Predicted Everton XI v Crystal Palace… Sean Dyche ditches 26-year-old, Doucoure returns to start
There is certainly a lot riding on Everton’s clash with Crystal Palace, which kicks off tomorrow night.
After all, the Toffees have a huge opportunity to not only pull themselves out of the relegation zone, but drag another side back down into the mire.
New manager or not, it will take a huge task to steer the Eagles well clear of safety, especially with Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise both expected to be out.
As for the hosts, Sean Dyche is set to be blessed with the closest thing to a clean bill of health in a while. Goodison Park could therefore soon be treated to their strongest starting side for the first time in months…
Here’s our predicted XI for Everton vs Crystal Palace…
Jordan Pickford, as an ever-reliable ace in between the sticks, is unlikely to be displaced.
He continues to boast the joint-most clean sheets out of any goalkeeper in the entire Premier League, with those efforts aided by a resolute backline.
Although Ben Godfrey hobbled off against Manchester City and has since been struck down with illness, it was confirmed that the 26-year-old would be fit to face Monday’s opponents.
That being said, it is expected that Dyche might opt for Seamus Coleman from the start, with Vitaliy Mykolenko on the opposite flank.
Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski, naturally, will occupy the central defensive roles.
Midfield is where it gets interesting, as two returning faces could see a couple of stars ditched despite strong recent showings.
Idrissa Gana Gueye and Ashley Young have both enjoyed mini resurgences since their return to the starting side, but it is hard to keep them there when Amadou Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure are set to be back.
The former came on to gain some vital minutes at the Etihad last weekend, whilst the Mali international has been fighting hard to return to full fitness.
His presence has been missed more than most, and his return will see Jack Harrison pushed back out wide into his natural role.
Onana will partner James Garner in the engine room, whilst Dwight McNeil will operate on the opposite flank.
Then, for all their finishing inadequacies this campaign, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to retain his starting spot.
After all, despite a barren run in which he has failed to score for many months now, his hold-up play and aerial presence are light years ahead of Beto.
The return of Doucoure should emphasise this, and finally give the profligate Englishman, who is statistically the worst finisher in the division, the support needed to thrive once again.
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