Everton predicted XI v Manchester United – Sean Dyche to axe Jack Harrison in two changes
Everton manager Sean Dyche has been predicted to make two changes to his Toffees’ starting XI for their Premier League clash with Manchester United.
The Blues make the trip to Old Trafford on Saturday (9 March) looking to end a winless run of 10 matches in the Premier League, having lost 3-1 to West Ham United last time out at Goodison Park through two late goals.
With a full week of training between the two games, Dyche won’t have to worry about fatigue when naming his starting XI, but against the Red Devils at Old Trafford, the Everton boss will likely make a couple of changes to strengthen defensively.
Will Dominic Calvert-Lewin start for Everton against Manchester United?
As he has done all season, Jordan Pickford will continue between the posts despite conceding two late goals against the Hammers. The England international has been impressive this season and is yet to miss a league game.
Ahead of him, Dyche will almost certainly opt for the same back four that started against West Ham. Ben Godfrey has quickly become the first-choice option at right-back, particularly against teams that dominate the ball, while Vitalli Mykolenko has solidified his place at left-back.
Jarrad Branthwaite didn’t have the best of displays in the defeat to the Hammers, but the 21-year-old has formed a solid partnership with James Tarkowski and the pair are certain to start again against United.
Idrissa Gueye missed the defeat to the Irons through injury and it remains unclear if he’ll return to the fold against Erik ten Hag’s side. Assuming that he is once again absent, Dyche will have little choice but to continue with James Garner and Amadou Onana in midfield.
Out wide, Dwight McNeil is a regular under Dyche and he will almost certainly continue from the left flank, but Everton could make their first change by axing Jack Harrison in favour of Ashley Young on the right wing.
While the 38-year-old has been criticised this season, he tends to start against the Premier League’s big six for his added defensive presence and with the threat of Marcus Rashford, it would make sense for him to return.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been an ever-present following his return from injury and he will continue in his advanced midfield role just behind the centre-forward to add an extra threat.
Dyche’s second change could see Dominic Calvert-Lewin return to the fold ahead of Beto. While the Portuguese striker found the net against West Ham, the Everton boss trusts Calvert-Lewin immensely and his presence helps in big away games.
Beto lost 100 per cent of his aerial duels against the Hammers and Manchester United’s backline, the Toffees will need a greater physical presence that Calvert-Lewin offers, even if he has struggled in front of goal.
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