After the failure to defeat Arsenal last Sunday, Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park this weekend and need to claim all three points to reignite their European challenge.
This fixture last season saw Everton produce probably their most complete performance of that campaign as they thrashed the Mancs 4-0 at the grand old lady. A result like that this on Sunday would of course be most welcome!
The Blues though were at their frustrating worst at the Emirates, creating plenty of chances and looking a threat going forward, but also prone to the usual defensive frailties that ultimately cost them the points.
A performance like that again this weekend will probably lead to a similar result. Everton can’t really afford to drop any points in this game if they want to keep a challenge for the European places alive for the remaining weeks of the season.
The Toffees opponents are coming into this match in a good run of form and have been ignited by new January signing Bruno Fernandes, who has settled into the team straight away.
United have had another troubled season with the seemingly perennial problem of trying to find a shortcut to a return to their previous position of dominance in the Premier League.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaar is under continual pressure and is dealing with additional issues like the never-ending saga surrounding Paul Pogba and his Old Trafford future.
However United are unbeaten in seven games and are sitting five points above the Blues in fifth place. This might, depending on the outcome of Manchester City’s European ban appeal, get the side finishing there a Champions League place next season.
United like to play possession football and press high, particularly because they also have their defensive problems too. Although they have improved at the back recently.
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Beating them then is important if Everton are to close that gap and maintain pressure on those teams above them. Defeat would leave the Toffees in a very difficult position to secure anything other than a Europa League place at best.
Carlo Ancelotti has some difficult selection decisions to make after last weekend’s game. As well as whether left-back Lucas Digne will be fit, he has to decide if he is going to persist with Djibril Sidibe on the right and keep faith with Alex Iwobi, who also had a poor game against Arsenal.
Given the perennial problems that Everton have in midfield, I would be tempted to give Iwobi a chance in the centre where I think he is more suited and play Bernard wide left. Again it will also depend on whether Ancelotti thinks Andre Gomes is ready to start against United.
Other than these decisions I would expect a similar team to the Arsenal game to start on Sunday. This match is another difficult one to call, but I hope for a much more solid effort at the back and three vital points for the Blues.