Sean Dyche could be about to hand one Everton player his first start of 2024 against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Evertonians are fully aware of the importance of the Goodison Park clash this weekend. Forest – who have also been docked points this season – sits one point behind the Toffees, having played one more game.
A win for the Toffees would be simply massive.
Bottom of the Premier League – current standings 2023/24
After the 6-0 defeat to Chelsea on Monday evening, there’s now genuine concern that Everton could be sucked into a nervy end to the season.
The games against Forest and Luton Town are must-no-lose. Ahead of the fixture against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, Dyche has several selection dilemmas to consider.
Michael Keane could make first Everton start of 2024
£30million signing Michael Keane has been firmly on the periphery since the turn of the year. The 31-year-old’s last start came against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the back end of 2023.
However, Keane could now be gifted a start due to an injury to one of Everton’s star players.
Jarrad Branthwaite was forced off at Stamford Bridge. After the game, Dyche shared an update on the defender’s fitness. Speaking immediately after the game, the 52-year-old said: “Jarrad, we hope, is minor, but we have to wait and see. Shay (Coleman) has pulled his groin, we don’t know yet and Patto’s looks a bit more serious. A hamstring injury, we are going to have to wait and see – let it settle tomorrow.”
Branthwaite has been Everton’s key man this season and cannot be risked if he’s not 100 per cent. Therefore, Keane could well be primed to make a return to the side.
Can Everton deal with Jarrad Branthwaite blow?
Keane will likely be the man Dyche turns to. The former Burnley defender replaced Branthwaite in West London and could be required to rekindle his partnership alongside James Tarkowski.
Of course, Branthwaite’s potential absence will impact Everton’s chances of survival. However, it doesn’t detract from the fact that the rest of Dyche’s squad needs to step up.
In midfield, Amadou Onana and James Garner were pitiful on Monday evening. The same can be said for Beto up front, who once again missed some guilt-edge chances.
This was all against a Chelsea side who have been largely disappointing themselves this season. It’s time for this group of players to take a long, hard look in the mirror.