Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall handed Everton ban: Midfielder suspended for Crystal Palace clash
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is set for a brief stint on the side-lines after receiving a suspension against West Ham.
Dewsbury-Hall was signed by Everton from Chelsea in the summer and has quickly become a vital piece of David Moyes‘ side.
The former Leicester City man has formed a formidable partnership with Man City loanee Jack Grealish, and the duo’s combination play provides much of the fuel to the Toffees’ attacks.
The pair were once again on form against the Hammers, carving through the Londoners’ defence time and time again, although they were somewhat let down by Beto‘s wasteful finishing.
However, against the unbeaten Crystal Palace, Moyes will need to find an alternative option in the number 10 role.
Why has Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall been suspended?
As outlined by Football Insider, Dewsbury-Hall was walking a suspension tightrope before the clash against West Ham on Monday night (29 September).
The 27-year-old had already picked up four yellow cards in the first five games of the season for the Toffees, and when a player reaches five bookings, they receive a one-match suspension.
Dewsbury-Hall will miss the clash against Palace on Sunday, 5 October, but he will once again be available for selection when the Toffees head to the Etihad to take on Man City on Saturday, 18 October.
Dewsbury-Hall suspension could be a blessing in disguise
Without Dewsbury-Hall, Moyes’ side will likely struggle with chance creation.
The former Leicester man ranks third in expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes with 1.4, behind City winger Jeremy Doku (1.5 xA), and Grealish (1.8 xA).
However, Moyes does have a few options to replace his star number 10. Iliman Ndiaye has had a bright start to the season, and the Senegal international played regularly at the position during his time at Sheffield United.
That would also allow Tyler Dibling to slot into the right-wing role, and Ndiaye’s attacking instincts as a goal-getter, rather than a provider, may be invaluable against a stout Palace defence.
The 25-year-old has scored twice from four shots on target this season, and with Beto and Thierno Barry struggling, having a more predatory midfielder behind either one of them could prove a blessing in disguise.