Everton are looking to make it five games unbeaten on Saturday.
Last weekend’s relegation six-pointer victory against Ipswich Town extended their gap to the bottom three by five points and provided some much-needed breathing room.
A win against Fulham today could even send the Toffees level on points with their opponents, who are midtable in the Premier League.
With that, here is the latest team news and what Sean Dyche’s starting XI could look like for the game at Goodison Park.
Everton team news as two stars return for Fulham clash
While there are still plenty of faces out on the sideline, Everton will be at least be buoyed by the return of Jarrad Branthwaite and Jesper Lindstrom.
Branthwaite sat out of last week’s win in a bid to protect his return from injury while Lindstrom was absent due to illness.
On the other hand, Armando Broja, Youssef Chermiti, and Tim Iroegbunam are all still definite absentees and appear to be some weeks off before truly being in contention.
James Garner is another one who will miss out. Dyche confirmed in his press conference earlier this week that they are still waiting for more information on the midfielder’s injury, which appears to be a back problem, before naming a date he will return.
Everton predicted XI as Sean Dyche faces tough call
The return of Branthwaite is a huge boost for the Toffees, but as the old saying goes: ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
Jordan Pickford keeps his place, as does Ashley Young, James Tarkowksi, and Vitaliy Mykolenko in the defensive positions.
Sometimes that mantra has to go out of the window and if fit, Dyche can’t afford to not start Branthwaite. Despite his goalscoring heroics, it may have to be Michael Keane who is sacrificed – unless the Everton boss opts for three at the back.
The return of Lindstrom could also leave Jack Harrison fearing the worst but after a solid showing last time out, he deserves to keep his place.
In fact, all of the midfield, most notably the scorer of the second goal Iliman Ndiaye, should keep their place.
Last but not least, leading the line is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Predicted Everton XI to face Fulham: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Doucoure, Gueye, Harrison, McNeil; Ndiaye, Calvert-Lewin
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