Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti does not seem to be messing about anymore and so he shouldn’t be. Performances have been abysmal of late and that has meant that Everton will definitely be finishing in the bottom half of the table. That simply is not good enough hence why Ancelotti has insisted in the press conference for the upcoming game that ‘we will try and improve the squad’.
Monday evening will bring a very testing game for Everton as they travel to Bramall Lane to come up against Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United. Their first season after being promoted is on course for an unbelievable success with a top half finish and still a proper chance of European football. Even though that was dealt a big blow with a loss against Leicester City they will still believe they have the chance.
So Everton will immediately be up against it and whatever the opposition of recent it seems that Everton are automatically up against it due to the way they are performing. The last game against Aston Villa was so very close to embarrassment but Theo Walcott made sure they did not lose with a looping header. That goal meant the unbeaten record at Goodison Park was just about kept intact.
Everton were lucky that Aston Villa were as bad as them in the 90 minutes and Everton all but ended their survival hopes. The Blues will be hoping that they can also end Sheffield United’ hopes of European football. The team will be lacking some first team members for the game.
Fabian Delph, Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina will be out for the season, which sounds worse than it is as it is only two games. However with the the start of next season being very close it may be a concern for the coaching staff that these key players are missing at the moment. That’s two centre backs missing therefore youngster Branthwaite will yet again have to feature.
Ancelotti also hinted at the fact that Moise Kean will be given a start finally as the manager said ‘it is a possibility he could start from the beginning’. Ancelotti also confirmed that Kean will be part of the Everton squad next season saying ‘he will be our player next season’. Everton supporters will be hoping he can have a much better season and unlock his huge potential.
The same will be said for Kieran Dowell who bagged a hat-rick against Hull City for Wigan. When the scouser comes back from his loan the hope will be he has matured and will be ready to play in an uninspiring midfield. Ancelotti is trying to improve the centre of the park for Everton as shortly after the Aston Villa draw it was confirmed that Everton had bidded £14million for Southampton midfielder Pierre Hojbjerg.
Ancelotti didn’t want to comment in his latest press conference though but it was simple to see for everyone that yet again the midfield put in a nothing performance. It needs reinforcements but recently every position on the pitch seems it does due to the form.
Sheffield United team news is that John Fleck might be back in contention for the first team. Other than that there doesn’t not seem to be any new concerning injury problems. Therefore it will be a unreal challenge for Everton’s young side.
It may be difficult but with Everton’s season basically being over Ancelotti may want to throw caution to the wind. Wilder’s side will be aggressive as ever meaning it should be an exciting game.
Written by Elliot Thompson
