Mykolenko ‘not risked’ after Moyes update – Everton predicted XI v Liverpool
Vitalii Mykolenko could find himself on the Everton bench after a fresh David Moyes update ahead of the Merseyside derby.
Moyes is preparing for the biggest test of his second tenure at the Blues as he prepares to welcome Liverpool on Wednesday (12 February) in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Mykolenko was absent from the matchday squad for the 2-0 loss against Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday (8 February) after picking up a calf problem.
The Toffees named a full-strength lineup on the weekend despite the quick turnaround before the Merseyside derby, which could see Moyes tinker his side ahead of the clash.
And despite two Everton changes to the starting lineup expected on Wednesday, the boss could name a similar lineup despite a positive injury update.
Ashley Young to keep his place in the starting lineup
The 39-year-old has been a consistent performer for Everton this season despite teetering well beyond the twilight years of his career.
However, question marks are circling whether Young will be offered a fresh deal on Merseyside with a squad rebuild on the horizon at the end of the season.
Nevertheless, he will be expected to retain his place in the side to face Liverpool after Moyes shares a concerning update on Mykolenko.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (11 February), Moyes revealed the Ukranian is back in training and “could” be available for Wednesday – he will face a race against time to be declared fit for the game.
Therefore, in the face of a monumental occasion at Goodison Park, Mykolenko is not a risk worth taking for the Blues, considering his main priority will be to nullify Mohamed Salah’s threat.
The 25-year-old has wowed with his displays this term, particularly after his “brave” performance against Arsenal, but the experienced Young is more than capable of dealing with the Liverpool attack on Wednesday evening.
Everton must beat Liverpool at Goodison Park
Moyes has been gifted the perfect opportunity to give Goodison Park the farewell the famous stadium deserves and hand a brutal blow to their rival’s Premier League title aspirations.
The stage is set – Liverpool know what to expect at Goodison Park in front of a full-capacity crowd who will be out for blood.
Moyes could also make a crucial change in the attacking end of the pitch, including the decision with Young and Mykolenko.
Although Abdoulaye Doucoure has found a home in the number 10 role, deadline-day signing Carlos Alcaraz should be given the nod after his bright cameo against Bournemouth.
Everton cannot allow the Reds to have final say in the Merseyside Goodison farewell and must do what so many sides have failed to do this season – do Premier League title chasers Arsenal a monumental favour.