Everton vs Southampton: Projected XI | Ch-ch-changes?

Carlo Ancelotti could really do with rotating some players right now, with this the middle of three games in 7 days. However, a lengthy injury list is restricting what options Everton have available, with Mason Holgate and Alex Iwobi both also out for this one after picking up injuries at Tottenham Hotspur.

The only real options for conscious rotation could be at full-back (Djibril Sidibe and Leighton Baines) and potentially up front, with Moise Kean eager to get a rare start.

Tactics and Formation

Having resisted the urge to divert significantly from a 4-4-2 against Spurs (although it did become a kind of 4-3-3 at points), it’s unlikely that Ancelotti will change the set-up here.

The biggest question undoubtedly comes in the middle of the park. In particular, should Tom Davies or Gylfi Sigurdsson start alongside Andre Gomes, or, indeed, should all three play at the expense of a real winger?

Goals and chances haven’t exactly been forthcoming for the Blues, so with Saints the visitors, expect a more attacking setup.

Starters (likelihood of starting rated out of 10)

Jordan Pickford – 10/10

Seamus Coleman – 6/10

Has done enough to stay as Everton’s first choice right back for the rest of the season, but Carlo may choose to rotate with Djibril Sidibe, having had just two days rest and with another game on Sunday.

Lucas Digne – 7/10

Like Seamus, Digne could be replaced by Leighton Baines for this one. Probably a good idea too, otherwise they run the real risk of a drop in form or injury.

Michael Keane – 10/10

Yerry Mina - 10/10

Will make his first start since football recommenced with Mason Holgate out injured.

Anthony Gordon – 9/10

Another very impressive performance against Spurs. Would be a big shock not to see him start here with Iwobi out injured or facing a late fitness test. Could feature on the right.

Bernard – 7/10

The “4 foot 6” Brazilian will come in here if Ancelotti chooses to player two “real” wingers. However, a midfield three of Gomes, Davies and Sigurdsson could also be utilised.

Andre Gomes – 9/10

Horribly out of form and fitness it looks like, but not many other options.

Tom Davies – 7/10

Mixed performance against Spurs but adds more midfield bite than Sigurdsson and would be expected to start ahead of the Icelander in a choice between the two.

Richarlison – 7/10

Looked a bit tired against Spurs and may be rested if Carlo can trust Moise Kean.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 9/10

Same as Richie, but he’s Everton’s only real “target man” right now.

Bench

Maarten Stekelenburg

Joao Virginia

Djibril Sidibe – Could give Coleman a break.

Leighton Baines – Could give Digne a break.

Jarrad Branthwaite – Not far off getting a look-in with Holgate now out injured.

Dennis Adeniran – Doesn’t bode well that Carlo opted to have two keepers on the bench instead of him in the first games after the restart, but with Everton’s injury list mounting further he’ll surely make the bench for the first time here.

Gylfi Sigurdsson – Will likely be a toss-up between Bernard and Sigurdsson, for who starts.

Beni Baningime

Moise Kean – Everton could really do with rotating their strikers, but trust is a big issue with Kean right now after an erratic cameo against Norwich.