Here we go then, my first match preview. A momentous occasion indeed, and the game itself is quite an important one. Who’d have thought that Leicester City at home would be something of a “six-pointer?” Domestically, this season has been nothing short of a disaster, out of both cup competitions at the first time of asking and only 6 league wins to celebrate, a far cry from last season’s form. Bradford City have beaten more Premier League teams in 2015 than Everton. Ouch. As a result, this game carries a great deal of significance, it is simply must-win. 3 points would give us some valuable breathing space from those teams below us (can’t believe I’ve just typed that), anything less, well, doesn’t bear thinking about really.
This is actually the third time we’ve face Leicester in 12 months, having played them in pre-season and on the opening day. I don’t need to tell you we didn’t win either of those games. There’s not much to say about the pre-season game, as a Gary Taylor-Fletcher goal consigned the blues to defeat. The opening day game, however, was frustrating. Voices of discontent about the pre-season campaign appeared to have silenced, as the blues seemed to have picked up where they left off last season, leading 2-1 at half time and being comfortably the better side. The second half however, was a different story. The blues inexplicably appeared to sit back on a slender lead for the rest of the game, finally surrendering in the 86th minute as Chris Wood joined Ricky van Wolfswinkel in scoring against Everton and then seemingly calling it a day on their football career. Roberto Martinez has pointed to this collapse and the following one at home to Arsenal as the root of this season’s problems. Had we held on to at least one of those leads things may be different now, according to the manager. Ifs, buts and maybes. For what it’s worth, I still maintain our shocking preseason programme is the root of our problems. The fact we faded so badly in both games appears to reinforce this, as does the lengthy injury list over that has built up over course of the campaign. Fitness wise we’ve been playing catch up all season.
Anyway, this is meant to be a preview isn’t it, and all I’ve done is talk about the past (insert Kopite related jibe here). Leicester City arrive at Goodison rooted to the bottom of the table, and despite an impressive 5-3 victory over Manchester United, have been pretty terrible all season. They got some half decent players. The Algerian Riyad Mahrez is a tricky customer and Schlupp on the other side has pace to burn. They’ve got the vast experience of Esteban Cambiasso in the middle who must be about an hour off 40 by now. Andrej Kramarić arrived in January for a club record £9m and they’ve also got top Blue David Nugent upfront, who incidentally has scored in every game he has played for England. Seriously, look it up. Kasper Schmeichel is in goal, who is like his dad, but not as good. All in all though, they’re a pretty poor outfit. Their manager’s a bit of an odd one as well. When he’s not calling Leicester supporters every name under the sun, he’s grabbing hold of opposition players and not letting them go to, and I quote, “make a point.” Yeah, ok.
Everton shouldn’t have too many problems against a side rock bottom of the Premier League, but I’m sure we’ll find some. By God, we’ll find some. Having said that, what a great performance and victory against Young Boys. Sure, they let us play, but the movement off the ball and quick passing was as close to last season as we’ve seen all campaign. Anyone for installing AstroTurf at Goodison? We got the rub of the green with a couple of offside decisions, but all in all it was a thoroughly deserved victory and a much needed shot in the arm for the club. Even when we decided it was too easy and chose to make things interesting by getting Stones sent off, we were still comfortably the better side even with 10. So we seem to have this Europe thing down to a tee, now if we could transfer that to the Premier League, that would be grand.
Baines should be back, having missed the previous two games against Chelsea and Young Boys. With Oviedo picking up a knock on Thursday, this is a welcome bonus, although Luke Garbutt is also a capable replacement. It’s slightly worrying Garbutt hasn’t signed a new deal yet, but that’s for another article. Osman and Pienaar, remember them? They could be back in the squad having both played for the under 21’s in the week. Christian Atsu is also back in the fold, having been something of a revelation in the African Cup of Nations, winning best player and goal of the tournament. Now let’s see some of that in the royal blue please. Gareth Barry is suspended, much to the delight of many an Evertonian. That may seem harsh, especially after two assists against Young Boys, but it’s been painful to watch a player who was so influential last season appear to age 5 years overnight. Hopefully a break from the side will do him good. As I advocated in another article, I’d like to see McCarthy and Besic together, with Barkley in front. Lennon on the right, Mirallas on the left, Lukaku upfront. Sounds good right? This is mainly because players are being played in their actual positions. Take note, Mr. Martinez. Naismith does what he does, but playing him as a wide player is a waste. As with Barkley, play him centrally or not at all.
So, whilst we’re unlikely to be allowed to play through Leicester at will like on Thursday night, if we approach the game with the same intensity we should have too much for them. Of course, the following league game after an impressive European triumph has been “after the Lord Mayor’s show” on several occasions this season, but the Young Boys game was our first for over a week, so fatigue shouldn’t be a problem. We’re on a high, so let’s build on that Everton.
Up the Toffees.
