Dele Alli in line for first Everton start after 'huge' injury news pre-Man City - pundit
Abdoulaye Doucoure's return to fitness is "a huge boost" for Everton and in particular Dele Alli, according to Paul Robinson.
The former Spurs and England number one, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Doucoure, 29, allows Frank Lampard to play a system that accommodates Alli, 25.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo (20 February), Lampard revealed Doucoure is "close" to being fit for the visit of Man City on Saturday.
The centre-midfielder has been missed Everton's last four fixtures across all competitions with a groin injury sustained at Aston Villa.
Robinson expects Doucoure to return against City in a midfield three alongside Allan and Donny van de Beek.
"Firstly, it's a huge boost to have Doucoure back," he told Football Insider's Dylan Childs. "He's so important to how they play.
"I think Lampard changes the formation against Man City. I think he plays a three in midfield with Doucoure, Allan and Van de Beek in there. On paper, wow, that is a top, top midfield three.
"If you play the three of them in the middle you can bring Dele Alli into a role as well. He can potentially play in behind Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
"Alli is in desperate need of game time and I think Doucoure's involvement gives Lampard the option of playing a more narrow 4-3-1-2. Dele could go into that number 10 role that he is so effective in."
Alli is yet to start for the Toffees in the Premier League.
He has come off the bench in their last three games.