Everton vs Ipswich Town predicted XI: Tarkowski and Branthwaite return as Moyes faces Dibling call

Everton host Ipswich Town in the Premier League with David Moyes expected to restore James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite to the centre of defence. Jordan Pickford starts in goal, while Tyler Dibling's midweek assist may not be enough to keep his place. Kick-off details from the source are limited, but the selection picture is clear.

  • Match: Everton vs Ipswich Town, Premier League, at Hill Dickinson Stadium (Merseyside).
  • Everton predicted XI: Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Hackney; Dewsbury-Hall, George, Grealish; Barry.
  • Key returns: Tarkowski and Branthwaite come back in, with Michael Keane and Jake O'Brien dropping to the bench.
  • Wide decision: Tyler Dibling impressed against Wolves but Tyrique George is the safer bet to start.
  • What's at stake: Everton need control and physicality to break down a well-organised Ipswich side managed by Gary O'Neil.

Everton team news ahead of Ipswich

David Moyes saw his side beat Wolves 1-0 in the Carabao Cup in midweek, with Charly Alcaraz scoring the only goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium. That result sent Everton into the fourth round. Now the focus shifts back to the Premier League, where Ipswich arrive with belief under Gary O'Neil.

Jordan Pickford started the cup tie and should keep his place in goal. In front of him, Everton are likely to restore their first-choice central pairing. That points to James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite coming back in, with Michael Keane and Jake O'Brien dropping to the bench.

At full-back, Vitalii Mykolenko looks set to continue on the left, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles could keep his place on the right. It is a sensible call, particularly against an Ipswich side that will try to work wide areas and test Everton's shape.

Midfield battle could define Everton vs Ipswich

In midfield, Hayden Hackney and James Garner look the obvious pairing. They give Everton enough legs and enough control, which matters against a team that will not mind making this scrappy. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should also come back into the side, offering a bit more craft between the lines.

One of the real selection debates is out wide. Tyler Dibling did well against Wolves and gave Everton a direct threat down the right, even registering the assist for the winner. He made a case for himself. Whether that is enough to convince Moyes in a Premier League game is another matter.

Predicted line-up

Everton (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Hackney; Dewsbury-Hall, George, Grealish; Barry.

Selection notes

Tarkowski and Branthwaite return to the heart of defence, displacing Keane and O'Brien. Dibling drops out despite his assist, with George preferred on the right and Grealish on the left. Thierno Barry leads the line again after failing to score in midweek. Dewsbury-Hall comes back into midfield alongside Garner and Hackney.

Why Moyes will pick Tarkowski and Branthwaite over Keane and O'Brien

James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite represent Everton's most reliable centre-back partnership. Against an Ipswich side that will be organised and competitive under Gary O'Neil, Moyes needs defenders who can handle direct play and set-pieces. Keane and O'Brien did their job in the cup, but the league demands the first-choice pairing. The return of Tarkowski also improves Everton's ability to defend wide areas, where Ipswich will look to cross.

In midfield, Hayden Hackney and James Garner provide energy and control, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall offers creativity. This trio should allow Everton to dominate possession and create chances for the front three. The wide positions are key: Tyrique George is more defensively disciplined than Tyler Dibling, which helps Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right-back. On the left, Jack Grealish can drift inside and link with Dewsbury-Hall.

Up front, Thierno Barry will be tasked with occupying Ipswich's centre-backs and bringing others into play. He didn't score against Wolves, but his physical presence is valued. If Everton can get him service, he should have chances. The alternative is to start Dibling for his directness, but Moyes tends to favour experience in league games. Ultimately, this line-up is about control and physicality – exactly what's needed to break down a stubborn Ipswich side.

Talking points

  • Should Tyler Dibling start after his assist against Wolves, or is Tyrique George the safer pick for a Premier League game?
  • Is the Tarkowski-Branthwaite partnership still Everton's best, or should Keane and O'Brien keep their places after a clean sheet?
  • Can Everton's midfield trio of Garner, Hackney and Dewsbury-Hall dominate Ipswich, or will Gary O'Neil's side make it scrappy?
  • Does Thierno Barry deserve another start up front despite not scoring in midweek?

What happens next

Everton face Ipswich Town in the Premier League at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The result will show whether Moyes' likely changes can deliver control and three points. After this, Everton return to Carabao Cup action in the fourth round, having already beaten Wolves 1-0. Ipswich will be looking to cause an upset and continue their organised start under Gary O'Neil.

Frequently asked questions

Is James Tarkowski starting for Everton vs Ipswich?

Yes, Tarkowski is expected to return to the starting XI, replacing Michael Keane in central defence.

Who will start in midfield for Everton vs Ipswich?

Hayden Hackney and James Garner are the likely midfield pairing, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also returning.

Will Tyler Dibling start for Everton vs Ipswich?

Dibling is unlikely to start despite his assist against Wolves; Tyrique George is expected to take his place.

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