Crystal Palace’s visit to Goodison Park is set to be another big game for Everton. Ahead of an important week, Blues correspondent Joe Thomas considers some of the key issues that will be up for discussion at Finch Farm
James Garner could be set for a spell at right-back after Sean Dyche praised his display in Everton’s 1-1 draw at Leicester City. The midfielder was told on the morning of the match that he would be used to patch up a backline stricken by injury.
While Stephy Mavididi caused problems down Everton’s right throughout the game, Dyche praised Garner for his “terrific” performance – particularly given that he was one of several players hit by illness in the week.
The right-back dilemma will be one of several big calls for the Blues boss as he prepares for a crucial game with Crystal Palace next week.
Dyche will hope to be boosted by the returns of Vitalii Mykolenko and Idrissa Gueye while a clutch of players who fought through sickness and injury this week should be stronger for the match at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Seamus Coleman is a doubt for the visit of Palace with the calf injury he suffered on international duty having been more serious than first thought. Nathan Patterson took a step towards his return from hamstring surgery by playing for the Under-21s on Sunday but Dyche has suggested both he and fellow long-term absentee Jarrad Branthwaite, who also appeared in the match, may need time to build match fitness.
That would leave Dyche to choose between academy youngster Roman Dixon, Ashley Young and Garner as he prepares for another match of significance given Everton are winless after five Premier League matches.
Garner has played on the right of defence for the Blues and England Under-21s and director of football Kevin Thelwell last week cited the former Manchester United player as an option in that area of the pitch
