Scott Parker has described the decision to start with Aleksandar Mitrovic on the bench as a tactical one.
The Cottagers top goalscorer had been on international duty going to penalties against Scotland and playing a further match against Russia.
With the absence of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa from the line up it appeared the international break and travel may have cost them their place. However, Parker noted that it was a, predominantly, a tactical choice to combat Carlo Ancelotti's side.
He told BBC: "[It is] mainly [a] tactical [decision]. Obviously Aleks has come back from international duty. The team I’ve [picked] today is a team that I feel can hurt Everton, can cause them problems."
Ivan Cavaleiro and Mario Lemina came into the side as the Cottagers started without a recognised striker and Ademola Lookman often being the most advanced player on the pitch. Cavaleiro took up the cetral role with Lookman and Bobby De Cordova-Reid on either flank.
