Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Chris Beesley & Adam Jones & Connor O'Neill & Jake Bayliss

Everton line-ups as Vitalii Mykolenko and Jonjoe Kenny decisions made for Southampton

Adam Jones: The obvious temptation for Frank Lampard heading into this match is to not change anything.

After all, the side which performed so well against Leeds United surely deserves the chance to do the same against Southampton doesn't it?

For me though, the main question lies at left back.

Jonjoe Kenny was brilliant last time out despite playing in an unnatural position, but now Vitalii Mykolenko is back and available once more.

The Ukraine international still, of course, needs to adapt to the Premier League - and perhaps his lack of experience could play on the mind.

READ MORE: Donny van de Beek is already asking an irresistible Everton transfer question

READ MORE: What happened in Everton dressing room after Richarlison goal given to Gordon

But, as unfortunate as it would be for Kenny, I think playing a natural left-footer in that position this time around has to be the route Everton go down.

The stand-in proved himself to be a great back-up option in certain circumstances, but Mykolenko is a left back and should get his opportunity to stake his claim in the side.

Elsewhere, it should realistically be the same again. There's certainly no need for widespread changes here.

My XI (4-4-2): Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Mykolenko; Iwobi, Van de Beek, Allan, Gordon; Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison

Connor O'Neill: After last weekend’s win over Leeds United, surely it has to be a case of more of the same this afternoon.

That means Jonjoe Kenny, despite the return of Vitalii Mykolenko, and Alex Iwobi should both keep their places in the starting line-up.

Jordan Pickford will no doubt start in goal, with Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Kenny making up the back four.

While Allan, Donny van de Beek, Iwobi, Anthony Gordon and Richarlison should make up the midfield.

And finally Dominic Calver-Lewin should be charged with leading the line for the Blues.

My team (4-4-2): Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Kenny; Allan, Van de Beek; Richarlison, Gordon, Iwobi; Calvert-Lewin

Chris Beesley: Frank Lampard has a selection poser to make at left-back against Southampton with Vitalii Mykolenko, Everton's £18million January recruit now available again.

Although the Blues splashed out a big fee on the Ukrainian international and see him very much as Lucas Digne's long-term successor in the team, he might have to wait a little longer to return to the side.

That's because of the hugely-impressive display from home-grown hero Jonjoe Kenny in his position last weekend against Leeds United.

Despite the right-sided player being a square peg in a round hole on the opposite side of defence, Kenny produced an assured performance in the morale-boosting 3-0 victory.

Question marks remain over his long-term future with his contract at Goodison Park set to expire this summer but Kenny deserves another chance here.

With Lampard confirming that Demarai Gray is not yet fit to return either, it's an unchanged line-up for me for the trip to the south coast.

My team (4-4-2): Pickford; Coleman, Kenny, Holgate, Keane; Allan, Van de Beek, Gordon, Iwobi; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.

PICK YOUR OWN EFC TEAM FOR SOUTHAMPTON

Leeds performance means still no place for Alli

Jake Bayliss: It has to be an unchanged side, doesn’t it?

Given that last weekend’s 3-0 win over Leeds was by far Everton's standout performance of the season, it would be a relatively bold call for Frank Lampard to make any changes against Southampton.

At the back, Jonjoe Kenny arguably enjoyed his best-ever game for the Blues and Mason Holgate also received praise for his performance - while Seamus Coleman even got on the scoresheet!

Lampard has admitted that the trip to St. Mary’s has come too soon for Abdoulaye Doucoure, with Allan and new Gwladys Street hero Donny van de Beek more than deserving to keep their place.

Likewise the Everton boss lauded Alex Iwobi’s contribution and Anthony Gordon continued to shine for the Toffees.

Up front, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a pairing that will strike fear into any Premier League defence, which means Dele Alli will have to settle for a place on the bench.

My team (4-4-2): Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Kenny; Iwobi, Allan, Van de Beek, Gordon; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.