Match Preview
Everton come to Selhurst Park today for a clash of two in-form Premier League teams.
The Merseysiders have been invigorated since the shackles have come off from the straight jacket of the Dyche era and head into this on a game after a momentus last gap equaliser which drew the curtain of the last ever Derby at Goodison marking a befitting end and most unbelievably jaw dropping script.
To see their arch enemies so bedazzled, self imploding for the world to see their indignity laid bare, only added to the lasting memories of that historic night.
The toffees opponents today are a force to be reckoned with after taking 13 points from their last 6 games.They have coped magnificentally with the loss of Chalobah who was cruelly recalled without time to find an adequate replacement despite being a bedrock of their team.
Despite this Chris Richards the American international will marshall an area that Everton should look to target on the right hand side of the Eagles defensive triumvirate.
For all plaudits should be given to their resurgent hosts Everton have nothing to fear. The Londoners are a team who are at their most dangerous on the counter as highlighted by their demolition job on Rubin Amorims Man Utd team last time out.
At Selhurst Park things have not come so easy when the onus has been on Glassners men to be the dominant force. In 12 league games this season they have picked up a paltry 11 points while scoring only 11 goals to boot.
Therefore this should be a game of tight margins and David Moyes tactics and approach will be fascinating. Does he sit back and try and counter as he opted to do at Brighton or does he take a more balanced approach and try to remain solid but take the game to them putting pressure on the aforementioned weakness they may now have?
With Ndiaye sadly missing there will be a great opportunity for another of Dyche’s greatly maligned players Jack Harrison to follow in the redemption acts of OBrien, Beto and Lindstrom. His Everton career has so far been one of frustration and disappointment and Moyes has admitted that he will be his greatest challenge to turn around in the short term with his confidence at a low ebb and fan disgruntlement to battle against.
However recent signs have been good with a positivity and jinkiness in his play no doubt rejuvenated by the high pressing drills he is now working on under the new regime and perhaps a new willingness from a more energised fan base to see the player succeed. The freedom and ability to play on his preferred left should also aid the cause of a player who at Leeds once outperformed James Rodriguez in most of the important metrics goals,assists,importance to the team, accountability, work rate, consistency of performance and defensive output. Evertonians can only dream that he can finally start showing that level of form in a Blue shirt.
Harrison I would imagine will be the only change from the Liverpool game though I would expect to see more prominent showings from Charly Alacaraz and Tim Ingrobunem throughout this fixture.
This will be tight and I hope and believe that we will nick a 1-0 win and give those fantastic supporters a worthwhile journey to savour on the long trek back home.