NafisaSean Dyche has some significant decisions to make as Everton prepare to host Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday. With injuries and suspensions influencing his squad, the manager will need to weigh his options carefully, particularly at right-back and in attack.
Ashley Young, one of Everton’s standout performers this season, is available again after missing the Boxing Day draw against Manchester City due to suspension. In his absence, club captain Seamus Coleman returned to the starting lineup and made a solid impact at both ends of the pitch. Although Coleman was substituted late on with cramp, he is expected to be fit for Forest’s visit, leaving Dyche with a dilemma over who starts at right-back.
Another pressing decision concerns Armando Broja, who has impressed in recent cameo appearances. The Albania international came off the bench against Manchester City and provided a much-needed spark, with his late spin and run forcing Phil Foden into a foul that helped relieve the pressure on Everton’s defence.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, has been a fixture in the starting XI during the hectic festive schedule but hasn’t scored since September. Although he was unlucky not to be credited with a brace in the win over Wolves earlier this month, the striker’s struggles in front of goal could prompt Dyche to give Broja his first start of the season.
In midfield, Dyche faces further uncertainty over Dwight McNeil, who has been sidelined since aggravating a knee injury. McNeil was instrumental in the victory over Wolves, and his potential availability remains touch-and-go, with Dyche describing him as “a maybe” for the weekend. The manager will also consider the condition of winger Iliman Ndiaye, who is being monitored closely.
As Everton look to build on their recent performances, Dyche’s decisions could be pivotal in a game that promises to test his squad’s depth and resilience.
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