Everton manager David Moyes has a tough decision to make regarding the returning Abdoulaye Doucoure ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester United on Saturday.
Doucoure is available again following a one-match suspension, but after Carlos Alcaraz deputised for him in his full debut at Selhurst Park last weekend, assisting Beto's opener and scoring the winner, the Argentine is certain to keep his place.
The impact of Doucoure has waned slightly this season, with just one goal so far across the campaign, but the Toffees have now proved they can be successful without the Malian, as that win at Palace was their first without the midfielder since 2022.
One solution to get Doucoure back into the team would be to move Alcaraz out wide in place of Jack Harrison, who deputised for Iliman Ndiaye at Selhurst, but after a fine win on the road, Moyes will most likely stick with what worked for them last Saturday.
There are not many things Moyes can change, though, given the length of Everton's injury list at present, which includes Ndiaye, who suffered an MCL injury in the draw with Liverpool, and another creative spark in Dwight McNeil, who underwent knee surgery last month.
Lyon loanee Orel Mangala is out for the season with a knee injury, while right-back pairing Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson remain sidelined with no clear sign on when they could return.
After having the patience of a saint over the past 18 months, Beto has finally been given his chance in the side, and he is taking it with both hands, following the injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti.
Netting the opener at Palace saw Beto score his seventh of the season, more than double Calvert-Lewin's tally, despite playing one-third of the minutes this season, and in the Premier League, the Guinea-Bissau international is currently scoring a goal every 114 minutes.
One player who will do anything for a goal at present is Jesper Lindstrom, though, as no player has taken more shots (27) or created more big chances (5) without registering a goal or assist in the Premier League this season.
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Lindstrom, Gueye, Garner, Alcaraz, Harrison; Beto
Click here to see how Man United could line up for this lunchtime kickoff.
Andrew Delaney
