In part 1 of this series, we looked at a move that was relatively modest for David Moyes. The shape more or less remained the same, it just moved some players into different positions on the pitch and asked for the tactics to be more focused on ground passes.
This time around, the alteration is a bit more drastic, although it isn't a new suggestion, but the personnel has changed since then and the squad might be more built for trying it out on occassion.
Like the first alternative lineup idea, this isn't something we'd expect Moyes to switch to on a regular basis. But the Premier League requires some rejiggering of lineups from time to time, whether it be because of injuries or the way an opponent prefers to play, and so this concept is one that could work under the right circumstances.
Building an Everton Lineup with Three at the Back
First off, this change in shape will likely only work once the squad is fully healthy, as running out all three available center backs in one match without cover would be a dereliction of duty by the manager.
If that's the case, the center back trio is fairly straight forward: Jarrad Branthwaite and his left food at LCB and Jake O'Brien at RCB, with either James Tarkowski or Michael Keane in the center, as either is a good fit for that role, since it doesn't require as much movement.
The wingback options have improved by half since the early days of the summer, as Adam Aznou would be an ideal fit for this role. Outside of injuries, we can assume Moyes is hesitant to use the teenager because of his age and lack of top-flight experience (which may not be true, by the way). So, in this instance, Moyes can ask the former Bayern Munich player to focus on one area: the attack.
The right wingback position is still a bit of a wasteland for Everton, with neither Seamus Coleman or Nathan Patterson serving as the answer there. Patterson is a better fit, but I'm not sure Moyes rates him. An outside the box thought here: James Garner, who is more of an attack-minded player anyway and has an excellent right foot.
Idrissa Gana Gueye can be the defensive-minded midfielder in between the wingbacks, covering for the back three, with either Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall or Charly Alcaraz in front of the Senegal international, depending on how you want that position to operate. Iliman Ndiaye could also feature there as well.
The forward three can be fairly fluid, too. Either Ndiaye or Tyler Dibling could play on the right, with Jack Grealish or Ndiaye on the left, flanking one of either Beto or Thierno Barry (or even Ndiaye, depending on how you want to the center forward to move).
If Ndiaye is in there as the center forward, that would allow the trio to be quite flexible, especially if Alcaraz is at the 10 instead of KDH, but even a trio of Ndiaye, Grealish, and Dibling would be fluid and exciting with Beto/Barry up top.
Again, Moyes has options. And while this change in shape won't work all the time, it is yet another alternative view the manager could have in his pocket to catch the opposition off guard as the season progresses.