Next up for Everton is a Capital One Cup tie at home against Norwich on Tuesday. Ahead of the clash, we caught up with Read Norwich writer Cameron Doran.
JB: Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. We’ll start with a brief overview of Norwich’s return to the Premier League so far. Are you confident you can stay up?
CD: We have had a really strong start to the season, we’ve come out of the blocks faster than fans outside of Norwich thought we would. Going into the season, the majority of Norwich fans had a good feeling we would do well – but we were written off by a lot of pundits and fans of other clubs. But I was really happy with our start, we got some good results in early on, on the road as well – including a well-earned point at Anfield. We looked promising and solid, although our last few results have been very poor.
JB: How has Alex Neil adapted to life in the Premier League? It seems he can hold his own, are you afraid he may move on to a bigger club in the future?
CD: He made a good start. I had no doubt that he would adapt, he’s a successful man with a lot of talent. He has shown his talent of management in lower leagues, and there was no doubt he’d be able to transfer that to the Premier League task in hand. He has a bright future ahead – but only if he stays with Norwich. Alex is a sensible man and he respects and knows how much he has at this club: appreciation of the fans, board’s support, a great squad. I have no fear of losing him to a ‘bigger’ side. With our last few results being very disappointing, our next few will prove Alex Neil’s worth. Another couple of bad results and he could be in danger of losing his job.
JB: How successful was Norwich’s transfer window? Did Alex Neil neglect any areas needing strengthening?
CD: We made some fantastic additions, for me Mulumbu is a steal on a free! Also, Robbie Brady could well turn out to be one of our best signings to date – he has shown lots of quality so far at left full-back and I cannot wait to see what else he can give to the team. However, I do feel that we still need an experienced centre-half, as we lack any real depth/quality there. Bassong is with no doubt our best option, with Bennett the only other ‘natural’ centre back – Martin in my eyes being a right full-back. But, it gives us a hole to fill in January, allowing us more time to scout for the best available option!
JB: How disappointed were you with Norwich’s failure to sign Steven Naismith?
CD: Very! He would have been a good addition for us by all means, as he proved with his brace a month or so ago. No doubt, Russell and Whittaker have had a whisper in his ear – but he certainly would’ve added a lot of Premier League experience and pedigree to our squad.
JB: How do you view Everton?
CD: Well I certainly like Everton – I have no reason not to. They are a friendly club and my favourite on Merseyside. They are somewhat consistent, and always play a decent standard of football – even on their bad days. I think Martinez brings a sense of ‘refreshment’ to the Everton side, to that of Moyes. He adds a more energetic style to the way Everton move the ball.
JB: How do you see us doing this season? Can we win any silverware?
CD: I’m not too sure. I would like to see them take a trophy, perhaps the FA Cup. It is certainly something they are more than capable of doing as a result of their great squad strength and depth. As for the league, I cannot see them finishing in a European place – but only by a tight margin! I feel they will come close, but miss out by two or three points.
JB: Given the opportunity, which 3 Everton players would you bring to Carrow Road?
CD: Coleman, he’s one of the best fullbacks in the league in my eyes – he’s consistent and shows great quality going forward as well as when he is carrying out his defensive duties. Also, John Stones, he is already showing Premier League quality with a bright future ahead of him – he can only get better! Lastly, I would have to take Romelu Lukaku. I feel he is often criticised too harshly, and too often – people need to remember he is still young and developing. He shows great athleticism and skill, an asset to any team.
JB: Which Norwich players will cause Everton the most threat on Tuesday night?
CD: Redmond, Hoolahan, and Jarvis. These three, if started, pose a lot of danger going forward, There is pace, skill, and finesse and they can be lethal when their heads are in the game. Redmond has been directly involved in twelve goals in his last fourteen appearances for Norwich, Hoolahan is in the top five for Premier League assists, and Jarvis has scored two in three! That’s certainly a midfield trio to keep your eyes on – although they’re unlikely to all play.
JB: What Blues will cause Norwich fear going into the game?
CD: Kevin Mirallas. Our right full-back Steven Whittaker I feel will not be able to cope with his pace and skill – he couldn’t cope with Schlupp so I’m dreading Mirallas! Also, I feel he provides a real danger to the Norwich goal. He’s the type of player who can create a goal out of nothing – the Canaries will have to keep tight to the winger if they are to stand any chance of winning.
JB: What’s your likely team and score prediction?
CD: As it is a cup clash it is hard to predict the eleven, but I expect to see the likes of Hooper, Bennett, and Mulumbu feature. It is a great opportunity for Mulumbu to get some minutes in return from his injury. I am to be optimistic and say a 2-1 win for Norwich – Wes getting one goal and Jerome bagging the other. I feel Neil will go for it from the off, whereas Everton may be less interested, with their attentions turned to the league and FA Cup!
