With Andre Gomes returning from injury and now being available for selection, Marco Silva could consider dropping Morgan Schneiderlin in midfield. Gomes has been out of action since early-September with a rib injury but is expected to make the squad to face Burnley on Saturday.
Silva could ring the changes to his side after Everton suffered their third consecutive Premier League defeat last weekend. The Merseysiders haven’t won a league game since Gomes picked up his injury, but his return could lead to a chance in fortunes.
Schneiderlin has been filling in for Gomes of late, but the 29-year-old hasn’t been setting the place alight. As per WhoScored, Schneiderlin has picked up two yellow cards and one red this season while giving away eight fouls and being dribbled past more than once a game.
As for Gomes, the 26-year-old has missed Everton’s last four games in all competitions – 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth (September 15), 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United (September 21), 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday (September 24), 3-1 defeat to Manchester City (September 28).
Since turning last season’s loan move permanent at Goodison Park, Gomes has made four appearances for Everton, racking up 315 minutes of playing time. The Portuguese international has created four chances, made six tackles, averaged 51.3 passes-per-game with 82.9% accuracy, made six successful dribbles (67%) and made four clearances.
Could his return result in a change of fortunes?