Everton defender Michael Keane and manager David Moyes in a circular inset

Michael Keane and David MoyesImago

Everton predicted XI vs Bournemouth: Michael Keane benched, David Moyes rejigs forward line

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Published on:

27 Aug 2026, 4:10 pm

David Moyes opted to name a strong line-up as Everton routed Preston in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The Scot gave a prickly response to a question asked about Everton's priority in the cup competitions this season in a pre-match news conference.

But he kept the bulk of the line-up that defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 in last week's Premier League opener for the second-round clash against his former employers.

And it was a decision that paid dividends, as Thierno Barry's hat-trick and a first Everton goal for Brennan Johnson earned a 4-0 victory and passage into round four.

Now it is back to the nitty-gritty of the top flight, and Everton travel to the south coast to face Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Here, Goodison News has predicted Everton to make two changes for the clash against Marco Rose's side.

David Moyes to bench Michael Keane in easy Everton decision

There might have been a temptation for Moyes to rest Jordan Pickford for the Preston win, but the England goalkeeper got the nod over Mark Travers.

There will be no such tempatation here, while Everton's failure to sign a right-back means Merlin Rohl will retain that spot, with Vitalaiy Mykolenko keeping his spot at left-back.

Jarrad Branthwaite was rested for the midweekd clash, though, as Everton manage his minutes following a serious hamstring injury last season.

It feels likely he will come back in at the expense of Michael Keane, and partner James Tarkowski at the heart of defence.

Why Carlos Alcaraz's full-time gesture in Preston vs Everton could signal exit

David Moyes faces tough midfield dilemma

Like Branthwaite, Hayden Hackney was missing for the Preston game after impressing on his competitive debut against Palace.

With James Garner back in the fold, and Harrison Armstrong performing well against Palace and Preston, Moyes might opt to just stick that duo even if Hackney is back available.

Further forward, Tyler Dibling was given an outing against Preston, but it feels like Moyes might go back to having Iliman Ndiaye on the right and Tyrique George on the left for this one.

Up top, Barry has scored four goals in the two competitive fixtures Everton have played so far, so it feels unlikely Beto will replace him as the solitary striker.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has started the campaign strong and will continue providing support in advanced attacking midfield role.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall