Palace welcome Everton to Selhurst tonight in the FA Cup. To get the inside track as to how Everton fans are feeling, TEB spoke to Trent Nelson, writer for the Royal Blue Mersey fan site.
TEB – Given the points deduction and the response, it feels like a pretty good time to be an Everton fan?
TN – It absolutely was until the recent run of form brought the supporters and squad back to earth a bit. While the form has been impressive at times, injuries have shown how fragile the side is and how much better it plays with certain figures and shapes in contrast with others. With all that said, the team is in a positive position right now to avoid relegation, with or without points being restored, and can better their morale with a deep run in the FA Cup.
TEB – How seriously do you think Everton will take the FA Cup?
TN – Very. The team is hungry for trophies despite the relegation battles of the last several years. Sean Dyche knows that some silverware would relieve a bit of pressure on him and his side, even if it’s not priority number one, which is staying in the Premier League of course.
TEB – What is the overall ambition for the season?
A trophy and a mid-table finish would be ideal; the side and its supporters will take not being strung along regarding the relegation battle until May.
TEB – Would you say Dyche is universally liked by the fans?
TN – While his appointment was not the most glamorous in the world, I don’t know any Toffee who is not impressed with what the boss has done. Sure, they are befuddled by certain substitution patterns or preferences, and the shape minus Abdoulaye Doucoure has caused a bit of a stir, but if everyone was being honest, they would consider that Dyche is creating better performances from this squad than anyone since Carlo Ancelotti.
He has a better squad than he ever had at Burnley, and with the money Everton have – don’t laugh – that has the chance to continue. The boss could do some damage as a blue, and the fans like how much he reminds them of themselves.
TEB – I know it is tricky with the cup, but how do you think you will line up / style of play?
TN – If Doucoure is still not available, then you can expect a back five that becomes a three when the wingbacks push up on counters; Mykolenko, Keane, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Patterson.
The middle of the park will likely feature Dwight McNeil, Amadou Onana, James Gardner, and Jack Harrison, while I expect Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead the line again after Beto was chosen last match.
TEB – Who should Palace be worried about?
TN – Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison are vital for the side, they are real goal scoring threats alongside Everton’s number nine. When they’re on, it’s difficult to stop the Toffees.
TEB – Finally, what’s your prediction for the game?
TN – 3-2 Blues
