Carlo Ancelotti has just had his pre-match presser for the upcoming Merseyside Derby at Anfield. It’s always interesting to listen to the Italian before a game, and today he’s given some interesting news for Everton fans.
This is a crucial game for Everton fans with a possibility of their first win in a Merseyside Derby since 2010, and possibly their first win at Anfield ever since 1999, where Kevin Campbell scored early on to give the Toffees a win.
A win for Everton would see them go level on points with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. With Liverpool winless in their last three games at Anfield, this could be the perfect opportunity for Ancelotti to mastermind a win for his Everton side, which could see them gain momentum to push towards the European places.
Here are three key takeaways from Carlo Ancelotti’s Pre-Match Press Conference:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Allan to Return
"“Dominic Calvert-Lewin is back and also Allan is back.”"
The one thing Everton fans wanted to hear from this press conference. The announcement that their talisman and pitbull are returning to the side finally giving Everton a full-strength side for the first time in over two months.
Calvert-Lewin only had a slight knock which led to him missing the Fulham and Manchester City game; it’s clear the Toffees missed the Englishman’s goals, being one of the only players in Europe to score 10+ goals without a single penalty.
Richarlison is a very talented player, but Calvert-Lewin offers so much as a striker, his goal-scoring ability is up there with the best in the Premier League, and his link-up play is extremely underrated. The Yorkshireman had an awe-inspiring performance in the last Merseyside Derby, and fans are hoping he’ll be able to repeat that at Anfield.
Allan has been severely missed ever since he was stretchered off in Everton’s trip to the King Power to face Leicester. His defensive presence is huge for the team and will hopefully allow the Toffees to show some more freedom on the attacking side of the ball.
Allan is a pitbull in the midfield, constantly running around and winning the ball back, and his 3.4 tackles per game show that, with the Brazilian still fourth in the league for tackles per game.
The Brazilian could also be used to free up Abdoulaye Doucoure to play the more box to box role that suits him so well. Ever since Allan’s injury, Doucoure stepped into that role until Ancelotti realised that it was actually Tom Davies who was Allan’s ideal replacement.
Hopefully, both Allan and Davies on the pitch; that should allow Doucoure to move forward and get involved in the attacking side of the game.