Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goals have earned Everton 16 of their 37 Premier League points this season. And so it was no wonder a relieved Carlo Ancelotti confirmed his star striker is fit to face Liverpool in a crunch Merseyside derby on Saturday.
Calvert-Lewin has missed Everton’s last two games with a hamstring injury – and both ties ended in defeat, including the miserable 2-0 loss at home to Fulham last weekend.
Despite having an attacking arsenal comprising of Richarlison, James Rodriguez, Alex Iwobi and January recruit Joshua King, Everton don’t tick to nearly the same pace when Calvert-Lewin is absent.
Saturday sees Everton rock up at Anfield seeking to draw level with their rivals outside the European spots in the Premier League. Defeat could see them drop as low as 10th by the end of the weekend.
What a boost it is, then, that Ancelotti also has Allan to call upon following the Brazilian’s long-awaited return to full fitness.
“Allan was out for two months, to have him back is really important for us, above all in this period,” said the Italian, before insisting that stand-in Tom Davies has performed well in the vacant role left by his Brazilian midfielder.
“Allan can add more intensity, more concentration defensively,” he added. “But I have to say that Tom Davies, who replaced him most of the time, he did really well in this situation. We’re happy to have Allan back because I think the consistency of the team is going to improve.”
Defence
While Ancelotti was able to offer good news on Allan and Calvert-Lewin, there was less optimism around his defence. Yerry Mina is ruled out of the clash at Anfield and is set to miss up to a month of action following a calf injury suffered in the first half of Wednesday’s defeat to Manchester City.
The blow means Ancelotti will have to tinker with is defence. Ben Godfrey could end up partnering Michael Keane in the centre-back positions, with Mason Holgate potentially filling in on the right. The boss may also decide to utilise veteran Seamus Coleman. Lucas Digne should keep his spot on the left touchline.
Asked about recent criticism of his goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Ancelotti said: “Criticism is part of our job. Alisson knows this, Pickford knows this. You don’t have to put in the discussion their quality.”
Midfield
Ancelotti played a flat four in midfield against City but is likely to revert to a three-man set-up here, like the one that earned them a point at Old Trafford. The boss has been all praise for Davies of late but the midfielder may well be the one sacrificed to make way for Allan, who could then partner Abdoulaye Doucoure as a pair of anchors in front of the defence.
Liverpool will hope to pressure Everton from the off and it will be down to Allan and Doucoure to snuff out the through-balls to Mohamed Salah and co. if the visitors are to keep their hosts at bay.
Further forward and Gylfi Sigurdsson looks set to keep his place as the metronome of the team and sit just behind playmaker Rodriguez.
Attack
England striker Calvert-Lewin’s timely return certainly helps tip the balance more in the favour of a tight contest here, as Everton seek to end a 10-year wait without victory over their city rivals.
It was the 23-year-old who scored the equaliser nine minutes from time when these sides battled out a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park back in October.
Ancelotti could start with Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison pairing up top, with Rodriguez behind them and Sigurdsson ready to break the line too. King is expected to remain on the bench alongside Iwobi.
Asked about claims Rodriguez is not happy on Merseyside amid exit rumours, Ancelotti said: “Oh he’s ok, he has no problem. I talk to him every day, he’s happy here. He’s confident, motivated.
“He had a little problem in the last few games with his calf, but now he’s in a good condition. He really feels good here because everyone takes care of him and that’s it.
“I don’t know if he complains about the weather, but we know it’s not the best weather ever! But there are a lot of things good in this area.”
Predicted Everton XI vs Liverpool: Pickford, Digne, Godfrey, Keane, Holgate; Doucoure, Sigurdsson, Allan; Richarlison, Rodriguez, Calvert-Lewin
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