Changes to a winning team?
Expanding on the first point, Benitez has erred away from his usual habit of rotating his squad by naming the same starting XI in the last four matches. That consistency has resulted in a four-game winning sequence and it’s expected that he will continue with the same selection against Everton.
However, Benitez hinted at the weekend that some of United’s fringe players will be granted an opportunity to play for their futures at St James’ Park during the five games that remain this season.
“Now is maybe the time that some players need to prove themselves,” Benitez told The Chronicle.
“So maybe I will make some changes to make sure that some players are given a chance to impress the staff and then think about their future. Some players are playing for their futures.”
With the threat of relegation now banished, this is the perfect time for Benitez to run the rule over the more neglected members of his squad, meaning players like Chancel Mbemba, Ciaran Clark and Slimani could be pressed into action at Goodison Park.
