Everton’s season got off to an uninspired start, as a lackluster performance in their 1-0 defeat to Leeds United on Monday left many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers frustrated with their early-season investments.
But for fellow Toffees in the FPL community, there is no need for a knee-jerk reaction. Before you frantically hit the "Free Hit" button and orchestrate a mass exodus of poor performers, consider a more strategic approach. Perhaps just a change or two will be enough to turn your fortunes around this weekend, and hopefully, spark a similar revival in Everton's performance as they head into their next fixture.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium opens its doors this weekend, and Everton will be hoping to mark the occasion with both a performance and a result. Brighton look likely to get on the scoresheet, but this feels like the moment Everton’s attack finally clicks, outgunning their seaside visitors.
Here’s a look at three players most likely to deliver the points this weekend.
Jack Grealish
Many expect Jack Grealish to be handed his full debut, and his cameo against Leeds showed enough of his attacking intent and passing quality to suggest he can contribute immediately. The new signing from Manchester City may not yet be at full match sharpness, but his determination to make an impact in new surroundings is clear.
Grealish is more likely to deliver the points through assists than goals, though much will depend on the support behind him. With James Garner filling in at left-back, Everton’s left flank looked noticeably slowed on Monday, but hopefully, the returning Adam Aznou could restore balance and provide the platform for Grealish to thrive.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
He looked sharp on set pieces and was arguably Everton’s best attacking outlet against Leeds. If the fluidity in open play continues to falter, his dead-ball quality could make my prediction of more than one Everton goal come to life.
Deployed in a more advanced role versus Leeds, he may drop deeper against Brighton, potentially in place of Tim Iroegbunam, to accommodate Jack Grealish and allow Charly Alcaraz to push further forward.
While threading passes through Brighton’s lines won’t guarantee points, his set-piece delivery could well be the difference. It may even be the key to Everton finally hitting double digits in a gameweek this season.
James Tarkowski
If you feel the penalty was deserved or harsh, Tarkowski will be eager to respond in style. I’m backing him for a set-piece goal and the first league strike at the new stadium.
A commanding presence in both boxes, the captain will look to lead Everton to a debut victory. With a clean sheet also on the cards, it could be a double bonus in FPL terms.
Whether you actually take this FPL advice is up to you; I wouldn’t, given my track record. But if Everton can bag three points, and you’ve got three of their starters, that might just give your team a solid base.