Sean Dyche to switch formations as injured trio ruled out – Predicted Everton XI v Bournemouth
Sean Dyche could be tempted to switch formations when Everton host Bournemouth in their must-win final game of the season after he dropped fresh team news.
The Toffees know that a win over their opponents at Goodison Park on Sunday will see them safe from relegation at the expense of Leeds and Leicester.
But the boss admitted he is dealing with a bit of an injury crisis in defence and has some decisions to make ahead of the game, which could see him turn to a slightly new formation for the game.
Jordan Pickford is going to start in goal in what could end up being his final game for the club if it goes badly, especially considering the recent comments of England boss Gareth Southgate.
Seamus Coleman, Ben Godfrey and Ruben Vinagre are out of the game while Vitalii Mykolenko is being assessed beforehand after suffering with his own issues, leaving Dyche short at full-back.
That should see him switch to a five-at-the-back system with his preferred options of James Tarkowski, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane starting in the middle.
Mason Holgate could come in on the right as a wing-back to ensure the team isn’t too overloaded without defenders, with Dwight McNeil filling in at left-back in the absence of fully fit options.
Dyche could then look to balance that by stacking the midfield with physicality and energy, which could see Idrissa Gueye partner up with Amadou Onana and Alex Iwobi as a trio with James Garner dropping out of the team.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been the stand out performer since Dyche arrived at the club and he will continue in the most advanced midfield role to try and add to his four goals and two assists.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been ruled out with the hamstring injury he picked up against Wolves, but it’s more likely to be Demarai Gray who gets the nod in his place than Neal Maupay considering their performances this season.
Maupay has only managed one goal since signing for Everton from Brighton, while Gray’s six goals are only bettered by McNeil’s seven.