Everton face an instant return to Premier League football on Tuesday night with a difficult trip away to Bournemouth.
It was an absolute nightmare of a performance from Everton at the weekend in their drubbing against Newcastle United.
David Moyes has some interesting selection decisions ahead of him on the south coast, with injuries and suspensions hindering his squad depth.
It was apparent the 62-year-old was not pleased after Saturday as Moyes shared his feelings on Tim Iroegbunam’s performance against the Magpies.
The 22-year-old midfielder was hooked at half time and replaced by Charly Alcaraz.
Moyes has a real midfield headache on his hands currently, but Everton News columnist Alan Myers is expecting to see one player play a lot of football over these next weeks.
Manchester United v Everton - Premier League
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Everton expected to use Charly Alcaraz a lot more
Moyes has admitted he is ready to use Alcaraz in the midfield role alongside James Garner if needed.
Saturday’s performance from Iroegbunam may have just provided the 62-year-old with the clarity he needs to go with the Argentine.
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Speaking on social media ahead of the game, Myers has admitted he is expecting to see a lot more of Alcaraz amid Idrissa Gana Gueye’s absence.
Myers has his say…
“Let’s start with the easy one, Aznou has been injured for a while and is only just coming back, Alcaraz has only played so much as you say, that’s a selection choice, I think he gets more time soon,”Myers replied when evaluating Everton’s summer business.
“Dibling is a longer term project, I asked whether we could afford that in summer.”
Since signing permanently in the summer, Alcaraz has not played a great deal of football on Merseyside.
Myers has insisted Everton should be signing another midfielder when the January transfer window opens for business next month.
However, Moyes does have options like Alcaraz, who the fans have barely seen this season.
Alcaraz should start for Everton but January additions are needed
It was evident on Saturday that the absence of Gueye was a massive issue for Moyes.
Everton’s defence had very little protection and the decision to drag Iroegbunam off at the interval said everything fans need to know.
Finish this sentence – David Moyes should start … alongside James Garner in midfield vs Bournemouth.
Everton v Newcastle United - Premier League
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Whether Alcaraz – who has made just two league starts this campaign – can provide that protection is another question.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has admitted he’s better as a number eight, which could suggest he’s suitable playing in the deeper role.
But the selection headache just goes to show that Moyes will need more in January.
Merlin Rohl is expected to return next month following his hernia surgery, with Everton’s options left stretched until then.
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