Change of shape as replacing Doucoure is two-man job
Adam Jones: Just as one door opens for Rafa Benitez, another one seems to shut.
Being able to welcome Richarlison back to the starting line-up is a great boost for the manager, but Yerry Mina's absence will no doubt be a blow.
That's not to mention the news earlier this week of Abdoulaye Doucoure's latest injury worry, which could realistically mean a change in shape for Everton.
Replacing the 28-year-old's influence in the middle of the pitch is a two-man job, I would argue.
Jean Philippe-Gbamin and Tom Davies both haven't had much game time this term, so bringing one individually into the side on this occasion could backfire. Selecting both, on the other hand, could take a lot of pressure off themselves and Allan as part of a three.
That means a sacrifice needs to be made up front, with Alex Iwobi being the obvious candidate to drop out of the side.
In turn, that means there isn't an opportunity for Anthony Gordon as things currently stand which is certainly a shame, but needs must in this scenario.
My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne; Gbamin, Davies, Allan; Townsend, Richarlison, Gray.
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Gordon gets the nod as Richarlison returns
Sean Bradbury: One thing is for sure about the start Rafa Benitez is having at Everton.
There has been zero luck on the injury front.
Losing Abdoulaye Doucoure is a massive blow given the vital new role he is carving out under the Spaniard.
And Yerry Mina's absence is another fresh kick in the teeth.
But at least Richarlison is back in contention for this one - and surely returns in attack.
I would stick to the shape and system that was effective against Norwich and Manchester United, in the hope that the West Ham game was just a bad day at the office.
Anthony Gordon gets the nod in place of Alex Iwobi, Tom Davies comes into midfield and Salomon Rondon drops back to the bench.
My team (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne; Townsend, Davies, Allan, Gordon; Gray; Richarlison.
Davies takes over the Doucoure spot
Jake Bayliss: Rafa Benitez has been dealt some tough injury blows this week but the Blues boss does at least welcome back Richarlison to full fitness, strengthening the Everton frontline.
Arguably the biggest task the Blues face is replacing Abdoulaye Doucoure, following news of his foot problem. Having contributed two goals and four assists so far this season, the 28-year-old has left big shoes to fill.
Though, against a Watford side who lost 5-0 in their last outing, the need to pack the midfield is probably less demanding than in other games.
Tom Davies takes Doucoure’s spot for me, with Jean-Philippe Gbamin also short of game time.
Continuing to try and press on the front foot, Anthony Gordon also comes in for Alex Iwobi, as a reward for his promising displays off the bench.
My team (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne; Davies, Allan; Townsend, Gordon, Gray; Richarlison.
