A look at the potential changes to the starting 11 that David Moyes could make for Everton's trip to Newcastle United
Comments
Sport
David Moyes could have a few selection posers for Everton’s final game of the season at Newcastle United with two of his back four being forced off through injury in the 2-0 win over Southampton in Goodison Park’s farewell fixture. Club captain Seamus Coleman was restored to the starting line-up for the first time since the 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Boxing Day but after leading his team out for the historic occasion, the 36-year-old lasted just 18 minutes before he was forced to make way.
The day before the Saints’ visit it was confirmed by Everton that Ashley Young will be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer, along with understudy goalkeepers Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic, but the former England international, who turns 40 on July 9, and is the Blues’ oldest-ever outfield player and goalscorer, might get one last outing on Tyneside. Nathan Patterson started at right-back against both Chelsea and Ipswich Town but then made way for Young for the 3-1 win at Fulham.
Moyes, who lost James Tarkowski for the remainder of the season after he picked up a hamstring injury against Manchester City last month following 109 consecutive Premier League appearances for the club, could also have a dilemma at centre-back. Jake O’Brien, who missed the trip to Craven Cottage with a knee injury, was restored against the Saints but then Jarrad Branthwaite, who won his only England cap to date at St James’ Park, was withdrawn hurt on 74 minutes.
READ MORE: Everton supporters make feelings to Richard Masters clear as Aaron Ramsdale shows his classREAD MORE: 'This was a thank you' - How the national media reported on Everton's emotional Goodison Park farewell
His replacement, Michael Keane, who had nodded Everton ahead at Fulham eight days earlier, could be restored for what might be a last outing for the club after eight years’ service given that his current contract expires this summer. In central midfield, Idrissa Gueye and James Garner continue to be the incumbent partnership but if the Blues’ 13th place in the table is practically confirmed by Wolverhampton Wanderers failing to win at Crystal Palace tonight then there might be scope for some experimentation and a possible place for Tim Iroegbunam.
Although Dwight McNeil has started the last two home games, grabbing a goal and assist, Moyes picked the more defensively-minded Jack Harrison on the right wing for their last away match, so he could come back in while Carlos Alcaraz will also be hoping to get the nod in what is the last fixture of his loan spell from Flamengo.
Either could potentially displace Abdoulaye Doucoure or Iliman Ndiaye but after the latter bagged a brace against Southampton to become Everton’s final Goodison goalscorer, you’d expect him to keep his place against the Magpies. Following goals against Ipswich Town and Fulham, Beto had two ruled out for offside in the Saints contest but looks the Blues’ brightest attacking threat as four players vie for a single spot with competition from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, another player approaching the end of his current contract and a Newcastle United transfer target last summer, plus Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti, although the latter pair are yet to even score a goal for the club.