Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 17/09/2016
Kick-off: 17:30 (BST)
Match
Everton prepare to square off against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on Saturday and the Toffees will surely be keen on continuing their fine run of form during the encounter with another victory.
Everton have been very impressive under manager Ronald Koeman so far this season and the 3-0 away victory over Sunderland on Monday night meant that the Toffees managed to move into 2nd place in the Premier League table.
While it is still early days, fans are very excited at what Koeman could potentially achieve at Goodison Park and it will be interesting to see of Dutchman can help his side to another victory in an encounter against Middlesbrough this weekend.
Everton Team News
Koeman has not made too many changes to his strongest starting eleven this season and the 53-year-old will see no reason why he should start doing so given the Toffees’ fine run of form.
Heading into the clash against Boro, the backline consisting of Maarten Stekelenburg, Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka, Ashley Williams and Leighton Baines look certain to be starting.
In midfield, the duo of Idrissa Gueye and Gareth Barry are forming quite the partnership and they are also sure to be named in the starting lineup on Saturday.
In the advanced positions, the dangerous wide duo of Yannick Bolasie and Kevin Mirallas will continue but there are doubts regarding Ross Barkley’s inclusion following his poor performance against Sunderland last week. If indeed Barkley is dropped, expect Gerard Deulofeu to take his place in the lineup.
Romelu Lukaku grabbed a fine hattrick against Sunderland and he will surely be keen on continuing his brilliant run of form against Middlesbrough this weekend as well.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Stekelenburg; Baines, Jagielka, Williams, Coleman; Barry, Gueye, Mirallas, Barkley, Bolasie; Lukaku
Middlesbrough (Probable XI): Valdes; Friend, Gibson, Ayala, Barragan; Forshaw, Clayton, Downing, Ramirez, Stuani; Negredo
Last Meeting
01/12/2015 Middlesbrough 0 – 2 Everton
08/03/2009 Everton 2 – 1 Middlesbrough
Prediction
Everton last faced Middlesbrough in the league back in 2008 and the Toffees currently enjoy a seven match winning streak over Boro.
Heading into the clash on Saturday, Everton should be considered favourites once again and although it will not be easy, expect the home team to grab all the points on offer.
Everton 2 – 0 Middlesbrough
