Everton’s predicted lineup against a relentless Manchester City side
Everton sit in 11th place, just two points off a European qualification spot, making Monday’s home fixture against Manchester City massive. Back-to-back losses to Liverpool and West Ham have stalled their progress and pushed them into the bottom half of the table.
David Moyes needs his players to step up, and they need to do it quickly. The atmosphere at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, hosting City for the first time, should be intense if the Toffees can find their feet early on. However, history is stacked against them as Everton have lost nine straight home games against City in all competitions. A win here would completely transform the mood around their season.
The back four and defensive setup
Jordan Pickford is certain to start in goal. His experience in these big games is exactly what Everton need. Jake O’Brien is expected to slot in at right-back, while James Tarkowski and Michael Keane likely continue their partnership in central defence, though Tarkowski’s fitness is worth monitoring after he picked up a knock against City recently. Vitaliy Mykolenko should take his usual place on the left, completing a defensive line that Moyes has leaned on heavily this year.
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Midfield and attack
Idrissa Gana Gueye will likely be tasked with disrupting City’s quick transitions, playing alongside James Garner, who provides the composure and passing range to keep Everton moving. On the flanks, Dwight McNeil will look to provide width, while Iliman Ndiaye’s movement between the lines could be a real problem for a City defence missing Joško Gvardiol and potentially Rúben Dias.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is expected to play in the pocket as the primary link to the attack. Up front, Thierno Barry’s physicality makes him the logical choice to lead the line against a City backline missing its veteran leaders.
Erling Haaland has a frightening record of six goals in five games against the Blues, so while Moyes will focus heavily on his defensive shape, Everton have more than enough quality to cause an upset on Monday night.
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Everton (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford – Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko – Idrissa Gana Gueye, James Garner – Dwight McNeil, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye – Thierno Barry.
