Dyche axes awful Calvert-Lewin, three changes – Everton predicted XI v Man City
Sean Dyche could make three changes to his Everton starting line-up when they visit Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin might drop to the bench after taking his goal drought to 12 games with an awful performance in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Sunday, 22 December.
Jack Harrison could also have a similar fate after failing to take his chance in Dwight McNeil’s absence and missing a glorious chance that could have earned the Toffees three points.
Ashley Young, meanwhile, will miss out on Thursday (26 December) due to suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at the weekend.
Therefore, Armando Broja, Jesper Lindstrom and Seamus Coleman could all come into the line-up when the Merseyside outfit face an out-of-form Manchester City side.
Armando Broja to make first Everton start v Manchester City
There are unlikely to be any surprises in goal, with Jordan Pickford a mainstay in Dyche’s side. James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko had a good outing against Chelsea and are likely to be joined by Coleman this time.
Dyche does not have much wiggle room for rotation in midfield, with James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam still nursing an injury. Idrissa Gueye and Orel Mangala are, therefore, expected to continue in the double pivot.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has fared well in an advanced midfield role recently, so has Iliman Ndiaye on the left flank. Harrison, though, could be replaced by Lindstrom.
Dwight McNeil is likely to miss out due to a knee injury again.
Finally, Dyche could hand Broja, who is on loan from Chelsea, his first start in Everton colours on Thursday. The Albanian got some minutes under his belt against Wolves and Arsenal, but missed the clash with his parent club last weekend.
Thursday’s match against a vulnerable City side might be the best time to unleash the 23-year-old.
In other Everton news, a document confirming a huge exit has emerged at Goodison Park.
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