Everton are dangerously close to being classed a “form team.” In fact, Saturday’s win over Burnley means the blues are now 4th in the form table. In spite of the now obligatory penalty debacle, we ran out deserved 1-0 winners. Apparently, everyone apart from Stones and Howard registered at least one attempt at goal. That win means we are now, finally, over the 40 point mark.
So it’s back to Goodison again this weekend, and Manchester United. It’s a fixture in recent seasons that is becoming one Evertonians are starting to look forward to. We did the double over them last season for the first time in decades (cheers for that Dave), and we’ve enjoyed several victories over them at Goodison in recent years, not to mention the semi-final win at Wembley. Even some of the draws have been memorable; the 4-4 at Old Trafford, or the 3-3 at Goodison, where we scored 2 goals in stoppage time.
After a disastrous campaign for them last season, which saw Mr Moyes given his P45, Loius Van Gaal seems to have restored United to something more like what they were under Fergie. They’re getting the results anyway. The media of course have jumped on straight his bandwagon, particularly where Fellaini is concerned. It’s true he’s getting the best out of him, but it doesn’t take a genius to work out how to make the 6ft 4 Belgian more effective. Fellaini’s doing exactly what he did in his final full season for us. There’s no doubt he’ll be a threat this weekend, but they also carry a plethora of other attacking riches. Rooney, Mata, Falcao, Di Maria, take your pick. It’s at the back though where I think we can get some joy. Phil Jones isn’t a particularly great footballer, whilst I can’t quite believe Chris Smalling earns a living playing the game. Get Smalling down for the winner, then.
For us, hopefully Lukaku is restored to the starting line-up after making his return from the bench last weekend. One would hope that means Kone is relegated to the substitute’s bench, although, rather alarmingly, Lukaku has come out and said playing alongside the Ivorian is “like heaven”. To be fair, Kone’s sheer presence alongside Lukaku means the Belgian often finds himself one on one with his marker, which is where we know he is at his best. From that point of view, it’s easier to understand Lukaku comments. Taking into account Kone’s struggles from recent weeks though, I think I’d still prefer to see Naismith up alongside him though if we are to go 4-4-2.
James McCarthy is a doubt after getting injured towards the end of the Burnley game, meaning Besic is likely come in. Other than that, I’d assume it would be pretty much the same team that started last Saturday. For the first time, we saw Lennon and Mirallas in the same team. It’ll be interesting to see whether he sticks with two wingers for United. With nothing to play for, we might as well go for it. Normally, a few of the so called “big boys” get a bloody nose from Goodison, but this season Southampton are the best side we’ve beaten, domestically at least. Let’s change that this weekend Everton.
