Here are your Everton morning headlines for Wednesday, 28 October.
The ways in which Carlo Ancelotti can replace Richarlison
Everton sorely missed Richarlison in their Premier League defeat by Southampton, as the Brazilian began his ban for the red card sustained in the Merseyside derby.
The former Watford forward has been hugely influential this season as Carlo Ancelotti’s side have shot to the top of the table, but he will remain on the sidelines this weekend for the trip to Newcastle.
Alex Iwobi filled in for Richarlison at St Mary’s, but the Nigeria international is just one of a number of options for Ancelotti as he attempts to get his team back to winning ways.
We’ve taken a look at the options at the manager’s disposal , with Bernard, Iwobi or Anthony Gordon all contenders to step in on the left.
However, those aren’t the only ways in which the boss could account for the absence of Richarlison, who will be joined on the sidelines by the suspended Lucas Digne, and we’ve also run the rule over a potential formation change which could be employed at St James’ Park.
Alex Iwobi’s unwanted record under Carlo Ancelotti
Alex Iwobi had a tough time at Southampton last weekend, playing just 45 minutes before being replaced by Bernard for the second half.
It was a first league start of the season for the former Arsenal winger, who had previously come off the bench in the games against West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool.
However, with his early withdrawal, the 24-year-old set an unwanted record under Carlo Ancelotti.
The manager has made just eight half-time substitutions in his time at Goodison Park, and Iwobi’s early exit on Sunday meant he has been the player to leave the field at the break more often than any other.
The other two occasions came in back-to-back games in July, with Anthony Gordon replacing Iwobi at Tottenham and Djibril Sidibe taking his place at home to Southampton.
The numbers behind Iwobi’s starts and substitute appearances are interesting, and may offer a guide to his future under Ancelotti on Merseyside.
Everton handed boost with Mason Holgate fitness update
Everton fans will be pleased with their team’s start to the season, but there is always a worry that an injury or two can derail things, especially at the back.
The Blues were without a recognised centre-back on the bench at Southampton, with Ben Godfrey filling in for injured right-back Seamus Coleman, and starting centre-back Yerry Mina has struggled with injuries of his own over the last two years.
However, the club has been given a boost with the news that Mason Holgate has returned to training after suffering a toe injury in pre-season.
The 24-year-old made 32 appearances last season as he re-established himself in the first-team at Goodison Park, and can fill in at right-back as well as in the centre.
While no date has been given for Holgate’s return to first-team action, the sight of him on the training ground - shared by the player on Instagram - will be a welcome one.
Young centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has also returned to training after an ankle injury, so Everton will be hopeful of having more defensive options sooner rather than later.
