Everton vs Burnley: Predicted Line-Up | King to Make First Start?

Everton’s top four hopes are starting to slip away from us.

But if the Blues can start beating teams they’re expected to at home, then there’s still an outside chance.

That said, Burnley shouldn’t be underestimated. Despite not having won any of their last five, they’re also tough to beat. No team outside the top 7 has beaten them since the turn of the year, while they’ve also picked up all three points away to Arsenal, Liverpool this season.

So, how will Carlo Ancelotti line up his side for a game?

Who’s Out?

Jean-Philippe Gbamin, James Rodriguez, Fabian Delph and Abdoulaye Doucoure will all miss this game through injury, while Gylfi Sigurdsson is a doubt.

That means Seamus Coleman and Yerry Mina are available once more, and both could start in order to provide more attacking threat and aerial prowess, respectively.

Tactics and Formation

The key to this game will be opening up a Burnley side who like to keep it tight and keep their defensive shape.

An early goal will be key to this, so expect an attacking 4-3-3 setup from Carlo. I’m expecting Coleman to replace Holgate at right-back to give more attacking impetus, while this would be a perfect time to give Joshua King his full debut, with Alex Iwobi struggling for form at right-wing.

Starters (likelihood of starting rated out of 10)

Jordan Pickford – 9/10

Seamus Coleman – 6/10

Could be Mason Holgate, but Coleman provides a more attacking outlet down Everton’s ineffective right.

Lucas Digne – 10/10

Michael Keane – 9/10

Yerry Mina – 7/10

Expecting the two big lads to line-up at centre-half in order to combat Burnley’s aerial threat. Would mean Godfrey drops to the bench, but he’s not had a break in a long time.

Allan – 9/10

Tom Davies – 9/10

Andre Gomes – 8/10

Joshua King – 6/10

Essentially a toss-up between King and Iwobi on the right. Seems like the perfect time to give King a shot, though.

Richarlison – 10/10

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 10/10

Bench

Robin Olsen

Mason Holgate

Niels Nkounkou

Ben Godfrey

Tyler Onyango

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Bernard

Alex Iwobi

Nathan Broadhead - Has made the bench in the past couple of games and if Everton are looking for a goal late on, the 22-year-old could make a surprise belated debut.