Everton line-ups for Manchester United as decisions made over Beto and defensive reshuffle
Our Everton writers have named their preferred XIs for the clash with Manchester United on Saturday in the Premier League
Joe Thomas: Beto maintains his position above Calvert-Lewin
Beto is a chaotic force that is difficult for defenses to contain. Just consider his past two games: his start last week, where he missed a penalty and another one-on-one but, more importantly, scored the first meaningful goal for Everton since October. The other was a late cameo at Brighton where he had a one-on-one. It is reasonable and simple to concentrate on his misses while he is still getting used to English game, but only after he has taken responsibility for creating those opportunities.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is more refined and, I think, Everton’s best striker. But Beto should keep his place today and against a Manchester United midfield and defence that has lacked stability all season, he could be a chaos factor who causes real problems.
Throw in Abdoulaye Doucoure’s insatiable appetite to get involved and I think Everton can create chances at Old Trafford. Whether they can take them is the real question – along with whether they can stunt a team that was ruthlessly efficient at Goodison Park. Key to Everton, for me, is a change at right back.
I think today is a good occasion to turn to Seamus Coleman’s experience as it could be useful to trying to deal with the wide threat he will probably face from Alejandro Garnacho.
My team (4-5-1): Pickford; Coleman, Mykolenko, Tarkowski, Branthwaite; Garner, Onana, Doucoure, Harrison, McNeil; Beto
Chris Beesley – Coleman comes back in
Beto became the 23rd player out of 31 takers to miss a Premier League penalty for Everton last time out against West Ham United but then went on to get his goal with a second half header so I’d expect him to retain his place spearheading the attack rather than Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has now not registered in 21 matches.
There isn’t much room for maneuvering in the Blues midfield as Sean Dyche stated in his pregame press conference that Idrissa Gueye, who was injured against the Hammers, was “unlikely” to return, while Andre Gomes is sidelined once more. However, the right-back position is still up for grabs in the one area of the club that has been a moving feast for Everton this season.
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