Manchester United’s visit to Goodison on Sunday will be crucial for the teams in action. Being separated by just one point, 5th placed visitors and the 6th placed hosts will be in need of all the three points to keep up with the teams above them. The Toffees made a great start to the campaign winning 4 of their first 5 games.
Since then, Ronald Koeman’s side has won just one of their last eight as the inconsistencies and other problems regarding the execution of the game plan began to surface. Let’s discuss the questions that will be on the mind of the fans before the game on Sunday.
Can Everton Keep Up Their Good Home Form?
Despite the slump in their form, Everton do have a good home record. The Toffees are yet to lose a game at Goodison in the Premier League this season with some encouraging performances against some strong teams.
The home advantage is key for Koeman’s men and they need to make sure that they make it count against a United side which has been very indifferent in their own performances in the league. Koeman must press for all three points and should make sure that they keep up their unbeaten record at home.
Can The Attacking Midfield Provide The Support Needed To Lukaku?
One of the main reasons behind the slump which saw Everton fall down the table is the lack of creativity in the attacking midfield. Striker Romelu Lukaku has cut a frustrating figure in the last few games with very little service up front, something which saw very rare openings in favour of the Toffees.
The attacking midfielders have failed to make a mark in matches except Bolasie. Lack of coordination and contributions in behind the striker suffocated the attacking moves and was reflected in the lack of goals as a result. The midfield trio in behind Lukaku need to play well if they are to beat United.
Can The Central Defence Turn On Their A Game?
Everton’s central defence pairing of Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams has so far failed to play to the level which they are capable of. Especially in their last four games, they have been poor and the defence has looked porous.
Williams, who has proved many a time that he is capable of producing solid displays at the back, is yet to induce the sense of security while Jagielka has struggled to replicate the form of the previous years.
There’s no doubt of the fact that both of the central defenders are more than capable of keeping things tight at the back against quality opposition and if they both play to their potential then the visitors will have a tough time breaching the defence of Koeman’s side. Both Jagielka and Williams will play an important role in the game as its outcome will depend quite a bit on how they can do their job on Sunday.
