Bryan King claims Everton will be keen to get Jarrad Branthwaite back on the pitch.
The ex-Goodison scout believes “something isn’t right” with the Toffees following the manner of their 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth at Goodison Park (31 August).
Sean Dyche confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Thursday (via YouTube, 12 September) that Branthwaite is “at the very beginning process” of his return to action.
And King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – feels the Toffees will struggle against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday (14 September).
“It is certainly going to be difficult for Everton,” King said.
“They have got two away matches now. There is the possibility that they will have played five games and not picked up a point, which is worrying.
“When you’re in a bad run as a team you end up going to a place like Villa Park where you think you’ve got no chance and end up winning 1-0. However, I can’t see Everton beating Villa on this occasion.
“Villa have got far too much for them. We saw against Bournemouth what happened, the whole defence seemed to fall apart in the past five minutes.
“When you’re winning 2-0 and you concede three times in the last five minutes, something isn’t right there. They’re certainly going to be put under pressure at Villa.
“A player of Branthwaite’s status, he is a big miss. Everton would have liked him back for this game, that is for sure.”
Everton need Jarrad Branthwaite return at Goodison Park
Dyche and Everton fans would have been delighted that they were able to keep hold of Branthwaite during the summer.
However, that won’t mean anything if they aren’t able to get the centre-back out on the pitch anytime soon.
The Toffees have been all over the place defensively this season. That is unusual for a Dyche team, and the 53-year-old will therefore be desperate to get Branthwaite back out on the grass.
In other Everton news, the club have been backed to hijack Leicester City’s transfer for a free agent.
