Michael Keane axed in two David Moyes changes – Everton predicted XI vs Newcastle
Everton will be hoping for success on the road when they face Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Despite losing their last two games at Hill Dickinson Stadium to Bournemouth and Manchester United, the Toffees have thrived while on their travels.
Everton secured a fantastic 2-1 away victory over Fulham at the start of February, and there is real hope among fans that David Moyes can lead the side to qualifying for European football.
They take on a Newcastle side just two places and one point behind them in the table, and it’s clear that they can’t afford to lose at St James’ Park.
As a result, Moyes could drop Michael Keane as he looks to rotate his backline.
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Michael Keane dropped as David Moyes reshuffles his defence
The 32-year-old has been under intense scrutiny for his lapses in concentration over the years, but he has been a man rejuvenated under Moyes’ stewardship.
In the opposition box, Keane has been a massive threat from set-pieces, having scored three Premier League goals already in 2025-26.
According to Sofascore, he has won 62.9 per cent of his aerial duels in the Premier League this season, but his speed has let him down.
| Stat | Keane |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Pass accuracy | 85.6% |
| Aerial duels won | 62.9% |
| Ground duels won | 60.9% |
| Recoveries | 71 |
After failing to keep up with Bryan Mbeumo for Benjamin Sesko’s goal on Monday, he could be replaced by Vitalii Mykolenko.
As a result, Jarrad Branthwaite would return to left centre-back, where he’d play alongside James Tarkowski.
The other change to the team should see Jake O’Brien resume his role at right-back after serving his one-match suspension, with Tim Iroegbunam dropping to the bench.
This means James Garner should return to midfield, where he can continue to play his part in his impressive partnership with Idrissa Gueye.
The rest of the team should remain unchanged, but Moyes has a huge decision to make regarding Garner.
This is where Moyes should be playing James Garner
The 24-year-old has been fantastic in midfield for Everton this season, but he has recently been playing as a right-back to fill in for the suspended O’Brien.
The move is baffling, considering how impressive he has been at the heart of the team all season long.
And when you consider the fact that Nathan Patterson is fully fit and watching on from the bench, then there is no explanation for Moyes’ decision.
It’s clearly harming the team’s performances, and Garner needs to be back playing in his favoured position against Newcastle.
Otherwise, their ambitions of qualifying for European football could go up in smoke very quickly.
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