Vitaliy Mykolenko to take centre stage v Saka, he’s key in Arsenal v Everton
Vitaliy Mykolenko was set to face Mohamed Salah for Everton in the postponed Merseyside derby and even though that challenge was delayed he is now preparing for Bukayo Saka of Arsenal.
The left-back has had no respite of late in his individual preparations at Finch Farm, having to turn attention to Saka straight after discovering his duel with Salah was put on hold by Storm Darragh last Saturday [7 December].
Salah has been unstoppable with 21 goal contributions already across all competitions [Transfermarkt]; only Cole Palmer [17] comes between he and Arsenal talisman Saka [15], who added two goals and an assist in the Champions League against Monaco on Wednesday night [11 December].
Mykolenko is no stranger to criticism but is considered the most functional man for the job by Sean Dyche, and a player with a hardened spirit will still need luck on his side at the Emirates this Saturday [14 December].
Indeed, having been spared the Salah challenge – temporarily at least – he simply must be on top of his game if the Toffee are to upset Arsenal this weekend.
Everton rely on Mykolenko to thwart Saka v Arsenal
One thing is for sure, Mykolenko cannot and will not be left to deal with Saka alone. It is near-certain the England international will be deployed on the right-hand side by former Toffees midfielder Mikel Arteta in the opposition dugout.
Saka these days is almost always doubled up on – it is a must. Same goes for Salah, likewise for Palmer – though his position often differs slightly to his counterparts.
Jarrad Branthwaite will be key – provided Dyche plays his usual back four with the left-footed star turn at centre-half just to Mykolenko’s right. His preoccupation with Saka could open up space for Kai Havertz, who would then be passed onto James Tarkowski.
There is a case for opting for a back five and bringing in 6’6” Jake O’Brien, who has rarely featured, but could be crucial to defending Arsenal’s wicked set-piece routines. However, this could also disrupt a system from which Dyche has begun to regain some joy.
Whoever plays on the left wing ahead of Mykolenko will be spending most of their afternoon in North London chasing, hassling, harrying and inside their own half. It will be nothing like last time out, the 4-0 rout of Wolves at Goodison Park [4 December]. The Toffees have to be one thing – hard to beat – and if you stop Saka, you’re at least some of the way to stopping Arsenal.
In other Everton news, the club may reconsider loaning out a young star after what he has done recently.
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.