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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Chris Beesley & Joe Rimmer & Sam Carroll

Everton line-ups as Donny van de Beek and formation decisions made for Leeds

Chris Beesley: For his first two matches as Everton manager, Frank Lampard has deployed a system of three centre-backs but during that time has already lost two of them to injury which could force the Blues boss into a major defensive reshuffle against Leeds United.

Ben Godfrey made an early exit from the 4-1 FA Cup win over Brentford on crutches while Yerry Mina now faces at least two months on the sidelines after he was forced off in the 3-1 loss at Newcastle United.

All this leaves Lampard with a lack of options at the back - he's also without Vitalii Mykolenko for this fixture - so I think he has to switch to a flat back four.

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There's still the question over who comes in on the left but given that the manager seems happy with skipper Seamus Coleman, I'd draft in January recruit Nathan Patterson for his long-awaited debut on the opposite flank where curiously his last few outings for previous club Rangers came because he found another club captain James Tavernier an immovable object.

In midfield, I'd go positive and hand both transfer deadline day signings Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli their first starts after their substitute appearances at St James' Park while Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who tormented Leeds' defence in the reverse fixture at Elland Road back in August is recalled to lead the line.

My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Patterson, Holgate, Keane; Allan, Van de Beek, Alli; Gordon, Richarlison; Calvert-Lewin.

Sam Carroll: Frank Lampard must make changes to the midfield today.

After the embarrassing defeat to Newcastle United, Donny van de Beek has to start and can come into a midfield three alongside Allan and Andre Gomes.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit and Everton need him to go straight back into the team. Richarlison can be moved to the wing with Anthony Gordon also supporting.

Lampard also has defensive issues as Jarrad Branthwaite starts as a makeshift left-back, with a switch back to 4-3-3 the best option with the personnel available.

My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Branthwaite; Van de Beek, Allan, Gomes; Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Joe Rimmer: Everton's luck with injuries this season has been atrocious and it once again means that Frank Lampard will pick a formation based on who is available.

That means switching back to a back four and Nathan Patterson being deployed at left-back.

I'd draft Donny Van de Beek into midfield but leave Dele Alli on the bench for now. Van de Beek, Allan and Andre Gomes feels like a nicely balanced trio.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns in a front three alongside Richarlison and Anthony Gordon.

My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Patterson, Holgate, Keane; Allan, Van de Beek, Alli; Gordon, Richarlison; Calvert-Lewin.

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