David Moyes recalls player he’s not entirely sold on – Everton predicted XI vs Chelsea
David Moyes’ injury issues at Everton seem to be easing ahead of the trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
Everton are expected to be without Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman and Merlin Rohl for the Stamford Bridge clash on 13 December.
Everton have a miserable record against Chelsea, and Moyes will hope to improve on that and maintain his side’s good recent form.
The Blues have won four of their last five games, and look like genuine contenders for the European qualification spots.
Why Tim Ireogbunam could return for Everton vs Chelsea
Tim Ireogbunam was suspended for Everton’s win over Nottingham Forest, but he could be set to return to the starting XI against Enzo Maresca’s side.
That would allow Moyes to use Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the number 10 role, and would see Carlos Alcaraz dropping back to the bench.
Moyes is not entirely sold on Iroegbunam, as he criticised his inconsistency ahead of the clash with Forest, saying: “He’s been a bit up and down in the team but he’s someone we really like. We think there’s a player in there.”
However, having Dewsbury-Hall in a more advanced role should benefit his side, so he will be forced to utilise the former Aston Villa man, despite his doubts.
That is expected to be the only change, with Jordan Pickford keeping his place between the sticks, behind a backline of Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Vitalii Mykolenko.
James Garner is predicted to partner Ireogbunam at the base of midfield, with Dewsbury-Hall in front of them.
Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish are expected to keep their places on the flanks, with the Thierno Barry experiment continuing after he notched his first goal against Sean Dyche’s side.
Why Iroegbunam can be a key asset for Everton
Iroegbunam, while inconsistent, has proven his ability on numerous occasions for the Toffees this season.
He was sensational in the scrappy away victory at Bournemouth, recording an 86 per cent pass accuracy, and winning 10 defensive duels, which was the most of any player in the contest.
He was also brilliant in the 2-0 win over Fulham in November, notching an assist and putting in another assured defensive display.
He now needs to prove to Moyes that he can become a reliable option in the centre of the pitch, and assert himself as a key asset.
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