Jarrad Branthwaite decision made – Everton confirmed XI v Crystal Palace
Sean Dyche has been handed an incredible boost as Jarrad Branthwaite starts for Everton against Crystal Palace on Saturday (28 September).
The 22-year-old centre-back has not made an appearance for the Toffees so far this season, having suffered a groin injury ahead of the new campaign, but he is finally set for a return at Goodison Park.
He replaces Michael Keane in defence, who has been crucified in the opening few games of the season, as one of two changes to the side that faced Leicester City.
Vitaliy Mykolenko also comes back into the defence, with James Garner surprisingly missing out and only making a spot on the bench alongside the likes of Keane and Tim Iroegbunam [X].
Jarrad Branthwaite makes vital return ahead of Everton v Crystal Palace
Dyche cannot afford another consecutive game without a victory, having only claimed a single point in a 1-1 draw with Leicester City in the previous match.
A home game against a struggling Palace side, with Goodison Park behind them, could be the perfect opportunity to put the first win on the Premier League board.
This is set to be a much easier task for the Toffees, with Branthwaite returning to the backline alongside his partner in crime, Tarkowski. Dyche needs these two to gel immediately.
Dyche’s defence was one of the biggest positives last season, having only conceded more goals than Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the league, but it has been the opposite this term.
Everton have a real chance to get their first Premier League win of the campaign, especially with their star centre-back returning to defence, and in front of the Goodison Park faithful.
In other Everton news, Darren Bent was adamant over a Dominic Calvert-Lewin verdict amid a new relegation admission.
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