Vitaliy Mykolenko update could see Sean Dyche rethink – Predicted Everton XI v Tottenham
Sean Dyche has confirmed that Vitaliy Mykolenko is set to be available when Everton take on Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend.
The Ukraine international has missed Everton’s past two matches through injury, but he could slot back in at left-back in North London.
With Jarrad Branthwaite also banned for last week’s trip to Burnley, Dyche reverted to a five-man defence at Turf Moor.
It worked well as Everton caught their opponents cold and won 2-0, but Dyche may well be tempted to go with a four-man defence against Spurs, with Jordan Pickford of course in goal.
Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson are natural full-backs, while James Tarkowski and Branthwaite have formed a great central-defensive pairing.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been ruled out, so Dyche has the option of bringing in another pure central midfielder or an additional attacker.
Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison should retain their places out wide, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks set to get the nod up top again.
Beto surely has a shot of coming into the XI after scoring in the midweek cup loss to Fulham, while Arnaut Danjuma is another option for Dyche but is more likely to be used from the bench.
That leaves a choice between Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana to partner James Garner in the middle, with the latter the most likely to start.
Tottenham are well known for their high line, which is something Dyche’s men can expose by using two fast wingers and two attackers providing support.
If this is the case, then Onana and Garner will have to be on the ball to ensure the back-line is not exposed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In other Everton news, a Toffees player was said to be “furious” with something a team-mate did against Fulham.