David Moyes has lost the plot after Dwight McNeil decision for Everton vs Liverpool
David Moyes has named his starting line-up for Everton‘s clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
The Blues are looking to go just two points behind their arch rivals in the first Merseyside Derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
They could increase the pressure on Reds boss Arne Slot massively if they can secure three points on 19 April.
However, the Scotsman’s decision to start Dwight McNeil suggests that he has lost the plot, as he was dismal against Brentford last time out.
Everton could make a statement with victory, but the 26-year-old’s inclusion makes that less likely, considering he has not scored this season.
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How Everton line-up vs Liverpool
Everton are looking to continue their momentum against the Anfield strugglers, and Moyes has made no changes to the side that drew 0-0 with the Bees.
Jordan Pickford remains between the sticks, with Jake O’Brien and Vitalii Mykolenko at full-back, and the centre-backs are the same, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Idrissa Gueye and James Garner line up at the base of midfield, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall further forward in the number 10 role.
McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye are on the flanks with Beto leading the line.
Why is McNeil’s inclusion so erroneous?
McNeil was dismal against Brentford, completing just 75 per cent of his passes and making no chances for his teammates, per Fotmob.
He has just one touch in the opposition box, and made five passes into the final third, but attempted four crosses, none of which were successful.
The winger had more impact defensively, one block, one interception and five recoveries, but the absence of attacking returns must be a concern.
| McNeil’s stats vs Brentford | |
| Pass accuracy | 75% |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Touches in opposition box | 1 |
| Crosses attempted(successful) | 4(0) |
| Recoveries | 5 |
| Ground duels won | 0/2(0%) |
| Aerial duels won | 1/1(100%) |
He did win the only aerial duel that he contested, but won none of the two ground duels that he attempted.
Tyrique George was brilliant when he came on, and he deserved to start the contest in the place of the former Burnley man.
The Chelsea loanee had 12 touches, with four of those coming in the opposition box and completed 50 per cent of his two cross attempts and two shots, in a sparkling cameo on the road.
His pace and directness on the flanks could catch Andy Robertson out on the Toffees’ right flank, rather than the predictable nature of the older man.
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