Everton versus Newcastle is the early game on Saturday, and it’ll be another home game for James Rodriguez to shine in.
The Colombian scored a fantastic goal in the midweek draw against Leicester City potentially showing what he is capable of when he is in the middle and not coming off from the wing.
Everton were not capable of securing the three points though after James’ opener as in the second half they invited too much pressure by sitting back inevitably isolating star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Leicester City have been in scintillating form so it was always going to be a tough game, but Everton looked threatening every time they went forward so it was a surprise to see them sit back from the very first minute of the second half.
However, Carlo Ancelotti was pleased with what he saw as he said in his press conference: “The lesson I learnt is that we can compete with everyone in the Premier League.
“I don’t know if we can win every game but we can compete with everyone.”
One thing Ancelotti would not have been pleased with as well as every Evertonian was Jordan Pickford’s mistake that led to the goal.
It was awful goalkeeping and he cost his team, yet again.
Normally managers come out and back their goalkeepers when they’re the undisputed number one however Ancelotti did not and was rather hesitant when asked about him.
Straight after the game the Italian stated that he would not even have a conversation with the English goalkeeper and then in his press conference it did not look great for Pickford.
When Ancelotti was asked if Pickford starts, he said: “”I don’t know. I have to think about this.”
It is not a vote of confidence and Robin Olsen will now be hoping he gets a consistent run of games as the Swede has not made any mistakes whereas Pickford has cost Everton on more than one occasion this season alone.
It may seem that Ancelotti has ran out of patience with Pickford just like many supporters have but it could give him the wake up call he needs at this moment in time.
In terms of injury news for Everton there are no fresh concerns after the draw in midweek with Fabian Delph and Allan still out.
However there was some positive news with Jean-Philippe Gbamin expected to begin training next week.
So it very well could be an unchanged side from the Leicester City game as the attacking threat should shine through against a poor Newcastle team who will likely just sit back.
Steve Bruce is under a lot of pressure as his style of play has been dull and the results have been woeful this season even though they did beat Everton in the reverse fixture.
Ancelotti had his say on Bruce’s situation saying: “I have a lot of sympathy for Steve. I like him as a man, he is under pressure but who isn’t?
“We are all under pressure. Steve has the experience & knowledge to move quickly from this situation.”
Newcastle have been dragged into a relegation battle due to the results of late and need a positive game.
Everton will be hoping that they do not bounce back against them but realistically the quality the Toffees possess should really be too much for the Geordies.
A Champions League place is looking more and more like a possibility as each game goes by, which is why every Evertonian is looking forward to see what happens.
Written by Elliot Thompson
