Stoke City vs. Everton: Predicted XI
- Rhodri Cannon
- @RhodriCannon
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After a first home league win in what seems like forever, Everton will be looking for their first consecutive Premier League victories this season as they face Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.
The last meeting between the two sides was memorable to say the least, the Potters edged a seven-goal thriller at Goodison Park in December with Marko Arnautovic giving his side a 4-3 win with a stoppage-time penalty.
The Blues comfortably beat Newcastle 3-0 in midweek, but there could be a few changes to the side that ran out easy victors.
Click below for our predicted XI.
GK: Joel Robles
Tim Howard’s injury seems set to keep him on the sidelines for this weekend at least, so Joel Robles will get another chance between the sticks in the league.
The Spaniard has been largely impressive during his cup appearances and seems to be a calming influence on the Everton backline.
Roberto Martinez’s recent comments suggested a potential shift in the goalkeeping ranks, so the 25-year-old will be looking to take his chance with both hands.
RB: Seamus Coleman
The Irishman is fully fit and is Everton’s only fit right-back option.
Coleman hasn’t reached his peak levels so far this season and will hoping to reach the high standards he has set himself with a strong display on Saturday.
CB: Phil Jagielka
No question about it, the captain will start tomorrow.
Jagielka will be looking to continue his job of solidifying a porous Everton defence, in the five games he has played since returning from injury, the Blues have kept three clean sheets.
CB: Ramiro Funes Mori
The Argentine has adapted well to life in the Premier League and given the absence of John Stones he will surely start against Stoke.
The 24-year-old centre-half has been impressive since his big-money-move from River Plate and a good performance from him could see John Stones spend some time on the bench when he returns to fitness.
LB: Leighton Baines
The 31-year-old hasn’t featured in Everton’s last two games, but will probably start at the Potteries.
Baines has looked good after finally overcoming his injury problems and while Bryan Oviedo didn’t let anyone down against Newcastle, Baines’ quality and consistency should see him return to the starting XI after a bit of a rest.
CDM: Gareth Barry
Martinez’s right-hand man on the pitch. The veteran has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season, and has been excellent when those around him have been below-par.
With his partner in crime James McCarthy back fit, Barry will be looking to guide the Blues to a strong end to the season.
CDM: James McCarthy
Roberto Martinez may rest the Irishman after completing two full games in the space of four days after just returning from injury, but McCarthy’s influence on the team is almost indispensable.
The 25-year-old is a huge influence to the Toffeemen and his patrolling of the midfield will be crucial tomorrow afternoon.
RM: Aaron Lennon
After his excellent performance against the Geordies, Lennon simply can’t be dropped.
He opened the scoring, won the penalty and made things happen with his pace, endeavour and ingenuity. The 28-year-old deserves a run in the team.
CAM: Ross Barkley
Goes without saying. After Barkley’s masterclass in midweek, he will be looking to build his excellence against Stoke.
If Barkley plays as well as he did against Newcastle, Everton will win.
LM: Gerard Deulofeu
Like Baines, the magic man should return to the side after a couple days rest.
Glen Johnson has been solid for Stoke this season, but Deulofeu could easily tear him to ribbons if he fancies it.
Romelu Lukaku could do with ‘The Supplier’ being in fine fettle, too.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
Back complaint or not, Lukaku will almost definitely start against Stoke.
The Belgian hasn’t scored for five games but picked up a heavy knock against Newcastle United and had to be taken off at half-time, but he’s expected to shake off his niggle and spearhead the Toffees attack.
Let’s hope he chips in with a goal or two.