Everton manager Frank Lampard is unlikely to switch to a formation that allows both Neal Maupay and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to play together, meaning an intense battle could ensue between the pair, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Lampard has overseen a tough start to the 2022-23 season but could end up being spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting his starting striker.

How have Everton played so far this season?

With six matches played in the Premier League, Everton are yet to win a top-flight game, occupying 16^th place in the table.

They have now drawn their last four games, including taking a point from the Merseyside derby with Liverpool in their most recent outing.

Maupay was signed from Brighton & Hove Albion during the summer for £15 million but the Frenchman failed to find the back of the net on his debut against the Reds.  

After the postponement of last weekend’s games, the Toffees get back to business against fellow strugglers West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

What has Phillips said on a front-two?

Phillips understands that a switch to playing two strikers is not going to happen under Lampard at Goodison Park.

The journalist says that the most likely scenario is one where both Calvert-Lewin and Maupay fight it out for the one striking spot in the starting XI.

When asked whether the duo could play together, Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “That's the big issue that he's [Lampard’s] going to have. It's a good problem to have, but at the moment, in the setup that he plays, he only uses one centre forward.

“Both of these guys are only really going to be comfortable playing as a centre forward rather than a wide striker. Unless he is going to change formation and use two up top, which is not going to happen, then it looks likely that both these guys are going to have to battle it out for one position.”

Who should be Lampard’s first choice?

So far, Lampard has not had the option of playing Calvert-Lewin this season after the 11-cap England striker suffered a knee injury.

But the 25-year-old recently returned to training, suggesting that he could soon make his first appearance of the season soon.

Last term saw Calvert-Lewin, who the club value at £60 million, miss the majority of the campaign with injury, but he has shown in the past he has the quality to lead the line for Everton, bagging 45 goals in 164 top-flight appearances.

Maupay, meanwhile, has scored 26 times in 103 Premier League games, making it a tight battle between the pair.