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Predicted Everton XI vs Leicester City as Sean Dyche makes controversial team selection decision with squad hurt by illness

Everton are back in Premier League action again this weekend, with a trip to Leicester City already a huge one in the grand scheme of things.

After all, it could be make or break for Sean Dyche‘s job, with pressure ramping up after an abysmal start to the new season.

Just when fans thought things could get no worse, having already lost their opening four league matches, Tuesday night saw arguably the worst performance of the season as the Toffees bowed out of the Carabao Cup on penalties.

They had once again forged the chances to win the match, but unsurprisingly squandered them all.

Dyche cannot afford such profligacy this Saturday.

Predicted Everton XI for Premier League game vs Leicester City

With that in mind, he will hope to have a full-strength side back given the second-string team he was forced to employ in mid-week, although only five changes are expected.

Both injury and illness have ravaged the squad of late, with Dyche admitting that a sickness bug ruled three star men out of Tuesday’s loss.

The fear is that they therefore might not be ready for Saturday’s return to Premier League action, which would severely weaken the entire spine of the squad.

Jordan Pickford hopefully should be back ready to replace Joao Virginia in goal though, but his backline will remain understaffed.

The manager made a ‘hopeful’ claim about James Tarkowski

’s fitness after a back injury ruled him out against the Saints, so it can be assumed that the only change from their back four will be to welcome Ashley Young back into the starting side at left-back.

Young’s substitution was booed by Goodison Park on Tuesday, but there is simply no other option within the squad when Vitaliy Mykolenko isn’t available.

Roman Dixon will also have to play at right-back too, with Michael Keane partnering Jake O’Brien to cap off a threadbare defence.

Fortunately, the midfield is one of relative strength, with Tim Iroegbunam and Idrissa Gana Gueye set to return and provide a sturdy base just behind Dwight McNeil, returning to a more favourable attacking position after an unsuccessful stint at left-back.

He will be flanked by Iliman Ndiaye and the returning Jack Harrison, whilst Dyche continues to sweat on the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The striker was one of those struck down with illness, and therefore faces a race against time to become available for Saturday.

With that in mind, perhaps the lack of training might reduce him to a substitute appearance off the bench, thus leaving Beto in the starting side.

Heading into this weekend’s fixture, there’s no doubting the pressure that Everton manager Sean Dyche is under.

After all, the 53-year-old has failed to guide his team to a single win in the Premier League this season, having just bowed out of the Carabao Cup too.