Sean Dyche makes job saving Brantwaite call in two changes – Everton confirmed XI v West Ham United
Sean Dyche has rolled out the big guns at Everton by naming Jarrad Branthwaite in his confirmed line-up to face West Ham United.
The Blues boss heads into the match at the London Stadium on Saturday [9 November] knowing anything less than three points could essentially end his tenure at Goodison Park [talkSPORT].
However, Branthwaite returns to the starting lineup, confirmed via X, for the first time since the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace.
Dwight McNeil has not been named in the matchday squad after reports emerged he was facing a late fitness test heading into the weekend with Abdoulaye Doucoure called upon to start behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin as two confirmed changes are made.
No Dwight McNeil but Jarrad Branthwaite involved for Everton
Evertonians will undoubtedly have mixed feelings about the starting lineup to take on West Ham, the Blues are lacking a key goal threat heading to East London.
Dyche and Julen Lopetegui are facing off in a winner-takes-all fixture at the London Stadium as whoever loses the match is in serious danger of being removed from their role before the end of the weekend.
Doucoure and Iliman Ndiaye have seemingly passed their late fitness tests, the pair have been selected to start and will be tasked alongside Calvert-Lewin to provide the goals against a depleted Hammers side.
Everton are back to square one in the Premier League after the 1-0 loss against Southampton last time out and another defeat on Saturday, paired with an albeit unlikely Ipswich Town win against Tottenham would leave the side lingering one point above the relegation zone.
However, Branthwaite’s return to resume his formidable partnership alongside James Tarkowski will be a welcome boost for the Toffees and help the visitors thwart the attacking threat of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta.
The Blues are left considerably weaker in the business end of the pitch but will be raring to go toe-to-toe with West Ham, with Dyche’s future at the club on the line.
In other Everton news, Alan Stubbs has been mooted as a Sean Dyche replacement for the Toffees.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.