Injured: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Muhamed Besic, Yannick Bolasie.
Doubtful: Aaron Lennon, James McCarthy, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas.
Romelu Lukaku
Every team needs a star and Romelu Lukaku is that man for Everton. He’s there go-to-guy when they need a spark and at 23 his scoring record in the Premier League is phenomenal. At his age, only Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi, Raul and Ronaldo had scored more club goals, with the Belgian outscoring the likes of Luis Suarez, Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry. He’s netted 22 times in 29 appearances for club and country this campaign including four earlier this month in a 6-3 win over Bournemouth, and if Everton are to be beaten this weekend, Lukaku must be stopped.
Tom Davies
Everton have an outstanding track record in producing home-grown talent and they’ve seemingly uncovered another gem in Tom Davies. Still just 18, Davies made his debut last season under Roberto Martinez but under Ronald Koeman he’s become a regular, making 12 appearances in all competitions this season. The midfielder is comfortable on the ball, can unlock defences and score goals, as he demonstrated against Manchester City when he capped off a man-of-the-match display with a superb finish. Davies is not only one to watch this weekend, but for many years to come.
Ademola Lookman
Another youngster to look out for is January arrival Ademola Lookman. The pacey forward made an immediate impression at Goodison Park, coming off the bench to score in that win over City. But goals aren’t a new thing for Lookman who has already proved his worth in the Football League. Prior to joining the Toffees, he spent two years within the first-team set-up at Charlton Athletic where he made 45 league appearances and scored ten goals, seven of which came this season. The 19-year-old has started each of the club’s last two games, but even if he drops to the bench he’ll be a threat should he come on in the latter stages when the defences are tiring.
Idrissa Gueye
Everton are neatly poised in seventh at this moment in time and victory this weekend would take them to within four points of Manchester United. A place in the top four seems unlikely, but they need to keep up a head of steam and take advantage of any slip ups. Idrissa Gueye will be key to ensuring they do just that. The midfielder was a rare positive for Aston Villa last season and he’s taken his game to a new level during his time on Merseyside, operating in a holding role which has helped the Everton defence and given the forwards licence to attack. The midfielder returned from the Africa Cup of Nations for the 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough, and I expect him to start this weekend.
Ashley Williams
At 32, many doubted whether Ashley Williams was worth the fee Everton laid out to bring him to Merseyside in August, but once again the defender has proved age is but a number as he’s gone from strength to strength. He’s been an absolute rock for Swansea City and Wales in recent times and perhaps his absence is one of the reasons why the former find themselves in an unfamiliar position this season. Either way, it’s Everton’s gain with Williams making 27 appearances for the Toffees since his arrival during which time they’ve kept nine clean sheets. We all know what he brings to the table and he’ll need to be at his best to stop Jermain Defoe, but the Sunderland talisman will need to be equally sharp to better the commanding defender. It’s an intriguing battle and one which could shape the game.
Gareth Barry
Only Gareth Barry and me have come out of our home town and played at the top level, which certainly makes him one to watch for me! I was at Hastings the other night and I was talking to his aunty as we went to the same school, and what he’s done for our home town is massive. He’s had a great career. I think he’s a brilliant player and his consistency at the very top level is superb. Only Ryan Giggs has made more appearances in the Premier League and it won’t be long before he surpasses the Manchester United great.