Everton tipped for 'brand new system' against Man United after Townsend reveal - pundit
Everton boss Rafael Benitez may be forced to implement a "brand new system" to cope with the potential absence of Andros Townsend.
So says ex-England shot-stopper Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the in-form 30-year-old winger.
Townsend, who has four goals and three assists since he joined Everton, was subbed off after 75 minutes in the recent 2-0 victory over Norwich.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo after the match on 25 September, Benitez admitted Townsend was not injured but simply "exhausted".
The Toffees have the joint-worst injury bill in the Premier League, with seven players currently out of action.
And Robinson claims that Benitez may be forced into a tactical switch-up when they face Man United on 2 October if Townsend also needs to rest.
"They are pretty thin on the ground at the moment," he told Football Insider's Dylan Childs.
"The Man United game is going to be a big ask for them. It's going to be high-tempo and high pressure.
"Townsend was a signing that surprised me but I think he has done really well so far.
"Will Benitez rest him? I don't know if he can afford to rest him because of the squad that he has got.
"Could he shuffle his pack and play a brand new system? That's a possibility.
"Andros knows what he's doing. He is experienced enough to know if he can play or not.
"I am sure the conversation will have taken place between him and the manager about whether he is ready."