Ancelotti offers positive Calvert-Lewin & Allan update

Everton lost their second league game at Goodison Park in a row, dropping a 3-1 decision to a largely better Manchester City side tonight. The Toffees had equalized through a Richarlison rebound off a Lucas Digne shot, but then had no answer as the league leaders raced away to now sit ten points clear at the top of the table, this result being their 17th consecutive win in all competitions.

Midfielder Allan was expected to play today after being on the bench in the Fulham loss, but was surprisingly not even in the squad today. Speaking after the game today, Carlo Ancelotti explained his thinking -

“We preferred to give Allan one day training instead of staying on the bench [tonight]. He trained today and we hope he will be available for Saturday – to start.

“Also, Calvert-Lewin, I think, can start.”

Meanwhile centrehalf Yerry Mina left the game early on tonight after picking up a calf injury, with Mason Holgate moving into the middle and club captain Seamus Coleman coming on.

“Yerry Mina, we have to check tomorrow.

“For sure, he will not be available to play against Liverpool.”

After choosing to go with his conservative ‘four centrehalf’ formation in the backline today, this will force Ancelotti to deviate from this chosen set-up when playing teams that are likely to dominate possession.

It will be no surprise though if the backline for the rest of the first half is what we see in the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon.