Everton Predicted XI vs Chelsea: Moyes Set for Two Changes

Everton host Chelsea on 17 October and David Moyes is expected to make two changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Hull City. Vitaliy Mykolenko returns at left-back for Michael Keane, and Tyrique George could replace Brennan Johnson in attack.

  • Match: Everton vs Chelsea
  • Date: 17 October
  • Venue: Goodison Park (home for Everton)
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Predicted Everton XI: Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall; George, Grealish, Barry
  • Expected changes: Mykolenko for Keane; George for Johnson

Confirmed line-ups

Everton's starting XI is not yet confirmed. The predicted line-up below is based on the source article's analysis.

Everton (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Ainsley Maitland-Niles, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko; James Garner, Harrison Armstrong; Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyrique George, Jack Grealish; Thierno Barry

Substitutes: Not stated in the source.

Selection notes

Moyes is expected to make two changes from the draw at Hull. Vitaliy Mykolenko is fit enough to start at left-back, sending Michael Keane back to the bench. In attack, Tyrique George could come in for Brennan Johnson, who has been involved in two disallowed goals for offside.

Jordan Pickford stays in goal. Ainsley Maitland-Niles keeps his place on the right despite struggling defensively at Hull, because Moyes has limited alternatives. James Tarkowski should captain the side again, with Jarrad Branthwaite returning to a more natural central slot. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is undroppable after his goal at Hull, and Jack Grealish continues as Everton manage his minutes. Thierno Barry keeps his place up front because there is no real alternative.

Injury and availability

  • Vitaliy Mykolenko: Expected to be fit enough to start at left-back.
  • Jack Grealish: Continuing, with Everton still managing his minutes and rhythm after last season's long injury absence.
  • Brennan Johnson: Available but likely to drop to the bench, with frustration building after involvement in two disallowed goals for offside.

Why Moyes trusts Mykolenko and George for Chelsea test

Chelsea arrive at Goodison Park with goals in them, confidence high after a 5-1 win over Bournemouth, and enough pace in attack to punish any lapse. Only Brighton and Manchester City have better scoring numbers this season. Everton built their season on defensive solidity, and the return of Vitaliy Mykolenko gives them a more balanced back four. Michael Keane drops to the bench, with Jarrad Branthwaite moving back to a natural central slot alongside captain James Tarkowski.

In midfield, Harrison Armstrong and James Garner have to do the ugly work: close spaces, break rhythm and stop the game becoming a track meet. Further forward, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall looks undroppable after his goal at Hull, and Jack Grealish offers control and the ability to draw fouls.

The second expected change is in attack, where Tyrique George could come in for Brennan Johnson. George gives Everton something Chelsea may not be fully prepared for, and he carries a point to prove against his former club. He was described as "exceptional" by Mark Schwarzer and scored an outstanding strike against Manchester United earlier this season. Thierno Barry keeps his place up front because there is no real alternative; he scored again at Hull but also missed chances.

Talking points

  • Should Moyes start Tyrique George over Brennan Johnson, or is Johnson's pace more useful off the bench against a Chelsea side that will dominate the ball?
  • Is Ainsley Maitland-Niles a liability at right-back against Chelsea's pace, or do Everton simply have no better option?
  • Can Harrison Armstrong and James Garner win the midfield battle against Chelsea's quick passing, or will Everton be overrun?
  • Does Thierno Barry deserve to keep his place despite missed chances, or should Moyes try a different approach up front?

What happens next

Everton face Chelsea on 17 October at Goodison Park. A positive result would steady Moyes' side after the 2-2 draw at Hull, where defensive concentration slipped at the wrong moments. Chelsea arrive with confidence high after a 5-1 win over Bournemouth. The predicted changes are Moyes' attempt to tighten the defence and add a point to prove in attack.

Frequently asked questions

Is Vitaliy Mykolenko starting for Everton vs Chelsea?

Yes, Mykolenko is expected to be fit enough to start at left-back, with Michael Keane dropping to the bench.

Who is predicted to start up front for Everton vs Chelsea?

Thierno Barry is expected to keep his place because there is no real alternative, despite missing chances at Hull.

Will Tyrique George start for Everton against Chelsea?

Tyrique George could come in for Brennan Johnson as Moyes looks to give Everton something Chelsea may not be prepared for.

Filed under: Predicted Lineups | LA Premier League Home