Sean Dyche to make 3 changes – Everton predicted XI v Burnley
Sean Dyche is expected to name a strong team as Everton face a visit from Burnley in the Carabao Cup on 1 November, with just three changes on the cards.
With the short turnaround between the Premier League victory over West Ham, the Burnley clash and then the game against Brighton, Dyche will be looking to keep the momentum strong across the coming games.
This, coupled with a lack of strength in depth in his squad, means there shouldn’t be too many changes on the cards, although rotation will be necessary to keep certain key players at the top of their game and their fitness.
A lack of strong options in defence should see Dyche continue with the back four that kept a clean sheet at the London Stadium, with Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Ashley Young the only potential replacements, although their involvement would sacrifice the quality at the back.
Young is the most likely to step in for either Patterson or Mykolenko as Dyche likes to rely on his experience, but the performances of the fullbacks against West Ham should see them keep their places in the side.
It’s a similar story in midfield, with James Garner and Abdoulaye Doucoure keeping their places, but Idrissa Gueye could step in for Amadou Onana to keep the latter’s legs fresh for the Brighton game as well as providing a defensive presence in midfield.
Gueye hasn’t started a game since the 2-1 defeat to Luton Town, in which he was subbed off after 45 minutes with an injury, but his defensive presence was clear as he won six out of seven attempted duels, had a 100% dribble success rate and made 36 passes. [Sofascore]
Out wide is another area in this Everton squad that seriously lacks options, with Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison the favoured pairing due to their work rate and directness.
Arnaut Danjuma should get a look in as Dyche will want to give a rest to one of the two key wide-men, with McNeil the more likely to be rested as Danjuma slots in on the left-hand side of the midfield, with his preference to cut inside causing a potential threat.
Up front, Beto should come in to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose injury issues are well-documented and the boss will want to avoid putting too much strain on his body, particularly given his impact on the side and supreme goalscoring form of late.
In other Everton news, Kieran Maguire has made a “huge” admission on the 777 takeover.