MusaEverton will welcome Coventry City to Merseyside as the Premier League’s 10th game week gets underway ahead of the upcoming international break.
The Toffees head into the encounter in high spirits after recording consecutive victories over Newcastle United in both the Carabao Cup and Premier League. Those impressive results have provided David Moyes’ side with a significant confidence boost as they look to maintain their momentum.
Meanwhile, Coventry City, under the management of former Everton boss Frank Lampard, will be hoping to cause an upset and secure a positive result away from home.
Lampard’s men are fighting to establish themselves in the top flight and have shown encouraging signs in recent weeks, winning three of their previous five Premier League matches.
However, Moyes could be forced into making a few adjustments to his starting XI, particularly considering Everton’s demanding schedule. The Merseyside club played on Monday night, having already featured in a midweek fixture, meaning squad rotation could become necessary.
With that in mind, Goodison News has predicted how Everton could line up against Lampard’s Coventry side.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles could replace Jake O’Brien in defensive adjustment
Jordan Pickford is expected to retain his position between the posts after producing another impressive performance during Everton’s recent victory over Newcastle.
Vitalii Mykolenko is also likely to continue at left-back following a solid display at St James’ Park, while James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite are expected to remain the preferred centre-back partnership.
Despite concerns after Branthwaite was forced off towards the closing stages of Monday’s encounter, Moyes clarified that the defender was only suffering from cramp in his legs, suggesting there is no major reason to worry about his availability.
The biggest defensive alteration could involve Jake O’Brien, who has been outstanding since being deployed as a makeshift right-back.
The defender delivered another impressive performance against Newcastle, arguably producing one of his finest displays in an Everton shirt. Nevertheless, Moyes could decide to give him a rest after his recent workload.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is therefore a potential candidate to step into the starting lineup.
With Coventry potentially offering a different kind of challenge compared to Newcastle, Everton could benefit from having a more attack-minded option on the right side of their defence.
Maitland-Niles previously earned praise from his former Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy, who described him as a ‘workaholic’, according to UEFA. His pace, physical strength and ability to contribute going forward could make him an attractive option for Moyes.
In midfield, James Garner and Harrison Armstrong are expected to continue their partnership, despite competition from Hayden Hackney, who could once again find himself on the bench.
Jack Grealish uncertainty as Moyes considers attacking changes
Further forward, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is expected to retain his place after delivering an impressive performance against Newcastle.
The midfielder has become an important part of Everton’s attacking setup, and his creativity could prove valuable against Coventry.
Tyrique George is also tipped to continue on the left wing after playing an important role in the build-up to Everton’s winning goal at St James’ Park.
However, there remains considerable uncertainty surrounding Jack Grealish’s availability.
The Manchester City loanee was unavailable for the Newcastle encounter after failing to meet the club’s fitness requirements following an internal disciplinary issue.
His situation remains one to monitor, particularly as Moyes considers the best attacking combination for Friday’s fixture.
Another possible change could see Brennan Johnson return to the starting lineup at the expense of Merlin Rohl.
Although Rohl offered plenty of energy, commitment and defensive work against Newcastle, Moyes could prefer Johnson’s attacking qualities when Everton face Coventry.
The winger’s pace and ability to threaten opposition defenders could provide an additional dimension to Everton’s forward line.
Leading the attack, Thierno Barry is expected to retain his starting position.
The striker has been enjoying an encouraging campaign and has now registered eight goals across all competitions this season.
With his confidence growing and Everton looking to build on their recent successes, Barry will be hoping to add another goal to his impressive tally.
Moyes will ultimately have to balance the need to maintain Everton’s winning momentum with the importance of keeping his players fresh.
However, with Coventry arriving at Goodison Park, the Toffees will fancy their chances of securing another positive result before the international break.
Musa
