Everton winger Bernard has golden chance to make impact this weekend

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Everton will be forced into some attacking changes this weekend, with both Richarlison and James Rodriguez unavailable for the Toffees.

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Colombian star James picked up a knock under a challenge from Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk last weekend and will not be fit.

And Richarlison saw a straight red card for his late challenge on midfielder Thiago Alcantara and is suspended.

That’s two key absences for league leaders Everton, who are looking to keep ahead of the chasing pack in the Premier League.

Ancelotti has some thinking to do ahead of the Southampton clash, but it’s likely Bernard will get a chance to make an impact.

The Brazilian has hardly featured so far for Everton, making just two EFL Cup appearances so far.

He’s been an unused substitute in all five of Everton’s Premier League games, but that will surely now come to an end this weekend.

TBR’s View – A chance for exit-linked Bernard

With both Richarlison and James out, Bernard will surley get his first Premier League minutes of the season against Southampton.

Such has been his lack of involvement this term, his future has actually been up in the air, with Goal reporting Al-Hilal have made a £6 million bid for the player. Their transfer window closes on October 25.

He should get a chance on Sunday and surely a strong showing against Southampton will see Everton block any late pushes from Al-Hilal.