Youssef Chermiti could get big chance as Everton face Jordan Pickford decision
A look at the changes Sean Dyche could make to his starting 11 for Everton's Carabao Cup tie at Doncaster Rovers
After three consecutive defeats at the start of the new Premier League season, Everton’s attentions now turn to the Carabao Cup, providing several selection posers for their trip to Doncaster Rovers.
Everton’s South Yorkshire hosts are currently propping up the entire Football League but they’ll be determined to pull off a giant-killing scalp with the visit of Sean Dyche’s top flight strugglers and the Blues boss must choose his team carefully.
Last season, Frank Lampard picked Asmir Begovic in goal for both Carabao Cup ties that Everton played so could Dyche be tempted to give England number one Jordan Pickford the night off and give Joao Virginia a go?
In defence, Michael Keane lost his place to Jarrad Branthwaite against Wolverhampton Wanderers but might make a swift return here with stand-in captain James Tarkowski also in contention for a centre-back place alongside Ben Godfrey who could also slot in in one of the full-back berths, currently occupied by Nathan Patterson and Ashley Young.
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Given that Vitalii Mykolenko is now fit again, he could be primed for a recall on the left hand side of the back four ahead of the 38-year-old Young.
James Garner has been mostly operating on the right wing so far this season but might get a chance in the middle with Idrissa Gueye being taken off against Wolves and Amadou Onana staying on despite picking up a knock in the second half.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been the most-advanced of Everton’s central midfielders but Tyler Onyango, who had loan spells at Burton Albion and Forest Green Rovers last season has been on the bench and offers another option in the engine room.
With Demarai Gray still not involved - could he return here? - Lewis Dobbin made his first Premier League start on the left wing against Gary O’Neil’s side but if Arnaut Danjuma moved there he could possibly switch the left and that would free up a place in attack for either Youssef Chermiti, who came on as a substitute in the Wolves game for his Premier League debut, Neal Maupay or Tom Cannon. Indeed, Dyche may well see this as the ideal opportunity for his £15million teenage recruit from Sporting CP to continue his development in English football.