David Moyes will be forced to make a series of Everton changes as EIGHT players could miss the Chelsea game on Saturday
David Moyes to be forced into two Everton changes as eight players could miss Chelsea game
David Moyes will have to make a number of changes to his team on Saturday
Just when it felt like Everton were approaching a settled side under David Moyes, changes are afoot.
The 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend for the Blues was disappointing in numerous ways. Most significantly, the match showed just how important some members of the XI are to the Everton cause.
James Tarkowski went off injured in the second half and was replaced by Michael Keane. From that point on, the Blues always looked capable of conceding, having previously done well to keep their opponents’ chances to a minimum.
Tarkowski left the field with a hamstring injury and that means his run of 111 consecutive Premier League starts is likely to end against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Moyes will then have to decide between keeping faith with Keane or moving Jake O’Brien infield from full-back.
If he does the latter then the options to play on the right of defence are Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young.
Idrissa Gana Gueye was also taken off against City, although Moyes eased any fears over his fitness after the game by confirming he had cramp.
One other definite change will come at the point of the attack. Armando Broja started the game on Saturday, although he will not be able to feature against Chelsea given they are his parent club.
That could open the door to Beto to lead the line again, while Youssef Chermiti will surely be good enough for a spot on the bench this week after not making the matchday squad last weekend.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Orel Mangala will also miss the game due to their long-term injury problems, while Jesper Lindstrom is out too after his recent surgery.
Chelsea will definitely be without Marc Guiu, Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana due to injuries, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended for the alleged consumption of a banned substance.