Everton vs Manchester United: Projected XI | The Returning Masses

After piecing together a quite frankly horrible team against Newcastle last week, Carlo Ancelotti has been blessed with many returning options for Saturday’s clash with an erratic Manchester United side.

But who will be lining up for the Blues at Goodison Park?

Who’s Out

Thankfully, this is a much shorter list than usual.

Everton are basically missing just three players: Fabian Delph (injured), Richarlison (suspended) and long-term absentee, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who is expected to finally return to full-training by the end of this month.

Mason Holgate has been declared fit and could make his first appearance of the season having started full training on Tuesday, although you’d expect him to be eased back in a little more slowly given Ancelotti’s range of options at centre-back.

Seamus Coleman, Ben Godfrey and James Rodriguez have also recovered from their various ailments, while Lucas Digne is also back after suspension.

Tactics and Formation

If Carlo can persist with a 4-3-3 despite playing five central midfielders, you can bet he’ll do the same with several key players returning – although hopefully with real wingers on the wings this time.

Starters (likelihood of starting rated out of 10)

Jordan Pickford – 9/10

Should return after being “rested” last week. Carlo has insinuated that he may start rotating Pickford and Olsen more frequently going forward though, so the pressure is certainly on England’s number one to start performing consistently.

Seamus Coleman – 7/10

Has been missed, with neither Ben Godfrey nor Jonjoe Kenny putting in good performances at right back in his absence. Hopefully his hamstring is now fully recovered.

Lucas Digne – 10/10

Michael Keane – 9/10

Yerry Mina - 5/10

Not been faultless in recent weeks and if Mason Holgate is considered fully fit, he will likely be the man to drop out. Also very possible that Ben Godfrey could take his place. But with both returning from injury, Mina may still get the nod.

Allan – 10/10

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 9/10

Andre Gomes– 6/10

Been poor in recent weeks and picked up a knock on his knee last week, but Gylfi Sigurdsson has hardly set the world alight when given the chance. If Tom Davies is fit, his hustling style could see him get the nod too. No clear “best” left centre-mid option at the moment.

James Rodriguez – 9/10

Thankfully returns from a testing testicle injury.

Bernard – 7/10

I want to say Anthony Gordon, but Bernard seems to be higher in Carlo’s pecking order. A real shame that the supremely talented youngster has barely been used in Richarlison’s absence.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 10/10

Bench

Robin Olsen

Mason Holgate – Could reclaim his place in the team, but might be too soon after a two-month lay-off. Can also provide back-up at right-back if Coleman’s hammy doesn’t hold up.

Ben Godfrey

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Alex Iwobi

Anthony Gordon – Simply needs to play more.

Cenk Tosun – Made a surprise comeback last week and now seems to be Everton’s back-up striker