Everton head to Newcastle United on Monday night looking to make it two wins in four days against the Magpies in the Premier League (8pm kick-off). The Blues travel to the North East after beating Newcastle 3-1 in Thursday's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
That match was overshadowed before kick-off by news that Jack Grealish was omitted from Everton's squad following a breach of club discipline. The Blues secured a quarter-final showdown at Fleetwood Town with goals from James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry.
Grealish and Branthwaite decisions
Everton writer Chris Beesley has called for Jack Grealish to be restored to the starting line-up at St James' Park if he is fit. Beesley noted that Grealish must know he has done wrong, letting down manager David Moyes, his team-mates and Everton supporters. His misdemeanour made the first £100million English footballer unavailable for the cup tie, though Everton won comfortably without him.
Beesley argued that Grealish's style of play, operating at his pace, holding the ball up and winning free-kicks, can be invaluable in tough away environments. If Grealish returns on the left, Tyrique George could switch to the right at the expense of Tyler Dibling. Harrison Armstrong, who has started every Premier League game for the Blues this term, would be restored to midfield alongside Hayden Hackney.
Defensive changes proposed
Beesley would switch James Garner to right-back, where neither Ainsley Maitland-Niles nor Merlin Rohl have looked entirely convincing. He would also restore Jarrad Branthwaite to the heart of defence now that he has served his concussion protocol. His team (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Garner, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Armstrong, Hackney; George, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.
Connor O'Neill believes Branthwaite, Everton's best player, must go straight back into the starting line-up. At right-back, O'Neill would move Jake O'Brien to the right-hand side of defence after Merlin Rohl struggled on Thursday night. In midfield, he would stick with the same trio that started the win over the Magpies, which is harsh on Harrison Armstrong but gives Hayden Hackney the chance to show what he can offer.
Out wide, O'Neill would keep Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George, noting the Blues were able to hit on the counter on Thursday night and may need to do the same again. His team (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O'Brien, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Hackney; Dibling, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry.
