Everton predicted XI vs Tottenham – Moyes loses faith in Keane as fringe players get nod
Everton head to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday for their final Premier League fixture of the season.
There is little at stake for the Toffees beyond finishing with some pride, after a poor recent spell ended their hopes of securing European football.
David Moyes’ team have failed to win any of their six matches since the international break, with the 3-1 defeat to Sunderland marking the latest setback in a disappointing run.
Before that pause, the Blues had worked their way into a strong position in the battle for continental qualification. However, their form has since fallen away, leaving Everton in 12th place going into the final round of matches.
As they prepare to face Tottenham on Sunday, the Toffees will be desperate to claim victory and bring the campaign to a positive close.
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David Moyes offers chances to fringe players as season comes to a close
It has been a dismal run of form for Everton, and while performances on the pitch have not been good enough, Moyes himself has to shoulder a lot of the blame.
Throughout this period, the Scotsman has remained reluctant to change, while the same ‘square pegs in round holes’ approach has been on show.
| Everton’s last six | Scoreline |
| Everton vs Sunderland | 1-3 |
| Crystal Palace vs Everton | 2-2 |
| Everton vs Manchester City | 3-3 |
| West Ham vs Everton | 2-1 |
| Everton vs Liverpool | 1-2 |
| Brentford vs Everton | 2-2 |
Jake O’Brien has continued to struggle at right-back in recent weeks, which is not necessarily his own fault, as he is simply not a full-back, at least when the solution is not just temporary.
Since replacing the injured Jarrad Branthwaite in the side, Michael Keane has continued to struggle alongside James Tarkowski, with the pair almost comical with their defending for Sunderland’s third.
With Tarkowski unlikely to drop out, Keane could drop to the bench, while Seamus Coleman replaces him for one final start, thus allowing O’Brien to fill in at centre-back.
Elsewhere, Moyes may opt to finally give Tyrique George a start after some lively cameos, which could be his final chance before a decision is made on his current loan deal.
Tim Iroegbunam was off it against Sunderland, after a string of positive performances.
Beto has hit form in recent weeks, but Moyes may want a closer look at Thierno Barry as focus already turns to next season.
Though given the fact that Everton have nothing to play for, youngster Harrison Armstrong could get a chance, rounding off the third and final change. This is after Armstrong has seemingly slipped out of Moyes’ plans in recent months.
Everton have one final chance to lift mood
Naturally, the way the term has ended is bitterly disappointing for Everton.
Despite Europe not being at the top of the priorities list at the start of the campaign, the way that the Toffees have completely fallen out of the race is incredibly underwhelming.
Ahead of next season, the fanbase needs convincing that the current direction is the correct one, and that Moyes is the man to continue building something.
Recent form has shown nothing with that in mind, leaving the Blues with one final chance to correct what has been a poor slip since returning from the international break.
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