Bryan King claims Everton will be keen to get Jarrad Branthwaite back on the pitch.
A former Goodison scout believes there is “something wrong” with the Toffees following their 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth at Goodison Park (August 31).
Sean Dyche confirmed at Thursday’s pre-match press conference (via YouTube, September 12) that Branthwaite is “in the early stages” of a return to action.
And King – exclusively to Goodison News – believes the Toffees will struggle against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday (September 14).
“It will certainly be difficult for Everton,” said King.
- Now they have two away games. There is a possibility that they will play five games and not get a point, which is worrying. “When you’re on a bad run as a team, you go to a place like Villa Park where you think you have no chance and you end up winning 1-0. But I can’t imagine Everton beating Villa on that occasion. “Villa had far too much for them. We saw against Bournemouth what happened, the whole defense seemed to fall apart in the last five minutes. “When you’re 2-0 up and you concede three times in the last five minutes, it’s not right. They will definitely be under pressure at Villa. “A player of Branthwaite’s stature is a big miss. Everton would love to see him back in that game, that’s for sure.” Everton need Jarrad Branthwaite back at Goodison Park Dyche and Everton fans would be delighted if they can keep hold of Branthwaite in the summer. But that will mean nothing if they can’t get the central defender on the pitch soon. The Toffees have been all over the place defensively this season. This is unusual for Dyche’s side and the 53-year-old will be desperate to get Branthwaite back on the pitch.