Iliman Ndiaye playing for Everton, with David Moyes alongside him and Hill Dickinson Stadium in the background

Iliman Ndiaye and David MoyesBreaking Media

Everton predicted XI vs Preston: Moyes benches Ndiaye, fringe player gets chance to shine

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Published on:

24 Aug 2026, 5:10 pm

Everton made a fantastic start to the new Premier League campaign on Saturday.

The Toffees scored either side of half-time to secure a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium to get their top-flight campaign off to a flier.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry were the players on target for Everton, as David Moyes was left a very happy man.

Now, though, the focus switches to Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie with Preston at Deepdale.

The fixture against Moyes' former employers gives the Scot a chance to ring the changes and get some minutes in the legs of his players.

Indeed, Goodison News is predicting as many as six changes as Everton attempt to start a cup run.

Moyes to rest Pickford in Everton defensive shake-up

Everton fans are desperate to see their team really compete in the cup competitions.

But this fixture will likely see Moyes dish out some minutes to players who did not start against Palace.

That could include Jordan Pickford - a one-time Preston loanee - dropping out, with deputy Mark Travers taking the gloves for this one.

With right-back still proving a huge issue, Merlin Rohl might get the nod again so he can keep familiarising himself with the position, while Vitaliy Mykolenko may retain his spot at left-back.

But, in the centre of defence, Moyes might be reticent to risk his starters James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, which could provide an opportunity for Jake O'Brien and Michael Keane to start.

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Moyes might not want to risk Ndiaye in Everton clash vs Preston

Moving into midfield, youngster Harrison Armstrong was very impressive against the Eagles and could get another start against the team he played for on loan last term.

Hayden Hackney also enjoyed a very good debut, but with James Garner in need of minutes after coming off the bench against Palace, it makes sense that the England midfielder should continue his return from injury.

Further forward, Iliman Ndiaye was influential in the victory over Palace but there is not great need to risk him here, so fringe man Tyler Dibling might get the chance to shine.

Tyrique George will want to keep showing his worth to the team, and Moyes could grant him another start on the left wing.

Both goalscorers might be rested here, though, with Dewsbury-Hall stepping out for Charly Alcaraz and Beto getting the shirt up front in place of Barry.

Crystal Palace Football Club