Everton's Lineup Conundrum: Moyes Faces Challenge Ahead of Aston Villa Clash

Strategic Insights -

With Iliman Ndiaye facing uncertainty due to a knock, Everton manager David Moyes must decide between a few options on the right wing, including 19-year-old Tyler Dibling, the club's biggest summer signing, who has yet to feature in a Premier League game. Meanwhile, left-back Vitalii Mykolenko's inclusion is also in doubt after he pulled out of the Ukraine squad, with Moyes remaining optimistic about his prospects. Despite Aston Villa's sluggish start to the season, the Blues face a daunting task in maintaining their impressive form, particularly if key players are absent.

Key Takeaways:

  • David Moyes faces a challenge in selecting his lineup for the Aston Villa clash, with Iliman Ndiaye's fitness uncertain and Vitalii Mykolenko's inclusion in doubt.
  • Tyler Dibling, Everton's £35million summer signing, could make his Premier League debut if Ndiaye is ruled out, replacing Carlos Alcaraz or Dwight McNeil in the starting lineup.
  • Moyes has at least six options in the attacking midfield positions, including Gueye, Garner, and Dewsbury-Hall, but a change in the wingback role could disrupt the team's balance.
  • Aston Villa have been boosted by deadline-day signings, and their quality should not be underestimated despite a sluggish start to the season.
  • Moyes seemed optimistic about Vitalii Mykolenko's prospects, but his absence could have a significant impact on the defense and midfield.
  • The Blues face a tougher challenge if they are forced to make changes to their lineup, particularly given the in-form James Garner's potential need to play out of position.

Statistics:

  • Everton have won two consecutive Premier League games, defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 and Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2.
  • The team has made a total of 13 signings over the summer, including Tyler Dibling, who was signed for £35million.
  • Aston Villa have been sluggish in their start to the season, with only two wins in five games, but they have now been boosted by deadline-day signings.
  • 19-year-old Tyler Dibling has yet to feature in a Premier League game for Everton but has made a substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup.

Sources:

  • "Byline: Chris Beesley Everton face Aston Villa in only their second Premier League game at Hill Dickinson Stadium today Saturday, September 13." [The Echo]
  • "Can they make it three Premier League wins on the run and move level on points at the top of the early table And what side will Blues boss Moyes select amid existing and fresh injury concerns The ECHO's Everton writers have picked their line-ups for the visit of Unai Emery's side..." [The Echo]
  • "Chris Beesley Considering right wing looked to be Everton's problem position throughout the summer, Iliman Ndiaye has done a terrific job curing their ills by moving over to that side of the pitch and scoring in each of his last two Premier League games." [The Echo]