Greeting from all of us at Read Everton. My name is Scott Morris, and this week I will be speaking about this Sunday’s early kick-off at Goodison Park, and you can expect from the Toffees.
What can you expect from Everton:
I would say expect a side that on its day, can be very troublesome. Everton’s trouble of late is their consistency, with one-week playing brilliant football, and the next simply being played off the park. In defence the team are strong, even without the inclusion of Phil Jagielka. In the past few weeks we have been seen to play counter-attacking football, but I expect us to attempt to control the possession this time around and attempt to squeeze Sunderland out of the game. In games against top sides such as Manchester and Arsenal we look better due to the teams being comfortable allowing us time on the ball, while against teams that we should have control over, we made individual errors as the team don’t allow us time on the ball
Key player:
Romelu Lukaku, with Ross Barkley a close second. When the Belgian is on form, he simply unstoppable, and has shown that this season with the Southampton game. The only problem that most Evertonian’s feel as that he isn’t given the service he needs to score, with our midfield often opting for the sidewards pass, rather than a through ball that could potentially send Romelu through on goal. Ross Barkley was an honourable mention too, as many have seen recently that the Englishman is not just potential anymore. He can pass, dribble, shoot and control a game when he is at his best, as well as his link-up play with Lukaku being incredible at times.
What do you think of Sunderland’s season so far?
So far, the team have not live up to their expectations. Before the season kicked off, Sunderland were the team I tipped as the surprise package, with astute signings such as Yann M’Vila and Jeremain Lens. It seems as though the problems stem from the back, with a poor defensive record seeing the team down towards the bottom of the table. Although, last weekends derby win could see that all change, with Sam Allardyce looking ready to steady the ship. I expect the team to move up the table in the run-up to Christmas, and potentially stay clear of any relegation battle.
Predicted line-up:
After his midweek heroics, it is still unlikely that we will see Joel in goal. Although Evertonian’s are calling for Tim Howard to be dropped due to poor form, Roberto Martinez has decided to stick with his first choice goalkeeper, much to the disappointment of many. Funes Mori and John Stones are expected to start at the back, due to the absence of Jagielka, while Seamus Coleman should return to the team as well as youngster Brendan Galloway, should the game be too soon for the returning Leighton Baines. In midfield it should be the standard Gareth Barry and James McCarthy, while I expect Kevin Mirallas to be given the nod on left-wing, with Aaron Lennon on the right and Ross Barkley in the middle. Romelu Lukaku will then round off the starting 11 up top.
Read Everton’s prediction:
I will stick my head on the line and say this will be a very close game. In recent years we have struggled against Sunderland, and given the 3-0 win over Newcastle last week, I expect the team will be looking to push on from the victory. With Everton’s consistency issues though, we could be in for a really strong performance, or a sloppy one. Personally, I think it will be the former.
Everton 2-1 Sunderland
