If there's been a great criticism surrounding Everton manager David Moyes, it often revolves around team selection.
Some of that, at least earlier in the season, was lessened by Moyes not having a full squad. Injuries, key players leaving for international duty, and other squad shortcomings didn't give the manager opportunities to maximize his squad.
But in recent weeks, as the team has begun to get healthier, outside of Jack Grealish, who is out for the season, the choices Moyes has been making have often confounded supporters of the club. The "square pegs in round holes" analogy has been flying around Merseyside quite often, especially when Moyes wasn't doing so out of necessity.
That makes this particular exercise a more complicated one, as Moyes stopped being predictable once the squad's health improved.
Against the Burnley side they'll face later today at Hill Dickinson, the hope is that Moyes will cherish the front foot. With that in mind, let's take a look at how Everton might line up for tonight's matchup.
Everton's projected starting XI v Burnley (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Jordan Pickford (GK): Made the save of the season to secure three points at St. James' Park on Saturday. Nobody would blame you for watching it a few more times.
Vitalii Mykolenko (LB): The Ukrainian should be able to hold this spot down as opposed to a square peg option. This feels like a great opportunity for Adam Aznou, though.
Jarrad Branthwaite (CB): Is coming off a wonderful showing at Newcastle. He should be nailed into this spot in the XI for the rest of the season.
James Tarkowski (CB): This is not what I want Moyes to do, with no disrecept to Tark. There's no doubt he's better next to JB than with Michael Keane, however.
Jake O'Brien (RB): Moyes wasted no time inserting him back in at right back against Newcastle after the suspension. Would prefer to see him next to JB with Nathan Patterson here.
Midfielders
Idrissa Gana Gueye (CDM): Missed the reverse fixture while at AFCON. He's still valuable to this team, even if he is showing his age a bit more lately.
James Garner (CM): Continues to be excellent, even when shoved out of his preferred position. Will be useful against Burnley's midfield today.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CM): While we've taken to labeling him as a CAM, KDH is better when allowed to track back and get the ball.
Forwards
Iliman Ndiaye (LW): Also missed the match at Turf Moor while away at AFCON, but his presence should help open things up for the Toffees.
Tyler Dibling (RW): He started last time against the Clarets, and yes, that was because Ndiaye was away. But he's the most natural option for the right wing, so let's speak it into existence.
Thierno Barry (CF): Scored the winner with his backside on Saturday, and should get the starting nod here after Beto did against Newcastle. Will hopefully be flying after the big win on the weekend.