Ellis Simms starts for Everton against Manchester United as Sean Dyche attempts to deal with the absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The Blues boss has included the Mali international in every starting line-up since his appointment but is unable to turn to him at Old Trafford following his red card against Tottenham Hotspur.
As a result, Dyche has shuffled his pack and turned to Simms, whose last significant contribution was the memorable late equaliser at Chelsea just before the international break. Simms’ third start for Everton means his three opportunities from the first minute have now come at Stamford Bridge, Anfield and Old Trafford.
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Everton are otherwise unchanged from the team that started the 1-1 draw with Spurs and which is now four games unbeaten. How they will line-up remains a question, however. Dyche may move Alex Iwobi into the centre of midfield and play Demarai Gray on the right in order to retain his favoured 4-5-1 formation. Alternatively, this could be his first experiment at 4-4-2, with Simms partnering Gray.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was pictured training with the first team at Finch Farm this week, is not included in the matchday squad. Nathan Patterson does make the bench, however. The Scotland international earned minutes for his national side recently but did not make the squad on Monday. Should he get brought on it would be his first opportunity under Dyche and represent his comeback from a third serious injury in just over a year at Everton.
EVERTON: Pickford; Godfrey, Tarkowski, Keane, Coleman; McNeil, Onana, Gueye, Iwobi, Gray; Simms.
SUBS: Begovic, Patterson, Holgate, Mina, Mykolenko, Maupay, Davies, Coady, Garner.
UNITED: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Fernandes; Antony, Sabitzer, Sancho; Rashford.
SUBS: Lindelof, Martial, Eriksen, Fred, Varane, Dalot, Weghorst, Pellistri, Butland.
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