Opinion: Everton’s Possible Starting XI for the First Match of the 2024/2025 Season Without Branthwaite or Onana
Sean Dyche is poised to introduce up to four new players into his Everton starting lineup for their first Premier League match against Brighton.
Everton will kick off their Premier League campaign against Brighton on August 17th at Goodison Park, with manager Sean Dyche aiming to surpass last season’s 15th place finish (which would have been 11th without an eight-point deduction).
Amid a bustling summer transfer window and expectations of significant activity at the club, there is speculation surrounding the composition of the starting lineup when it is unveiled two months from now.
Anticipated Revamp in Everton’s Core this Summer
In goal, Jordan Pickford is set to retain his place barring any unforeseen developments, with hopes among fans that he returns as a European champion.
However, there could be notable changes ahead of him. Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly close to a move to Manchester United, prompting Everton to earmark Hull City’s Jacob Greaves as an ideal replacement. The 23-year-old is poised to partner vice-captain James Tarkowski at the heart of defense at the season’s start.
Vitalii Mykolenko has secured his spot as the starting left-back, despite Ashley Young signing a new contract. The club is pursuing Manchester City’s Issa Kabore for the right-back position, a move that could see him slot into the lineup if the deal materializes.
In midfield, Amadou Onana is expected to depart, with Aston Villa confident of securing his services. Everton has already prepared for his exit by acquiring Tim Iroegbunam from Villa for £9 million, a 20-year-old midfielder with similar attributes.
James Garner and Abdoulaye Doucoure are likely to remain with the club, competing for starting spots ahead of Idrissa Gueye, familiar faces to Everton supporters.
The wing positions are set to remain unchanged, with Dwight McNeil on the left and Jack Harrison returning from Leeds United for a second loan spell.
Up front, Everton intends to retain Dominic Calvert-Lewin, although Newcastle United is reportedly interested. If Calvert-Lewin departs, Everton has a £30 million striker in Beto already on the roster, potentially affording him an opportunity to showcase his capabilities rather than pursuing another new signing.
