Two changes, £17m player starts after impressing David Moyes… Predicted Everton XI to play Leicester

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Everton return their focus to Premier League action on Saturday with Leicester City making the trip to Goodison Park.

David Moyes told the media Everton weren’t close to any signings on Friday afternoon when he spoke from Finch Farm.

However, it seems as if the 60-year-old may have been holding a secret.

Just a matter of hours later, it was reported Everton agreed a deal to sign Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo on an initial loan deal.

With the final details to be resolved, Moyes has a number of selection headaches for the upcoming game on Saturday.

Everton go into the game knowing three points would take them nine clear of the Foxes, but a loss would really drag them back into the mix.

• READ MORE: How Everton’s striker search is looking as transfer deadline approach

Beto Everton’s only Dominic Calvert-Lewin replacement

The first of the injuries picked up last weekend came early on when Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered a hamstring issue.

Moyes now has just one fit senior striker at the club.

Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti have also recently picked up fresh injuries, which leaves Beto as Moyes’ only option.

Beto is expected to start against Leicester in what is going to be only his second Premier League start of the campaign.

• READ MORE: Eddie Howe shares the chances of Sean Longstaff leaving Newcastle United for Everton in PSR message

James Garner to be trusted as Orel Mangala’s successor

The second injury of note form the victory over Brighton was to Orel Mangala who is out for the season now.

Mangala has suffered knee ligament damage, which will require him to undergo surgery in France.

Fortunately, Everton do have some returning players in Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner who have just come back from their own long-term injuries.

Garner did return to training before Iroegbunam which will surely have him ahead of 21-year-old in Moyes’ thinking.

Whoever starts alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye will have a point to prove with Alcaraz seemingly Merseyside-bound.

Jake O’Brien continues to impress David Moyes

Sean Dyche broke his promise to Jake O’Brien of being the deputy for Jarrad Branthwaite, with no starts in the Premier League.

But the arrival fo Moyes has rejuvenated the Ireland international.

O’Brien has now started in the last two games – which Everton have won – and looks set to keep his spot at right-back.

Moyes has been really impressed by O’Brien with the 23-year-old making Dyche’s decision to outcast him look extremely silly.

Everton predicted XI vs Leicester: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Lindstrom, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto.