Everton manager Sean Dyche has hinted that there could be formation change at the back for the trip to Burnley with Jarrad Branthwaite suspended.
The England Under-21 international will break his run in the Everton starting XI after accumulating five yellow cards following his caution during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Chelsea.
As a result of the suspension, there is an opportunity for Michael Keane and/or Ben Godfrey to deputise for Branthwaite.
Everton travel to Turf Moor on Saturday (5:30pm kick-off) looking to create clearer daylight between themselves and the relegation places. The Blues are just one point away from eradicating the Premier League sanction that saw 10 points chalked off their top-flight total after being found guilty of breaching profit and sustainability rules.
Dyche’s side have won their last three, including the victory over free-spending Chelsea, and could move as many as seven points away from Luton Town, who sit in 18th, with success at Burnley.
Despite the defensive partnership of stand-in skipper James Tarkowsk and Branthwaite being key to the upturn in fortunes at Goodison Park, the manager is confident that any replacement is capable of filling in.
“They’re fine, they look after themselves, that’s if we play with two don’t forget,” said Dyche. “There’s options there, both very good players and professionals, they’ll be ready.”
Godfrey has been consigned to just one league appearance this season. That came when he replaced Tarkowski in injury-time during the 1-1 draw at Sheffield United in August. Keane, on the other hand, has been slightly more in favour, making four appearances this season, but his last league start came in the 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa in August.
But Dyche believes whoever deputises for Branthwaite will be ready. “It’s fair to say the two centre-halves Jarrad (Branthwaite) and Tarky (James Tarkwoski) have played very well,” the Everton boss continued.
“There’s an honesty in football and from Ben and Keano to look and go: ‘they are playing well’, which they are. Therefore waiting for your chance and taking it when it comes, they’re two professionals, they look after themselves so they’ll be ready.”
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley are 19th and level on points with Sheffield United, who are at the foot of the table, and will be looking to pick up their second win in their last five, following a 5-0 victory over the Blades at the beginning of December.
Saturday will be the first visit to Turf Moor for Dyche since he was relieved of his duties by the Clarets in 2021. Although, he did lead Everton to a 3-0 win at home to his former club in November’s Carabao Cup tie at Goodison.
