Everton manager David Moyes must decide whether to start Seamus Coleman or Nathan Patterson at right-back on Monday night.
Jake O’Brien will be suspended for the game against Manchester United, but Moyes‘ history has already proven this season that starting Coleman could be a mistake.
The Toffees are not exactly blessed with quality at right-back, with O’Brien typically playing out of position at full-back.
Moyes has admitted Everton want a new right-back and have been searching for a new signing since he returned to the club last year.
For many, Patterson would seem like the obvious choice to start at right-back, but Moyes has already shown against Man United that he’s willing to start Coleman.
What should be next for Seamus Coleman after his current Everton contract? 🤔
Can he really still provide an impact on the pitch… 😬
Starting the 37-year-old over Patterson is a decision that would divide the fanbase, with Moyes’ team selections already coming under serious criticism.
David Moyes would divide Everton fans by starting Seamus Coleman vs Man United
Coleman spent the Fulham game alongside Moyes in the stands despite having been in the squad for the game prior.
“Seamus [Coleman] is fit and available. We also have other people who we can choose,” said Moyes during Friday’s press conference.
If you are David Moyes, who would be your starting right-back for the remainder of the season? 🤔
Everton need more in attack from their full-backs
To transition Coleman straight into the starting XI would speak volumes about how Patterson is viewed by the 62-year-old.
Everton did discuss selling Patterson in the winter window, but the decision was eventually made to keep him around.
| Metric | Seamus Coleman | Nathan Patterson |
| Appearances (Starts) | 5 (3) | 7 (3) |
| Minutes Played | 180 | 355′ |
| Goals / Assists | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
| Yellow / Red Cards | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
Coleman started the previous game against United at Old Trafford; he only lasted around 10 minutes before being withdrawn due to a hamstring injury.
The Irish legend has not played a minute of football since that win at the Theatre of Dreams back in November.
With players like Matheus Cunha seriously impressing under Michael Carrick, Moyes is going to need a right-back who has a big 90 minutes in the tank.
Cunha has netted six times this season, but completing 1.3 dribbles per game should worry Moyes when it comes to his right-back selection.
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Moyes still needs to prove himself to The Friedkin Group
Nearing March, Everton are not involved in a relegation battle marks significant improvement from the Blues.
Moyes has just one year remaining on his current contract with Everton heading into the summer.
Although Moyes is targeting European qualification with Everton this season, decisions like potentially starting Coleman could divide fans over his long-term future.
Although Coleman may hold a special place in the hearts of Everton fans, it is apparent that his best days are now behind him.
Patterson may not be Everton’s long-term solution at right-back, but a hungry Scot surely marks the better option as he aims to impress ahead of the World Cup.
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