LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Wayne Rooney of Everton argues with referee Jonathan Moss during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park on October 1, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Everton must get next appointment right by Matt Townsend

Everton play Burnley in a season-defining match at Turf Moor on Saturday. In Prince Rupert’s Tower’s latest podcast, we share our view of the opposition and preferred lineup for the Blues.

Everton is set to travel to Turf Moor this weekend to face Burnley, in what most hope will usher in a strong finish to the season. The Toffees fell to Watford last time out in a tiresome display.

Sam Allardyce is facing increased scrutiny over team selections and performances as Everton’s form continues to crumble. Recently, there have been strong links to Paulo Fonseca.

The Opposition

Earlier in the season, Everton lost to Burnley 1-0 at home. However, the Clarets has not won a Premier League match since their victory against Stoke City on Dec. 12.

As hard as it is to believe, the Clarets’ form is worse than the Toffees’ in the New Year. Furthermore, Burnley sit in seventh place, only three points above Everton.

Burnley rely heavily on their physicality and defensive prowess in order to produce results. They normally set up in a flat 4-4-2 formation, utilising big target forwards to bully the opposing defence.

Everton will need to employ plenty of pace in order to firmly exploit the lack thereof on the other side of the pitch.

Preferred Lineup

Everton should line up in a 4-3-3 formation to get the best balance possible with the current personnel in the squad. My preferred starting XI is as follows:

GK: Pickford

Although Jordan Pickford’s form has dipped slightly, he still instills confidence.

Defense: Kenny, Jagielka, Williams, Baines

Jonjoe Kenny should start as Seamus Coleman is anticipated to be out. Let’s hope he can put in a better shift this weekend against less-pacey opponents.

Everton need to rely on leadership and experience through tough times. As such, the central pairing from last season should start this weekend.

Midfield: Gueye, Davies, Sigurdsson

Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies should sit deep and help distribute the ball, while utilising their abundance of energy to cover as much of the pitch as possible. Davies needs to focus on consistently offering Gueye an outlet, as he was caught hopeless in possession numerous times against Watford.

Gylfi Sigurdsson must be deployed in the centre of the pitch, where he is most effective. He is too often wasted on the left while he is busy tracking back to provide defensive cover.

Forwards: Bolasie, Tosun, Walcott

This is a perfect time to begin working Cenk Tosun back into the starting lineup. Oumar Niasse was unconvincing and Tosun is fit after the trip to Dubai.

As previously stated, Everton will need to rely on pace to get the better of a physical opposition. Enter Yannick Bolasie and Theo Walcott.

What is your preferred lineup to face Burnely? What is your prediction for Saturday and why? Share your thoughts below.