The international break finally fell on an opportune time for Everton. Their humiliating defeat away to Chelsea showcased that there is still plenty of room for Ronald Koeman to make improvements to his team.

As the Premier League returns, Everton get the chance to put a spring back into their step as they host a struggling Swansea City side. 

Bob Bradley’s men arrive at Goodison Park on the back of a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United. The former American national team boss replaced Francesco Guidolin in October and has yet to register to a victory in the Premier League

Romelu Lukaku could be key for Toffees

The Toffees can expect the Swans to set up defensively, looking to strike on the counter-attack and deny Romelu Lukaku the chance to do what he does best, score goals. 

Lukaku found the net twice during the international break and finding the net could give him the confidence to rebound for the Blues.

Everton need his goals if they’re going to achieve their goal of European football qualification this season.

Lukaku in training. Photo: Getty Images - Tony McArdle 
 

Struggling Swansea

The Swans sit second bottom of the Premier League with five points from a possible 33. That doesn’t mean it will be a simple task for the Blues, Bradley’s men are hungry for a victory and could capitalise on any desperation from Koeman’s side.

Key man: Gylfi Sigurdsson is the obvious danger man for the visitors but we’ve highlighted Fernando Llorente for this game. The former Juventus forward is the sort of striker Everton have struggled to deal with in the past. He’s big, powerful and good in the air.

It’s likely that he will be marked by former Swansea City captain Ashley Williams but the Toffees won’t be able to give him a chance inside the penalty area.

Matchday Stats

  1. Everton are unbeaten in their last 8 home games in the Premier League.
  2. Key man Gylfi Sigurdsson has been involved in half of Swansea's 10 goals this season. He has scored twice and assisted a further three.
  3. Everton have lost only twice against Swansea ever - 15 wins and 8 draws.

Injury report

Gareth Barry misses out as he serves a one-game suspension, but the Toffees are able to recall Idrissa Gana Gueye after he served his suspension.

The visitors could be able to call on Nathan Dyer following a successful recovery from an ankle injury. While Ecuadorian winger, Jefferson Montero, could play with a cast on the hand he broke during the defeat to Manchester United. 

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About the author
Connor Bennett
Everton editor for VAVEL UK - contributing since 2015. Premier League accredited journalist. Journalism graduate from Liverpool. Writing about Football, eSports and the NFL. Email: [email protected] | Twitter: ConnorBennett14