Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United exposed a lot of glaring weaknesses in the side.
James Tarkowski’s lack of pace was totally exposed by Benjamin Sesko, who capitalised and scored the winner.
It’s also become quite apparent that Harrison Armstrong is not a winger and should be moved back into his favoured position in the middle.
David Moyes reacts during Burnley vs Everton at Turf Moor.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport
Tyrique George showed exactly why he should be starting during his short cameo off the substitutes’ bench.
So with that said, it’s pretty obvious what Everton’s best starting line-up is going forward.
Everton’s best possible XI
To give Everton the best chance of Europe, Moyes must make some bold decisions and drop some of his favourites.
Idrissa Gana Gueye is showing clear signs of decline, as he was once again miles off the pace against United last night.
Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Idrissa Gana Gueye.
So, he should be dropped along with the aforementioned Tarkowski, who will evidently get done for pace if the Toffees try to play on the front foot.
Jake O’Brien has looked very dominant when he’s played at centre-back this season, so he should now be given the chance to forge a partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite in the middle.
In fact, with O’Brien at right-back, Everton conceded a goal every 62 minutes, compared to every 183 minutes when he’s played at the heart of defence.
Nathan Patterson should get his opportunity at full-back after impressing in his limited appearances this term.
The striker situation is a tough one, as Thierno Barry has been in really poor form lately, but Beto isn’t much better, if at all.
Barry lost the ball a whopping 17 times against United, but it’s not as though Beto is any cleaner in possession.
Ideally, Braiden Graham would get a chance, but that’s far too unrealistic, as Moyes has already said he needs to bulk up before being considered.
Everton's best XI.
Everton's best XI.
So, all things considered, we reckon this is probably the best starting line-up Moyes could field between now and the end of the season.
Perhaps Merlin Rohl has a shout of getting in ahead of Armstrong, but that’s another very fine call.