Everton’s predicted starting XI against Man City - with fans’ favourite to be controversially dropped

The Toffees haven’t won in five games and will have a tough task against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Everton manager Rafa Benitez. Picture: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)Everton manager Rafa Benitez. Picture: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton manager Rafa Benitez. Picture: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Heading to the Premier League champions isn’t exactly the fixture you want against the backdrop of five games without a win.

But a trip to Manchester City is how Everton resume the season after the international break.

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The Toffees stopped the rot of three successive defeats with a 0-0 draw against Tottenham before the hiatus of the campaign.

Everton have been handed a boost with Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish ruled out for City, while Phil Foden is a big doubt.

Still, Pep Guardiola’s men are still a top-class outfit even without the trio.

Rafa Benitez will have to get his tactics spot on at the Etihad Stadium if the visitors are to get a result.

Here’s how we see the Blues lining up.

Goalkeeper

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Jordan Pickford's been in the headlines this week. He's supposedly coveted by Antonio Conte as Hugo Lloris' successor at Tottenham.

Pickford's clean sheet against Spurs was his first in five matches, although there is no doubting his position in the Everton team.

The England international is a no-brainer when it comes to his place in the team.

Everton keeper Jordan Pickford. Picture: Chris Brunskill/Getty ImagesEverton keeper Jordan Pickford. Picture: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford. Picture: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

Defence

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With Mason Holgate serving the first of a three-match suspension, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey will again feature in central defence.

There's been talk about Lucas Digne's drop in form this season yet he remains the only senior recognised left-back at the club.

Skipper Seamus Coleman will continue on the right-hand side.

Everton defender Lucas Digne. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesEverton defender Lucas Digne. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Everton defender Lucas Digne. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Midfield

Benitez has preferred a two-man engine room for most of the season.

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However, against Spurs, Andros Townsend was moved into a central role, having primarily operated on the right flank at Goodison.

He helped add nous in the middle of the park and it wouldn't be a surprise if he remains in the role.

Fabian Delph's had his share of flak at Everton but he impressed when coming on at Wolves and then in the Spurs stalemate.

Allan has started every league game so far this season and will keep his berth.

Up front

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It should be a fairly straightforward decision to start Richarlison leading the line and Demari Gray on the left.

But it's on the right wing where Benitez will have a decision to make.

Everton winger Anthony Gordon. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty ImagesEverton winger Anthony Gordon. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Everton winger Anthony Gordon. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
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The academy graduate played twice for England under-21s during the international break, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Czech Republic, and that might be in the Everton boss' mind.

It might not be a popular decision, but Benitez may well turn to Alex Iwobi.

The former Arsenal forward is far from a fans' favourite, although he would provide more experience than the fledgling Gordon.

That could be key when it comes to the defensive side of things.

Predicted Everton line-up

Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne, Delph, Allan, Townsend, Iwobi, Richarlison, Gray.