View: International star & Branthwaite benched - Everton predicted XI v Fulham

Sean Dyche has a decision to make regarding Jarrad Branthwaite as Everton prepare to face Fulham this weekend.

Having resumed full training last week (James Savundra), Branthwaite is expected to return to the Toffees matchday squad for their Premier League game against the Cottagers at Goodison Park on Saturday (26 October).

However, Dyche is likely to name an unchanged lineup after all the starters fared well for the most part in the team’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town last Saturday (19 October).

The manager should also be boosted by the return of Jesper Lindstrom, who missed the trip to Portman Road due to illness.

Everton to unchanged lineup v Fulham, Jarrad Branthwaite on bench

As usual, Jordan Pickford will be between the sticks and Joao Virginia will be the backup option on the bench. Vitalii Mykolenko returned to the lineup against Ipswich after missing the 0-0 draw with Newcastle due to a calf issue and is likely to keep his place barring any surprises.

Michael Keane and James Tarkowski have come in for a lot of criticism this season, but have improved as a centre-back pairing off late. This allows Dyche to ease Branthwaite back into the first XI instead of rushing him back in.

Nathan Patterson was named on the bench against the Tractor Boys after a lengthy layoff, but Ashley Young is expected to keep his place at right-back. It would make more sense for Patterson to get some playing time as a substitute.

Starting in a double pivot, Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure will protect the back four. The latter could have been better against Ipswich but did not do bad enough for Dyche to perhaps bring in Belgium international Orel Mangala instead of him. James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are sidelined with injuries.

Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil have been Everton’s best players this season and are arguably the first names on the teamsheet. Jack Harrison, meanwhile, needs to improve his end product and might be facing the risk of losing his place, with Lindstrom returning. However, that might not be the case against Fulham.

Finally, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will lead the line for the Toffees. Beto provides Dyche an option from the bench, while Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti are still some away from being match fit.

In other Everton news, a surprise claim about Dyche’s future has emerged amid Dan Friedkin’s proposed takeover.

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