By support

12th May, 2017 | 6:47pm

Everton confirmed line up to face Watford: 26-year-old returns in three changes

By Matt Farr

Ronald Koeman has named three changes to his Everton side for their upcoming clash with Watford in the Premier League on Friday night.

Maarten Stekelenburg is forced to make way from the starting eleven due to a groin problem, meaning 26-year-old stopper Joel Robles returns in between the sticks.

Young attacker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also replaced, after Koeman granted him permission to join up with the England Under 20’s side ahead of the World Cup finals in South Korea this summer.

His replacement in the starting eleven is Ross Barkley, who must make a decision on his long-term future at the club within the next week.

Morgan Schneiderlin, who missed the last two matches with a thigh strain, also returns in place of Gareth Barry.

Everton announced their confirmed line-up on their official Twitter account ahead of kick-off.

Eight other players retain their places in the starting eleven following the 1-0 defeat to Swansea at the Liberty Stadium a week ago.

Long-term absentee Muhamed Besic, meanwhile, returns to the matchday squad for the first-time this season, having sustained a cruciate ligament injury during pre-season.

Everton are winless in their last three Premier League games, but a victory over Watford can send them to within four points of sixth-placed Manchester United, with two games left to play.

A victory could also send the Toffees to their highest points tally at home in in 27 years, with only Liverpool and Chelsea having won at Goodison Park during Koeman’s tenure.

In other Everton team news, a Toffees striker has had his deal terminated, according to a reliable journalist.

We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Everton breaking news.