Everton Preview

Kevin Keegan will be expecting a performance more in keeping with last Saturday’s win against Newcastle rather than that that was dished up at Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

Keegan read the riot act to his players after that game and threatened them with wholesale changes for tomorrow’s game. Despite his condemnation of the team’s performance he is likely to stick with most of the guilty men.

The goalkeeper and his back three should be safe from the drop after they were given exemption from the criticism levelled at the rest of the team. Bernabia, Berkovic and Wright-Phillips should be safe as they provide the creativity the boss asks for, Foe should just keep Horlock out on the strength of his Newcastle performance. Anelka is certain to start up front.

That leaves Jensen and Huckerby as the two most likely to pay the price for the team’s poor performance. Danny Tiatto is now fit and had a second half run out on Wednesday, He will probably replace Jensen at left wing back, further strengthening City’s attacking force and providing more steel against a notoriously tough tackling Everton side. Huckerby may find himself warming the bench at the expense of the Goat. Keegan continues to be impressed by the Goat’s attitude and the team could certainly benefit from his finishing ability having only scored one so far this season. Goater also provides a different option up front as opposed to Anelka and Huckerby possessing similar qualities.

Everton go into the game unbeaten so far this season with one win and two draws to their credit. They did however struggle to get a point at home to Birmingham on Wednesday and by all accounts were lucky to come away from Sunderland with the points last Saturday.

Last time out at Maine Road it was a 5-0 stroll to City. Expect it to be a little closer this time around but still take City for a 2-1 win.

Get your Premiership Predictions in for this week.