Evertonvs.Aston Villa

All four of Everton's strikers were in the squad for the Boxing Day fixture at Manchester City, but have gradually dropped out with varying injury issues.

Youssef Chermiti soon returned to the treatment room and will be out for the next few weeks after already missing all of the season so far, and Armando Broja has been forced off with injury in both of Everton's last two games.

The Albanian suffered a particularly nasty injury in the FA Cup tie with Peterborough United on Thursday, being stretchered off with his knee in a brace, and that could signal the end of his time at Goodison Park.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was not in the squad for the clash with the Posh, and an ankle injury was cited as the reason, but that comes amid rumours around his future at the club and a possible falling out with the previous coaching staff.

Dwight McNeil's lengthy absence went on too, with the club's Premier League top scorer having missed out since early December, and still no timeframe being placed on his return.

One player who has returned to training is Seamus Coleman, just days after taking interim charge of the team alongside his former partner-in-crime at full-back Leighton Baines against Peterborough.

Midfield pairing James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are also expected to return in the next week or two, but for the time being, Idrissa Gueye, Orel Mangala and Abdoulaye Doucoure remain their only available players in the engine room.

Youngster Harrison Armstrong put forward his claim to be involved though, setting up Beto superbly for the opener on Thursday, while the striker will also feel he deserves an opportunity from the start after taking his goal impressively.

Despite the new management, there is unlikely to be many changes in terms of personnel or formation, with limited options available to Moyes in Everton's threadbare squad, unless urgent signings are made during this window.

Everton possible starting lineup:

Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Lindstrom, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin

Written by

Andrew Delaney