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For the first time in 40 years, Blackpool make a trip to Goodison Park to take on an Everton team that has not lived up to expectations this year. In the first meeting between these two sides at Bloomfield Road, Everton were forced to come from behind twice to grab a single point in a 2-2 draw this past November. Tomorrow’s game is at 10 am ET, 3pm in England, and will be found on Foxsoccer.tv in the US, or your favorite illicit stream.
Can Everton take a bite out of the TangerinesOf course the big news for Everton this weekend is the return of everyone’s favorite Aussie, Tim Cahill. The Australian is finally back at Goodison following a run to the final in the Asia Cup, and he will look to pick up where he left off in December. According to Opta Stats, Cahill has been involved in 44% of Everton’s goals, either through goals or assists. This number is behind only Rafael van der Vaart of Spurs, and Carlos Tevez of Manchester City, and shows just how much Cahill has been missed in January. Of course as everyone knows, the return of Cahill means that Moyes is likely to return to the classic 4-4-1-1 formation, but hopefully with Cahill back the Toffees can put a few more goals into the back of the net. Everton currently have scored
Predicted Lineup:
Saha
Cahill
Billy – Fellaini – Arteta – Coleman
Baines – Distin – Heitinga – Neville
Howard
Nothing to special here against Blackpool, Howard as always will get the start in goal, with a Baines as always attempting to get forward on the left. I’ve finally decided to start projecting Heitinga to partner with Distin in the center of the defense, with the skipper Neville out on the right. Once again I will state the belief that it should be Jagielka back there with Distin, considering that in the past 5 games without Jags, Everton have conceded 7 goals, which is not going to get the team many points, especially considering the teams inefficency on the attack. At this point it appears that Moyes favors Heitinga over Jagielka, and it will certainly be interesting to see what will happen through the rest of the season. This is a bit of random speculation, but it is possible one of the two will be on their way out of Goodison due to a lack of playing time. This of course would give Moyes some transfer money to buy a striker or two to help out the team.
In the midfield there is not a whole lot to say, with Seamus Coleman starting on the right side in his regular spot. Look for him to make some penetrating runs through the box at a Blackpool defense that has allowed 44 goals this season, tied for second most in the league. The center will most likely be a pairing of Fellaini and Arteta, with the big-haired Belgium trying to shut down Blackpool’s most important player, Charlie Adam. Any chance Everton have in securing a win will rest on the teams ability to shut down Adam, and look for Fellaini to get stuck in early to establish his position. Billy is also likely to get the start on the left side after several excellent performances after Pienaar left for Spurs. One cause for concern with Billy though is that he was subbed against Arsenal at the 60th minute mark, which was surprising, and was hopefully done with an idea of giving him a bit of rest.
Of course up top we have the return of Tim Cahill who will almost certainly move into his normal spot on the field right behind our lone striker. It will be interesting to see how dangerous Cahill will be, and if Evertonians are lucky, Cahill’s return to Goodison will result in a goal or 2 from the Australian international. Up above Cahill will most likely be Louis Saha, who has been in excellent form recently with goals against Arsenal, Chelsea, Scunthorpe, and Spurs. Hopefully Goodison Park will be able to chant King Louis name tomorrow afternoon.
Blackpool started off this season with excellent form, and were even able to rise into the top half of the table. Led by the always entertaining Ian holloway, the Tangerines have played a very pleasing and attacking style of soccer that has taken many of the EPL heavyweights by surprise. Blackpool have already completed the double against Liverpool this season, but given their recent form of 6 losses in 7 games, Everton are certainly the favored side tomorrow.
Prediction: Everton should win this one, and my prediction is a 2-0 Toffees win with Saha and Cahill getting on the scoreboard. Until next time everyone, COYB!
Category: Previews
Tags: Arteta, David Moyes, Everton, Leighton Baines, Louis Saha, Previews, Tim Cahill, Tim Howard, ToffeesTweet « Everton v. Arsenal: A Typical Everton game | Home | January: A New Year, Same Old Everton »
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