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So today I was trying to figure out Everton’s starting lineup against Arsenal. Right off the bat, you know it’s gonna be messy. Injuries all over the place, players needing rest, the usual chaos. Just like last season, feels like we’re cobbling things together with duct tape.
First thing I did? Saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin wasn’t training yesterday. Again. That nagging hamstring thing acting up. Thought, “Great, here we go.” Means Beto’s probably leading the line. Big fella’s still finding his feet, but he’s the only option left standing. Then heard Ashley Young got himself suspended after that red card last time out. Straight away thought, “Okay, Godfrey slots in at full-back, right?” Kinda makes sense, even if he’s been shaky. The dude’s got wheels, but defending? Question mark sometimes.
Digging Deeper
Next, I looked back at last game’s midfield. Felt like Amadou Onana looked dead on his feet after 70 minutes. Not surprised. Been run into the ground. Figured he needs a breather. Saw someone say Idrissa Gueye was back in training fully. Perfect timing. Slots straight in to do the dirty work. Makes sense, gotta have legs against Arsenal’s fancy footwork.
Also heard whispers about Jarrad Branthwaite having a slight knock after training. Typical. Our luck with banged-up defenders this season is unreal. Went down a rabbit hole:
- Checked forums for whispers – mostly panic.
- Scrolled through a few “ITK” accounts on socials – conflicting rubbish as usual.
- Looked at Dyche’s presser snippets – man gives nothing away. “We’ll assess” – classic.
No solid news on Branthwaite, so gotta assume he starts. If not, it’s Michael Keane. And nobody wants that, trust me. Been dodgy.
Where the Doubts Creep In
The wide spots really tripped me up. Dwight McNeil seems nailed on the left. On the right? That’s murky. Jack Harrison had a stinker last match. Completely anonymous. Then there’s Arnaut Danjuma. Flashes of talent, but Dyche doesn’t seem to fully trust him? Maybe Ashley Young’s suspension forces Patterson over to right-back, and opens a spot? But Seamus Coleman’s lurking too, if fit. Honestly spent way too much time waffling between three names for one spot. Harrison feels like the “safe” Dyche pick, even if he’s been poor.
Abdoulaye Doucouré is the other headache. Been our main goal threat from midfield lately, but he looked off the pace last week. Like he was carrying something. If he’s not 100%, do we risk him? Or bring in someone like James Garner further forward? Garner works hard, but that final spark? Not his strength. I reckon Dyche pushes Doucouré through the pain barrier. We need his runs.
Finally… My Best Guess
After all that noise, here’s where I landed:
- Up front: Beto (Calvert-Lewin injured)
- Wide: McNeil left, Harrison right (because Dyche)
- Gana in for Onana
- Doucouré attacking (hoping he’s fit)
- Garner holding (just seems likely)
Midfield
- Defence: Branthwaite starts (please!), Tarkowski solid, Godfrey at left-back (Young suspended), Patterson right-back.
- Keeper: Pickford (no brainer)
So yeah, Beto leading the line, shaky defence reshuffle, Gueye back in the engine room. Feels patched up but kinda makes sense with the pieces we have left on the board. Gotta hope Dyche can get them organized.