Ashley Young axed as big-money signing Beto misses out – Predicted Everton XI v Manchester United
Sean Dyche could be set to make changes to his Everton starting lineup when they take on Manchester United at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Toffees have won six of their last nine games in all competitions, including a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace last time out while the Reds have won four of their last five in the Premier League despite some poor performances.
But following Everton being handed a ten-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules during the international break, Dyche could look to go on the front foot in order to climb out of the relegation zone once again.
In goal will no doubt be Jordan Pickford, Everton’s best player over the last few seasons and one of the best goalkeepers in the country.
Vitalii Mykolenko should continue at left-back after his fine form in recent week, while Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski have forged a fantastic partnership in the middle that is both dominant defensively and good on the ball going forward too.
At right-back Ashley Young had been preferred in recent games but after a red card and own goal in two of his last three games it seems like the perfect time for Nathan Patterson to get the nod from the start.
In midfield Amadou Onana missed the international break with a calf problem that saw him taken off at half-time against Palace, but Dyche will be hopeful that the break has done him well and he will start in the middle if fit.
Alongside him will be former Manchester United man James Garner who has emerged as a key member of the midfield under Dyche, meaning Idrissa Gueye is likely to be on the bench despite his winning goal last time out.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is the main man in the team and will undoubtedly keep his place just ahead of them as a number ten, offering a goal threat but also energy off the ball to help out defensively.
On the wings Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison have made the positions their own despite competition from loanee Arnaut Danjuma and should start once more if fitness permits.
Up front Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the first-choice when fit and his goals this season have been vital. That means despite splashin £30m on Portuguese forward Beto in the summer, he will find himself on the bench for this game.
In other Everton news, Gary Neville questions integrity of Premier League and brands points deduction as an “Absolute Disgrace”.