Everton might not have the option to make too many changes for Brighton, but it’s glaringly obvious that one player must be dropped.
It was a frustrating display for the Toffees on Monday night, but now is the time for David Moyes’ side to bounce back.
After Everton haven’t won a game in August for years, the Scotsman will be looking to end this curse.
It has been a month of annoyance for Everton, but a fresh start at the new stadium against Brighton could be the perfect formula.
With this considered, the Toffees have to make this change to have any chance of gaining a solid result.
Adam Aznou challenges Amad Diallo during Man United vs Everton.
Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Manchester United via Getty Images
Everton player Adam Aznou has returned to training ahead of Brighton
It was a peculiar lineup at Elland Road on matchday one, which left many people scratching their heads.
The verdict was that it was either a five-back or the traditional 4-2-3-1, and it seemed to be the latter, with James Garner playing at left-back.
This is due to the countless injuries Everton have already suffered this season, as Vitaliy Mykolenko is still out injured.
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With this considered, it left the Scotsman with limited options, and Garner, who can play right-back, was opted for the other side, but the positive news from Moyes’ press conference is that Adam Aznou is back in training.
This gives Moyes a choice as the Moroccan has impressed early on, and Everton fans can see Aznou’s potential, as the full-back’s chance to make his mark could be against Brighton.
It might be too early to throw the youngster into the action, but Garner must be dropped for the full-back , and this is why.
James Garner must be dropped for Adam Aznou to combat Yankuba Minteh pace against Everton
It’s safe to say that Garner struggled, and rightly so in an unfamiliar position, as he will be hoping this doesn’t become his permanent home.
The midfielder is needed back in the middle of the park, and although Aznou is raw and just returning to training, he must start.
After signing for £7.8 million at Everton, Moyes told Aznou he’s not ‘quite ready’, but with the injuries on the table, the Toffees boss might not have a choice.
The game against Brighton could be the perfect opportunity, as the Blues are lacking pace in defence, and Aznou can cover short or long distances, allowing him to make up more ground, making him a threat in the final third as well.
This won’t only make the Toffees more attacking, but it also matches Brighton’s pace on their right-hand side with Yankuba Minteh, who was statistically the fourth fastest player in the Premier League last season.
Micky van de Ven 37.1 km/h
Matheus Nunes 36.7 km/h
Bryan Mbeumo 36.6 km/h
Yankuba Minteh 36.4 km/h
Anthony Elanga 36.2 km/h
Top five quickest players in the Premier League last season, as per the Premier League
Garner would be left in no man’s land, as it’s well known that the 24-year-old isn’t the quickest.
If Moyes wants an advantage early doors for the Hill Dickinson’s opener, the Scotsman must take the risk of Aznou.