Everton’s return to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Brentford is going to offer some interesting selection decisions.
David Moyes will be selecting his first starting XI of the year on Sunday and he will be doing so with a depleted squad.
In Tuesday’s win over Nottingham Forest, Everton showed great character to take the points and keep a clean sheet despite further injury blows.
Michael Keane and Charly Alcaraz were both injured for Everton as Moyes had to get creative with his side.
More injury news has emerged from Finch Farm ahead of the game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
Here is how Everton News is expecting Moyes to field his Everton side for the clash against Keith Andrews’ Brentford.
Everton set to start Jack Grealish against Brentford
Jack Grealish missed Everton’s draw against Burnley shortly after Christmas after suffering from a virus.
On Tuesday evening, the 30-year-old returned to the bench and even came on during the second 45 minutes.
Are you making any changes from the side that beat Forest on Tuesday? 😬
Jack Grealish surely comes back into the XI! 💥
Speaking to the media, Moyes revealed Grealish was doing much better as he has finally got over his illness.
“He’s much better. He looks much better, looks a lot fresher in the face and sharper. He had a really bad illness,” said Moyes on Friday.
With that being said, it will be expected that the winger will return to the starting XI, which could see Dwight McNeil take the number 10 role.
Moyes has been pleased with Tyler Dibling and the youngster will only improve with regular game time in the starting XI.
Michael Keane must not be rushed back from injury
During his press conference, Moyes admitted Michael Keane could return for Everton having missed the trip to the City Ground.
On the back of a solid clean sheet against Sean Dyche’s side, there is absolutely no reason for Keane to be rushed back into the mix.
Has this just become Everton’s best central defensive pairing? 👏
Dominant throughout the game against Forest
Jake O’Brien and James Tarkowski’s partnership was hailed by Danny Murphy following the game against Forest.
Given the injury issues already being suffered, Moyes surely realises that he does not need to force Keane back into the action.
Everton set for Harrison Armstrong decision after recall
Everton have now recalled Harrison Armstrong from his loan stint at Deepdale with Preston North End.
Armstrong is available to play in Everton vs Brentford on Sunday at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
What is the best next step for Harrison Armstrong after his recall? 🤩
The 18-year-old midfielder has trained with Everton ahead of the game and Moyes discussed the youngster ahead of the game.
Despite having only just landed back on Merseyside, Moyes wants Armstrong to return to Preston by the end of the month.
Clearly, Armstrong is not set to make the starting XI on Sunday, with some top-quality performers ahead of him.
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