Sean Dyche has plenty to ponder ahead of this weekend’s clash with West Ham United, after coming under fire for his decision-making against Southampton.
West Ham United are set to welcome Everton to the London Stadium in what will be a really interesting encounter, with both managers right under pressure.
Julen Lopetegui’s future is in big doubt after defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest, and there have been suggestions that a loss could result in his sacking.
Meanwhile, Sean Dyche isn’t quite under as much pressure it seems, but he does need to win his players back after shocking them with Jarrad Branthwaite’s snub last time out.
Interestingly, it seems as if Dyche may have an unexpected decision to make at the weekend if training images are anything to go by.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin appears to be missing from Everton training photos ahead of West Ham
Everton fans have given Dominic Calvert-Lewin some stick for his lack of influence on games of late, and it now appears as if he may have picked up a knock unless there’s some other explanation.
The striker has just two goals to his name this season, which isn’t an awful return, but it’s the sheer amount of chances he’s missing that’s worrying.
Everton posted 25 images of their latest training session ahead of West Ham, and one notable absentee appeared to be Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who didn’t feature in any of the images.
Considering he’s normally heavily featured in training photos, it does seem strange for him to seemingly be absent, as no one was aware of any injury he’s suffered.
He was substituted off around the 60th minute mark against Southampton, but that looked a tactical decision.
Beto to start against West Ham?
Beto has been pushing for a start over the last two games for the Toffees, coming off the bench to grab the equaliser and then he almost repeated the feat at Southampton, only for his goal to be ruled out.
The striker was emotional after his goal at Goodison Park after a tough period at Everton, which included a lack of minutes and countless weeks of Dyche wanting him to improve.
Even in his limited minutes this season he’s looked more hungry and sharp than Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but as we’ve seen at centre-back, Dyche doesn’t always make the right decisions.
It really would be a kick in the teeth for Beto if Calvert-Lewin to start against West Ham at the weekend, as it’ll offer no motivation for the African striker to work hard if he’s not going to be rewarded for it.
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