Everton insider expects player to make 1st app of season v Crystal Palace

Bryan King expects Jarrad Branthwaite to start for Everton when they host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday (28 September).

The ex-Goodison scout claims the centre-back’s return to the team will be a “boost” for Sean Dyche.

Branthwaite is yet to feature for the Toffees first team this season after undergoing a “minor” procedure on a groin problem during the summer [The Athletic, 15 August].

He recently returned to action as Everton’s Under-21s claimed a 4-3 win over Sunderland’s Under-21s on Sunday (22 September), with Joe Thomas left stunned by one thing he did during the match.

And King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – thinks the 22-year-old will start against the Eagles at Goodison Park so long as he trains well this week.

“His return will be a boost for the team and certainly the management,” King said.

“He must be getting back to that level of fitness which is going to be needed for him to play in the Premier League.

“I think there is a good chance he starts against Crystal Palace. He came through the Under-21s match alright. As a result, if he trains well this week he is likely to start.

“Palace are quite strong going forward and Everton don’t have many quality players at the moment. Therefore, to have Branthwaite back would be a boost.”

Jarrad Branthwaite to start for Everton against Crystal Palace?

In ordinary circumstances, Dyche might prefer to ease Branthwaite back into competitive first-team action.

However, Everton have been all over the place defensively this season, having conceded 14 times in five Premier League matches.

With pressure mounting on Dyche, he can’t afford to go much longer without a Premier League win. Therefore, he will be desperate to get Branthwaite back on the pitch at the earliest opportunity.

In other Everton news, Dan Friedkin is to make a Dyche sack decision once his takeover goes through.

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