Everton will be disappointed with the result against Chelsea, but there were lots of good elements in their performance at Stamford Bridge.
The Toffees had some really good performances across the pitch, with James Garner the notable standout.
Chelsea fans were really impressed by Iliman Ndiaye, and many of them are urging Enzo Maresca to try to sign him.
Who do YOU want to see more from at Everton with Ndiaye away and KDH likely out? 😫
David Moyes on Everton's loss to Chelsea.
Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones.
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Unfortunately, Everton could now be without Ndiaye for up to seven games, as he’s jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Idrissa Gana Gueye will also be absent for a while, so with that said, here is what the starting line-up should be during this festive period.
Everton manager David Moyes.
Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images
David Moyes should make three changes to his Everton XI
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall suffered a hamstring injury against Chelsea, so he could be out, along with Gueye and Ndiaye.
Merlin Rohl is still unavailable, too, but Moyes confirmed that he is back on the grass along with Jarrad Branthwaite.
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So, Everton are really stretched at the moment, which leaves their starting line-up looking a lot weaker heading into the Arsenal game next weekend.
Who was your most disappointing player in Everton’s loss to Chelsea? 😫
Chelsea v Everton - Premier League
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Ndiaye’s absence does give Tyler Dibling the chance to shine, and so he should be one of the three changes to the team.
Carlos Alcaraz will surely replace Dewsbury-Hall in the number 10 role, and Tim Iroegbunam comes in for Gueye.
So, here is what the team should look like when Mikel Arteta’s side visit the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday evening.
Everton's new starting XI.
Everton should seriously consider recalling Harrison Armstrong
Everton are down to the bare bones in midfield, with Dewsbury-Hall, Gueye and Rohl all likely to miss several games.
That leaves only Iroegbunam, James Garner and Alcaraz, with the latter needed as the attacking midfielder.
What did you make of Thierno Barry’s display vs Chelsea?
Thierno Barry stats vs Chelsea
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Surely Moyes will now recall Harrison Armstrong from his loan spell at Preston, as he would probably be the first name on the teamsheet right now.
Moyes did say he’s considering recalling Armstrong earlier last month: “I’m really happy with how Harrison is doing. He’s coming on great. I think Preston would be hugely disappointed if we took him back.”
The Everton boss continued: “We’ll consider it in January, but at the moment, him getting the games at the age he is at and where he is performing… Preston will hopefully have a good chance at making the play-offs.”
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