Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s Suspension: A Blow for Everton Ahead of Crystal Palace Clash
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will have to watch from the stands when Everton takes on Crystal Palace on Sunday, October 5. Having received his fifth yellow card of the season in a recent match against West Ham, his absence is sure to be felt. It feels a bit like reaching your maximum free bets before you’ve even had a proper look at the odds—frustrating, yet it’s an integral part of the game.
Dewsbury-Hall’s Impact at Everton
Since joining Everton from Chelsea this summer, the 27-year-old midfielder has quickly established himself as a key player for manager David Moyes. Losing Dewsbury-Hall for this match is a setback for both fans and punters alike, particularly those looking for a creative spark.
After swapping Leicester City’s blue for Everton’s white, Dewsbury-Hall has developed a strong partnership with fellow City loanee Jack Grealish. Together, they’ve been instrumental in breaking down opposition defenses. In their last outing against West Ham, they created numerous chances, though Beto unfortunately failed to convert key opportunities that could have sealed the victory.
Moving Forward Without Dewsbury-Hall
With Dewsbury-Hall suspended, Moyes will need to adjust his lineup for the match against Crystal Palace. The good news for die-hard fans is that Dewsbury-Hall is expected to return for Everton’s trip to the Etihad on Saturday, October 18. However, his absence might impact chance creation, as he ranks third in expected assists per 90 minutes (1.4 xA), trailing only Jeremy Doku (1.5) and Grealish (1.8). This highlights just how crucial he has been for the team.
Potential Replacements: Who Will Step Up?
So, who will step into the number 10 role for the Palace clash? Iliman Ndiaye has shown promise this season and has played centrally at Sheffield United. If Moyes chooses to include him, it would enable teenage talent Tyler Dibling to shift out to the right wing, maintaining a balanced attack while adding a fresh dimension.
Ndiaye is known for his box-attacking instinct, which could provide the cutting edge Everton needs against a disciplined Palace backline. Having scored twice from just four shots on target this season, his striking ratio is something that both Beto and Thierno Barry would surely envy.
Conclusion: A Tactical Twist for Everton
This presents an intriguing selection dilemma for Moyes. Sometimes a suspension can lead to the kind of reinvention that proves beneficial in the long run. Here’s hoping Ndiaye rises to the occasion—after all, discovering a successful Plan B is every manager’s dream!