David Moyes faces some interesting tactical decisions ahead of Manchester United’s first-ever visit to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday evening.
The home form at Everton’s new state-of-the-art home on the Liverpool docks has left a lot to be desired, with a mere 30% win rate in the Premier League.
Everton’s challenge has become even greater over recent weeks after Moyes has lost Jack Grealish to injury and Jake O’Brien to suspension.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium has not seen a home win since early December when Everton took three points off Nottingham Forest.
Ironically, Everton are backed as the favourites to beat Man United by the statistics specialists, Opta.
What changes would you make ahead of Monday night’s game? 🫣
Predicted XI Everton vs Man United
Credit: GRV Media
Everton do hold the opportunity to complete the double over the Red Devils for the first time in over a decade, but Moyes’ selection will be key to success.
Everton v Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
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Nathan Patterson to be handed Everton opportunity replacing Jake O’Brien
Just a few weeks ago, Nathan Patterson was removed, perhaps unfairly, from the starting XI for the Ireland international.
That is a decision which really backfired on Moyes as the giant defender got caught out for pace against Bournemouth.
Could Nathan Patterson have offered Everton more from right-back than Jake O’Brien? 🤔
An overview of Nathan Patterson's career at Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/George Wood.
Aside from the ageing Seamus Coleman, Patterson is the only natural right-back remaining at the club.
Everton rejected a late move for Patterson from Wolves on deadline day, with a clear intent to keep the defender around for the rest of the season.
Player Apps Goals Assists Yellow/Red Minutes
Nathan Patterson 8 0 0 1 / 0 445
Jake O’Brien 29 0 1 2 / 1 2,402
With O’Brien absent for three games, the Scotland international will have a golden opportunity to prove his worth to both Moyes and Steve Clarke ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Idrissa Gana Gueye to be dropped for Harrison Armstrong
During the latter stages of 2025, Moyes saw his midfield options decimated through injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fast forward to the present day and the 62-year-old now has a surplus of players capable of playing in the midfield two.
Does Gueye need to be dropped? 🤔
Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Everton News columnist Alan Myers feels Idrissa Gana Gueye has looked tired after AFCON, where he got his hands on the trophy with Senegal.
If Moyes was to make a change alongside James Garner, he would have three main options available.
Harrison Armstrong
Merlin Rohl
Tim Iroegbunam
An argument could be made for any of them to start, but Armstrong has really impressed Moyes since returning from his loan with Preston North End.
The decision was made for Armstrong to remain on Merseyside and the 18-year-old now requires the minutes to justify that decision.
David Moyes left with Thierno Barry or Beto conundrum again
After scoring four goals in five Premier League games, Thierno Barry has now gone three games without a goal.
Consistency is going to be key for the Everton striker and he just has not been able to find that since he made the move to Merseyside over the summer.
James Tarkowski praised Beto’s work ethic following his goal in the draw against Brighton & Hove Albion late last month.
Moyes’ options are not exactly doing themselves much credit, but Barry’s lack of consistency has kept the door open for Beto to take his spot.
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