Sean Dyche axes Ben Godfrey and Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns – Everton predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
Sean Dyche is predicted to bring Dominic Calvert-Lewin back into his Everton line up as part of three changes for the trip to Crystal Palace.
All the previous momentum has been lost after two flat defeats in which the Toffees boss has played a 4-4-2 to combat the absence of the still-suspended Abdoulaye Doucouré. It hasn’t worked and now he has to make changes to arrest the slide with just goal-difference keeping the side clear of the relegation zone.
After the 3-1 home defeat at home to Fulham at the weekend (15 April) Dyche is predicted to return to the 4-5-1 he had deployed to greater effect previously, while dropping Neal Maupay, James Garner and Ben Godfrey.
Calvert-Lewin’s absence has been a running theme of the past two relegation battles, but Dyche and his staff have been cautious not to rush him back this time. Ideally they would no doubt give him longer still but he successfully played 70 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Chester on Tuesday [Liverpool World].
Maupay’s time at Everton has not been successful, to the point he may be gone after just a year, and his start against Fulham continued that trend, so with the midfield needing the extra man it is likely time to turn to the star number nine up front.
Garner was overrun alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye in a midfield two, and with Amadou Onana out injured [Premier Injuries] Dyche is predicted to bring in the more experienced Premier League operator of Tom Davies in his place, while switching the industry of Alex Iwobi from the wing to the centre.
Demarai Gray can then move into the Nigerian international’s place on the wing to maintain the shape, while Dwight McNeil is sure to stay on the left.
In defence, Godfrey has become a favourite of the manager’s in emergency duty at either full-back position, but he is a central defender who doesn’t look comfortable on the flanks.
Seamus Coleman is likely to still be missing, but with both Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson available it is likely time to play with two natural full-backs.
The Scot hasn’t started since the defeat to Brighton on 3 January but had been an important part of the back four earlier in the season, and should be more effective there than Godfrey at least until the captain is back.