Everton fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern have enjoyed a good start to the 2016/17 season – and our landlord is expecting things to get even better this weekend…
Ronald Koeman’s arrival has had quite the impact on the Everton faithful here in the Football Tavern, with many of them confident that they will be able to make a big splash in the Premier League this season.
Standing in their way this weekend is Mark Hughes’ Stoke City, whom have had quite a dissapointing start to the 2016/17 campaign.
Nevertheless, the Premier League is an unpredictable beast; and a surprise result is never too far away.
Koeman will have to put out a strong side against Mark Hughes’ talented team this weekend- and with several new signings now available, our landlord is expecting a flurry of changes for Everton.
With that, this 3-4-2-1 Everton XI will beat Stoke City this weekend…
GK – Maarten Stekelenburg
Marten Stekelburg is likely to start in goal this weekend.
The Dutch keeper has made an impressive start to life at Everton under Koeman, and his experience will continue to prove invaluable going forward.
Always reliable and solid – a great man to have between the sticks.
CB – Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams is in line to make his first start in an Everton shirt following his move from Swansea.
The experienced central defender will add another layer of stability to the Everton back line, and his leadership on the field will be vital for this young, inexperienced Everton team.
Mason Holgate will find himself unfortunate not to get another chance to impress, but the arrival of Williams will likely push him down the pecking order slightly.
CB – Phil Jagielka
More experience alongside Williams in the form of Everton legend Phil Jagielka.
You know exactly what you’re going to get with Jagielka; consistently strong and faultless performances.
A fantasy football favourite here in the Football Transfer Tavern.
CB – Ramiro Funes Mori
Like his two central defensive partners, Funes Mori is a solid, reliable centre-half.
The trio have the perfect mix of experience, technical ability and defensive prowess – and that has turned them into a real unit this season.
Expect this triplet of defenders to get better with game time.
LM – Leighton Baines
Now playing slightly further forward, Everton fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern are just delighted that Baines is back in the first team fold.
He has suffered with injuries in recent years but has come back strongly this season; again putting in top quality performances.
Expect more of the same this weekend.
CM – Gareth Barry
Gareth Barry’s Everton signing several years ago was met with groans by the Everton faithful here in the Football Transfer Tavern – but that negative feeling has completely vanished now.
After a stellar campaign last year, Barry has continued his fine form under Koeman – picking up the man of the match award last week.
Barry is ageing like a fine wine and looks set to continue his top form this weekend.
CM – Idrissa Gueye
Idriss Gueye’s signing for Everton went somewhat under the radar here in the Football Transfer Tavern – but what a signing he has come to be.
He has dominated the Everton midfield in recent weeks, making the middle of the park his own.
Our landlord is backing him to be the difference maker this season.
RM – Gerard Deulofeu
More used to playing slightly further forward, the return of some big names have unfortunately forced Gerard Deulofeu back into a more rigid right midfield role this week.
The Spanish midfielder will no doubt suit the role however, as he does with every other objective that he is tasked with.
He gets better each and every week.
Mason Holgate could play, and would find himself unlucky not to get in the side, but we think Koeman should opt for the attacking option against the often defensive Stoke City.
AM – Yannick Bolasie
The new man. The £30m signing.
He is Everton’s marquee signing this summer, and he looked very impressive during the few minutes that he got on the pitch in mid-week.
His full debut will no doubt come this weekend, and our landlord is backing him to introduce himself to the Everton faithful with style.
AM – Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley finds himself alongside a new attacking partner in Yannick Bolasie, and you would expect that it will bring the best out of the young Englishman.
This season is set to be a real coming of age for Barkley, as he transitions from being a player with potential to a player with real ability.
He needs to get better each week. He has started well so far, he needs to continue that going forward.
FWD – Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku has had a bit of a poor start to the season, having failed to score so far.
Nonetheless, Koeman will likely stick with the Belgian front man, with a return to form likely at any moment for the prolific forward.
Our landlord is backing him to come back with a bang this weekend.
