Predicting Everton's XI vs Newcastle: Grealish And Branthwaite Decisions
Everton face Newcastle in the Premier League at St James' Park just a few days after their win in the Carabao Cup.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Jack Grealish were both missing from Everton's win over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, and for very different reasons.
Branthwaite was unavailable as he continued his recovery from a concussion picked up in the defeat to Chelsea, while Grealish was missing due to a disciplinary issue.
The Toffees secured a 3-1 victory over the Magpies, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the competition, where they will face Fleetwood Town away from home.
The whole squad appeared to come through the game against Newcastle unscathed, with David Moyes not needing to make any forced substitutions due to injuries. Branthwaite and Grealish were, of course, missing, and we wait and see whether both players will be involved against Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday.
Everton manager David Moyes deserves credit for his part in the victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.roundtable.ioEverton v Newcastle: David Moyes Deserves Credit For Tactical Tweak
Everton manager David Moyes deserves credit for his part in the victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
David Moyes shares Branthwaite update
Speaking after the win over Newcastle, Moyes shared an update on whether Branthwaite could be involved against the Magpies when they go head-to-head in the Premier League.
The Everton boss confirmed that he should recover for the game and the timescale they've had to abide by.
"Jarrad should have recovered from his concussion and also the timescale which we had to abide by."
Moyes added that he believes everyone came through the game unscathed, but it was perhaps too early to tell.
"I think so. I know we're talking about Monday, but you never know until you get them back in the following day [after the game] and see how everybody is – but hopefully things will be okay."
Predicting Everton's XI
As usual, some incredibly difficult decisions. What fans might want and what Moyes goes with could be two very different outcomes.
Pickford; Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Armstrong; Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry.
Based on Moyes' comments on Hayden Hackney following the game against Newcastle, it doesn't feel like he fully trusts him just yet. Moyes was, of course, pleased with the goal and assist, but he thought there were other parts of his game that weren't great.
As a result, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Harrison Armstrong come in, especially away from home, while Brennan Johnson could replace Tyler Dibling on the right-hand side.
We've spoken about Moyes needing to stick with the likes of Dibling, Hackney, and Tyrique George going forward. That doesn't mean every game. If Moyes feels like Johnson and Armstrong are better options for an away game, that's fine, but when at home to Coventry City a few days later, for example, it would be nice to see the likes of Dibling and Hackney unleashed again.
A win against the Magpies is a real opportunity to continue the positivity from Thursday, and there's no reason why we can't go there and get a result after what happened in the Carabao Cup clash.