“Where do we go from here?” This has been the question on most fans’ minds following the League Cup exit on Tuesday. Do we stick with Sean Dyche? Do we make a move for Moyes? Are we too good to go down? Are there 3 teams in the league ‘worse’ than us? For now it seems that the answers are that Dyche is going nowhere, with continued statements of ‘support’ from the board. However, the timing of the recent interview with David Moyes shows that there is someone waiting in the wings. As for our form and our chances of survival, right now we are rock-bottom of the league and for good reason.
This weekend is already a ‘must-win’ and the first test of needing to beat the teams around you. Recently promoted Leicester have put 2 points on the board already this season, with draws at Spurs in their opening game and last time out against a struggling Palace side. They are by no means guaranteed survival under Steve Cooper and an aging squad. But no doubt about it, it will be another tough game for Everton away from home on Saturday…
If You Know Your History… Everton v Leicester Through the Years
Saturday’s meeting of the 2 sides will be the 120th time the Toffees and the Foxes have faced off against each other. “The Chang Lineker Beckford Derby” has been won by Everton on 45 occasions, Leicester have claimed bragging rights on 39 occasions and the spoils have been shared on 35 occasions.
Last time out at the King Power, Leicester and Everton played out a 2-2 draw. Alex Iwobi rescued a point for Sean Dyche’s side back on the 1st of May 2023. The reverse fixture that same season saw Leicester take all 3-points in a 2-0 win at Goodison Park. That proved to be Everton’s only loss to Leicester in their last 7 meetings. With the Toffees winning 3 and drawing 3.
Team News
Sean Dyche had to have a written list of players that are currently injured, ill or away from the first team. He confirmed that Jarred Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson will be available for the U21’s this weekend, as they continue their return to full fitness. James Tarkowski, Dominic Calvert-Lewin & Vitalii Mykolenko all look set to return following a knock and illness respectively. James Garner is out with illness and Idrissa Gueye is on leave following the passing of his father. Seamus Coleman looks set to be out ‘longer than first thought’ with the injury he sustained over the international break. Elsewhere, Chermitti and Broja remain out with longer term injuries.
Leicester have ‘no new concerns’ following their league game against Crystal Palace. Daka and Stolarczyk remain their two long-term absentees. Meanwhile Luke Thomas, Jamie Vardy and ex-Everton player Conor Coady will all be assessed for knocks but should be available.
What the Managers Says
Dyche on Everton’s current form – “We had this start last season, that’s a bit of a head scratcher, and the season before that, before I was here. You wanna be winning all games. The fact that they are in and around you doesn’t make it easier, it makes it another challenge.”
Steve Cooper on the Everton game – “Everton have a lot of really good players and an experienced manager. We are aware that every game comes with its own set of challenges. We are excited for the game.”
Everton Key Player
James Tarkowski – Okay, hear me out on this one. Assuming he comes back into the side tomorrow, we need to see the James Tarkowski of last season. So far this season it is safe to say Tarkowski has struggled without his regular partner in Branthwaite and a stable back four. We’ve shown in recent games that we can create chances and can score goals but our defensive fragility has been clear to see all season long. Some fans will say he is past it now or not at a Premier League level but this simply isn’t true. He, as with many of the players, is in a rut and if the manager isn’t able to lift them out of it then someone on the pitch is going to need to be the first to stand up and be counted. The responsibility shouldn’t fall completely on Tarkowski’s shoulders but we need to see leadership, calmness and good decision making from the Englishman in Saturday’s game. If he can help stabilise the defense, then it will go a long way to salvaging something from the poor start to Everton’s league campaign.
One to Watch for Leicester:
Jamie Vardy– This was a hard one because on paper, I don’t think Leicester’s squad is particularly good. Steve Cooper’s early frustrations at the King Power were surrounding recruitment and a lack of strength and depth in the side that won promotion from the Championship. With that being said, the last player you want to face when you are down on your luck is Jamie Vardy. Whilst way past his best, the Red Bull fueled wind up merchant can still score a goal and take chances when they fall his way. With Everton’s current defensive worries, Vardy will need to be monitored closely should he start tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
What else is there to say at this point? The phrase ‘must-win’ has been said to the point of exhaustion and it is growing more and more true the longer this rotten run goes on. No game is an easy game right now, especially with a side lacking in confidence and a manager seemingly running out of time (and ideas). The atmosphere amongst the supporters is also telling. Waves of anger and frustration on top of feelings of acceptance and numbness. It is getting to the point where you’d start to wonder if one win would be enough to save the manager and hush the catastrophising.
Prediction
1-1. I fully expect this to be similar to the Southampton game on Tuesday. A depleted Everton squad will go and give up possession in the hope that the chances come. We can only hope that Sean Dyche’s side can be more clinical if/when those chances do come and tighter at the back. Similar sides in terms of form and early frustration. I predict a draw.
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