Everton vs Rotherham: Projected XI | Godfrey, James & Tosun Start

We’re up for the league and now we’re up for the cup.

But let’s hope Everton are on the up and up when Championship strugglers Rotherham head to Goodison Park for the FA Cup third round.

Who’s Out?

There’s no shortage of players missing for this tie.

Jonjoe Kenny, Allan, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin remain out injured, while Carlo has confirmed Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jordan Pickford will be rested among other players.

The big surprise though was that Lucas Digne was declared fit and is available to play against the Millers.

It’s no secret that Everton are desperate for silverware and, apart from the rested and injured players mentioned, we can expect Carlo to pick the strongest side available to him,

Tactics and Formation

4-2-3-1 has been the preferred option of late, so we can expect more of the same in that regard.

There are a couple of important rule changes to note in this year’s FA Cup. First, there will be no replays, but games will go to extra-time if scores are level. Teams will also be permitted to make five substitutions during normal time, although they can only take three opportunities to make subs. A further substitution will also be allowed in extra-time.

Starters (likelihood of starting rated out of 10)

Robin Olsen – 10/10

Seamus Coleman – 8/10

Lucas Digne – 7/10

Carlo declared him fit and so he will likely play here. The only question is whether he’ll start or come on as a sub. Either way, it would be surprising to see him complete the 90 minutes, so could be an opportunity for Niels Nkounkou at some point with five subs available.

Ben Godfrey – 10/10

Confirmed to start at centre-back tomorrow having filled in at left-back during December.

Michael Keane – 9/10

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 9/10

Tom Davies – 6/10

Another toss-up between Davies and Gomes.

James Rodriguez – 7/10

Returned against West Ham last weekend and could make his first start since Burnley here.

Gylfi Sigurdsson – 8/10

Bernard – 6/10

With Richarlison rested, Carlo essentially has a choice of three to start on the left: Alex Iwobi, Bernard or Anthony Gordon.

Cenk Tosun – 10/10

Another confirmed starter with DCL rested.

Bench

Jonas Lössl

Mason Holgate

Yerry Mina

Niels Nkounkou

Andre Gomes

Tyler Onyango – Has been training with the first team of late after impressing for the under-23s, so could make the bench here with several players missing and a shortage of midfield options

Alex Iwobi

Bernard

Ellis Simms – With DCL rested and Tosun taking his place, Simms should get an opportunity from the bench with no other strikers at Carlo’s disposal.