Everton fans have reason to celebrate as they prepare to host Arsenal at Goodison Park. The return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin to full fitness is certainly a boost, but it’s the recent acquisition of Beto that has injected a new sense of optimism and depth into the squad.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return to the Everton lineup is undoubtedly a source of relief for manager Rafael Benitez. The English striker has been a talismanic figure for the Toffees, consistently delivering goals and carrying the burden of being their primary goal-scoring threat. However, the past two years have seen Everton’s over-reliance on Calvert-Lewin become a concern.
Injuries to Calvert-Lewin often left Everton without a clinical finisher up front, forcing the team to adapt their tactics and style of play. While his contributions were invaluable, the lack of a reliable alternative was a vulnerability that opponents could exploit.
The arrival of Portuguese striker Beto in the transfer window has transformed the dynamics of Everton’s attack. Beto, known for his goal-scoring prowess and versatility in the final third, has already made a promising impact. His presence in the squad has eased the pressure on Calvert-Lewin and provided Everton with a much-needed alternative up front.
The availability of both Calvert-Lewin and Beto presents Rafael Benitez with a welcome selection headache ahead of the Arsenal clash. The prospect of pairing the two forwards in a dynamic attacking partnership is an exciting one for Everton supporters.
This newfound depth extends beyond just the forward positions. Everton’s midfield options have also been bolstered, with the acquisition of Arnaut Danjuma adding creativity and flair to the squad. Danjuma’s arrival complements the existing midfield talent, offering Benitez additional choices to shape his starting lineup.
In defense, Everton boasts a solid backline, and the return of key players from injury adds further strength to the squad. The presence of experienced defenders like Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey, combined with the youth and energy of Mason Holgate, provides Benitez with options to tailor his defensive setup.
As Everton gears up to face Arsenal, the potential permutations in the starting lineup are numerous. The inclusion of new signings, the return of key players from injury, and the competition for places in the squad all contribute to a positive selection headache for Benitez.
The Everton faithful will be keen to see how their manager approaches this fixture, given the wealth of options at his disposal. The tactical nuances and strategies he employs could be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
While the excitement around Everton’s newfound depth is palpable, it’s worth noting that success on the pitch is not guaranteed by having options alone. Benitez must strike the right balance and harness the talents of his squad effectively to secure positive results in the Premier League.
The clash against Arsenal represents an opportunity for Everton to showcase their improved squad and newfound depth. It’s a chance for the Toffees to prove that they can compete at the highest level and provide a stern test for one of the league’s traditional powerhouses.
• EVERTON AVAILABLE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Virginia, Lonergan
Defenders: Keane, Godfrey, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Patterson, Young
Midfielders: Doucoure, Onana, Gueye, Garner, Onyango, Gome (LIMBO)
Wingers: McNeil, Danjuma, Dobbin
Attackers: Calvert-Lewin, Beto, Chermiti
• ARSENAL PREDICTED LINE-UP:
Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Saliba, Zinchenko; Rice, Havertz, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Trossard
As the matchday approaches, Everton fans eagerly await Rafael Benitez’s chosen starting lineup, curious to see how he will utilize the abundance of options now at his disposal. The hope is that the blend of experience, emerging talent, and the new arrivals will combine to propel Everton to success, starting with a formidable challenge against Arsenal.
