Everton face double dilemma as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Arnaut Danjuma make point
Everton manager Sean Dyche could have some selection posers for his team’s first away game of the season at Aston Villa.
Once again, a lack of a cutting edge cost Everton dearly in their opening fixture of 2023/24 at home to Fulham as despite creating a series of gilt-edged opportunities and having an expected goals (xG) of around three, the team that netted just 34 times in 38 Premier League matches last term drew a blank in what was a 1-0 ‘smash and grab’ win for Marco Silva’s side. Neal Maupay spearheaded the attack but squandered several of the best chances to ensure that the French striker has now scored once in 30 games since his £15million move from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer.
Dyche insisted that number nine Dominic Calvert-Lewin was not fit to play as he was continuing his rehabilitation programme but after a couple of 45 minute run-outs in the Blues’ last two pre-season friendly matches, he is understood to have lasted the full 90 in a behind closed doors training game against Manchester United at their Carrington complex on Tuesday and could be in contention for a competitive return in the West Midlands. On-loan summer recruit Arnaut Danjuma, who came on for the last 18 minutes against the Cottagers will also be pushing for a more prolonged run-out after starting against the Red Devils.
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The Netherlands international could be deployed either up front or on the wing and if he is handed a wide role then James Garner could be moved elsewhere, to either central midfield or even right-back, the position he occupied for Lee Carsley in England’s triumph
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