Moyes defensive dilemma …Toffees injury blow

Fabian Balbuena could be a victim of Craig Dawson’s impressive Hammers debut when David Moyes makes his return to former club Everton on Friday.

The General was rested for the game against Southampton and Dawson became Amazon’s man of the match during a dour goalless draw.

It will be a tough call for the boss who looks certain to recall Vladimir Coufal whilst decoding on whether to give Manu Lanzini another start or instead go with Said Benrahma.

It seems doubtful that Mikey Antonio will get a start as he naturally looked a little off match fitness after such a lengthy lay off.

However, he looks certain to get longer than the 15 minutes than he received which in itself was a major bonus for the team.

Meanwhile, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Richarlison will be fit to face the Hammers on Friday evening but that the Toffees will be without James Rodriguez..

The attacking midfielder/winger missed the Boxing Day win at Sheffield United because of the Premier League’s concussion protocol.

Ancelotti has been hopeful the Colombian might be ready but the club’s medical staff continue to assess his progress after he suffered a concussion and the cancellation of the game against Manchester City.

“Richarlison will be okay; James, no,” Ancelotti said in his pre-match press conference earlier today. “For James, we have to look day by day. He’s not ready yet and it will take a little bit longer. I hope that for the next game on the 9th of January he will be ready.“