There was plenty of heated discussions from Everton fans as both Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees and Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds named their sides in an important crunch fixture for both sides.
Carlo Ancelotti has seemingly opted to stick with the 5-2-3 formation that pulled off a victory against Scott Parker’s Fulham, whilst Marcelo Bielsa’s side remains unchanged from their most recent match against Arsenal that resulted in a 0-0 draw.
In terms of individual personnel, Yerry Mina was a notable absence having been singled out for a poor performance against the Cottagers in Everton’s previous outing.
He has been replaced by Mason Holgate in an all-English centre-back trio that also consists of new summer signing Ben Godfrey and veteran Michael Keane.
Joined with the defensive trio are the wing-backs who can operate in a freer role than they would be typically afforded in a back four. Alex Iwobi keeps his place having performed excellently in a more defensive capacity against the Cottagers, whilst Tom Davies deputises for the injured Lucas Digne.
The French international was recently confirmed in a brief statement as requiring surgery, and so Davies has come in to fill the gap. It is unclear whether he will serve as a makeshift left wing-back, or whether Ancelotti will play him in his typical midfield role in a 3-4-3 system.
Elsewhere, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure retain their places in midfield. Doucoure bagged his first goal for the Toffees against Fulham.
Leading the line is Dominic Calvert-Lewin – the league’s top scorer – and he is joined by Richarlison and James Rodriguez on the wings.
Jordan Pickford keeps his place in goal as Mason Holgate captains the side in the continued absence of Seamus Coleman.
These Evertonians were quick to have their say…
Twitter: Well that’s a weird starting line up… #EVELEE (@paulfrance2)
Twitter: Not sure about Davies playing WB. Definitely not the line up I was expecting.
Still, optimistic for a win #COYB… https://t.co/63Z8N3e9XT (@daveteachingsci)
Twitter: Starting line up #EVELEE https://t.co/zYkDPLztRI (@Funtimefreckle)
Twitter: Great choice @Everton for tonight’s game against @LUFC making Holgate captain
#EVELEE #EvertonFC (@DazBroomhead10)
Twitter: Must be Davies Rwb and iWobi Lwb. Enough to reduce you to shudders
#EFC #EVELEE (@stelarge1602)
Twitter: Holgate captaining the team. Interesting choice #EVELEE (@christheump)
