Ronald Koeman was not happy following last weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Leicester City and Toffees fans have echoed his demands for new signings this January.
Koeman’s side currently sit 7th in the English Premier League but are 9 points from 6th placed Manchester United, meaning it is more likely for the Merseyside club to drop places rather than rise up the table.
However, with the Dutchman’s second transfer window with the club in full flow and Iranian owner, Farhad Moshiri ready to splash the cash – we could well see an improvement in the second half of the season from the Toffees.
Before all that though, they host Manchester City on Sunday, who are fresh from their own cup progression after demolishing West Ham 5-0.
The game will see John Stones return to Everton for the first time since his £47.5million move to the Citizens in the summer and it’s safe to say that Stones and his City team-mates will have to wary of this Everton XI come Sunday…
With that in mind, here’s the XI he needs to field.
GK: Maarten Stekelenburg
Expected to have recovered from a dead leg picked up in the Merseyside Derby last month, Stekelenburg saved two penalties against City at the Etihad last time these two met.
RB: Seamus Coleman
Irreplaceable for Everton at Goodison Park, a constant attacking threat from right-back, the Irishman could have real joy against a side who struggle to defend like City.
CB: Phil Jagielka
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CB: Ashley Williams
The Welsh captain has been a regular for the Toffees this season and will look to sure up the defence here.
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LB: Leighton Baines
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With Idrissa Gueye with Senegal at the African Cup of Nations and James McCarthy still a doubt with a hamstring injury, 18-year-old Davies may get his chance in the centre of the Everton midfield.
A huge day for him, particularly when facing an engine room as fluid as City’s.
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Has been in wonderful form this term.
RM: Enner Valencia
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Can be a threat floating in from wide areas.
CAM: Ross Barkley
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LM: Kevin Mirallas
Mirallas has responded in the last month to boss Koeman stating he ‘didn’t do enough’ during games with some positive form at the back end of 2016.
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ST: Romelu Lukaku
The talisman of the side, Everton will need Lukaku to fire if they are to beat City.
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