On Monday night Everton host Southampton at Goodison Park with memories still lingering from that Anfield derby win a week ago. Now the Toffees must make the most of that good feeling and secure another three points against the Saints.
Despite some excellent results around the country this season, Everton have struggled badly at home, especially since the new year.
Defeats to West Ham, Newcastle United, Fulham and Manchester City (games in which the Blues only scored a solitary goal) and a frustrating 1-1 draw with Leicester City, mean the Toffees have only managed a single Premier League point at the grand old lady since January 1st. That has to change starting with Monday night.
To some extent Everton’s problems at Goodison Park are not unique or unusual, a number of Premier League clubs have had their problems at home in this weird and strange season.
Obviously the absence of fans is creating new opportunities for away teams and acts like a leveller eliminating the impact a loud and aggresive home crowd might have on players and more importantly perhaps, officials.
Whatever the exact reason for these issues though the Blues need to get back to winning ways at home on Monday night.
The inconsistency of this team is a hugely frustrating thing and it’s difficult in a way to pinpoint exactly why the Toffees are so up and down week by week.
I think it’s perplexed Carlo Ancelotti as well. He sees his players produce excellent performances like salvaging a last-minute point against the recent league leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford and then slump to a 0-2 defeat at home against relegation threatened Fulham in their next Premier League game.
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Anyway going into Monday’s match Ancelotti has basically a fully fit squad to pick from again and the additional fact that his players will have had a nine day break from games after what has been a relentless fixture schedule over the past few months.
This gives the Everton boss a real boost as the season moves into it’s final and crucial third. Now the key is to make sure this translates into a strong finish to the season.
Although Ancelotti has a full set of players, should he tamper again with his team? He might want to bring Dominic Calvert-Lewin into the team from the off after holding him back in the derby until later in the match.
I think he should stick with Richarlison up front alongside Calvert-Lewin as that seems the best combination as the Brazilian is thriving being back up front.
Other than that perhaps once again Ancelotti should just stick to what he has from the weekend and try and maintain that renewed winning momentum.