Bournemouth are expected to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Petrovic in goal, a back four of Smith, Hill, António Silva and Truffert, a double pivot of Cook and Scott, and the attacking trio of Rayan, Kluivert and Tavernier behind Evanilson. That's a shape that can press high and play through the lines — when everyone's fit. But with so many absentees, the bench looks thin, and the starting XI may lack the sharpness to sustain that intensity for 90 minutes.

Everton, also in a 4-2-3-1, will likely field Pickford behind a back four of Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite and Mykolenko, with Armstrong and Hackney holding, and Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall and George supporting the lone striker. That's a solid, experienced spine. Tarkowski and Branthwaite are set-piece kings — they'll cause chaos in Bournemouth's box from corners and free-kicks. The midfield battle is the key: Cook and Scott vs Armstrong and Hackney. If Bournemouth's double pivot gets overrun, Everton will dominate the tempo and feed Ndiaye in the half-spaces. If they hold, Bournemouth can spring Semenyo on the counter.

The game state likely starts tight, cagey. Bournemouth will try to press, but with a patched-up squad, they may drop into a mid-block after 20 minutes. Everton will be patient, happy to let Bournemouth have the ball and hit on the break. This could be a chess match, decided by one moment of quality — or one set-piece.