Everton predicted lineup vs Southampton: Six players doubtful as injury crisis hits
After a torrid start to the season, Everton have managed to steady the ship to a certain extent, winning two games in the last five and drawing the rest of them. Sean Dyche’s men travel to St. Mary’s stadium to take on last-placed Southampton in an important bottom of the table clash.
Everton are 16th with nine points, just 5 points above relegation zone, and will be hoping to extend the gap from the bottom three with a win over a struggling Southampton side. Russel Martin’s side are yet to register a win in the Premier League and have scored the least amount of goals (6) in the Premier League.
EFC have had to navigate through an injury crisis and their biggest absence in the backline has been Jarrad Branthwaite. The Englishman made his first appearance of the season in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace and came off the bench against Fulham last weekend.
Ahead of the Southampton clash, Dyche said that Dwight McNeil could face fitness concerns as the 24-year-old missed Thursday’s training. Abdoulaye Doucoure also came off with a minor injury against Fulham and remains to be seen if he has overcome it for the trip to Southampton.
Right backs Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson were named on the bench for the Fulham game, after a period on the sidelines following their injuries. However, it remains to be seen if the former Burnley boss gives one of the natural right backs a go-ahead to start the game.
Long term absentees James Garner, Youssef Chermiti and Tim Iroegbunam are not in contention to feature. Meanwhile, Armando Broja, Everton’s summer transfer deadline day loan signing is close to a return. The injury concerns and fitness doubts have left Dyche with a lot to think in terms of team combination for the Southampton game.
Everton predicted lineup vs Southampton:
Jordan Pickford: Pickford is the undisputed starter for EFC. The 30-year-old has been solid between the sticks and has held his own when the Everton defence has struggled.
Vitalii Mykolenko: Into his third season at Goodison Park, Mykolenko has never been a headline grabber but has always done a respectable job at left-back. His defensive solidity helps Everton massively, especially when the centre backs are having an off-day.
Jarrad Branthwaite: Branthwaite played the entire 90 minutes of the Crystal Palace game but only came off the bench for the final five minutes against Fulham. However, he looks ready to be at the heart of the defence again and should start against the Saints.
James Tarkowski: Tarkowski and Branthwaite were an iconic defending pair last season. However, Branthwaite’s injury put an end to this defensive partnership temporarily. With Branthwaite’s return, Tarkowski should have his old partner back as EFC look to tighten their defence.
Ashley Young: With Coleman and Patterson making the bench in the last game, there are questions over their match fitness. Young has been in good form lately and has been an attacking threat down the right flank, grabbing three assists in the last six games.
Iliman Ndiaye: The Senegalese international has become a fan favourite following his transfer in the summer and has added the creative spark in the Everton team that they lacked for a long time. He has to start and be Everton’s nucleus in the attack should McNeil miss the game.
Orel Mangala: Injuries to Iroegbunam and Garner has allowed Mangala to showcase his talent and excel in the team. The Belgian midfielder has been a reliable asset for Dyche and has delivered when called upon.
Idrissa Gueye: The 35-year-old will partner Mangala as the duo will look to stabilise the midfield and run the show from there.
Jack Harrison: Harrison has not quite lit up the scoring charts or the assist tally but has always been a hardworking player off the ball, something that Dyche appreciates and is a pre-requisite of Dyche’s system.
Abdoulaye Doucoure: Although Doucoure came off with a minor groin problem against Fulham, the Mali international should be fit to make the cut against the Saints. Doucoure is yet to score or assist in the Premier League but has several notable all-round displays and has been a key cog for Dyche.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Although Beto scored the last minute equaliser against Fulham and deserves to start, it is likely that Calver-Lewin will get the nod ahead of the Portuguese international. The Englishman has gone goalless in the last five games and he would look to end the streak against a Southampton side that has conceded 19 goals in nine games.