Everton at Leeds United: Projected XI | Pickford out, Delph Returns

Saturday was rubbish and Everton’s European hopes are fading. But a quick rebound against Leeds United will restore the faith, somewhat.

So how will Everton line up at Elland Road against 12^th place Leeds, who could move just one point behind the Blues with a win?

Who’s Out?

For the first time in his Everton career, Jordan Pickford has been ruled out with an injury. He picked up a knock late on against Newcastle, and so will miss this one, but could be back for the weekend. That said, Robin Olsen may have played anyway.

Allan and Jean-Philippe Gbamin still aren’t ready, but Fabian Delph is back from his latest injury setback in time to face his former club.

New signing, Joshua King, also isn’t eligible to play having joined late on deadline day. He should make his debut at the weekend though.

Everton’s bench may also look a bit different too, with Jonas Lössl having left the club, while Cenk Tosun, Anthony Gordon and Jonjoe Kenny have all headed out on loan – meaning there could be a spot or two for some under-23s prospects.

Tactics and Formation

4-2-3-1 has been the flavour of choice recently, although Carlo may change things up after a flat display against Newcastle.

Carlo saw Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman restored as conventional full-backs at the weekend, although neither had particularly good games. Could we see sitting full-backs in Holgate and Godfrey in order to stem “Bielsaball”?

Starters (likelihood of starting rated out of 10)

Robin Olsen – 10/10

Mason Holgate – 7/10

Ben Godfrey – 7/10

Yerry Mina – 8/10

Could easily be Mina or Holgate too, but it feels like Godfrey deserves a chance in his preferred position after deputising at full-back almost exclusively since arriving at Goodison Park.

Michael Keane – 9/10

Tom Davies – 7/10

Another toss-up between Davies and Gomes. The latter of whom did little to stake his claim at the weekend.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 10/10

Richarlison – 10/10

Lucas Digne – 7/10

If Everton go for sitting full-backs, Digne may well be pushed into a left-wing role again.

Richarlison – 10/10

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 10/10

Bench

Joao Virginia

Seamus Coleman

Niels Nkounkou

Fabian Delph

Andre Gomes

Alex Iwobi

Bernard

Tyler Onyango

Thierry Small – The 16-year-old left-back scored his third goal in six games for the under-23s this week.