Everton are back in Premier League action this weekend, as they travel to Brighton and Hove Albion seeking to repeat their Amex Stadium miracle from last season.
It will be a clash of two polarising styles, as the hosts will likely grasp the impetus and force the issue whilst the Toffees will hope to hold on and break with pace.
Robert De Zerbi certainly felt the full force of that last season, as they were hammered 5-1 by Sean Dyche’s outfit; a result that was vital in their eventual survival.
However, things will likely not be so easy on Saturday, and the 52-year-old has a tough task on his hands selecting the right team to achieve success…
Here’s our predicted XI for Everton vs Brighton and Hove Albion…
Dyche is expected to make just two changes from the side that whimpered to a draw with Crystal Palace earlier in the week.
Jordan Pickford will not be one of those alterations, unsurprisingly, as he remains ever-present in between the sticks.
Naturally, he will sit behind a back four also unchanged, with Everton having looked increasingly solid since Ben Godfrey returned to the side.
His solidity and athleticism at full-back perfectly complement the side and make the jobs of Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Vitaliy Mykolenko much easier.
However, moving into the engine room, and some upheaval is needed.
On Monday, James Garner seemed terrified to claim possession and influence the game, often leaving the centre-backs with no other option but to punt it forward.
The difference that Amadou Onana made when he came on was revolutionary, and all because he was willing to accept the ball and attempt to drive the team forward.
Dyche would be expected to make this swap by ditching the 22-year-old, whilst leaving Idrissa Gana Gueye in to maintain his unrelenting energy.
Abdoulaye Doucoure simply must start again, and whilst he seemed rusty last time out, that can be excused.
You need only to look back to this fixture last season, where his double proved crucial in the win, to emphasise the necessity for his presence.
After a tough night as well, Ashley Young must surely drop out for Jack Harrison too, who will be joined by Dwight McNeil on the other flank. The £90k-a-week loanee was another who impacted the game off the bench on Monday.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again failed to score against the Eagles but actually played very well with his link-up play and work ethic.
The goals will come, but as long as he keeps benefitting the entire team his presence should be safe.
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