Michael Ball tackles the big issues at Goodison Park ahead of Everton’s trip to Burnley

Sean Dyche can return to Turf Moor to face his former club Burnley with his Everton side in great shape despite the suspensions for Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye.

The way Dyche sets up, it can be very physically and mentally draining and you question whether they can keep doing it week after week and if players are missing, is it going to be a nightmare scenario? They’ve proven they can keep doing it though.

Everton have had injuries – Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been out, Amadou Onana has been out, James Garner has been out but we’re still getting results and that’s testament to the players who have been on the periphery and have stepped up. Branthwaite’s form has been unbelievable since he came into the side, he’s been like a Rolls-Royce of a defender and seems to be getting better and better so it’s disappointing that he’ll miss the trip to Burnley.

If it had happened a month ago I’d be really concerned but now I’m believing in the squad mentality and whoever steps up, it’s a huge opportunity and they know what the level is. Seamus Coleman was out for a long period of time, came back and produced a fantastic performance against Newcastle United while Nathan Patterson has come on as a substitute in both of last two games when the score was 0-0 and he did his job so I think Dyche will start believing in him a bit more.

Some of the referees this weekend with the yellow cards for just a standard foul, I think I’d be sent off four times a game if I was playing now! I felt I played the game firm but fair, I was a truthful defender who liked a hard slide tackle.