With the Premier League now under a week away, some big decisions need to be made by David Moyes for the opener.
Leeds United presents a difficult task to kick off the new season as Everton look to build on their momentum from Moyes’ return.
After five new arrivals and a sixth inbound with Jack Grealish, the Toffees’ squad is certainly looking more up for the challenge.
Moyes is unbeaten against Leeds’ Daniel Farke, which hands him an early advantage, but a game under the lights at Elland Road is no easy encounter.
With this in mind though, the Scotsman might have a headache over his lineup, as this should be the XI that starts come Monday night.
David Moyes prior to Everton against Roma.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford
Despite the signing of Mark Travers, it still seems like Jordan Pickford is irreplaceable as Everton’s number one.
Moyes’ new back-up goalkeeper had a chance to prove his worth in pre-season, and although he showed some strong signs, it’s doubtful the 26-year-old will get his chance.
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Travers is here to compete with Pickford, but it’s quite clear that the England international won’t be dropped anytime soon, as Everton’s keeper is bound to be another important asset this season.
Back four – Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Adam Aznou
The back four for the encounter is certainly up for debate, but on paper right now this looks to be Everton’s best fit.
Vitaliy Mykolenko’s injury vs Roma will likely keep him out for the opener, which presents 19-year-old Adam Aznou with a chance at left-back.
Although inexperienced for the big occasion, Aznou has really impressed for Everton across his early games, and Mykolenko is very likely to have some competition.
Nathan Patterson has once again been poor in pre-season, but having a hernia issue means he won’t be involved against Leeds, and despite Jake O’Brien wanting a centre-back role, he’ll have to wait until a new right-back is signed – Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski speak for themselves.
Midfield – Idrissa Gana Gueye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
This is where it becomes trickier for Moyes, as although it was an impressive debut for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the ten, he may have to drop back.
Minutes played 61
Pass accuracy % 96%
Chances created 4
Recoveries 3
Crossing accuracy % 50%
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s Everton debut vs Roma
Idrissa Gana Gueye is of course a certainty, but the beauty of Dewsbury-Hall is that, although he’s attacking, he can provide a strong option in duels as well.
After the 26-year-old’s first start, Dewsbury-Hall will give his ‘best version’ every game, meaning he won’t mind Moyes playing him slightly deeper than his successful debut.
Attacking midfield – Jack Grealish
This is the main reason why the former Chelsea star will have to drop back though, as Grealish is likely to debut vs Leeds.
Whether that is to start is another question, but the 29-year-old has the number ten spot written all over him, as his late runs into the box could be a weapon used to Everton’s advantage.
His creativity speaks volumes, and although it might be considered too early, Grealish will want to get straight into the action.
Wingers – Iliman Ndiaye, Carlos Alcaraz
At the moment, this appears to be the set-up Moyes is going for.
If completely fit, Iliman Ndiaye on the wing is a no-brainer for all 38 games this season, as the Senegalese star is arguably Everton’s most important player.
Carlos Alcaraz has looked bright across the early games on the wing, and although Moyes wants two more wingers, the Argentine has this spot nailed down for now.
Striker – Beto
Now, this is a big decision from the Scotsman.
Two striker options are on the table for Moyes, as the choice of Beto or Thierno Barry will be crucial for the opener.
Of course, after last season, the Guinea-Bissau international is hard to drop, and it appears that Barry will be the long-term option, so Beto could get the bulk of games this season.
Adding to this, Barry still lacks composure, so it seems like the sensible choice for the 26-year-old to start, but the Frenchman’s time will come.