J
Joao Moutinho
Guest
Inb4chico
Here's my preview for the Stoke game which can also be viewed here, enjoy!
If Steven Gerrard’s thoughts were to be believed as a credible source of football knowledge he would have you believe that this is a game between two sides who play identical styles of football. For everyone who is not blinded by bias and bitterness, this game throws up a game between two sides that fit the phrase “chalk and cheese†almost perfectly. Although Everton can be known to throw the ball long up to the towering presence of Marouane Fellaini, anyone with any morsel of football knowledge will tell you that there is so much more to Everton’s game than mindless hoof ball. Everton actually play, on their day, some of the best football in the league and if they are going to pick up anything from the Britannia on Saturday they are going to need to bring their A-game.
Over the past few years the Britannia Stadium has grown in notoriety as one of the hardest places to go and get a result in English football. Any team that goes there for a physical battle will surely be bested and Everton will need to bring their passing game if they are to break down the most watertight defence in the league. Fortunately though for Everton a morale boosting smash and grab victory of Spurs on Sunday will give them the confidence to do exactly that. Whilst it is not the happiest of hunting grounds for any Premier League team, Everton have picked up 5 points in their past 4 visits which will give them encouragement given that this is a different Everton to seasons past.
More encouragement can be drawn from the return of Kevin Mirallas although he was removed at halftime against Spurs as a precaution he should be in line to play in this game and what a difference he will make. Fellaini has been in sparkling form this season although if he is to have any success against a very physical Stoke side he might have to drop into a different role. The fact that Nikica Jelavic made his return to the score sheet against Spurs will offer David Moyes’ side a lot of hope that he can grab another goal in a game where one goal could be all it takes to win it.
Stoke who have been on a decent run in the league will look to exploit a seemingly shaky Everton defence with the likes of Crouch and Jones set to cause the Everton defence all sorts of aerial problems. Boyhood Everton fan Michael Owen is also set to be fit for the game but whether he plays any part is yet to be seen. Stoke do have pockets of quality in their sides but everyone knows what their strengths are and that they like to play to them.
Although a tall order, Everton will feel confident that they can get a result at Stoke but they must be prepared to win the hard way. It might not be pretty and it might not be great to watch but it is pivotal that Everton prepare for a battle.
Here's my preview for the Stoke game which can also be viewed here, enjoy!
If Steven Gerrard’s thoughts were to be believed as a credible source of football knowledge he would have you believe that this is a game between two sides who play identical styles of football. For everyone who is not blinded by bias and bitterness, this game throws up a game between two sides that fit the phrase “chalk and cheese†almost perfectly. Although Everton can be known to throw the ball long up to the towering presence of Marouane Fellaini, anyone with any morsel of football knowledge will tell you that there is so much more to Everton’s game than mindless hoof ball. Everton actually play, on their day, some of the best football in the league and if they are going to pick up anything from the Britannia on Saturday they are going to need to bring their A-game.
Over the past few years the Britannia Stadium has grown in notoriety as one of the hardest places to go and get a result in English football. Any team that goes there for a physical battle will surely be bested and Everton will need to bring their passing game if they are to break down the most watertight defence in the league. Fortunately though for Everton a morale boosting smash and grab victory of Spurs on Sunday will give them the confidence to do exactly that. Whilst it is not the happiest of hunting grounds for any Premier League team, Everton have picked up 5 points in their past 4 visits which will give them encouragement given that this is a different Everton to seasons past.
More encouragement can be drawn from the return of Kevin Mirallas although he was removed at halftime against Spurs as a precaution he should be in line to play in this game and what a difference he will make. Fellaini has been in sparkling form this season although if he is to have any success against a very physical Stoke side he might have to drop into a different role. The fact that Nikica Jelavic made his return to the score sheet against Spurs will offer David Moyes’ side a lot of hope that he can grab another goal in a game where one goal could be all it takes to win it.
Stoke who have been on a decent run in the league will look to exploit a seemingly shaky Everton defence with the likes of Crouch and Jones set to cause the Everton defence all sorts of aerial problems. Boyhood Everton fan Michael Owen is also set to be fit for the game but whether he plays any part is yet to be seen. Stoke do have pockets of quality in their sides but everyone knows what their strengths are and that they like to play to them.
Although a tall order, Everton will feel confident that they can get a result at Stoke but they must be prepared to win the hard way. It might not be pretty and it might not be great to watch but it is pivotal that Everton prepare for a battle.
