Everton–Coventry preview: Grealish out as Branthwaite is assessed

Everton host Coventry City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Friday, 6 November, at 20:00 GMT/UTC (21:00 CET; 22:00 CAT). The Premier League’s rescheduling notice confirms the Friday date and time.

Confirmed absence, unresolved fitness

Everton’s official 5 November team-news report says Jack Grealish is unavailable. David Moyes remains hopeful about Jarrad Branthwaite, who left Monday’s 1–0 win at Newcastle after 82 minutes with cramp, but the defender’s availability still needs assessment.

That is a fitness check, rather than confirmation that Branthwaite will start or miss the match.

Coventry’s checks and the Lampard return

The same club report lists Aurele Amenda and Haji Wright as absent for Coventry. Josh Eccles and Luke Woolfenden are expected to remain sidelined, while Bobby Thomas and Frank Onyeka face late fitness checks.

Frank Lampard is set to return in the opposing dugout for the first time since leaving Everton as manager in January 2023.

What to watch

Our analysis: Everton’s selection questions affect two different parts of their preparation. Grealish’s confirmed absence requires an attacking alternative; Branthwaite’s unresolved status leaves the defensive selection open. Coventry also have decisions pending, so predicted lineups offer less certainty than the confirmed teams will provide.

Everton arrive after consecutive cup and league wins over Newcastle. The next test is to carry that momentum into a different opponent, while adapting to the players available on the night.