Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
David Prentice & Phil Kirkbride & Adam Jones & Sam Carroll

Everton line-ups for Arsenal as Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns and Michael Keane dropped

Phil Kirkbride - Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Yerry Mina return

Carlo Ancelotti needs to utilise a diamond formation at the Emirates tonight.

The returning Dominic Calvert-Lewin has to start upfront and can lead the line with Richarlison to his left.

Directly behind them should be James Rodriguez with Gylfi Sigurdsson also in the team on the left on the midfield four.

Yerry Mina should come straight back into the side in place of Mason Holgate.

My team (4-4-2): Pickford; Godfrey, Keane, Mina, Digne; Allan, Davies, Sigurdsson, Rodriguez; Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Adam Jones - Return to 4-3-3

Some welcome returns from injury open up a few options for Carlo Ancelotti here.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin of course is one of the most important ones, and you expect him to take his place up front once again.

And, I still personally think a return to a 4-3-3 would be best for Everton right now.

That does mean playing James Rodriguez on the right flank, but giving him the freedom to cut inside should send shivers down the spine of Arsenal defenders.

Allan and Tom Davies can help Seamus Coleman in defence whenever that happens, with Gylfi Sigurdsson similarly having a free role in midfield to join the attack when necessary.

Ben Godfrey should move back to central defence and, if fully fit, Yerry Mina has to come back into the side.

Everton should go on the offensive here and try to secure what would be an important win.

My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Mina, Godfrey, Digne; Davies, Allan, Sigurdsson; James, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Dave Prentice - Ben Godfrey is undroppable

Could it be? May he possibly? Is this finally the time?

No, of course it isn't. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit again so there's more chance of me starting at the Emirates than Josh King.

Arsenal are wounded. They have key players missing and a big European semi-final next week diverting their attention so Everton must be bold.

That means Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez in the same starting line up.

Yerry Mina is fit but misses out because Ben Godfrey is un-droppable and Seamus Coleman was excellent when he came on last week.

My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Digne; Allan, Gomes, Sigurdsson; Rodriguez, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Sam Carroll - Fluid formation needed

Carlo Ancelotti has to use his in-form options at Arsenal.

Out go Michael Keane - slightly harsh, I know - and Mason Holgate as Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina comprise the centre-back partnership.

With Abdoulaye Doucoure still missing I worry about the athleticism in midfield so, without possession, it's a five for me as Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson play out-wide for their work-rate.

But with the ball, the returning Dominic Calvert-Lewin is partnered off-the-shoulder by James Rodriguez in the 10.

My team (4-4-2): Pickford; Coleman, Godfrey, Mina, Digne; Richarlison, Allan, Davies, Sigurdsson; Rodriguez, Calvert-Lewin.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.