Moyes axes Beto in two changes – Everton predicted XI v Ipswich Town
Everton welcome Ipswich Town to Goodison Park on Saturday as David Moyes looks to get his side back on track.
The Toffees fell to a second consecutive defeat in a 1-0 loss against Chelsea last Saturday (26 April), losing to Manchester City prior to that.
However, taking on an already relegated Ipswich side at Goodison Park should offer Moyes’ men a good opportunity not to get stuck in a rut.
Although the Blues are preparing for opponents who should be easier to face, the boss may make changes to his side after some poor performances at Stamford Bridge.
Moyes sticks with Nathan Patterson
Unsurprisingly, Jordan Pickford will be looking ahead to his 35th Premier League appearance of the season on Saturday.
Although the goalkeeper let one goal in, he made six saves to keep the scoreline low.
James Tarkowski was forced off through injury in the loss against Manchester City and the boss has since confirmed that his season is over.
Tarkowski has been excellent for the Toffees again this season and his injury is a blow. Michael Keane failed to impress when he came on against City and Nathan Patterson was the boss’ preference against Chelsea.
There is certainly work to be done, but he is likely to keep his position in the back line, alongside Jake O’Brien, Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko.
In the midfield, James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye are also likely to keep their positions in the side.
Beto out after Chelsea disappointment
Moyes has been reluctant to use Carlos Alcaraz and Iliman Ndiaye alongside one another, typically opting for one or the other.
However, that could change against Ipswich with Ndiaye keeping his place in the starting line-up while Alcaraz replaces Abdoulaye Doucoure, who offered little against Chelsea.
The 32-year-old had the fewest touches on the pitch and lost the most duels on the afternoon [FotMob], suggesting Moyes may be prompted for a refresh.
| Doucoure v Chelsea | |
| Shots on target | 0 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Touches | 36 |
| Touches in opposition box | 3 |
| Duels won | 3 |
| Duels lost | 11 |
Everton were forced to cope without the services of Armando Broja against Chelsea as he was ineligible to play against his parent club.
Beto came back into the side but, despite his improved form under Moyes, was incredibly poor at Stamford Bridge, making an error which led to Chelsea’s goal.
It was not just one mistake for the striker. He had just one shot in the game and also lost the majority of his duels.
This gives the manager an easy call to make, bringing Broja into the side, who needs to get an Everton goal under his belt.