The Blues are back in action against Brentford on Saturday and manager Sean Dyche has a number of big decisions to make

Everton’s win over Liverpool on Wednesday night propelled the Blues to within touching distance of safety in the Premier League table.

Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured a famous 2-0 win, as the Toffees ended a 14-year wait for a win over the Reds on home soil.

Next up for Sean Dyche’s side is a clash with Brentford at Goodison Park, who Everton could move above in the standings if they were to win at the weekend. Should results go the way of the Blues on Saturday, their status as a top-flight team could be mathematically secured for next season.

However, the win over Liverpool has come with a physical cost, as Vitalii Mykolenko is set to be absent for the game against the Bees.

The Ukrainian international went down with an injury in the first period and soldiered on until half time. Eventually he was replaced by Ashley Young in the second half and was seen in a protective boot after the final whistle.

With that in mind, Dyche may well turn to Young from the start on Saturday. Who lines up on the left of the defence will likely have to deal with the dynamic Bryan Mbeumo, who has been in red-hot form in recent weeks.

Elsewhere in the back four there are unlikely to be changes, with Branthwaite and James Tarkowski rock solid on Wednesday. Ben Godfrey looks set to continue at right-back too, having turned in one of his performances for the club in the derby win.

Dyche does have options in midfield, although fitness permitting it would be a surprise to see too many changes. Idrissa Gueye was outstanding against Liverpool and James Garner offered steady support in the middle; Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil were typically workmanlike against Liverpool, while also showcasing flashes of quality.

Amadou Onana or Andre Gomes could come into the team if there are some weary legs in the XI, while Abdoulaye Doucoure – who has looked sharper in the last two fixtures – will offer support to the striker.

Again fitness permitting, there is only one choice to lead the line in Calvert-Lewin. The England international was colossal against Liverpool and has rediscovered his goalscoring touch as of late.

Dyche confirmed in his press conference that Calvert-Lewin had been suffering with illness in the build-up to the derby, although he was hopeful of the forward recovering. Everton’s other senior centre-forward is Beto and it’s already been confirmed that he will miss the fixture after he was knocked unconscious against Nottingham Forest.

If Calvert-Lewin isn’t available, then it will be either Youssef Chermiti or a wildcard option leading the line. Michael Keane up top anyone?