Everton welcome Crystal Palace to the Goodison Park as they aim to bounce back from a shock 1-0 reverse against Bournemouth last week. Ronald Koeman would have been pumped by the start made by his new team and although the fixture list had fallen kindly for them, managing a new team with such improved performances is an achievement in itself.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace have recovered to an extent after a slow start and currently find themselves in the 7th position. With the match between the two expected to be an end-to-end affair, as both the managers are known for playing aggressive football, we look at things the fans of the respective teams will be eager to look forward to.
CAN ALAN PARDEW FINALLY JUSTIFY THE FAITH SHOWN IN HIM?
Alan Pardew has been given the complete backing of the board and he has made quite a number of signings at Crystal Palace. He endured a mixed last season and started this season on a nervy note as well. But recent matches have seen an upward trend which the fan will hope signals towards a future where they will be in the Top 10 and nearer to their high ambitions. They currently find themselves in the No.7 spot and Pardew will be desperate to remain in and around their present standing.
EVERTON’S FALSE DAWN?
Ronald Koeman’s Everton side took everyone by surprise at the start of the season by racing to the second position whilst all the attention was on the Manchester clubs and Liverpool’s swashbuckling football. But sceptics pointed to their relatively easy fixture list as one of the reasons for it.
After a 1-0 reverse against Bournemouth, people have started talking about the possibility of another false dawn for the Toffees. Their ability to sustain their early season form will be crucial in where they end up finishing but they have the technical nous of Ronald Koeman to guide them to a more balanced and successful season. Their forthcoming fixtures against teams in the top half will give a clearer picture.
THE BATTLE OF THE BELGIAN GIANTS
Belgium’s golden generation has put forth a handful of supremely talented players in all positions and most of them are currently plying their trade in the English Premier League. Out of a number of effective strikers, Romelu Lukaku has been the one who has cemented his place in the National team with his performances for Everton over a couple of seasons.
In contrast, Christian Benteke has fallen out of favour ever since his move to Liverpool, which diminished his playing minutes. The two strikers will be spearheading their respective attacks and Benteke, in particular, will be desperate to prove a point or two by emerging as an unlikely hero.
