AliousEverton manager Sean Dyche faces significant lineup challenges as his team prepares to face Leicester City in search of their first Premier League points after four consecutive losses. Following a heavily rotated squad in their Carabao Cup defeat to Southampton, Dyche must navigate numerous injury and illness concerns while crafting a competitive starting eleven.
Jordan Pickford is expected to return in goal, bringing his penalty-saving prowess back to the King Power Stadium. The defense remains uncertain, with Vitalii Mykolenko recovering from illness and Seamus Coleman’s injury worse than initially thought. While Ashley Young might be favored at right-back, the author suggests giving young Roman Dixon a chance. James Tarkowski’s availability is questionable, and Michael Keane awaits scan results.
In midfield, Idrissa Gueye’s absence due to personal issues opens up possibilities for repositioning players. Abdoulaye Doucoure could drop deeper, allowing Dwight McNeil to move into an attacking midfield role. Dominic Calvert-Lewin appears to be regaining fitness up front.
The author proposes starting Jake O’Brien in central defense, citing him as potentially the only fully fit center-back available. They advocate for cautious management of Tarkowski’s playing time, considering upcoming fixtures. In midfield, a combination of Orel Mangala and Doucoure is suggested, with Iliman Ndiaye playing a more advanced central role to support Calvert-Lewin and provide an attacking threat.
The proposed lineup aims to balance attacking potential with the team’s current limitations, suggesting that Everton focus on exploiting Leicester’s weaknesses rather than adopting an overly defensive approach despite their injury concerns. The author’s recommended formation is a 4-5-1: Pickford; Mykolenko, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Dixon; McNeil, Doucoure, Mangala, Lindstrom; Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.
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