Everton predicted line-up vs Coventry City: key change made as Moyes makes big Branthwaite and Grealish calls

Everton will be heartened with how their season has gone thus far, with the side punching well above their weight despite an underwhelming summer transfer window and a dire Deadline Day that left manager David Moyes with just 22 first-team players. As things stand, the Toffees are sitting seventh in the table with one of the division’s best defensive records.

Next up, Moyes’ men host recently promoted Coventry City in a Friday night clash under the lights at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which should provide an ideal opportunity for Everton to bag another precious three Premier League points and push on towards the European qualification spots as the season edges past the first quarter mark.

Ahead of the game, Everton are fortunate enough to boast one of the cleanest bills of health in the division, with only star defender Jarrad Branthwaite a doubt heading into the game. Jack Grealish missed Everton’s last two games due to disciplinary reasons, and David Moyes has now confirmed that he won’t be in contention to make his comeback against Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues.

The last time the two sides met, all the way back in 2001, Everton triumphed 3-1 at Highfield Road in a Premier League clash thanks to goals from Scot Gemmill, Danny Cadamarteri and Kevin Campbell. As the build-up to Friday’s game continues, here is the most likely starting XI Moyes will field against Coventry City.

Will Jarrad Branthwaite start against Coventry?

Jordan Pickford will once again be in goal for Everton when the Sky Blues come to town, as he prepares to make his 370th appearance for the Toffees. He’ll be particularly keen to impress with the international break coming up next week, after losing his England starting spot to Leeds United’s James Trafford for two of their four matches earlier in the autumn.

Jake O’Brien is among a number of Toffees defenders who have impressed in recent weeks, and was part of a back line who kept a clean sheet against Newcastle United last weekend. However, on this occasion Moyes may opt for the more attacking option in Ainsley-Maitland Nile against inferior opposition. On the left flank, Vitalii Mykolenko, the only recognised natural left-back in the squad, will keep his starting spot.

Heading into Friday night, Jarrad Branthwaite is an injury concern for Everton. He suffered cramp in both legs against Newcastle following his return from injury, but should be fit in time to start against the Sky Blues. He’ll be partnered by the ever reliable James Tarkowski, who holds the record for the most Premier League yellow cards without ever being shown a red.

When will Jack Grealish be back for Everton?

Moving up the field, England’s “mini Valverde” to quote Thomas Tuchel, will start in the heart of midfield. He’s been in fine form for Everton so far this season, impressing with his typically relentless style of play. He’ll be paired with youngster Harrison Armstrong, who the club almost sold to Nottingham Forest last summer before they caved to fan pressure and pulled the plug on the deal.

Moyes will play an attacking front three in behind a solo striker. On the right flank, the versatile Merlin Rohl looks set to keep his place ahead of summer signing Brennan Johnson, Over on the left, Tyrique George - who arrived in a £24m deal from Chelsea back in July following a loan spell with Everton - is expected to start his sixth Premier League game of the season, with Jack Grealish still very much out in the cold.

Down the middle, Dewsbury-Hall will look to weave some trademark magic in the number ten role, and add to the relatively modest two goals and three assists he’s provided so far this season. Thierno Barry, who is Everton’s only recognised senior striker and scored the winner last weekend, will once again lead the line up top.

Everton predicted line-up vs Coventry: Pickford; Maitland-Niles, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Armstrong; Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry.

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