Everton fans at work already starting the bullshit saying it’s more important to us staying up than you winning the league again. Everton will take points off City blah blah.
At this point in the season, I think for every team, it comes down to "what do we have to play for?". Everton have alot to play for. Chelsea, Brentford and Brighton don't have anything to play for. Mid table. Only a desperation chance for Brighton to make European play. But Everton did themselves a HUGE favor in winning on Monday. That takes pressure off them. One more win and they are likely safe. They have Wolves away and Bournemouth home after us.
If we look at who is below them, Leicester have a way tougher road ahead of them (Livarpool, Newcastle and West Ham). Its not any easier for Leeds. Looking above Everton, Forest also have a really tough 3 games in front of them (Chelsea, Arsenal and Palace). So - what do Everton have to play for? Alot. But the road is easier for them if they drop against us.
As far as resting players - Grealish and Bernardo should def sit. Foden and Mahrez start. But then it gets more difficult. Rodri should be doing ice baths and cryonics to preserve him! His trainings should be recovery based because there is no one on the squad to replace him. Gundogan, Dias and Walker should also sit. Alvarez Laporte and Lewis should go in for them. So my lineup would be:
Ederson
Lewis Stones Akanji Laporte
Rodri Alvarez KDB (only 45 min dependent on score)
Mahrez Foden
Haaland
We get 2-3 goals in first 60 min, get KDB Rodri and Haaland off.
