An examination of the potential starting eleven modifications made by Sean Dyche for Everton’s Saturday trip to Leicester City
With just 12 outfield players available to choose from in the third round tie at Goodison Park, Everton manager Sean Dyche made eight changes for the Carabao Cup match against Southampton. However, it appears likely that the Blues boss would shuffle the pack once more for the Premier League matchup at Leicester City on Saturday.
While Jordan Pickford, the captain of England, is expected to be called up for the trip to King Power Stadium—the location of his crucial penalty save against James Maddison on Everton’s previous visit on May 1 of last year—Joao Virginia was given the opportunity to start in goal against the Saints. Roman Dixon, who made his senior home debut on Tuesday night, is another versatile right-back. After earning his Premier League debut at Tottenham Hotspur last month, the teenager may get another start, but there are a number of other choices.
Captain Seamus Coleman was deemed “touch and go” by Dyche for the match at Aston Villa after going off injured for the Republic of Ireland in their UEFA Nations League match against Lee Carsley’s England the previous weekend. Having missed the Blues’ two games this week, the captain may return to action in the East Midlands, where he defiantly raised his arm to salute the away fans when stretchered off in that aforementioned night of drama approximately 16 months ago.
Ashley Young started at right-back against his former club last weekend but the man who had Everton’s crucial spot-kick saved by Alex McCarthy last time out may well be required over at left-back if Vitalii Mykolenko doesn’t shake off the illness that saw him withdrawn in the first half at Villa Park. At centre-back, James Tarkowski, who hasn’t missed a Premier League game since signing for the club in the summer of 2022 after his contract at Burnley expired, is expected to come back in after being rested against Southampton with a glute problem he’s been nursing since pre-season so Michael Keane and Jake O’Brienpresumably battle it out for the other slot.
There is plenty to ponder in midfield with deadline day loan signing from Olympique Lyonnais Orel Mangala having made his first start against the Saints. The Belgian international occupied the usual Idrissa Gueye role with Dyche confirming that the Senegalase star missed the cup tie due to a personal issue with his father.
An additional summer addition It’s unclear if Tim Iroegbunam, who had started every game prior to Southampton, will make a comeback. James Garner, who also suffered from illness, and Abdoulaye Doucoure, who scored on Tuesday to celebrate his comeback to the starting lineup, are options as well. Harrison Armstrong, 17, didn’t appear out of place during his first start. Should Doucoure return further forward, Dwight McNeil, who started against Southampton at left-back, could return to his previous regular left-wing role where he and Iliman Ndiaye are both in the picture. Meanwhile, Jack Harrison could replace Jesper Lindstrom on the right flank after the Danish international turned down a few inviting opportunities.
Before getting hurt against the Saints, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had scored goals in both of his prior games. Even if Beto’s absence had been irritating, there were still jeers when the Portuguese striker left the game just after the hour mark, leaving Everton without a legitimate center-forward.
