Koeman’s defensive dilemma: Who will start for Everton against Sunderland?

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Everton will travel to the Stadium of Light on Monday to face Sunderland.

The international break is over which means the Premier League returns this weekend after a short break. Everton will face Sunderland and former manager David Moyes.

Everton were given a boost this week with the news that Seamus Coleman is fit again. Coleman featured for the full 90 minutes for the Republic of Ireland on Monday but has missed all of Everton’s games this season due to an ankle injury.

Coleman’s return invites the question: who will manager Ronald Koeman select against Sunderland? Competition for places is a problem that most managers wouldn’t be too annoyed with, but Koeman’s choice isn’t an easy one.

Everton’s back four have been solid this season, Coleman may be one of the Toffees’ best right-backs, but the Irishman may even struggle to get back into the side.

Mason Holgate has put in some impressive performances this season.

The player who could get the chop is Mason Holgate. The 19-year-old has had to quickly adapt to the first team since Coleman’s injury. The youngster has been one of the Blues’ best players. Holgate has featured in all of Everton’s games this season and with the form Holgate is in at the moment, leaving the youngster out is hard to imagine.

If the Dutchman sticks with a back-four then either Coleman or Holgate will miss out. Koeman could go with a three-man defence which would mean Coleman could play wing-back with Holgate at centre-back.

Ramiro Funes Mori is another player fighting for his place in the team. In Everton’s 1-0 victory against Stoke, Koeman decided to go with the new partnership of Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka.

Former manager Roberto Martinez would usually be too afraid to upset established players when deciding who would make the Xl. However, Koeman, who is known for his strong personality, may be inclined to stick with a winning side.

The Blues will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season against Sunderland in a late kick-off on Monday, but getting the defensive personnel right may be critical.