'I'd be surprised...' - Journo backs Dyche to restore Everton man to starting XI v Southampton

Joe Thomas has admitted he would be “surprised” if Sean Dyche didn’t start Jarrad Branthwaite for the clash between Everton and Southampton.

The Toffees make the trip to the south coast to face Russell Martin’s side on Saturday (2 November) as they look to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six matches.

Branthwaite was introduced late on in the Blues’ draw with Fulham last time out as he continues his recovery from injury, but Liverpool Echo journalist Thomas expects him to start from the off against the Saints.

Speaking on the Royal Blue YouTube channel (28 October, 30:30) he said: “The one thing we don’t know is, we don’t know where Branthwaite is in terms of his fitness.

“We don’t know if he’s 75 per cent, 85 per cent or 95 per cent. The fact that he came on at the end probably suggests he’s as close as he can be to being fit without having actual minutes on the pitch.

“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t start against Southampton.”

What has happened to Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite at Goodison Park?

Everton are a better team when Branthwaite is playing. It truly is that simple at Goodison Park.

Yes, Micheal Keane has stepped up well over the last few weeks and shown that he is more than able to deputy to both Branthwaite and James Tarkowski, but the 22-year-old remains the best defender in Dyche’s squad.

When he is fit and available, the England international has to start. As Thomas suggests, he may not have been fit to start against Fulham last time out, but with another week of training under his belt, he should be feeling fit and ready to go.

Although the Toffees head into this clash as clear favourites, the importance of this game cannot be understated.

A win over another team fighting in and around the relegation zone at this stage of the campaign would be a huge step towards safety for the Blues.

Most people expect them to avoid the drop anyway this term, but they cannot afford to make life any harder for themselves than it already is.

In other Everton news, one player the Toffees are interested in is set to exit during the January transfer window

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