Following a game against Swindon Town, Everton’s pre-season really kicks into gear against familiar opposition. The Blues face Stoke City in the unfamiliar surroundings of the Singapore national stadium.
The squad for the games in the Barclays Asia Trophy is as follows: Joel Robles, Tim Howard, Jindrich Stanek, Tony Hibbert, Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman, John Stones, Tyias Browning, Luke Garbutt, Brendan Galloway, Aiden McGeady, James McCarthy, Muhamed Besic, Gareth Barry, Ross Barkley, Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar, Tom Cleverley, Arouna Kone, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas, Steven Naismith, Conor McAleny, Gerard Deulofeu.
The starting line-up for the opening game will likely only play for 45 minutes with wholesale changes to be expected at half time, however, it may give us some indication as to Roberto Martinez’s tactical plans for the new season. The starting eleven for the game on the 15th July will likely look similar to this;
The formation will probably be a 4-2-3-1.
In goal, our designated number one keeper Tim Howard. After a short injury last season Howard was returned to the team as soon as possible despite the efforts of Joel Robles, who had acquitted himself well whilst standing in for the American stopper. It would be expected for Howard to start barring any injury coming into the preseason.
At right back our only real option is Seamus Coleman. Coleman is the only senior right back at the club besides his likely replacement in Tony Hibbert who seems to be on the decline.
At centre half it can only be the partnership of John Stones and Phil Jagielka as our only senior centre backs at the club. Both Browning and Brendan Galloway could fill the positions as backup but it highlights the urgent need for Everton to draft in a senior player capable of challenging Stones and Jagielka for a starting berth. Both Gareth Barry and Muhamed Besic are also capable of playing at the back if needs be.
Due to the injuries to Leighton Baines and Bryan Oviedo, it is almost guaranteed that Luke Garbutt will start at left back. Galloway can cover for him if needed as could Barry at a push. It is an opportunity for the young left back to showcase his abilities and give Martinez food for thought going into new season.
In the central midfield position I would personally like to see a partnership of James McCarthy and Besic, however Martinez seems to prefer the experience of Gareth Barry in the holding role so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him included at the expense of Besic. Other options in the middle of the park will be Leon Osman and Tom Cleverly, with Darron Gibson missing out due to yet another injury.
In the more advanced midfield role should be Ross Barkley looking to coordinate our attacking play. Other options are Steven Naismith and Osman who offer different styles of play to the direct running of Barkley.
On the wings I would prefer to see Gerard Deulofeu handed a start alongside Kevin Mirallas. They are our best wingers and can both play on either side which would allow them to swap places throughout the match. Both Steven Pienaar and Aiden McGeady will likely replace the starters. Conor McAleny is another option but will probably only play in the case of injury.
Up front will be our record signing Romelu Lukaku. He is far and away our best striker with his only competition in the form of Arouna Kone. Naismith can also play in this role but will probably be deployed deeper.
The expected starting XI: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Garbutt, McCarthy, Besic, Barkley, Deulofeu, Mirallas, Lukaku.
