Pickford decision made as Dyche axes regulars, aces make full debuts - Confirmed Everton XI v Southampton

Sean Dyche’s confirmed Everton line-up to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup has been released and he has made plenty of changes from the loss to Aston Villa.

The Toffees take on the Saints at Goodison Park (17 September) looking to bounce back from a second consecutive 3-2 defeat from two goals up at the weekend, with youngster Harrison Armstrong and Lyon loanee Orel Mangala making their first starts.

The manager has dropped Jordan Pickford to the bench for the first time this term and brings in Joao Virginia, while Jake O’Brien starts but Michael Keane keeps his place.

The embattled defender is one of just three to remain from Villa Park along with Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil, who appears to be playing as a full-back.

Roman Dixon rounds out the back four in front of Virginia, with Abdoulaye Doucouré captain in midfield with Armstrong and Mangala, while Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom are behind Beto up front.

Harrison Armstrong makes first Everton start

Dyche was expected to drop the England number one for the cup game after growing unhappy with his form since returning from a run to the Euro 2024 final with England [Alan Nixon, 15 September].

Newcastle’s Nick Pope is said to have been lined up as a January replacement from Newcastle, with in-house replacements tipped to get their chance in the mean time with Pickford having played every minute in league and cup so far.

Dyche’s commitment to other players has caused more consternation among the fanbase, with Keane’s continued involvement over O’Brien next to James Tarkowski one particular example.

The Englishman’s defending against Ollie Watkins as the home side’s comeback got under way at Villa Park was branded “pathetic” by Simon Jordan live on talkSPORT on 16 September.

The Carabao Cup is unlikely to have a huge bearing on the Toffees season this term, with Premier League survival all the more crucial as the takeover process continues.

But after four defeats from four in the top flight Everton need to spark a revival from somewhere and crucially avoid heaping more pressure on themselves through another poor performance.

A lack of rotation by the manager has become a key stick to beat him with as his job is called into question increasingly, so tonight may serve as the test case for whether he was right to hold off or not.

In other Everton news, Dyche’s fate at the club is “almost certain” during a “pivotal” week after the loss at Aston Villa.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Pickford decision made as Dyche axes regulars, aces make full debuts - Confirmed Everton XI v Southampton appeared first on Goodison News.