Speaking to our own Chris Beesley, the ex-Everton captain said: “What we’re definitely going to see of course is a change at right-back with Jake O’Brien suspended. Nathan Patterson can go in there and the only real alternative is putting James Garner in that role, which for me would be a negative.
“James Garner has been holding his own and for me he’s our best midfield player right now. To take him out of the heart of it would be the wrong thing for me.
“I think Patterson comes in and then the manager has a decision to make. At centre-back it’s Jarrad Branthwaite plus another.
“I would have thought he’ll go with James Tarkowski and he and Jarrad have had a partnership that’s been good. At times this season, the centre-backs have been inconsistent and that’s down to not having a stable partner next to you.
“I don’t think James Tarkowski has had his best season and while I think he’s had some good games, I think there’s been an inconsistency there compared to previous seasons when he’s been so reliable and so solid. Similar with Michael Keane.
“It’s an area that you’d normally put your hat on in terms of ‘what’s Everton’s strongest part?’ You’d say defensively, but this season, it’s not been as consistent.”
James Garner during an Everton training session at Finch Farm on February 20, 2026 (Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)