Dominic Calvert-Lewin position under threat as Everton striker hint dropped

Dominic Calvert-Lewin position under threat as Everton striker hint dropped

A look at the changes Sean Dyche could make to his starting XI for Everton's next game at home to Brentford

Dominic Calvert-Lewin during the match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on November 9, 2024 (Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC )

With another nine days before Everton return to action against Brentford, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto having just one shot on target between them in the goalless draw at West Ham United last time out, Sean Dyche might be tempted to make a change up front after the final international break of the calendar year. Following the stalemate at the London Stadium on Saturday, Dyche introduced the names of injured strike pair Youssef Chermiti and Armando Broja, a transfer deadline day loan signing from Chelsea with an option for a permanent deal, into the post-match discussion.

The The Blues boss said: “They will hopefully come back and add to the mix and the potential to score more goals.”

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Although the pair would add more firepower to the Everton side if fit again, the fact remains that Chermiti is yet to find the net in 20 matches so far in English football. Meanwhile, Broja, who has had previous loans at Vitesse Arnhem (34 games, 11 goals in 2020/21) and Southampton (38 games, nine goals in 2021/22), drew a blank in a similar eight-match spell for Fulham last season.

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Everton will hope that the fortnight lull in fixtures buys enough time for Dwight McNeil, who has bagged four goals this term, is fit enough to return against the Bees, having netted the winner for Dyche in the corresponding fixture at Goodison Park on March 11, 2023, after just 35 seconds. If he is recalled in the number 10 role then Abdoulaye Doucoure could make way, although he could be pushed further back into central midfield where Orel Mangala and Idrissa Gueye were deployed against the Hammers, although the game might come too soon for Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner.

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There is also competition for places on the wings and while Iliman Ndiaye will surely continue on the left if fit, Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison, who has also been used as support for striker Calvert-Lewin in a central role at times, have been battling out for a spot on the right flank this term. In central defence, Jarrad Branthwaite returned against the Irons for just his second start of the season, alongside James Tarkowski, so the likes of Michael Keane, who deputised well for him in recent weeks, and Jake O’Brien, yet to be named in the starting 11, are set to continue on the bench.

Vitalii Mykolenko produced an improved display at West Ham United after a difficult afternoon at Southampton. However, his place at left-back could go to Ashley Young who has been in fine form of late if Dyche wants to switch Everton’s oldest ever outfield player over and free up at spot at right-back for either Nathan Patterson, who is yet to feature at all this season, or club captain Seamus Coleman, although the Republic of Ireland international picked up a hamstring injury last week.

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