Ashley Young, Everton badge
Ashley Young, Everton defender. Credit: Imago
Declan Carr
Fri 6 December 2024 12:10, UK
Everton manager Sean Dyche should drop Ashley Young for the clash with Liverpool on Saturday.
The 39-year-old was brilliant in the 4-0 victory over Wolves at Goodison Park on Wednesday (4 December) as the Blues picked up a crucial three points.
However, the former Manchester United man should be axed for the Merseyside derby as he has struggled to deal with the pace of Luis Diaz in the past.
He was sent off at Anfield last season (21 October 2023) for two bookable offences after 37 minutes and the Toffees cannot risk that happening again.
Jordan Pickford is set to continue in goal – the 30-year-old has kept five clean sheets in the Blues last eight matches.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
Against Wolves, he made ten recoveries, made two diving saves, swept three balls up and prevented a total of 0.38xG. [Fotmob]
Ashley Young dropped despite breaking Everton record?
Young broke the record for the club’s oldest-ever goalscorer with a stunning free-kick to open the scoring against Wolves. However, Nathan Patterson should come into the starting XI at right-back to cope with the pace and trickery of Diaz.
The veteran had a passing accuracy of 74 per cent, misplacing ten of his 39 attempts, had 12 passes into the final third and had a 100 per cent success rate for successful dribbles, completing the only one he attempted.
However, defensively, he won four of seven attempted tackles for a 57 per cent success rate, made one block, six clearances, four interceptions, two recoveries and won eight of the 13 ground duels he attempted, for a 62 per cent success rate.
Everton predicted XI v Liverpool
Everton predicted XI v Liverpool
Jarrad Branthwaite returned to the usual standard after his nightmare game against Manchester United. He had a 90 per cent passing accuracy, misplacing just four of his 40 attempts and won both tackles he made, recorded four interceptions and eight recoveries.
James Tarkowski was equally as impressive and should partner him against the Reds, the former Burnley man had an 87 per cent pass accuracy, completing 26 of 30 attempts and made eight clearances and four recoveries. He also won all four ground duels he attempted.
Vitaliy Mykolenko should get the nod at left-back – he was solid after a poor performance against the Red Devils, making five clearances, one interception and three recoveries. He also won both ground duels and the only aerial duel he attempted.
Orel Mangala was given a start against Wolves and he made the most of it proving that he should start against Arne Slot’s side. He scored the Toffees’ second goal, recorded a 97 per cent passing accuracy, misplacing just one of his 29 passes and created one chance.
Defensively, he made four recoveries, one block, one interception, two clearances and won three of the seven overall duels he attempted.
Idrissa Gueye should partner the Belgian at the heart of the engine room, meanwhile, as he recorded a 96 per cent pass accuracy, misplacing just two passes and made seven passes into the final third.
He also made one interception, four recoveries and won four of the 11 overall duels he attempted.
Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye may well continue on the wings after their displays on Wednesday (4 December).
The Englishman created two chances, made four passes into the final third and had three assists ruled out, one in a controversial VAR decision, the others due to Craig Dawson turning his delivery into his own net.
The Senegal attacker had a 100 per cent pass accuracy, completing all of his 16 passes, had one touch in the opposition box and made two passes into the final third.
Will Abdoulaye Doucoure be dropped due to poor Everton form?
Abdoulaye Doucoure can have no complaints if he’s dropped after another poor game, but he will likely keep his place due to a lack of legitimate options behind the striker. He completed just 75 per cent of his passes against Wolves, created one chance, had zero touches in the opposition box and two passes into the final third.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be partnered by Beto up-front, meanwhile, as the Blues seek to exploit the Reds makeshift back-line with their high and physicality.
The 27-year-old former Sheffield United man was a nuisance on Wednesday evening and was unfortunate to not end his goal drought.
He created a total of 0.31xG, had two touches in the opposition box and three passes into the final third and was fouled twice in an encouraging display for the out of form forward.
In other Everton news, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil could be sacked after what Gary Lineker spotted after the Everton game.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts