Would people prefer Richarlison up front or Kulusevski to be given another chance? I think I'd go with the Brazilian because it's Everton, but he's clearly not 100% yet. Very annoying that Lankshear's out too, but at least it doesn't sound his injury is that bad.
Ange has seemingly said he’s fit to start but he said similar about Udogie and he looked dead after about 55 mins Monday night. So it’s whether he feels Richarlison can impact the game better in the first 50-60 or the final 30. The opponents make it tempting to start him but I think there’d be more sense having him come on later in the game. Lankshear wouldn’t have made the squad regardless though. One of Kulu or Richarlison will start and Bissouma and Odobert will almost certainly be in the squad to replace Solanke and Bentancur.
I think Lankshear might have been given a place on the bench in these circumstances. There was talk of him going out on loan earlier in the window, but that seemed to be shelved. No point in keeping him here if he's not going to play any minutes.
In place of who though? Kulu started a lot of pre-season as a striker and now that Richarlison’s fit, they’re essentially going to be first and second choice whilst Solanke’s out. I think we’re better off going with the original plan and loaning Lankshear. At best he’ll get a few cameos in Europa, not sure that’ll do much for him. Being third or fourth choice in any position is never really gonna help a young player out in my opinion. Yet 35+ games in League One or the Championship gives us a likely much better player next summer.
Kulusevski's got about 3 positions to challenge for and Richarlison's probably not playing 90 minutes. They could both start this match, even without Lankshear being available for the bench. I agree that Lankshear would benefit more from regular Championship football, if that could be provided. The problem is finding it and replacing him in the U21s and possibly the senior squad, if we get a bit short. Soonsup-Bell has joined Cordoba, Donley's on loan at Orient and Feeney's only 16.
They may well do but even then I still don't see who Ange drops to make space for Lankshear if he were fit. Davies or Werner would probably be the biggest shouts but I'd imagine Werner (unfortunately) has had assurances upon re-signing on loan that he'll feature on a regular/ semi-regular basis? Whereas until we sign a new LB we'd need Davies on the bench as cover for Udogie. Bissouma could’ve possibly been an option but feels like we'd leave ourselves light in midfield if we dropped him whilst Bentancur is serving his concussion period. All hypothetical now of course seeing as Lankshear is out but I just don’t see where he’d get in at the moment even if he was available. I doubt the club factors in the needs of the 21s though to be honest, we'll just play either Feeney or Lehane if we decide to loan Lankshear out.
Richarlison all day. Kulu isn’t a striker and would be crazy to pick him ahead of an actual striker (if Richarlison is fit)
I'd definitely start Richarlison there if he's fit, but I wouldn't risk doing any damage if he's not. We desperately need a win to kickstart our campaign, but the big picture should come first. Everton seem to be having an injury crisis themselves, so we need to get this over the line.
Training video: Some fringe players in there, like Devine and Solomon, plus Josh Keeley who appears to be 3rd choice keeper right now.
I didn’t think he’d start to be honest, going from zero games or minutes in pre-season after injury to a start in the Prem felt a bit too risky. I thought starting Udogie on Monday was risky too and he tired badly at around 55 mins. Nice to see Odobert straight in, the unknown factor surrounding him excites me. Johnson a lucky boy getting another start though, can probably thank Solanke’s injury on that.
On the other hand, Son and Johnson being up front might make the front three less ponderous when getting into the area, as they're (along with Werner) our most direct forwards Does feel the lineup is shuffling the deck after Leicester, mind
