Match Preview
Everton are in action at lunchtime today when they take on newly promoted Sheffield United at Bramhall Lane with a squad weakened by yesterday’s departures on transfer deadline day.
No longer sitting rock bottom of the Premier League thanks to Luton’s defeat last night, the task for Everton under Sean Dyche with the limited group of new players he has for selection now set, the biggest obstacle to progress continues to be ongoing injuries.
Dwight McNeil was back in training on grass this week and may pass a late fitness test along with Dominic Calvert-Lewin who did not need surgery on his fractured cheekbone, while Seamus Coleman and Dele Alli are not expected to be match-fit this month. Vitalii Mykolenko is unlikely to be available after limping off at Doncaster on Wednesday. Jack Harrison is still not fit enough to be considered.
Hopefully Beto has shown Sean Dyche enough to be given his Premier League debut from the start, with his energy and pace coupled with the enterprise shown by Arnaut Danjuma the key ingredients that have been woefully absent from Everton’s dismal attack.
In defence, Sean Dyche continues to call upon his old Burnley favourite, Michael Keane, despite worrying idiosyncrasies from the error-prone centre-back, with Ashley Young not being as effective as was hoped for, and Nathan Patterson continuing to show cause for concern, with the Blues incapable of keeping a clean sheet.
Demarai Gray and Andre Gomes remain registered as Everton players but their participation in the matchday squad seems doubtful.
Tom Davies joined Sheffield United after turning down a new contract at Everton but he has yet to appear for The Blades after making the subs bench for just one game so far.
Kick-off: 12:30 pm, Saturday 2 September 2023
Referee: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Darren England
Last Time: Sheffield United 0 – 1 Everton