Tim Iroegbunam will be expected to retain his spot in the Everton XI to face Crystal Palace.
Monday evening’s draw against Manchester City saw Iroegbunam flourish in the midfield alongside James Garner.
David Moyes handed the 22-year-old a rare start as a result of Idrissa Gana Gueye’s recent injury setback.
Let us know your prediction for Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace… 😬
Everton have not lost to Palace since 2022, but three points are now essential! 💪
As the Everton boss confirmed Gueye had not returned to training ahead of Sunday, Iroegbunam was all but handed another start for the trip to the capital.
David Moyes shares Idrissa Gana Gueye injury update from Everton
Gueye missed the game against Man City earlier this week and he will not be in the squad on Sunday.
“He’s not training yet, but he’s fine. It’s not a serious injury so we hope he’ll be back soon,” said the Scot.
What changes would you make to our prediction of Moyes’ XI on Sunday? 😬
It would not surprise us to see Merlin Rohl dropped despite Monday's display 🫣
Everton continue to discuss Gueye’s contract extension with his camp, but there is some hold-up on the player’s side of the talks.
Tim Iroegbunam expected to start for Everton vs Crystal Palace
Sky Sports named Iroegbunam Man of the Match for his excellent performance at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Man City.
It was a dominant display from the midfielder, who won 8/12 ground duels and completed 2/3 attempted dribbles.
“We’ve known their [Merlin Rohl & Iroegbunam] capabilities. Tim’s probably a bit more than Merlin, but Merlin’s also still trying to get used to the speed of the game in the Premier League as well,” said Moyes.
“But they both played really well in midweek, I have to say.”
Now it is up to Iroegbunam to secure a spot in the starting XI alongside Garner, in what could be his 15th start of the Premier League season
The 22-year-old featured prominently over the winter period when Gueye was away playing at AFCON, but he’s now being handed another shot at winning the spot in midfield.
Everton need a long-term replacement for Gueye, who is set to turn 37 later in the year, with his own future hanging in the balance.
Moyes will be looking at Iroegbunam in the hope he could be the man to take over on Merseyside.
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