David Moyes makes grave error with Michael Keane decision for Bournemouth clash
David Moyes has axed Michael Keane for Everton’s trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
Everton were hammered 4-1 by Newcastle on Saturday, as they failed to continue their momentum from the win over Manchester United.
Everton have a grim record against Bournemouth, failing to win in their nine visits to the Vitality Stadium, and Moyes will be looking to flip the script when the sides meet this time.
However, his team selection for the 2 December contest does not exactly inspire confidence that he will be able to do so.
Michael Keane not in squad for Everton vs Bournemouth
Everton are without the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Rohl, with Seamus Coleman also out, and Idrissa Gueye still suspended.
Moyes has made one change to the team that crumbled at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Eddie Howe’s side.
Carlos Alcaraz has come into the side, replacing Keane, with Jake O’Brien shifting to centre-back and James Garner at right-back.
However, his decision on Keane may prove to be a disaster, as he has been brilliant so far this season in the place of Branthwaite.
Why David Moyes’ decision could backfire for Everton
Moyes is looking to push his side into the top 10, and would do so for the moment with victory, with their rivals for the top-half playing tomorrow.
The call to axe the veteran defender is a major risk though, as he has been one of the Blues’ best performers so far.
The Toffees need consistency at the moment, and the ex-Burnley man has been one of the most consistent stars under Moyes.
If the Blues are to finally end their hoodoo on the South Coast, Moyes will hope that his gamble pays off, but it also has the potential to be a dismal error.
He already has significant absentees, that in an ideal world, would be available for selection, but the call to leave Keane out is a strange one, and Moyes could be left regretting it, when the final whistle is blown.
It may well prove to be injury-related, but if it is not, then is baffling.
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