Everton fans, brace yourselves for a thrilling showdown! As the Toffees gear up to face Fulham at Craven Cottage, the stakes are higher than ever. But here’s where it gets controversial: with Tyrique George’s arrival and Tyler Dibling’s role under scrutiny, manager David Moyes faces a tactical puzzle that could define Everton’s season. And this is the part most people miss—how will the Blues balance their lineup to reignite their winning streak after two consecutive draws? Let’s dive in.
Everton’s recent 1-1 draw at Brighton felt like a victory, thanks to Beto’s dramatic 97th-minute equalizer, which had Moyes celebrating wildly. The mood lifted further this week with Tyrique George’s signing and Vitalii Mykolenko’s return to training. Yet, the absence of Jack Grealish, likely out for the season, leaves a void to fill. Bold question: Can Everton’s new and returning players step up to secure a European spot? Our writers weigh in with their starting XI predictions, sparking debates along the way.
Joe Thomas takes a pragmatic approach, advocating for Jarrad Branthwaite at left-back to build his fitness, even if it’s out of position. He pairs Nathan Patterson on the right for balance, allowing him to push forward while Branthwaite provides cover. In defense, Jake O’Brien and James Tarkowski reunite, with O’Brien’s pace seen as crucial. Thomas ditches the No.10 role, opting for a midfield trio of Idrissa Gueye, James Garner, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to control the game. Out wide, Tyler Dibling and Iliman Ndiaye are given free rein to attack, with Thierno Barry leading the line. Controversial take: Thomas believes now is the time to fully back Dibling, drawing parallels to Thierno Barry’s breakthrough. His lineup (4-3-3): Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye, Dewsbury-Hall; Dibling, Barry, Ndiaye.
Chris Beesley, however, doubles down on defense, suggesting a back four of Branthwaite, Michael Keane, Tarkowski, and Jake O’Brien—a quartet Moyes has praised. Despite Mykolenko’s return, Beesley argues Branthwaite’s recent form justifies his inclusion. Up front, Barry retains his spot over Beto, while Tyrique George makes his debut on the left, pushing Iliman Ndiaye to the right. Thought-provoking question: Is this defensive-heavy approach too cautious, or the key to securing a result? His lineup (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Branthwaite; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry.
As Everton prepares for this crucial clash, the lineup decisions will be pivotal. What do you think? Are Thomas’s attacking tweaks the way forward, or does Beesley’s defensive solidity hold the answer? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
