2025 is nearly done, but Everton have two more matches to play before flipping the calendar over to the next. The first of those is today's trip to Turf Moor to take on a struggling Burnley side.
The last five matches for Everton have seen just two results, both wins, sandwiched in between losses to Newcastle, Chelsea, and an unfortunate display at home against Arsenal last weekend.
The Toffees will finish the year with two away games including today's match, before traveling to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night for the year's final contest.
They'll continue to be without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, both away for the Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal, along with Seamus Coleman, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Jarrad Branthwaite still out due to injury, although the center back is said to be close to a return.
So manager David Moyes will continue to cobble together his squad until reinforcements arrive, either through returns from injury, the end of international duty, or additions in the transfer window that opens in just a few days.
With Burnley in mind, plus the pending match on Tuesday, let's take a look at how Moyes might choose to line up his side later today.
Everton projected starting XI v Burnley (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Jordan Pickford (GK): Nothing much to say here. The England no.1 continues to be his usual reliable self between the sticks.
Vitalii Mykolenko (LB): With rumors that the club might seek a loan option for Adam Aznou, the Ukrainian Mykolenko would solidify his spot even further. He'll be there today, barring a shocking change.
James Tarkowski (CB): Had one of his better games of the season against Arsenal. Needs to prove he's the man to keep his spot when Branthwaite returns.
Michael Keane (CB): Continues to impress next to Tark, but the pair could be caught out on the counter with their lack of pace.
Jake O'Brien (RB): Burnley doesn't present as many challenges as his recent assignments, so O'Brien should be fine here. It would be preferred to see a change here to take advantage of how much of the ball Everton should have.
Midfielders
Tim Iroegbunam (CM): Looked good as a defensive midfielder against Arsenal, but will need to be tidier on the ball against Burnley, because the counterattack could be problematic.
James Garner (CM): He's slowed down recently, but Garner has still been one of the better players for Everton so far this campaign.
Charly Alcaraz (CAM): It wasn't his best showing against Arsenal, but he's one of the better Everton players with the ball at his feet and pushing forward, so he should rebound well.
Forwards
Jack Grealish (LW): Much was asked of the England international against Arsenal, and he struggled without another outlet opposite him. He's still a nailed-on starter.
Tyler Dibling (RW): This is the first time the projection turned into a bit of hopefulness. Dwight McNeil isn't able to be on the right given his skill set, so it's time to give the kid a run. If he can build his confidence now, it will only help him in the future.
Thierno Barry (CF): Last week might have called for Beto, but Barry got the start and should keep earning them as often as he can. Beto might be better suited for a start on Tuesday.
One more thing...
This is how we expect Moyes to set up the side, but if we were the manager, it would look a bit different:
Pickford, Mykolenko, Keane/Tark (take your pick), O'Brien, Garner
Iroegbunam, Merlin Rohl, Alcaraz
Grealish, Dibling, Barry
Burnley should be an opportunity to attack, and this lineup would do that. Here's hoping Moyes agrees.