Everton vs. Brentford: Injury Update | With Harrison and Coleman out, would Dyche employ two forwards together?
Sean Dyche discusses the likely team ahead of this weekend’s trip to Brentford.
After a lackluster performance in front of the home fans at Goodison Park last week, there is some hope that the inventiveness that Jack Harrison brings to the club will soon be seen in Everton blue.
Not to begin. He’s back on the grass, he’s had a long-term issue – he’s doing pretty well, I must say, he’s very clear-minded – and his fitness appears to be fine, but he’s not ready to go yet. We simply need to put him off a little longer. He’s been out for a few months, but he appears to be in good shape.
A mixed message, to be sure, with Dyche hinting at a bench appearance but still stating that he is ‘not ready’.
Dwight McNeil returns to the starting lineup against Arsenal last week:
“Now it’s about nailing that last piece of fitness.” Dwight is only just getting back into shape, and he maybe jumped in a little too quickly. If I’m being honest, I asked a lot of him in his previous performance, but genuine fitness will come swiftly.”
The news was not good for Seamus Coleman, who is still recovering from a knee injury suffered at the conclusion of the season.
Dyche is looking forward to his captain’s return, but there is no doubt that his significance in the club goes well beyond the ground.
“[Coleman] is not yet training with us, but he is out on the grass, so he is making progress, but he is not yet with our group.” He’s terrific around here. He’s constantly there; I’m conversing with him, and he’s chatting with the group, being the wonderful professional that he is. He’s constantly around, and his input is always appreciated.”
The manager was also upbeat about the return of some of his more experienced players, such as Harrison, McNeil, and Calvert-Lewin.
“I believe it will help from the depth of the squad and the competitive element of the squad, with all due respect to the young players who have been heavily involved in pre-season due to injuries and players leaving the club et cetra, the market, and all the other stories.” They’re growing and maturing, and some of these guys are ahead of the curve, such as Jack and Dwight [McNeil] when he’s fit – really fit, that is – and Dom.”
Another intriguing moment occurred when Dyche was asked if he would be willing to use two strikers up front now that Calvert-Lewin and Beto are ready and fit. There is little doubt that the 4-4-2 configuration has been the most frequently deployed during Dyche’s management career. The question is whether this predilection will manifest itself sooner or later. Clearly, our lack of goals necessitates the former.
“I’ve always preferred playing with two strikers, but it has to work for the rest of the team whenever possible.” You need men who can play in midfield, but I prefer two strikers wherever possible.”
The manager was also thinking about the team’s plight in the table, with only one point from five games.
“I think the other games were good performances, and I think the margins were close.” The two obvious ones were Villa and Arsenal, when we lost our way in the second half. There is a lot of excellent in it, but the league table is not deceiving. I can’t change my song depending on whether you’re doing well or not.
The underlying story is better than the league table suggests, but we are the only ones who can change that. I am not under any notion that we must fix this. Sometimes you want to play well; if you don’t and win, you take it at this point.”
Sean Dyche’s complete news conference may be seen here:
