Everton: Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane must 'seize their...

Everton: Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane must ‘seize their moment’ in Jarrad Branthwaite absence v Burnley – journalist

The Guardian writer, in his preview for this Saturday’s Premier League match at Turf Moor (16 December),

feels that Branthwaite, who has been “instrumental” this season, needs to stand up,

thus whoever Sean Dyche chooses from the rarely seen pair needs to step up.

This season, the 21-year-old has grown into an essential component of Dyche’s squad,

starting 14 of their 16 Premier League games. However, he received his fifth card in the 2-0 victory against Chelsea,

which will keep him out of the Dyche-derby on Saturday.

Hunter wrote in an article for The Guardian on December 15. “The young defender surely caught the

eye of Gareth Southgate when the England manager attended Sunday’s defeat of Chelsea.”

“Both have been suspended for the match against Burnley after receiving their fifth booking

of the year during the 2-0 victory. While Dyche has Michael Keane, the former Burnley defender who has

been dealing with an ankle problem, or the out-of-favour Ben Godfrey as alternatives to Branthwaite,

Amadou Onana is a clear replacement for Gueye in midfield.

“Whoever he selects has to take advantage of their opportunity in a very important game at the bottom of the table.”

With Everton’s current form—they’ve been among the Premier League’s best sides

in recent weeks—this match might not be as close as the table suggests.

Right now, Dyche’s team should be comfortably positioned inside the top half of the standings,

one point behind West Ham United and five points outside of the European rankings, if not for the Toffees’ 10-point deduction.

Turf Moor, meanwhile, will be a challenging test for the Toffees, particularly without Branthwaite,

who has been playing brilliantly with James Tarkowski at the center of the Everton defense.

Choosing Keane or Godfrey to start alongside Tarkowski is undoubtedly a major decision for Dyche,

but considering Tarkowski and Keane’s Burnley background,

it seems more likely that Dyche will choose his second option combination.

Nonetheless, whether it’s Godfrey or Keane to come on Saturday evening, both players have a huge

job on their hands replacing the young Englishman and their lack of match action

and practice could well be exploited by Kompany and his team.

Dyche has become a master tactician at Goodison Park this season but now has to

cook up a plan to ensure his team are solid without Branthwaite’s presence.