Marco Silva
Everton put in a performance of grit and resolve to hold Chelsea to a goalless draw at the Stamford Bridge before the international break and the Toffees will be expected to bag all three points when they play host to bottom table Cardiff City on Saturday.
Marco Silva’s men are currently 9th in the Premier League standings and have been in good form in recent weeks.
Cardiff City will be looking build on the positives from their 2-1 win over Brighton before the international break but the odds will be strongly against them when they go head to head with Everton.
Gylfi Sigurdsson did not feature for Iceland during the international break and is doubtful to play a part in Saturday’s home game while Andre Gomes has a better chance of making it to the starting line-up this weekend after suffering a bruised leg.
According to the Express, Marco Silva has hinted that he might opt to use a back three formation to cover for the absence of his key playmaker.
Jonjoe Kenny and Ademola Lookman are nursing minor injuries while James McCarthy is yet to return to match fitness.
He made some brilliant saves against Chelsea and was at the top of his game for England during the international break.
The Colombian showed a lot of promise against Chelsea and should start on Saturday.
The Englishman has been one of the mainstays of Everton’s backline this season and has put in multiple solid shifts in the heart of the defence.
He wasn’t allowed to feature against his parent club Chelsea in the last outing but should return to the starting line up this weekend.
The Frenchman has been a lively presence down the left for the Toffees, contributing a lot to the attacking play up front with his immaculate crossing.
He has done a remarkable job with his passing and distribution in the heart of the midfield and should start this weekend.
His tireless running and flawless passing are valuable assets to the midfield for the Toffees.
The Irishman has contributed a lot in the other half but has looked a bit shaky at the back and must return to his best.
The diminutive Brazilian has provided a lot of energy and impetus to Everton’s attack and will play a key role once again this weekend.
The former Arsenal man has shown a lot of pace and flair down the flanks but he needs to improve on his decision-making and end product to have more of an impact.
He has done really well in his new role as the spearhead of the attack and should continue doing the same.