OPINION
Everton have come on leaps and bounds under Marco Silva this season and could easily blow Newcastle United away when the two clash on Wednesday.
In order for the Toffees to secure a comfortable win over the Magpies at Goodison Park, Silva has to get his team selection correct and this should see two players axed from the side that started Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.
Both Theo Walcott and Idrissa Gueye should pay the price for disappointing displays in the 1-0 loss to the Reds as there’s no guarantee they’ll raise their games against the Magpies.
Tom Davies should take the place of Gueye as while he is not the most glamorous option, he should be well rested after spending the last six league games on the bench.
The energetic midfielder also will be highly motivated to impress if handed a start as it could be a golden opportunity to oust Gueye from the team for a prolonged period as the Senegal international has been a mainstay in the team this season.
As for Walcott’s replacement, Silva should make the simple decision of finally unleashing pacey winger Ademola Lookman in his place.
The Toffees speed demon has been wrongly denied starts all season and has all the tools needed to inflict a nightmare on the Magpies due to his pace and skills.
The rest of the team should remain from the side that started against Liverpool which means up front that; Richarlison starts up top, Bernard on the left with Gylfi Sigurdsson deployed as an attacking midfielder.
These three players all have what it takes to cause the Magpies no end of problems if they perform to the best of their abilities.
Andre Gomes keeps his place in the centre, especially after looking fantastic on Sunday, and the back four of Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Seamus Coleman stays in tact.
The back four were impressive as a unit against the Reds and shouldn’t break a sweat over dealing with Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez on Wednesday.
Also Jordan Pickford, despite his recent blooper, is the man Silva should rely on to keep his side clean sheets as the shot-stopper has regularly proven his talent.
If Silva selects this possible team then it’s attacking power will likely prove too much for the Magpies while having a defence solid enough to sniff out any opportunities Rafa Benitez’s side may create.
