwalking into a relegation battle - if they aren't already.
But confidence and momentum needs to be built up before that double-header and that's why Benitez must name his strongest side possible for today's tie.
The signings of Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson have boosted spirits and both should come in for their debuts. As for the heart of the backline, it's a case of take your pick, as all three fit and available defenders had moments to forget in the defeat to Brighton.
Andre Gomes was left on the bench until far too late on last weekend and should start as part of a three-man midfield and, while it's highly encouraging the lengths Andros Townsend is taking to get fit, there's no need to risk him for this one, particularly given the performances Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray have been producing.
It appears that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be given the evening off, understandably, and while it would be good to see Ellis Simms or Lewis Dobbin given a run out, you imagine Salomon Rondon will get the nod.
My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Patterson, Keane, Godfrey, Mykolenko; Allan, Gomes, Doucoure; Gordon, Rondon, Gray.
