OPINION
Monday night’s Premier League clash with Watford gives Everton the ideal opportunity to get back on track after Wednesday’s draw with Newcastle.
The Toffees had to settle for a point at Goodison Park in a 1-1 draw with the Magpies, a result which came only three days after a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby last Sunday.
Marco Silva must not be afraid to wield the axe on several of the players that started the game against Newcastle in mid week, with three alterations from the draw being enough to stun Watford on home turf.
Cenk Tosun, Ademola Lookman and Kurt Zouma should all make way after their below average performances on Wednesday, with Bernard, Theo Walcott and Michael Keane replacing them.
In goal, Jordan Pickford must start as normal despite his colossal mistake against the Reds last weekend.
The back four was mainly solid against Rafa Benitez’ side, and all them deserve to keep their places in the starting XI bar Zouma, who must be replaced by Keane after being rested.
Summer signing Andre Gomes was excellent once again in the draw and he will no doubt retain his spot in the midfield alongside Idrissa Gueye, who redeemed himself after an incredibly poor showing at Anfield on Sunday.
Speedster Walcott must be recalled in the place of Lookman on the right wing – despite the young prospect not doing anything majorly wrong, it is easy to conclude that he makes more of an impact from the bench than he does starting matches.
Richarlison must be shifted from the left wing to the centre-forward role, which means that Cenk Tosun – who is six foot [Transfermarkt] – must be axed after his horror show against Newcastle, which saw him fire too many blanks for the fans’ liking.
This means that Bernard must return to the first team fold at his expense – and with this third and final change, there is no doubt that Everton have more than enough to stun the Hornets on Monday.
