Sean Dyche could sign off on own Everton sack if Jordan Pickford decision made
Sean Dyche could pay the price against Southampton if he starts Joao Virginia ahead of Jordan Pickford in goal for Everton.
It has been a shocking start to the campaign at Goodison Park with the Toffees yet to secure a single point in the Premier League.
The only win of the season came against Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup, which now sees Dyche’s side preparing to face the Saints on Tuesday (17 September).
The manager could make a costly error if he doesn’t stick by his number one keeper despite a difficult start in the league.
Sean Dyche must start Pickford over Virginia for Everton v Southampton
The England international has struggled at times to start the campaign, with his mistake against Tottenham Hotspur being the tip of the iceberg.
The 30-year-old didn’t do himself any favours against Aston Villa after conceding from 32 yards as Jhon Duran picked out the top corner.
With that being said, Dyche starting 24-year-old Virginia – or indeed Asmir Begovic – against Southampton could see the Toffees dumped out of the cup against their fellow Premier League strugglers.
The Portuguese shot-stopper is not good enough to be a starter at Goodison, which has seen links to signing Anthony Patterson as a number two [HITC].
If Dyche and Co. want to replace the former Arsenal academy product, they should not be starting him in what is clearly an important match for the manager’s future.
The ex-Burnley boss could lose his job off the back of the cup clash, which could all depend on the performance of his chosen goalkeeper.
To help provide some security over his future and give Everton the best chance of staying in the competition, Pickford should be starting between the sticks.
If Virginia gets the nod, as some have suggested, then any error on his behalf that contributes to a Toffees loss could easily spell the end for the man in charge.
In other Everton news, optimism has emerged behind the scenes after the latest Dan Friedkin takeover update.
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