Everton could choose to start Ellis Simms in a ‘new look front 4’ in their midweek Brighton fixture after recalling him from his loan deal in the Championship last week. Here is our predicted lineup:
Although Lampard fielded a back 5 formation in his side’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad last time out, we think he could instead go for a more attacking setup against the Seagulls at Goodison Park, instead playing a 4-4-2.
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford
Although England’s number 1 made a few mistakes in his side’s defeat to Bournemouth before the start of the World Cup break, he is extremely unlikely to lose his place in the lineup anytime soon.
Right back – Nathan Patterson
Seamus Coleman came on for the last few minutes of his side’s draw with Manchester City and did a superb defensive job. However, Nathan Patterson is having a very decent season in an Everton shirt and should be in from the start against Brighton.
Centre back – Conor Coady
Yerry Mina replaced Conor Coady for the toffees’ loss to Wolves but missed their trip to Manchester through injury. It is currently unknown whether Mina will be fit to face Brighton but Conor Coady will likely start anyway.
Centre back – James Tarkowski
Since joining the club in the summer, the Englishman has played in every game in the Premier League and has been a star performer.
Left back – Vitaly Mykolenko
Mykolenko has put in some excellent defensive performances recently and will be in Frank Lampard’s starting 11 against Brighton. However, summer signing Ruben Vinagre has had very little game time since joining and could return to his parent club Sporting Lisbon in January.
Right midfield – Anthony Gordon
The 21-year-old missed his side’s trip to the Etihad through illness after playing the full 90 minutes against Wolves. But with Everton’s only other winger in Dwight McNeil preferring to play on the left of midfield, Gordon looks set to take a starting place.
Centre midfield – Alex Iwobi
Since converting to a central midfielder under Frank Lampard, Alex Iwobi has been Everton’s best player.
Centre midfield – Idrissa Gana Gueye
With Amadou Onana suspended for picking up 5 yellow cards and James Garner still out through injury, Idrissa Gana Gueye is likely to start in a midfield 2 with Alex Iwobi instead of a 3.
Left midfield – Demarai Gray
Gray scored a wonderful goal to earn his side a point against Manchester City last time out as well as putting in an inspired performance. He is very likely to be in the 11 against Brighton.
Striker – Ellis Simms
Simms was recalled by the blues last week after their defeat to Wolves at Goodison despite having a successful spell in the Championship. Frank Lampard must, therefore, be a firm admirer of the 21-year-old and may even place him straight into the starting lineup.
Striker – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin started his first game for Everton since the start of November last time out and, although he did not manage to stick the ball in the back of the net, he offered much more of an outlet than Neal Maupay had previously done and is very likely to start.
Should Ellis Simms start against Brighton?YESNO |