Anthony Onifade

Sat 11 November 2023 8:40, UK

Everton boss Sean Dyche will be desperately hoping Jarrad Branthwaite recovers from a knock in time to face off against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, according to Niall McVeigh.

The Guardian journalist, previewing the clash at Selhurst Park on 11 November wrote that the 21-year-old has impressed amongst older heads at Goodison Park and will be key to any result the Blues get in South London.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on 9 November Dyche said the English under-21 international had “been on the grass” all week after suffering from a recent knock.

However, according to BBC Sport (10 November), the young defender could be a doubt for the crucial clash at Selhurst along with Amadou Onana.

A must-have

This visit to South London could be an indicator of how much progress has really been made under Dyche in recent weeks, with Roy Hodgson’s side within touching distance at four points above the Toffees.

Everton are on something of an upward trajectory under Dyche’s tutelage after recent results, a run now spanning four games unbeaten in all competitions and just one defeat in their last five games.

Wins over West Ham United and Bournemouth certainly pointed towards Dyche finally getting a tune out of his men both defensively and in attack and Branthwaite has proven a significant part of that progress.

The 21-year-old has proven an absolute mastermind at the heart of the Toffees defence alongside James Tarkowski and given the drop in quality from those behind him in the pecking order, his absence could be absolutely devastating for Everton.

Branthwaite has become an undroppable presence so far this campaign and an absolute must-have for Dyche. If the Toffees are to record an impressive result in South London, they’ll certainly need Branthwaite at the heart of it all.

In other Everton news, Kieran Maguire has seen 777’s plans for the new stadium and believes there will be far from universal satisfaction among the fanbase.