It was probably the best performance for over a year, as Everton swept aside champions Chelsea 3-1 at Goodison Park last Saturday. After two league outings where the blues struggled to impose themselves going forward, eyebrows were raised as Roberto Martinez named 3 wingers on the bench. There was more head-scratching as the injured Muhamed Besic was replaced by Steven Naismith, with the Scotsman directly replacing the Bosnian on Everton’s left hand side.
The decision proved to be an inspired one however, as Naismith, who already had a decent goal-scoring record against the better team (and in particular Chelsea), fired a perfect hat-trick as Everton created chance after chance.
Chelsea had started the season poorly and their performance left a lot to be desired at Goodison Park, but take nothing away from our lads, who put in a commanding performance against the champions.
That’s gone now though, and Everton’s tough looking fixture list continues with an away trip to in-form Swansea City this weekend.
The Opposition – Swansea City
The vision which Roberto Martinez had for Swansea City when he took the reins in 2007 is being fulfilled, even if the Spaniard still divides opinion in South Wales following his departure for Wigan Athletic.
An 8th place finish last term represented their best Premier League campaign to date, and Garry Monk’s team have started this season like they mean business. A 1-0 defeat to Watford last time out slightly dampened spirits, but they nevertheless pose a significant threat on Saturday.
It was a pretty subdued transfer window for the Swans, with few notable incomings, but the signing of André Ayew on a free from Marseille looks to have been a smart piece of business. It’s Bafétimbi Gomis though who has been the main man for Swansea, notching 4 goals in 5 games so far this season, meaning Wilfried Bony hasn’t been missed to extent many thought.
Wins over Newcastle and Manchester United represent a 100% start at home for Swansea City so far this season.
What the Managers Say
Roberto Martinez – “I do [think we have a squad to compete]. I feel the characters we have are hungry, desperate for success, desperate to push each other and we have competition for places now that we didn’t have before.
“The football demands of being at your best or someone else will take your place allows you to be competitive and I think the squad is ready for that.
“The mentality has been right for a long time. Now it’s about getting momentum and good continuity.
“The performance we had against Chelsea and the one against Southampton away [3-0 win] are performances close to each other and a great sign that we can be consistent.
“We know that the way they [Swansea] performed against Man United wasn’t an accident, when you go to the Liberty Stadium you’re going to be heavily tested.
“It will be a good game of football because of the way the two teams are in good moments of form that they are taking into the game.”
Garry Monk – “We beat them in the cup last year, but they’ve been tight games in recent seasons.
“They are a strong outfit, but we are confident. We have been good at home so far this season, and we are looking to continue that.
“Everton had a difficult season last year for various reasons, but they’ve started this season extremely well. They have shown their true quality to get some fantastic results.
“I have a good relationship with Roberto, and we’ve had some good games when we’ve played against his side.
“It doesn’t surprise me that they are playing the way they are – Roberto’s a good manager.
“They have had a good start to the season, as have we, which is why i think it will be a really good game.”
Team News
Seamus Coleman & Muhamed Besic both have chance of featuring after they both picked up injuries last weekend.
Bryan Oviedo is likely to return for Tuesday’s match at Reading, though.
Previous Meetings
Everton have enjoyed games against Swansea, with last season’s 3-0 League Cup reverse at the Liberty Stadium the only defeat suffered at the hands of the Swans.
Kevin Mirallas notched his first league goal for Everton in South Wales in 2012, as Everton ran out 3-0 winners.
Hopefully our record against Swansea can give us an edge on Saturday.
Expected Starting XI – 4-2-3-1 – Howard; Stones, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Galloway; McCarthy, Barry; Kone, Barkley, Naismith; Lukaku
