Why Everton fan EVAN BARTON is hoping for great things tonight.
Everton resume their Premier League survival battle away at fellow relegation battlers Newcastle at St. James Park tonight in what looks to be a classic ‘ relegation 6 pointer’
It will be Frank Lampard’s first Premier League game in charge after a resounding 4-1 win over fellow top flight strugglers Brentford in the FA Cup on Saturday. MNL takes an in depth look at Everton’s current situation heading into the big match.
New man, new style.
In the 4-1 hammering of Brentford, new boss Lampard brought exactly what all Everton fans expected and very much wanted. High pressure attacking possession-based football with an added hunger and desire.
In his pre-match press conference he said ” We want to be aggressive in attack, that’s how I remember the great Everton teams growing up.”
This was something previous manager Rafa Benitez couldn’t do, the ex-Liverpool boss’ slow and cautious approach did little to gain support, regardless of his links with the toffees arch rivals.
Fresh and returning faces
Everton have been handed a huge pre-match boost with Dominic Calvert-Lewin returning to the match day squad after a small injury.
If Lampard can help him find the form he discovered under Carlo Ancelotti, this will put real pressure on the Newcastle defence and seriously bolster the forward line.
It’s no secret that the Magpies have struggled defensively this season, and with a potential front three of Richarlison and Gray alongside him, this is a match the blues really should be winning.
January signings Donny Van De Beek and Dele Alli are also available to play and must now push on in an effort to revive their stagnating careers.
If both players want to prove their worth, these are the type of matches they simply have to perform in.
Van De Beek is yet to impress after his €40 million move to Manchester United from Ajax and Dele Alli, a once England regular and Tottenham wonderkid has been on a downward spiral and failed to impress his last 3 managers. If both fail to perform for Everton with such a big point to prove, their careers are in serious trouble. It is time for them to step up and push Everton up the table.
The Match
With Everton 16th in the table and just four points from the relegation zone against a side in 19th. The saying ‘ must win match’ would be a massive understatement.
Although Newcastle find themselves 19th in the table following their Saudi takeover they have spent a whopping £90 million in the January transfer window. This is no easy match.
Despite still having 15 matches remaining in the Premier League after tonight’s encounter, if Lampard’s side do fail to win tonight it isn’t complete disaster, but it is just about as close to one. Where do the remaining points come from to ensure a first ever Premier League relegation isn’t on the cards?
Everton MUST win!
