Everton could see the return of four key defensive players after the international break, presenting manager Sean Dyche with both opportunities and challenges. According to Liverpool World, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko, Nathan Patterson, and potentially Seamus Coleman are expected to be available for the match against Ipswich on October 19th.
This influx of defensive options comes at a crucial time for Everton. The team recently secured their first clean sheet of the season against Newcastle, and Dyche will be keen to build on this defensive success. However, integrating returning players while maintaining defensive stability will require careful consideration.
The upcoming fixture against Ipswich, who are currently winless, might seem like an ideal opportunity for Everton. However, the match is not without its complexities. Ipswich, sitting just below Everton in the table, have shown resilience at home, as evidenced by their recent draw against high-performing Aston Villa.
Dyche faces the task of balancing his newly available defensive resources effectively. The return of fullbacks Patterson and Mykolenko could potentially enhance Everton’s attacking capabilities from the back, while Branthwaite’s availability adds depth to the central defense.
The manager must weigh these options against the team’s recent defensive success, achieved without these players. Jordan Pickford’s strong performance, including a crucial penalty save against Newcastle, occurred with an alternative defensive lineup.
Ultimately, Dyche is under pressure to leverage this newfound defensive depth to secure a positive result at Portman Road. The return of these players raises expectations for both a solid defensive performance and an improved overall team showing, with the aim of claiming a vital three points away from home.