Joe Thomas - Hard to make a case for changes
The best thing about the win against Arsenal was that Everton deserved it.
In Sean Dyche’s first game as Blues boss he provided hope and did so against the team at the top of the table. Trying to repeat the trick on their own turf will be a difficult task. It’s hard to make a case for a change in approach or personnel though. That is even more difficult when looking at the threat Arsenal pose and that Everton played reasonably well for a large chunk of the match with Aston Villa.
I can see a case for Demarai Gray having greater involvement but, given the defensive work that will be required out wide, would not bring him in for Alex Iwobi or Dwight McNeil.
And, given just how much Neal Maupay wound up Arsenal in his cameo last month, I’d start him up top. So it’s the same line up for me, with a view to potentially changing things for the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
My team (4-1-4-1); Pickford; Coleman, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Gueye; Iwobi, Doucoure, Onana, McNeil; Maupay
READ MORE: Amadou Onana breaks silence on Everton future following Chelsea links
READ MORE: Ivan Toney could miss Premier League games with Everton and Liverpool as FA hearing 'imminent'
Chris Beesley - Simms the only change
We're approaching Sean Dyche's fifth game as Everton manager and he's still only made the one, enforced change to his starting line-up so far but could the trip to the Emirates be the new Blues boss' cue to shuffle his pack?
I'm not expecting major surgery from Dyche - you can't mess about too much away to the Premier League leaders in what is already points-per-game, Everton's least productive fixture on the list but with a potentially crucial visit to Nottingham Forest on the horizon on Sunday, I just wonder whether he'll have one eye on the City Ground.
Alterations in central defence and midfield look unlikely but maybe there's some scope for rotation at full-back with the likes of Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate offering alternatives, especially given that captain Seamus Coleman is now in his 35th year. Saying that, the skipper was hugely-impressive against the Gunners last time out less than a month ago so I think Dyche will ultimately resist the temptation to give the Irish international the night off.
Everton did well against Mikel Arteta's side having an aerial focal point to their attack though so perhaps this game in which there is less expectancy - while we're loathed to describe it or indeed any fixture as a 'free hit' could be an opportunity for Ellis Simms to lead the line again like he did in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield in the Blues' most-recent away match.
My team (4-5-1): Pickford; Coleman, Mykolenko, Coady, Tarkowski; Gueye, Doucoure, Onana, Iwobi, McNeil; Simms
Matt Jones - Changes at both ends
After persisting with largely the same XI since coming into the club, Wednesday's trip to Arsenal feels like a chance for Sean Dyche to make some changes and set a new blueprint for a trickier run.
The biggest issue comes at the top end of the pitch, clearly. Everton don't have an answer in their current squad, but Demarai Gray or Ellis Simms appear more likely to do something than the persistently passive Neal Maupay - I'd start the former against the league leaders, that despite an erratic cameo on Saturday.
Midfield will likely remain the same, albeit Idrissa Gueye's constant lapses in possession and rash tackling are starting to become irksome.
At the back, there is scope for a couple of changes. Conor Coady has struggled for weeks and while Yerry Mina is still at the club, Everton should look to use him - he remains the best centre-back in blue when fit.
At left-back, Vitalii Mykolenko has also been poor for a while. Ben Godfrey could at least offer some physicality and dynamism on that flank. It will be tough for him against Arsenal, but an outing at the Emirates can be a precursor to a run in the team and more winnable fixtures.
My team (4-1-4-1): Pickford; Coleman, Mina, Tarkowski, Godfrey; Gueye; Iwobi, Onana, Doucoure, McNeil; Gray
READ NEXT
Ollie Watkins makes Everton atmosphere admission after Aston Villa win
-
Former Everton man with Premier League ambitions hoping for Wembley redemption
- No Bill Kenwright but theatre at Everton with man who could have been Farhad Moshiri's first choice
- Sean Dyche names Everton signing who is 'growing back into a very good player'
- Everton analysis - Sean Dyche may have to play wildcard as board put 'golden thread' in danger
