After playing a 4-2-3-1 system for the majority of the season, results were still non-existent so Marco Silva opted to change the formation in the recent defeat at Leicester, operating with a 5-2-3 formation. Despite 94th minute heartbreak, Everton played reasonably well and looked much improved structurally. Richarlison’s goal midway through the first half arose from a well-worked team goal, ending with an inch-perfect Djibril Sidibe cross that was slammed into the net by the Brazilian international. In addition, Moise Kean’s introduction off the bench was a positive one, with the former Juventus striker coming so close with an instinctive first-time shot that hit the side netting. Kean is yet to make an impact to the Goodison Park faithful but fans of the club are shouting for him to be played more regularly, offering a different dimension to Dominic Calvert-Lewin who prefers the ball in the air, a philosophy that Everton are trying to stay away from. In a game of this calibre, will Silva take a gamble and release his exuberant young forward on the biggest stage, or will he keep opt for Calvert-Lewin/ Richarlison in the number 9 position?
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Defensively, Everton have not been catastrophic, but concede too many avoidable goals for their liking. A back 5 of Djibril Sidibe, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Lucas Digne is good on paper, but lapses of concentration in key moments of matches have left Everton in the position they are. One player who has impressed this season despite poor performances from the team is Yerry Mina, a man who was signed by the club on the back of a thoroughly impressive World Cup campaign. Mina struggled to impress in his debut season at the club, failing to sustain a run of form within the first XI yet so far this campaign, his individual defending and leadership from the back has been superb. Paired alongside Michael Keane for the majority of the campaign, Mina has found the form that justified Barcelona’s eagerness to sign him.
Overall, playing the 17th placed team in the League on a Wednesday night at home in December should be as comfortable a victory as victories come, but with this being a Merseyside Derby, I have no doubts that it’ll be a fiery encounter. Everton have many qualities that are yet to be utilised thus far this season, but whether they can deliver a performance to be proud of at Anfield in the form they are in may be a step too far for them.
Prediction- Liverpool 3-1 Everton.
Written by: Daniel Ghorbal @GhorbalDan
