Armando Broja could start to put pressure on Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Sean Dyche looks for a solution to Everton's issues in front of goal
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Armando Broja during an Everton training session at Finch Farm on December 12, 2024
Armando Broja during an Everton training session at Finch Farm on December 12, 2024(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
Armando Broja will be in contention for a return when Everton travel to Manchester City. The striker, yet to start since overcoming an achilles injury he arrived with in the summer, was ineligible to play parent club Chelsea on Sunday due to the terms of his loan deal.
But after two performances off the bench and an opportunity to rest amid this busy run of fixtures, he could challenge Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has fought hard but struggled in front of goal at the weekend.
Broja’s return means Sean Dyche will have a full complement of attacking stars at his disposal for the first time this season. That is because Youssef Chermiti made the bench of the senior squad for the first time against Chelsea.
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The young striker had started pre-season in impressive form but suffered a serious foot injury that he has only now recovered from. Chermiti, Beto, Calvert-Lewin and Broja will now do battle to prove they can be the player to solve Everton’s struggle in front of goal.
Dwight McNeil could pose a selection dilemma if he is deemed to have overcome the knee issue that has kept him out against Chelsea and Arsenal.
If he should return then Dyche may consider bringing him in for Jack Harrison or Iliman Ndiaye, with the Blues boss likely to retain the solidity that Abdoulaye Doucoure has privided in the middle against two title-chasing sides.
There is guaranteed to be at least one change at the Etihad after Ashley Young received a yellow card for a foul on Jadon Sancho.
The veteran is now suspended for the game, though a neck issue suffered against Chelsea may have ruled him out anyway. Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson will fight for the opportunity to replace him with Coleman favourite after coming off the bench for Young at the weekend.