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Everton team news: Predicted Everton line up vs Cardiff – Sigurdsson, Gomes injury doubts
EVERTON could be forced into a radical formation change with two of their key players doubtful ahead of their meeting with Cardiff City on Saturday (3pm).
Everton have a couple of serious injury doubts ahead of their Premier League clash with Cardiff at Goodison Park this weekend.
Toffees manager Marco Silva could be without both Gyli Sigurdsson and Andre Gomes when the Bluebirds visit, potentially triggering a switch in formation.
Sigurdsson suffered a ankle injury after a tackle from Jorginho during the 0-0 draw with Chelsea, sidelining him for the entire international break.
The Icelandic international was seen leaving Stamford Bridge wearing a protective boot and remains a doubt this weekend, although Silva will hope his playmaker is fit to return.
Meanwhile, Barcelona loanee Gomes played every minute of Everton’s last three matches but was sent home from the Portugal squad due to bruising.
The 25-year-old is more likely to feature than Sigurdsson, with the former Tottenham star’s absence potentially leading to a change in set-up.
Silva has been employing a 4-2-3-1 system this season but hinted recently that he would be keen to deploy a three-man defence.
With Kurt Zouma available again and Yerry Mina impressing on his full competitive debut against the Blues, Cardiff may be an an opportunity to implement the switch.
Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne could be deployed as attacking wingback either side of Idrissa Gueye and one of Gomes, Morgan Schneiderlin or Tom Davies.
With Sigurdsson sidelined Theo Walcott and Bernard would flank lone striker Richarlison.
Ademola Lookman had been pushing for a start in recent weeks but was sent home from England U21 duty with a “minor injury”.
James McCarthy is still short of match fitness but Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will hope to impress off the bench against relegation-threatened Cardiff.
Everton predicted line-up vs Cardiff City
(3–4-2-1): Pickford; Keane, Mina, Zouma; Coleman, Gomes, Gueye, Digne; Walcott, Bernard; Richarlison