Everton News

Opinion: Carlo Ancelotti may start 27-year-old against Brighton, could drop Everton wide-man

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Carlo Ancelotti is likely to make changes to the Everton lineup after Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Liverpool – one of which could be to drop Theo Walcott. The 30-year-old underperformed at Anfield and has contributed just one goal in the Premier League this season, so Bernard may be given a chance against Brighton & Hove Albion now he’s back fit.

The 26-year-old has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating three goals. He’s racked up only 789 minutes of playing time, however, due to numerous injury problems. Bernard missed Everton’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City (January 1) due to a knee injury in the warm-up, but he returned against Liverpool days later – coming off the bench in the second half.

And with a week to recover, Bernard could be in line to start on Saturday afternoon. Walcott has made just one assist in 14 league games while the Brazilian has scored and created twice in his previous six. Everton have been in better form of late, winning two of their last three top-flight outings, but Ancelotti will demand a response after their FA Cup elimination.

How will Everton fare against Brighton & Hove Albion?

Win

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Read Crippy Cooke’s previous article

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.