David Moyes is absolutely ready to roll the dice with Vitaliy Mykolenko against Chelsea this weekend, even if the defender is only half-fit. Mykolenko missed the last game against Hull City due to an injury picked up with Ukraine during the international break, but he’s back in training. The word is Moyes will still trot him out there for Saturday afternoon’s early fixture, and with Chelsea’s attack looking “unstoppable,” that’s a massive gamble.
Everton’s Backline on the Brink Against Chelsea’s Attack
Look, the stakes are already high with Everton in fifth place and Chelsea in sixth, both on ten points, with the Toffees only ahead on goal difference. But the real story here is Everton’s defense. Jarrad Branthwaite, a key defender who lined up on the left side, picked up a dead leg early in that Hull game and is facing a late fitness test. The source says it best: “As he goes Everton’s defence goes.” If both he and Mykolenko are anything less than 100%, we’re talking about a seriously compromised backline facing down a Chelsea attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Joao Pedro who’ve been described as “unstoppable.” Chelsea has been mercurial this season, sure, dominant at home but shaky on the road, but they’re mostly at full strength. Their captain, Reece James, is out after minor knee surgery, and Jamie Gittens is also absent, but that still leaves a potent attack that Everton has to “break up any sort of coordination between them.” This isn’t just a game, it’s a defensive high-wire act for Everton.
Moyes’ Midfield Puzzle and Bench Calls
Beyond the defense, Moyes has some interesting calls to make in the midfield and with his bench. Summer signing Christian Nørgaard has resumed training, but Moyes sounded skeptical about him starting. His return means there’s no room for youngsters on the bench today, which is wild given the talent. We’ve seen Everton mostly stick to a 4-1-4-1 formation so far, but you gotta wonder how long Moyes keeps Tyrique George and Hayden Hackney on the bench. Hackney, especially, feels like he’ll supplant Harrison Armstrong “sooner or later.” Then there’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who Moyes will have starting. Even when only partly involved, his goal-threat is unmistakable, and you know he’s itching to punish Chelsea, his former side. That adds a whole extra layer of spice to this midfield battle. The starting XI also features Jordan Pickford in goal, James Tarkowski and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in defense, James Garner and Jack Grealish in midfield, and Brennan Johnson (ahead of George) and Thierno Barry up top.
Everton is back to home comforts for this one, which is huge, but they’re facing a Chelsea side that’s unbeaten through an “easy start” to the season. The Blues are still ruing not being further up the table after a disappointing defensive draw away at Hull City last weekend. This Saturday afternoon showdown isn’t just about three points; it’s about whether Everton’s gambles on player fitness pay off, or if Chelsea’s powerful attack exposes a fragile backline. Buckle up, this one’s gonna be a grinder and could set the tone for the next stretch of games.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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