Everton’s enjoyed their first win in over three weeks with a 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday and now Marco Silva has a decision to make on what starting eleven to put out against Manchester City on Saturday.
Mason Holgate partnered Yerry Mina at centre-back as the Toffees kept their first clean sheet for more than a month, but whether he’ll start in the league over Michael Keane remains to be seen.
Silva was full of praise for the defender, telling Everton TV: “Mason had a good game also which was important. He finished the game with some physical difficulties but he did well and showed that quality that I know he has but more important, he showed the focus he needs to.”
Keane has been a regular this season, making seven appearances in all competitions, but his form has left a lot to be desired. Supporters have been critical of the 26-year-old on social media, and Silva did drop him in midweek too.
I’d give Holgate a run now as well btw I know that wont be a popular opinion but for me Michael Keane is really struggling #EFC
— Paul Brown (@PaulBrownEFC) September 25, 2019
Against Wednesday, Everton put out a starting eleven containing Jordan Pickford; Lucas Digne, Holgate, Yerry Mina, Djibril Sidibe; Tom Davies, Fabian Delph; Bernard, Alex Iwobi, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin which is incredibly strong. The Toffees could be unchanged against City now that they’ve won a game.
One issue is that Holgate has been short of action. The 22-year-old has made three appearances in all competitions this season, two of which have come in the EFL Cup. Holgate has been an unused substitute five times in the league too and won’t be 100% sharp playing against one of the best sides in Europe.
Saturday may be a chance to prove his worth, however, as Everton don’t have another centre-back to replace Keane if Silva opts to drop him.