Everton: Sean Dyche must axe Ashley Young v Nottingham Forest, invisible against Chelsea
Sean Dyche must switch things up and axe Ashley Young if Everton are to claim an important three points against Nottingham Forest on Sunday (21 April).
The 38-year-old was selected for Dyche’s starting XI as the Toffees suffered a painful 6-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea on Monday 15 April, playing the full 90 minutes.
Despite being deployed further up the pitch than club captain Seamus Coleman, the winger was far from threatening in attack, with the right-back offering more going forward.
Due to the threat of Mykhailo Mudryk and Marc Cucurella down the right flank, it made sense for Young and Coleman to double up, but he failed to have any impact in the attacking third of the pitch.
Even worse, the veteran’s defensive work was also underwhelming. Although he cannot be blamed for any of the six goals, he has to be dropped against Forest.
Young lost the most duels out of anyone on the pitch (10), having won just 17 per cent of his ground duels and 0 per cent of his aerial duels. [FotMob]
He also committed three fouls, leading to referee Paul Tierney brandishing the player his fifth yellow card of the season, tripping Conor Gallagher in a lazy effort to regain possession.
Failing to register a single accurate cross (0/4), Young was clearly not clinical enough for a team that already struggled to score goals, highlighted by Beto’s incredible miss during the first half against Chelsea.
Jack Harrison must start in Everton v Nottingham Forest
Jack Harrison replaced James Garner at half-time and produced more in 45 minutes than Young did in 90 minutes. The Leeds United loanee only touched the ball two fewer times than the veteran. [FotMob]
The 27-winger also maintained a 71 per cent pass accuracy, as well as a 100 per cent tackling success, while making one recovery and being fouled once.
Harrison certainly has the potential to make a difference at Goodison Park on Sunday, having scored goals against Tottenham Hotspur, Luton Town and Manchester City this season.
In other Everton news, a doctor has shared a definitive injury update on one forward at Goodison Park.
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