Everton vs Swansea: Combined XI
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On Sunday at 1:30pm Everton take on Swansea at Goodison Park.
Everton come into this game following back-to-back draws against Manchester City and Chelsea, although the Chelsea result felt a lot like a loss.
Swansea have a new manager in Francesco Guidolin and won their last game 1-0 against a largely impressive Watford side.
Despite their recent victory, Swansea still sit in 17th position in the league table so Everton should be hoping for a routine victory.
But as we well know with Everton things don’t always go to plan. Here’s our combined XI for Sunday’s game.
1. Goalkeeper - Tim Howard
Let’s face it, we’d all like Joel to start but its just not going to happen. Howard is the clubs league number 1 and even though he is going through a bad run of form he is still a bit better than his Swansea counterpart Lukas Fabianski, although neither of the keepers have particularly shone thus far this season.
2. Right Back - Kyle Naughton
Right-back in this combined XI goes to Kyle Naughton of Swansea. Naughton was linked with a move to Goodison Park but chose not to make the move. Where have we heard that before?
With Seamus Coleman injured and Sam Byram deciding to join World Cup Winners West ham, Kyle Naughton was the inevitable choice for this Combined XI.
3. Centre Back - John Stones
John Stones fills in the first centre back position. This has been a major year for Stones as he assumed the leadership of the backline due to the absence of Phil Jagielka and has continued to flourish on the field.
Stones is no doubt one of the best young defenders in the world so easily makes this combined XI.
Roy Hodgson is still going to play him right-back at the Euro’s though.
4. Centre Back - Ashley Williams.
The big Welshman gets the nod instead of Phil Jagielka for the second centre back position. Williams is Swansea’s leader and most impressive defender whilst Phil Jagielka is only returning from injury and had a poor afternoon at Stamford Bridge last week.
William’s is also an integral part of Chris Coleman’s Wales side heading for Euro 2016.
5. Left Back - Leighton Baines
This was an easy choice. Baines is the best left back in England and it is joy to have him in back to full fitness. He is solid in defence and dangerous going forward.
He can also actually cross the ball, so that helps.
There was no way Baines was going to be left out of this XI.
6. Centre Midfield - Muhamed Besic.
Besic has been a revelation since coming in to replace the injured James McCarthy. His displays against Manchester City in both the cup and the league have been outstanding and he is quickly establishing himself as a crowd favourite at Goodison Park.
He protects the defence and provides an added bite in midfield. He is also clever on the ball.
Yaya Toure is scared of him.
7. Centre Midfield - Gareth Barry.
Gareth has enjoyed a footballing renaissance this year. His ability to deliver a pass keeps Everton ticking and he is also no stranger to a tackle, holding the record for the player with the most yellow cards in Premier league history.
With Barry in the middle Everton seem a lot more sturdy and capable of springing a counter attack due to his precise passing.
8. Left Wing - Jefferson Montero
Jefferson Montero gets the nod for the right wing position. The Ecuadorian winger is blessed with electric pace and also has an eye for goal, something which Swansea will be hoping to exploit this Sunday.
Although we have a player similar to Montero in Kevin Mirallas, Martinez probably won’t play him so we decided to go for Montero.
9. Right Wing - Gerard Deulofeu.
The mercurial Catalonian winger is enjoying a fantastic year this season. He has pace, trickery and the eye to deliver a perfect pass/cross. Every time he gets the ball it’s bound to be a moment of excitement.
He easily makes this combined XI due to his breathtaking talent. No doubt if his decision making improves he will develop into one of the world’s best.
10. Attacking Midfield - Ross Barkley.
Been a bit quite as of late but the man from Wavertree still deserves the nod ahead Gylfi Siggurdson for the attacking mid spot. Barkley has been having a good year for Everton, featuring heavily in our attacking play. He chips in with goals and assists, what’s not to love?
Barkley is going from strength to strength this year and will definitely produce a few more big performances before the year is out.
11. Striker - Romelu Lukaku
This was an easy choice. Lukaku is the league’s joint top scorer and has been unplayable this season. The big Belgian has been bullying centre backs and I fully expect him to do the same come Sunday.
He is easily better than Ayew or Gomis so Rom deserves his birth in the XI. If Rom plays to his potential in this game the Belgian international could easily add more goals to his already impressive tally.