Sean Dyche, Everton badge, Manchester City badge
Sean Dychen names Everton XI v Manchester City. (Credit - Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Thu 26 December 2024 11:20, UK
Sean Dyche has made just one change to his Everton starting lineup to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.
Ashley Young is suspended for the clash on Thursday (26 December) after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea last Sunday (22 December).
That means Seamus Coleman has come into the starting line-up as the Toffees eye an upset in Manchester.
Sean Dyche refuses to axe Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Manchester City v Everton
There was hope that this would be the game that Dyche finally dropped Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has not scored for the Toffees in 12 Premier League games.
Not only has the England international’s performances left much to be desired, but he is also increasingly linked with a move away from Goodison Park, with Fiorentina interested in acquiring his services as early as January [Gianluca Di Marzio].
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It would have made sense for Dyche to give Armando Broja his first start in Everton colours, but it appears he is too hesitant to axe Calvert-Lewin.
Goalscoring has been a major headache for the Merseyside outfit this season, with Calvert-Lewin and Beto only having three league goals between them.
Dyche being adamant on the former Sheffield United man could result in his own undoing at Everton.
Jordan Pickford will be protected by the trusted centre-back pairing of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Vitaliy Mykolenko keeps his place at left-back, with Coleman being the only change in the back four.
Everton Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin keeps his place in Everton XI [Credit: Imago]
Orel Mangala and Idrissa Gueye continue in the double pivot, while Abdoulaye Doucoure plays in an advanced midfield position.
Dwight McNeil being sidelined due to a knee injury gives Jack Harrison another shine to impress on the right flank. Iliman Ndiaye, meanwhile, remains on the other wing.
Calvert-Lewin has been given yet another chance up front, with Broja named on the bench.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have contacted this Ligue 1 striker as they look to strengthen their attack.
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