Everton predicted XI v Aston Villa – Sean Dyche to make three changes, new signing features
Jonathan Burnett
Fri 13 September 2024 15:10, UK
Sean Dyche could make three changes to his Everton side as they return to Premier League action against Aston Villa on Saturday (14 September).
Following an international break which has worsened the Toffees’ fortunes on the injury front, Seamus Coleman has been ruled out of contention and Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane could also be dropped.
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A dearth of defensive options means Jake O’Brien and Ashley Young could come back into the side, while Deadline Day signing Orel Mangala is also in line to make his full Blues debut at Villa Park.
The Toffees lost 3-2 to Bournemouth in their final match before the break, despite being 2-0 up with 86 minutes gone, and thus Dyche must be ruthless when it comes to his team selection.
Sean Dyche needs to change things for Everton against Aston Villa
He could do little about Bournemouth’s late, three-goal blitz which turned the tide at Goodison Park last time out, but Jordan Pickford will be expected to keep his place between the sticks.
Coleman’s unfortunate injury in the Republic of Ireland’s loss to England on 7 September means he’s the latest member of Everton’s lengthy injury list, and thus fellow veteran Young comes in at right-back.
James Tarkowski is an automatic pick in central defence, but next to him, O’Brien should start in place of Michael Keane, who was woeful in the latter stages against Bournemouth despite scoring earlier on.
Everton predicted XI v Aston Villa
Vitalii Mykolenko was another guilty party in the Toffees’ late collapse, but with few other options at left-back, the Ukrainian will keep his place.
Idrissa Gueye is not so lucky, however, and with the arrival of Lyon loanee Orel Mangala on Deadline Day, he should replace the Senegalese in Dyche’s double-pivot alongside Tim Iroegbunam.
The front four will likely remain unchanged from the 3-2 loss against Bournemouth, with Iliman Ndiaye –taken off before the collapse – showing he’s a level above Abdoulaye Doucoure in the number 10 role.
Wingers Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison will also keep their places on the flanks, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a shoe-in up top having bagged his first goal of the campaign last time out.
In other Everton news, one journalist thinks John Textor’s latest comments will set alarm bells ringing for Sean Dyche this week.
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