Sean Dyche has a difficult decision to make over James Garner as Everton prepare to face Brentford. Garner could compete for a starting spot as either a right-back or in his preferred midfield role as Everton attempt to avenge Arsenal’s defeat.
The main issue ahead of Everton’s trip to Brentford is whether James Garner will get a chance and, if so, in what position.
There are several arguments for his participation, one of them being his dead ball ability. Set pieces are critical for a Blues club that can struggle creatively against better teams, and the balls into the box against Arsenal were frustratingly easy for David Raya to handle.
With Sean Dyche’s decision to rest Nathan Patterson on Sunday, Garner might play there in London – the 22-year-old was brilliant in that position while helping England’s Under-21s win the European Championships in the summer.
He is, of course, a central midfielder, and there is a case to be made that he be given a shot in his favorite position. Everton do not appear to be interested in controlling the centre of the pitch, but having Garner available to release the wingers and striker when Everton seize possession is something Dyche should consider.
One of the biggest shortcomings of the performance against Arsenal was the inability of the midfield to pick a pass and function as a springboard for attacks when it did obtain the ball. In that way, Alex Iwobi is a significant loss. He was often able to relieve pressure on the defense by carrying the ball from deep or finding the foot of a forward player, whether from the middle or out wide.
Garner’s presence in the center may serve as a beneficial reminder that there is competition for positions in that area following Arsenal’s problems. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s role is to assist the target man by breaking forward whenever possible.
If Dyche is able to push his wingers higher up the pitch to help support the frontman, Garner might take his place in a more compact midfield unit with Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye.
Another question for Dyche is whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin will start ahead of Beto, as well as which side he will play Arnaut Danjuma and Dwight McNeil, both of whom favour the left. That selection could be influenced by the full-back question, with McNeil providing more protection to the defender behind him. McNeil also scored the game-winning goal from the left wing against Brentford at home earlier in 2023.
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