A case in defence for my starting XI against Everton

While I want to drop all the players and play an entirely different team, it’s not possible to do that realistically. Here is my starting XI and cases for their defence.

Wojciech Szczesny

The goalkeeper situation is increasingly becoming a crisis. David Ospina replaced Szczesny in early January and it’s time the Pole replaces the Colombian in March. Perfect.

Hector Bellerin

The Spaniard is the only available right back and while Chambers can play there he’s slower than Bellerin and the Spaniard despite a not so great game against Monaco deserves his place ahead of the Englishman.

Laurent Koscielny

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When his team mates leave him isolated against three opponents, it’s no use blaming him. He was the only one who can hold his head high after the chastening night.

Gabriel

He should replace Per Mertesacker. The German needs a break and it’s time Gabriel starts a Premier League game and adapts himself.

Nacho Monreal

I believe he was unlucky to be dropped for the Monaco game and if there were any doubts about who would be first choice, Gibbs answered with his non performance that proves he’s still a long way from being a top class left back.

Francis Coquelin

He has been brilliant since he returned and although his inexperience exposed us against Monaco, he still gets the nod for the Everton tie.

Santi Cazorla

The Palace and Monaco games were staggering samples as to why Santi Cazorla is not an ideal No 8. However given that we have no one to play there Santi gets the chance to conjure his magic again.

Theo Walcott

His pace should keep Leighton Baines from advancing too much into our half. That said he should also track back to help young Bellerin which I suspect Walcott wouldn’t but still he’s a threat.

Mesut Ozil

He may not have been brilliant against Monaco but he’s simply our best passer and he’s pivotal for such a big game.

Alexis Sanchez

Simply because he’s Alexis

Danny Welbeck

Welbeck actually missed two glorious chances the other night, however given the performance of Giroud, I believe the former Manchester United forward should start just to take the French man out of the firing line.

We haven’t defeated Everton at our home in the league since 2012 and given what happened on Wednesday it’s imperative that we respond with a comprehensive win over the Toffees.