Sunday’s game with Wolverhampton Wanderers brought an eighth defeat in nine Premier League matches in 2022 so far for Everton so what changes might be made for what is surely now a ‘must-win’ fixture at home to Newcastle United on Thursday night?
Frank Lampard knows he must make at least one switch at the back with Jonjoe Kenny suspended after his sending off for picking up two bookings in just three minutes against Wolves.
The Kirkdale-born defender started on the right-hand side of a three but had switched to left-back at the time of his dismissal.
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If Lampard wishes to continue with his 3-4-3 formation, Michael Keane would seem a natural candidate to return alongside Mason Holgate and the fit-again Ben Godfrey but with many calling for the restoration of a midfield trio, the other four defenders who started at the weekend could retain their places but in a flat back four.
There is another change of personnel that the Blues boss could consider if he feels the midweek fixture is too much for 33-year-old captain Seamus Coleman, with Nathan Patterson – still yet to kick a ball for the club in the Premier League – waiting in the wings.
If Everton do want to add an extra man in midfield, Allan – who like Keane dropped to the bench after the shambolic display at Tottenham Hotspur – would be the prime candidate to come in.
There is also Andre Gomes or even Dele Alli as a more attack-minded option, even though the former Spurs player still seems off the pace compared with displays he produced in his pomp.
Demarai Gray returned at the weekend and appeared to be shaking off the rust but if he or Anthony Gordon are deemed to require a breather, there are several options among Andros Townsend, Alex Iwobi and Anwar El Ghazi.
It will also be intriguing up front to see if Dominic Calvert-Lewin – last year’s top scorer with 21 goals but a player who hasn’t found the net this term from open play since the opening day – returns after he missed out against Wolves.
Either way, you’d expect Salomon Rondon to be confined to the substitutes’ bench unless something happens to Richarlison between now and St Patrick’s Day.
