Alright, I butchered the Cup XI, but it was Koeman’s first cup game, forgive me.
So, onto a more consistent League side as we welcome Stoke to Goodison Park.
With Ronald Koeman’s arrival, things have been on the up around the place, as signings roll in and the Football on the pitch is exciting once again. Going into the International Break, we’d all like a good result to take with us to go along with what will be a hectic final week of transfer business.
We owe Stoke after last season’s embarrassment, so getting revenge is another thing we should have on our minds, but there should be no illusions of a stomping as this Stoke side is a much-improved outfit on previous years, sporting a myriad of Champions League players.
So, with that in mind, here’s a look at how we may line up, and my key man for the week…
Maarten Stekelenburg
The veteran Dutchman has shocked and surprised most Evertonians so far, putting in two world-class performances, so expect him to stay between the sticks.
Leighton Baines (LB)
The long-standing wing back looks revitalised under the new boss, recovering some of his infamous attacking prowess that made him one of the greatest Left Backs in the world.
With an exciting assembly of wingers ahead of him, maybe Bainesy can rise to the top again.
Phil Jagielka (CB)
The captain missed most of the pre-season so it’s taken him awhile to get up to speed under Ronald Koeman’s intense training regime.
Now, looking fully fit again, let’s see what he can do against a powerful Stoke attack.
Ashley Williams (CB)
The Welsh captain looks set to start his first league game after an impressive display against Yeovil, where he organised and led from the back.
A commanding presence himself, but a partnership with Jags is sure to worry some attackers this season.
Mason Holgate (RB)
After two phenomenal displays against Spurs and West Brom, maybe Séamus Coleman finally has some competition for his place? And with two more weeks on the sidelines for the Irishman, Mason can cement his place in Koeman’s plans even further.
Expect the young lad to go from strength-to-strength as he finds his feet in the Premier League.
Idrissa Gueye (DM) (⋆ Key Man)
‘Walsh’s signing’, ‘Koeman’s signing’ … Whatever. Idrissa Gueye is an absolute gem of a signing as he is the thing Everton have sorely lacked over recent years.
Fight.
He is a constant threat, and will never give less than 110% for the Blue shirt. Against an energetic, hasty Stoke midfield, he will have his work cut out for him.
However, the Senegalese international will look to dominate the game again with intense pressing and crisp passes.
Gareth Barry (DM)
Just when you think he may be on his last legs, he reminds you he’s here to stay.
Described by Koeman as ‘the coach on the pitch,’ Gareth Barry looks to have yet another season of masterminding the Everton midfield… and defence… and attack.
Yannick Bolasie (RW)
An impressive debut against League Two Yeovil midweek may well be followed up by his Premier League debut for Everton, in a front 4 that could give Stoke’s defenders nightmares.
With ironically his best feature in the Yeovil tie being his end-product, he will look to provide for Romelu Lukaku again.
Ross Barkley (AM)
Ross led by example midweek as he Captained his boyhood team and put in a performance that was not lost on the Gwladys.
A very emotional night for our young captain led to a touching tribute to the late Sid Benson, who sadly passed away last week.
He will look to carry on that momentum and lead a fluid attack for the Blues on Saturday.
Kevin Mirallas (LW)
Super Kev will try to add to his impressive run of 3 goals in 5 games in the Premier League – his latest of which coming at the weekend as he capped off a wonderful team move- and occupy the Left Wing spot for the visit of Stoke.
Romelu Lukaku (ST)
As Koeman looks to add another striker to his ranks before the window shuts next Thursday, Rom may have a point to prove after a dismal display midweek.
However, with Koeman suggesting that Lukaku may not be up to full fitness yet, we may have to wait a bit until we can see the Belgian’s true ability.