Sean Dyche has talked up one ‘incredibly unlucky’ Everton player ahead of the club’s Boxing Day clash with Manchester City.
Everton played out a 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, in the first game since the takeover by The Friedkin Group.
Everton produced another solid defensive performance against the Blues, and also had some good chances to win the game.
Robert Sanchez enjoyed a good showing between the sticks for Chelsea in the second-half though, and the visitors had the settle for a point in the end.
But it was a good result for Everton, who also drew 0-0 with Arsenal the weekend before.
Holding Chelsea and Arsenal will likely give the players great confidence going into the next game with Manchester City, but Everton will be without one of their most consistent stars this season in Ashley Young.
But Sean Dyche is backing his likely replacement Seamus Coleman to perform.
Dyche lauds Seamus Coleman with Everton captain set to face Man City
Seamus Coleman of Everton looks on during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Everton FC and Fulham FC at Goodison Park on Octobe...
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Young picked up an injury against Chelsea, but he would not have been able to face Manchester City anyway due to suspension.
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He picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Chelsea, so Dyche will make one enforced change against the reigning Premier League champions.
Dyche was asked at his press conference today about Coleman ahead of facing City, and the Everton manager made his feelings about the 36-year-old very clear.
He said: “He’s been very unlucky this season. He’s come in and certainly (he’s been) the fittest I’ve seen him since I’ve been here and he’s been incredibly unlucky with injuries.
“He came back pre-season super fit. He made it clear to me at the end of last season he’s going again this season, as in playing.
“Yes, he probably would have liked to play more this season. But with his depth of experience and his game knowledge, that’s certainly favourable to be putting a player in with the strength of professionalism he has.
“I’ve got no doubt in his ability to play and get back to true fitness.
“We value his input and we value him as a person, as well as a player.”
Dyche also suggested today that Everton will likely have a sensible January, but assured supporters there are no worries for the new owners over PSR.
A big test for Coleman
It is a blow for Everton not to have Young available for the game with City. Given his Manchester United links, he would surely have been bang up for facing Pep Guardiola’s side, especially in their current situation.
But Dyche will be forced into a change and Coleman will likely be the replacement for Young.
Nathan Patterson could start. But that would be surprising given his lack of minutes this season even when he’s been fit to play.
Seamus Coleman record vs Man City
Appearances – 24
Wins – 6
Draws – 3
Losses – 15
Goals – 0
Assists – 4
Yellow/red cards – 4/0
This would be a tough test for veteran Coleman given how little football he’s played this season thanks to injury.
City are likely to use either Jack Grealish or Jeremy Doku on the left side where Coleman would be. Perhaps Coleman would prefer to face Grealish over the unpredictable and much quicker Belgian.
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