Everton may select Brentford as their wildcard opponent following an update on three players’ injuries.
When the Blues return to action on Saturday against Brentford, boss Sean Dyche will have to make some important choices.
With Wednesday night’s victory over Liverpool, Everton moved into the Premier League title picture, only a hair’s breadth from safety.
The legendary 2-0 victory was sealed by goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, ending the Toffees’ 14-year home-field winless streak against the Reds.
Sean Dyche’s team’s next match is at Goodison Park against Brentford, whom a victory this weekend would put Everton ahead of them in the standings. If the Blues have a successful Saturday, they may have mathematically guaranteed their place in the top division for the following campaign.
But there was a physical price to the victory against Liverpool: Vitalii Mykolenko will miss the match against the Bees.
Despite being injured in the first session, the Ukrainian international persevered until halftime. After the final whistle, he was eventually replaced by Ashley Young in the second half and was observed wearing a protective boot.
Dyche might start Young on Saturday based on that consideration. The dynamic Bryan Mbeumo, who has been playing brilliantly lately, will probably have to cope with whoever lines up on the left side of defense.
There won’t likely be any alterations made elsewhere in the back four on Wednesday because James Tarkowski and Branthwaite are so reliable. Ben Godfrey, who had a strong showing in the club’s derby victory, appears certain to stick at right back as well.
Although, physically permitting, it would be surprising to see too many changes, Dyche does have choices in midfield. While James Garner provided reliable middle support and Idrissa Gueye was excellent against Liverpool, Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil were mainly industrious but also showed moments of brilliance.
If there are any tired legs in the starting lineup, Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has played well in the past two games, will support the striker. Amadou Onana or Andre Gomes may also enter the game.
