David Moyes hands out rare start as drastic change forced – Everton predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
David Moyes is facing a huge dilemma as Everton prepare to take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Everton are looking to build on their 1-0 win over Bournemouth when they take on Sean Dyche’s side on 6 December.
However, Moyes has several issues when it comes to injuries and suspensions, with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Tim Ireogbunam and Idrissa Gueye all set to miss out for Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
How he handles those absences could be the difference between the Blues taking all three points or coming away with nothing.
Why Nathan Patterson could be handed rare start for Everton vs Nottingham Forest
Michael Keane was absent for Everton’s win against the Cherries, and combined with the other injuries and bans, it means that Moyes will have to consider a drastic change.
He has usually shifted James Garner into right-back when needed, but with Iroegbunam and Gueye both suspended, he probably cannot afford to lose the former Forest man from his engine room.
Instead, he is expected to give a rare start to Nathan Patterson, who is yet to feature in the Premier League this season, as Seamus Coleman is also out of action.
The Scotsman is predicted to line up in defence with James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien and Vitalii Mykolenko, with Jordan Pickford between the sticks.
Garner is expected to partner Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who may feature in a deeper role as he did against Andoni Iraola’s side.
Carlos Alcaraz might be placed in the number 10 position again, despite a generally underwhelming performance on the south coast, as Moyes does not have many options available.
The partnership of the flanks is predicted to stay the same, with Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish proving to be the most dangerous options in the Blues’ squad.
Meanwhile, Thierno Barry may complete the line-up as the manager seems to have placed his faith in the young striker over the experienced Beto.
- Read More: Everything Sean Dyche said ahead of Everton reunion with Nottingham Forest – ‘Really messy’
What other options does Moyes have?
Moyes could decide to utilise a winger in the right-back position, with Tyler Dilbing and Dwight McNeil being contenders to take that spot.
However, as Patterson is a natural defender, surely that makes more sense than throwing a winger into an unfamiliar spot.
Forest have looked dangerous under Dyche’s leadership, winning four of their last six matches, so it will be a tough test for the Toffees, and they need Patterson to step up.
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