What could Koeman change for the game against Sunderland?

By grvadmin

It has been a fairly good first few weeks in charge for Ronald Koeman at Everton. His side got a point against Spurs, before wins against West Brom and Stoke put them in a good position in the table.

During the latter stages of the transfer window, they brought in striker Enner Valencia as a backup striker to the now settled Romelu Lukaku. Everton missed out on Moussa Sissoko but managed to keep hold of James McCarthy.

Going into this weekend’s fixture against Sunderland on Monday night, could Ronald Koeman stick with the same team that beat Stoke? Or will he try something different?

Here’re 3 things Koeman could do to change Everton going into this fixture:

Bring in Valencia

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Koeman could throw Valencia in straight away, playing him on the wing in a front-three with Lukaku and Yannick Bolasie. This would have speed, especially on the counter, and plenty of opportunities for Lukaku to get bags of goals. The likes of Aaron Lennon and Kevin Mirallas haven’t convinced on the wing, and so there is every chance that Valencia could be thrown straight into this Everton side.

Ashley Williams could partner Funes Mori

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Last time out, Williams played alongside Phil Jagielka. The centre-back partnership offered strength and experience, but will Koeman decide to bring in Funes Mori and replace Jagielka this weekend? It’s a quicker partnership for sure, and could offer the speed to keep up with the in-form Jermain Defoe. Jagielka could be used more sparingly this season, offering more recovery time and also allowing Williams to become the main centre-back and leader in the team, in which he shone with for Wales at the Euros.

Deulofeu could come in

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The Spanish winger could come in and play a part. Deulofeu offers plenty going forward but has lots of competition now following the additions of Bolasie and Valencia. It could be that the Spaniard has to play well consistently to get back in the team and stay there, with Koeman so far preferring his recent purchase Bolasie and Mirallas on the wing positions. There’s no doubting Deulofeu’s talent, and so Sunderland could be in trouble if he is given an opportunity to show his worth on Monday night.

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