Drop - Richarlison up front seems the better call
Adam Jones: Let's say right from the start, this is not a reflection on Dominic Calvert-Lewin 's capabilities as a player. He's a fantastic striker in his own right, as he proved last season.
But, with the way Everton are currently playing, it's clear that the side is not set up to accommodate him. Especially when he's not in the ruthless goalscoring form that many have become accustomed to thanks to his exploits in 2020/21.
If the Blues set up in a 4-3-3, as many believe is their best style, then playing Richarlison through the middle - flanked by Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray, gives fluid options and a wide range of possibilities to attack opponents.
With Calvert-Lewin up front, the task becomes trying to find him with strong crossing ability - which has absolutely not been Everton's forte this season.
If the side can somehow change that latter point, then great. But, for now, Richarlison up front seems the better call in my opinion.
What are your thoughts on DCL and his place in the Everton team right now? Should he start for the Toffees? Let us know in the comments below
Start - DCL Is Everton's biggest goal threat
Chris Beesley: This Everton team needs goals – badly – and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the biggest scoring threat in Frank Lampard’s squad. The Blues have netted just one goal in their last six matches against Premier League opposition, and that didn’t come until 99 minutes into their game with Newcastle United.
Like the team in general, the season so far has virtually proven to be a write-off for Calvert-Lewin but both still have time to redeem themselves. The Blues number nine will be determined to show that last term’s 21 goals in all competitions wasn’t just a flash in the pan and the form he produced to win a call-up to England’s European Championship squad proves his true pedigree.
The Sheffield-born centre-forward is also one of the valuable strong characters within a dressing room of whom even Lampard himself now has questioned the mentality of. Calvert-Lewin has been working hard back at Finch Farm over the international break and now is the time for him to stand up and deliver again for Everton, at a time when they need him the most to try and claw themselves away from the relegation zone.
