Everton Predicted Lineup vs Burnley For December 27

Everton are on the road, heading to Turf Moor to face Burnley. The home side sit second bottom of the table, with a win in this game only capable of taking them to 18th. There’s a lot more in it for the Toffees, who currently occupy the 10th spot on the table and are in desperate need of some points after a mixed bag of results recently. Here is our predicted Everton lineup.

Everton Predicted Lineup vs Burnley As Toffees Seek Crucial Win

How Everton Have Lined Up Recently

Everton have focused on vertical compactness this season in an attempt to reduce the risk of central attacks, typically setting up in a 4-2-3-1, moving to a 4-4-2 when out of possession. They followed this set-up in their previous game against league leaders Arsenal.

Jordan Pickford started in goal with a defensive line of Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Vitaliy Mykolenko. James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam lined up as the defensive midfield with Dwight McNeil, Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Grealish occupying the attack midfield, Thierno Barry finished the lineup up front.

Everton Recent Form And Tactics

The Toffees have had a relatively strong start to the season compared to previous ones, and will want to keep that up if they want to finish near the top half of the table. 

Everton have relied heavily on set pieces for goal contributions, using them as a necessity rather than a preference. Instead of using them as an extra strength, set pieces have become a crucial offensive production for the Toffees due to the defensive structure Everton use in their style of play. This leads to a limited amount of possession for the team, making chances from open play less frequent.

By looking at the squad, you can understand why this is the tactic that they use. The presence of assertive defenders and forwards is clear throughout the squad, and they are capable of receiving attacking aerial deliveries into the box and blocking any opposing defenders.

Injuries, Suspensions, and AFCON

Everton have a number of key players that are currently out on long-term injury, with Seamus Coleman, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Jarrad Branthwaite all still unfit, as confirmed by David Moyes in the pre-match press conference.

Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are currently playing for their national team, Senegal, at the Africa Cup of Nations, so will be unavailable for the game against Burnley.

Everton Predicted Lineup vs Burnley

GK: Jordan Pickford

Defence: Jake O’Brien – James Tarkowski – Michael Keane – Vitaliy Mykolenko

Midfield: James Garner – Tim Iroegbunam – Dwight McNeil – Carlos Alcaraz – Jack Grealish

Forwards: Thierno Barry