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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Chris Beesley & Adam Jones & Sam Carroll

Everton lineups as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Andre Gomes decisions made

Chris Beesley - Andre Gomes returns

With Everton having lost their red card appeal over Allan and Donny van de Beek cup-tied, Frank Lampard has a paucity of options in central midfield for the FA Cup quarter-final at Crystal Palace.

Given this, it seems difficult to see how the Blues could go with a three in the engine room so they'll have to make do with Andre Gomes coming in alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Further forward, Dominic Calvert-Lewin's encouraging cameo against Newcastle United ensures he is restored to the starting line-up - hopefully to finally score his first goal of 2022 which could bode well for the Premier League run-in - so Demarai Gray who still looks somewhat rusty, drops to the bench where he could be brought on as a potential impact substitute.

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My team (4-2-3-1): Begovic; Coleman, Godfrey, Holgate, Keane; Gomes, Doucoure; Gordon, Iwobi, Richarlison; Calvert-Lewin

Adam Jones - Iwobi in midfield

Limited options in midfield could make Frank Lampard's side fairly interesting this weekend. He'll want to go for a big victory, but can he keep three in the centre of the pitch?

That seems, to me at least, to be the most comfortable formation for this side. Especially when you consider the league match at Selhurst Park earlier this season, Everton need to crowd out that area.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andre Gomes are sure-fire starters, and I would drop Alex Iwobi into there as well. Thursday evening showed he had the energy, tenacity and quality to play in that position - and this is a one-off match Everton have to win.

Elsewhere, the only other change I would make to the side would be to reintroduce Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the starting line-up. He'll be desperate for another goal, and there were times on Thursday that it did seem Everton were missing him as a focal point.

My team (4-3-3): Begovic; Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Godfrey; Doucoure, Gomes, Iwobi; Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison

Sam Carroll - Dominic Calvert-Lewin starts

Frank Lampard is forced into several changes at Crystal Palace.

With Allan suspended after a harsh red card, Andre Gomes comes in after a bright cameo against Newcastle United.

The other change is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. His quick-thinking to play Alex Iwobi through on Thursday was a sign he is edging back towards full match fitness and Richarlison can dovetail behind him in a free role.

A goal from Calvert-Lewin to send Everton to Wembley would be just what his confidence needs.

My team (4-2-3-1): Begovic; Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Godfrey; Doucoure, Gomes; Gordon, Richarlison, Gray; Calvert-Lewin

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