Everton will be looking to keep their unbeaten run in the Premier League going this weekend with a game against the struggling Southampton.
The Toffees may feel as if they got away with one on the weekend after sealing a late point against Fulham at Goodison Park.
Sean Dyche’s decision to bring on Beto from the bench provided a real decisive moment for Everton with the striker finding the back of the net in stoppage time.
Some within Everton feel Beto still has a lot to give for the club despite his struggles in securing a spot in the starting XI.
However, Everton are dealing with some injury issues still ahead of the game against a Southampton side who sit rock bottom of the table on just one point.
But there will be a hope of seeing some players return from the injury table this weekend with Michael Ball already hoping to see one specific player in action.
Everton urged to start Jarrad Branthwaite against Southampton
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, former Everton defender Michael Ball has urged Dyche to bring Jarrad Branthwaite back into the starting XI.
“I would have started Branthwaite at Fulham. I certainly would at Southampton,” he said.
“Branthwaite would not solve all the problems – the midfield needs to be looked at whatever happens behind it. But his pace and athleticism allows Everton’s defence to push further up the pitch. Knowing he can get back and recover allows the team to advance higher and potentially close some of those gaps.
“Branthwaite’s return would also have a psychological impact. For his teammates, it would offer a boost to know that such a key player is back. For the opposition it would hurt them to know Everton have one of the best young defenders in the game to strengthen their backline.”
The central defender did feature from the bench on the weekend as he came on for Dwight McNeil in what was very much a cameo display.
Despite only signing for Everton in a deal worth £1m, according to the Daily Mail, it has become apparent just how important the 22-year-old has become on Merseyside.
Jarrad Branthwaite injury update at Everton
Although Branthwaite was available last weekend against Fulham, the Englishman clearly was not ready to make an instant return to the starting XI.
However, in Thursday’s press conference at Finch Farm, Dyche did not bring up the 22-year-old when discussing the injury latest.
Which would suggest Branthwaite is ready for selection on the weekend against against the Saints with Michael Keane having held down the fort with James Tarkowski.
Despite Everton having the lowest possession in the Premier League, the Toffees have remained fairly rigid at the back of late.
So the Everton manager is left with an intriguing decision to make ahead of the weekend.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
