Frank Lampard may have to drop Idrissa Gana Gueye and start James Garner for Everton v Crystal Palace
Frank Lampard may be left with no other choice but to drop Idrissa Gana Gueye from the Everton playing XI v Crystal Palace after his performance against Newcastle.
Since his return to Goodison Park, the 33-year-old has had a few decent games but against sides that like to press higher up the pitch, he does not seem to be quite up to the pace.
Even in the 1-0 loss against Newcastle, there were numerous occasions where he lost possession needlessly and with Amadou Onana not having his best game either, the onus was entirely on Alex Iwobi.
The Toffees deservedly lost the game 1-0 but it’s now time for Lampard to wield the axe on Gueye and possibly start James Garner who came on for Iwobi in the 73rd minute.
Gueye is certainly not the player he once was and he is on the wrong side of 30 so it does not make sense to make him play his second game in four days.
Garner has done well whenever he’s come off the bench and he would add the same industry in the middle of the park along with a decent passing range as well.
Lampard does need to turn things around and a few changes in personnel or even in the formation could see the Toffees pick up some valuable points before the World Cup.
Everton could end the gameweek in 17th place should Leeds United draw or win their game v Leicester City and Aston Villa pick up the three points against Fulham.
While that would not tell the full picture of what Lampard is doing at Everton, it would be a worrying sign as they would not want to enter another relegation battle.