Everton are back in Premier League action tonight at last, but face a tough task as they travel to face a Fulham side that has troubled them twice already this season.
Having snatched a 1-0 win on the opening day of the season, despite the statistics reflecting home dominance, the hope was that the Toffees might be out for revenge last month in the EFL Cup.
However, neither the fans nor the players really seemed up for it, and despite a late Beto equaliser, the Cottagers would win again, this time on penalties.
They will be hoping to make it a third triumph in just one campaign tonight, and face Sean Dyche’s side at arguably the perfect time given their injury crisis.
However, to give themselves the best possible chance of claiming any kind of result, there is one crucial thing that the 52-year-old manager must do.
Who should Everton start up front vs Fulham?
The big issue for Everton of late has been finding the net: a problem that has persisted for years now.
It was thought that the return to fitness for Dominic Calvert-Lewin would solve these issues, but if anything the profligate marksman has only deepened the issue.
That being said, his link-up play and general work rate remain largely faultless, which makes him such a tough man to drop.
Especially if it is for the aforementioned Beto, who does not boast nearly as much technical prowess as the Englishman.
Awkward, uncomfortable and even ‘clumsy’ in the eyes of journalist Adam Jones, if any of these two strikers have to drop out from the Luton Town game, it is surely the 25-year-old.
Ditching him should also coincide with Nathan Patterson’s return to the bench too, with Dyche likely to favour Ashley Young if he does decide to risk the former Aston Villa man.
How did Sean Dyche’s 4-4-2 formation work vs Luton Town?
Having started them both up top last time out, trialling a 4-4-2 again in the FA Cup, it swiftly became clear it was a system that the players were not used to.
Barring a few flashes of interplay which threatened to carve open their opponents, the formation left them woefully out of sorts in key areas, surrendering the midfield and forcing a style of play which left the players far too lackadaisical in possession.
The presence of two hulking forwards clearly led the backline and midfielders to pump it long whenever possible, and given both strikers share a similar play style, they often got in each other’s way or misread the situation.
As such, it marked a disjointed and awkward showing which left Dyche’s players confused. They simply must revert to their usual solid style for tonight’s Premier League clash, or if necessary at least the five-at-the-back.
Beto must mark the unfortunate casualty due to his inability to control the ball and bring others into play like Calvert-Lewin can, as they cannot allow the engine room to be offered up to their hosts tonight.
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