Season › 2013-14 › News
Everton vs Cardiff City
Match Preview
With the road to Wembley leading to a dead end for the second season running, Everton's focus returns fully to the Premier League this weekend for the visit of Cardiff City, the first of two successive home games against the clubs from South Wales.
Having slipped back into 7th place last weekend as Manchester United took advantage of their FA Cup duty, it's a chance for the Blues to establish some momentum following four defeats in their last eight matches in all competitions. European qualification is now the goal for Roberto Martinez's side and rediscovering some consistency is going to be key to achieving it.
They meet a Cardiff side still very much in the midst of a relegation dogfight and trying to find its feet under the fledgling tenure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. They come into this weekend sitting in the drop zone, four points off the bottom, having won just two of their 10 League games since turn of the year.
If there have been a couple of silver linings to their recent form they would be last weekend's 3-1 victory over Fulham and the fact that they ran Tottenham very close at White Hart Lane the week before but they come to Goodison Park hoping to escape with a point.
Though Everton will start as favourites, if this season has demonstrated anything it's that nothing comes easily, particularly to Roberto Martinez's side when they're not scoring goals. The reverse fixture between these two sides was a case in point — though the Blues would surely have won that contest had they been awarded a stonewall penalty for Gary Medel's clear foul on Leighton Baines — and while they've come a long way since those tentative draws that began the campaign, Everton continue to battle carve out enough clear-cut chances.
That was the situation against West Ham United in the last Premier League game at Goodison Park a fortnight ago but there's no doubt that a repeat of that 1-0 scoreline would surely go down just fine among supporters and players alike. Points are what matter now as the Blues bid to finish as high as possible.
Martinez said in the week that he would continue to monitor the progress of Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar after the former missed a second successive game last Saturday with a hamstring injury and the South African left the Emirates pitch with an unspecified injury of his own.
It's possible — even likely, perhaps — that he won't risk either player this weekend and that would probably mean another outing and learning opportunity for John Stones alongside Sylvain Distin at the back and, perhaps, a start for Leon Osman or Aiden McGeady in place of Pienaar on the left side of midfield.
The fact that Gerard Deulofeu started the West Ham game might suggest he will again get the nod with Kevin Mirallas on the other side of midfield, while Ross Barkley certainly made his case for inclusion from the start with his performance against Arsenal last weekend. In goal, Tim Howard is due to return after sitting out the Cup defeat in favour of Joel Robles.
With Martinez still refusing to rule out Champions League qualification — and he will continue to do so while it is mathematically possible — every game becomes akin to a cup final where the three points are paramount. This will not be an easy task, though, and Cardiff are likely to defend deep and pack men behind the ball in an attempt to frustrate Everton into a pattern of unproductive dominance of possession.
If the Blues can cut loose and rack up some goals, though, it would go a long way to lifting morale on the pitch and in the stands, building confidedence for the final straight of 10 games that could yet define Martinez's first season in charge.
Referee: Roger EastKick-off: 3pm
Full coverage: ToffeeWeb Match Reports
Reader Comments (71)
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2 Posted 14/03/2014 at 08:32:44
3 Posted 14/03/2014 at 08:44:12
Spurs are in trouble $100 mill spent complete disarray and if they don’t qualify for Europe will probably have to have clear out. Now that’s in trouble.
4 Posted 14/03/2014 at 08:59:46
Nothing is guaranteed but this really needs to be a win - the Sunderland result should hopefully remind everyone at the club not to be complacent.
Again, not fussed about the scoreline as long as 3 points come our way...
5 Posted 14/03/2014 at 09:01:22
6 Posted 14/03/2014 at 09:09:16
7 Posted 14/03/2014 at 09:14:55
As usual I’ll be there tomorrow, one of those in the stands looking for a morale lift. Unfortunately it may be with a steaming hangover after a few beers in Manchester tonight with two of my oldest mates, one with whom I have shared the joy and gloom of Everton since the 70s, the other being a redshite.
8 Posted 14/03/2014 at 09:31:52
I think on a whole we´ve done brilliant this year. We play a much better football than under DM and the transition has come rapidly under RM and, as for first season for him, then I think, Europe or not, he will be pleased and I think we shouldn’t be too negative.
Some players have at times not been up to it and we have had our fair share of injuries. The period from Xmas to now has been so-so but we have the ability to kick on to get 4th at the best( why is 3rd not possible as its currently only 2 points above 4th at the moment) 5th and 6th are absolutely achievable. Let’s get behind the lads for this run in. COYB
12 Posted 14/03/2014 at 11:40:05
13 Posted 14/03/2014 at 11:47:30
Howard
Coleman Stones Distin Baines
McCarthy Barry
Deulofeu. Barkley. Mirallas
Lukaku
15 Posted 14/03/2014 at 12:51:16
16 Posted 14/03/2014 at 13:00:44
Surely after spending a week and more bigging up McGeady then this is the game where he must start? If he is not starting tomorrow then when is he ever likely to get a run of minutes under his belt?
The game at home to Cardiff is made for McGeady and it’s down to McGeady himself to grasp it and show us something to why Martinez wanted him so much because we have seen little in two months, can’t keep going on about fitness forever, I seem to recall we had the same excuse for Simon Davies during his early months. McGeady needs a chance and he needs to take it.
Also drop Mirallas and let’s see what Deulofeu can do in a game he should be taking by the neck, again he is being bigged up so let’s see him do it tomorrow.
Finally, tomorrow is the start of four very winnable matches before March is out now: home games against Cardiff and Swansea followed by a trip to the circus, sorry, St James Park, to face a Newcastle team without Remy for that match now due to injury and that comedian by the touchline; then March ends away to Fulham.
Failure to go on some sort of winning run then and I am sorry but we cannot really be taken all that seriously.
Starting tomorrow... Let’s score some bloody goals, Blues.
17 Posted 14/03/2014 at 13:15:05
18 Posted 14/03/2014 at 13:34:37
I am just a bit fed up with having the Sky Five rammed down my throat over and over again and being told what I should be looking forward to this weekend by Sky and BT and being told how great and unpredictable our league is when in actual fact it is quite tedious and very predictable!
The early season optimism and refreshing new style of football has been overtaken by an all-too-familiar feeling that we now have nothing to play for really and that our football is actually quite boring: lots of passing and passing and more passing and then getting anywhere near any opposition’s goal and seeming to forget what to do next.
I am so disinterested in the Premier League, if Everton aren’t playing I really couldn’t care less what else is going on. I don’t care if Man United are playing Liverpool and I don’t care that Spurs are playing Arsenal, these games will be hyped up by the media all week and all weekend and in the end the games will be pretty dull and more than likely both draws but apparently they will be fantastic exciting games that every football fan has to be looking forward to. Yawn.
Sorry for the moan, I am just quite fed up of season after season – no matter who is in charge – having to settle for 6th, 7th, 8th place and being told that we are doing fantastically well, losing to crap teams in the League Cup and getting knocked out by teams that, if we put in a bit more effort, we could actually beat in the FA Cup.
We finished above Liverpool for the last two seasons and had a chance to really start to cement ourselves as THE Merseyside club, but because of no backing, lack of ambition etc etc we are now as usual challenging for a finish somewhere below the top 5 and that lot are competing for the Premier League Title??!!
19 Posted 14/03/2014 at 13:55:54
Everton fixtures: Cardiff, Swansea, Newcastle, Fulham, Crystal P (game in hand) – 15 points?
Season is nowhere near over yet.
20 Posted 14/03/2014 at 14:13:29
21 Posted 14/03/2014 at 14:09:16
22 Posted 14/03/2014 at 14:29:25
23 Posted 14/03/2014 at 14:31:55
It’ll take a big push and a bit of luck but its not out of the question that we could win the next 5 games (which would give us a 6 games winning streak in the league).
Do that we will be a solid 5th going into the final games.
First things first - 3 points tomorrow.
24 Posted 14/03/2014 at 14:32:07
Oh yeah Bobby won’t bring us success but a real feisty fuck from Portugal just might... Victor Pereira, come on down!.
25 Posted 14/03/2014 at 14:27:23
I completely agree. I’m losing interest fast in football as a whole. Only a deep love of Everton keeps me remotely interested, and that too is starting to gradually fade due to the things you said and the fact we cannot possibly compete financially - and that’s what its ALL about.
That said, my team for Cardiff -
Howard
Coleman, Stones, Distin, Baines
McCarthy, Barkley
Deulofeu, Mirallas, McGeady
Lukaku
No need for 2 DM in this game. Let Barkley charge from deep and have Mirallas and Deulofeu rotating the mole in the hole role.
26 Posted 14/03/2014 at 15:12:16
And the Arsenal games are more likely to be win 3, draw 1 and lose 1 - 11 points. And Sky would be ever so happy if that was the case!!
27 Posted 14/03/2014 at 16:39:13
I've a feeling United will go on a run now. And let's hope it starts Sunday because I couldn't stand the crowing from them fucking cretins in work on Monday if they win. I've still got a feeling they could win the league and believe me if they do I'll have to emigrate so it's come on the Toffs tomorrow. Let's hope it's 4 or 5. (Won't be though). And its come on United on Sunday. After that I hope OFM loses every game.
28 Posted 14/03/2014 at 16:52:38
29 Posted 14/03/2014 at 16:58:51
30 Posted 14/03/2014 at 17:21:25
The shackles should be off now top 4 is gone and no cup pressure so it is up to the lads. Cardiff are fighting for every point now so if we can't beat them I think I'll stick to watching Rugby League
31 Posted 14/03/2014 at 17:26:55
32 Posted 14/03/2014 at 17:45:40
We better shoot down these red blue birds!
33 Posted 14/03/2014 at 17:49:37
I too would rest Barry and play an extra attacker but I'd go for Nais rather than risk 3 wingers.
Jim Bennings- I usually agree with you on most things and your post about MCGeady being another Simon Davies fills me with dread- surely he can't turn out as bad as that.....can he??
For once I really hope you are wrong!
34 Posted 14/03/2014 at 18:10:22
35 Posted 14/03/2014 at 18:30:30
Great team mate just what we need, it wont happen but I would love to see it..
36 Posted 14/03/2014 at 18:41:22
I hope I am wrong about the McGeady-Simon Davies comparison too, I was not really implying that McGeady wont be a success but we need to start seeing it happen for him soon.
Its early days but sometimes early days with past Everton signings have lasted career's.
I just recall all the 'flying winger' columns in paper's and magazine's when we first signed Davies from Spurs but the reality turned out to be something very different.
Matthew Williams.
I am not sure Colback and Kagawa really qualify as signings that would make me sit up and get excited.
I thought Colback was a midfielder?
I actually would'nt mind seeing a player that will be up against us tomorrow, Steven Caulker, eventually partnering John Stones in Everton's defence.
Caulker or Curtis Davies for that matter, both very sound defenders.
37 Posted 14/03/2014 at 18:44:41
38 Posted 14/03/2014 at 18:52:38
39 Posted 14/03/2014 at 18:31:35
I feel like we have the players to do it. If goddamn Antolin Alcaraz can play, I'd go:
Howard
Stonez Distin Alkaraz
Coleman Barkley McCarthy Osman Baines
Naismith Lukaku
Change that shit up,Roberto!! We want some excitement and we want Vincent Tan and his nipple pants weeping in his Chang by halftime.
40 Posted 14/03/2014 at 19:33:37
41 Posted 14/03/2014 at 21:00:11
I've got to ask: Why is it pointed out on here before every game what that Droopy Dog looking dosser 'Lawro' has predicted? Who cares what he has to say when he hasn't even learnt how to comb his fucking hair yet?
42 Posted 14/03/2014 at 20:11:26
43 Posted 14/03/2014 at 21:08:09
4-1-4-1:
Howard
Coleman Jagielka Distin Baines
Barry
Deulofeu Osman Barkley Mirallas
Lukaku
44 Posted 14/03/2014 at 21:21:17
45 Posted 14/03/2014 at 21:46:11
47 Posted 14/03/2014 at 22:27:59
I really thought he would be the ideal player to rotate with Barry or McCarthy. He has sound positional sense, is comfortable on the ball and distributes well. It is a position that does not need so much pace and if Neville covered there then I am certain Alcaraz could.
Cardiff are no pushover and they have Zaha on loan who I would have liked to see with us. tI would not be too attack minded with Jagielka unlikely to play. We want to win with no goals conceded.
48 Posted 14/03/2014 at 22:36:00
49 Posted 14/03/2014 at 22:43:24
50 Posted 14/03/2014 at 23:04:46
The reason he earns the money he does and you earn the money you do, is that he has probably forgotten more about football than you know.
If you know as much about the game as you insinuate then go and manage, then work your way up to the top level.
If you do then this knobhead will applaud you.
51 Posted 14/03/2014 at 23:21:43
William Williamson
Me too, lost all interest, absolutely pissed off with PL football and last few weeks have not helped.
What you both say I fully agree with - what a shame.
52 Posted 15/03/2014 at 00:22:23
McGeady should start and perhaps Delboy with a sub appearance with at least half an hour left (unlike last week), if necessary.
53 Posted 15/03/2014 at 00:47:22
Next season we will be lining up against Barca, AC Milan and Bayern - Arsenal will be lining up against FC monchenwhogivesafuckabouttheeuropaleague In the UEFA cup. Nobody will kick the ball out of play when Mikel Arteta goes down like a little fairy queen biaaatch and everybody will see our business model as the new way. Bill Kenwright's face will be on the front of Time magazine.
You heard it here first.
54 Posted 15/03/2014 at 01:34:22
55 Posted 15/03/2014 at 05:43:27
Still plenty of points for the taking until the end of the season. I predict a few upsets and setbacks for those above us before the final whistle, on the last day.
I'm not bored yet.
56 Posted 15/03/2014 at 07:53:51
I seem to remember Roy Vernon scoring a pen. Happy memories.
57 Posted 15/03/2014 at 07:50:05
58 Posted 15/03/2014 at 08:13:14
59 Posted 15/03/2014 at 08:17:29
However, I wouldn't drop Barry as he would be content sitting in front of the back 4 and has more clinical distribution than McCarthy. That's no reflection on McCarthy I just think it's horses for courses.
I think Barry and Barkley could do a similar job to Fernandinio and Toure. Starting from a deeper position Barkley could really drive at Cardiff today start to rack up the goals and assists he is clearly capable of.
60 Posted 15/03/2014 at 08:29:44
61 Posted 15/03/2014 at 08:56:52
What a great player he was! Must have been a sickener for Cardiff having one of their own scoring a hat-trick against them!
62 Posted 15/03/2014 at 09:28:10
63 Posted 15/03/2014 at 09:34:56
64 Posted 15/03/2014 at 09:34:26
Kunal if you think that there is no chance of City beating Arsenal then it is you that is dillusional. London derby could go either way, personally I reckon it'll be a draw, and Swansea, they should win that. You are getting so negative you are starting to lose touch with reality.
65 Posted 15/03/2014 at 09:59:18
66 Posted 15/03/2014 at 10:03:11
67 Posted 15/03/2014 at 10:04:03
68 Posted 15/03/2014 at 10:14:14
He's probably resting his overworked arse muscles from sitting on the bench.
71 Posted 15/03/2014 at 09:57:32
RM says we have a lot of attacking options and we do but we don't attack enough at home!!! Full backs need to push on massively and plenty of overloading attacking play, just like how Arsenal done to us last week!!!
72 Posted 15/03/2014 at 11:51:21
Would like to see one of them dropped for a different approach. One to give us more penetration in and around the box.
Here’s to dreaming.
C O Y B
73 Posted 15/03/2014 at 12:40:48
74 Posted 15/03/2014 at 12:43:48
75 Posted 15/03/2014 at 12:45:14
76 Posted 15/03/2014 at 13:22:40
77 Posted 15/03/2014 at 14:45:19
"European football, however, is still a very realistic goal. Everton haven’t featured in Europe for four seasons but, after Manchester City’s win in the League Cup final, sixth should be enough to secure a Europa League place and that might even extend to seventh should Arsenal win the FA Cup"
78 Posted 15/03/2014 at 14:51:19
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1 Posted 14/03/2014 at 07:54:04