Gueye dropped, two changes – Everton predicted XI v Nottingham Forest
David Moyes is expected to make two changes to his Everton starting line-up for the trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Blues bounced back from losing their nine-match unbeaten run in the Premier League against Liverpool (2 April) with a draw against Arsenal (5 April).
The Scotsman will be looking to build on that result against another top side that are fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jesper Lindstrom and Orel Mangala will miss the action at the City Ground but one Toffees ace could be back in contention to start.
Everton to make two changes for Nottingham Forest clash
Jordan Pickford is expected to retain his place between the sticks, with no reason for Moyes to replace the England ace.
The Scotsman is predicted to continue with a similar backline to the one that secured a point against Mikel Arteta’s side, with Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite providing a formidable barrier to the Three Lions star’s net.
There could be one change to the back four with Vitaliy Mykolenko potentially replacing Nathan Patterson after missing the clash with the Gunners through injury.
Idrissa Gueye to be axed by Moyes
Midfield is another area where there could be a change, with James Garner expected to replace Gueye in the starting line-up after the latter’s disappointing display last weekend.
| Stats | Gueye v Arsenal |
| Pass accuracy | 78% |
| Tackles won | 1/3 (33%) |
| Ground duels won | 8/15 (53%) |
| Fouls committed | 3 |
Tim Iroegbunam is predicted to get the nod alongside the 24-year-old as Moyes tries to keep his engine room fresh and avoided any further injuries.
Jack Harrison and Iliman Ndiaye might keep their places on the wings despite Dwight McNeil returning to action in a three-minute cameo from the bench against the Gunners.
Moyes will be keen to ease his star man back into action after missing a significant period of the campaign with injury, so he may have to settle for a place on the bench again.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is predicted to get the nod in attacking midfield, with Carlos Alcaraz having to watch on from the bench.
Beto is expected to lead the line despite his great form cooling off – the Guinea-Bissau forward had scored five goals in five matches but has now failed the hit the net in his last five games.
The Blues need him to be back to his best if they are to have any chance of taking three points against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.