Can Everton Make It Three Wins From Three - A Huge Six Pointer
- Spirit of The News
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
Everton takes on Ruud van Nistelrooy's side, Leicester City, where it is a massive opportunity to climb away from the relegation zone.
The Toffees currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, and Leicester are placed 17th. Both teams, in the context of recent form, have been complete opposites. David Moyes and Van Nistelrooy have both been coping in contrasting situations. 61-year-old Moyes was brought in by new owner The Friedkin Group after the poor results of Sean Dyche. Since the appointment, Moyes has completely taken over the role and implemented his own style of play very swiftly. So much so, Everton have two wins on the bounce. A 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur, including a nervy second half, and last weekend was a 1-0 win over Brighton away at the Amex Stadium on the south coast, with an Iliman Ndiaye penalty and an extremely disciplined defensive display handing the Toffees a huge three points.
On the other hand, Van Nistelrooy, other than last weekend, has been extremely poor. The Foxes faced Tottenham last Sunday, managing to overcome Ange Postecoglu, who has exceeded Spurs' expectations, in a 2-1 win away from home. Before that, the last Premier League win was on 3rd December, a 3-1 win over West Ham. Due to this, there have been lots of Foxes' fans who have been calling for the ex-Manchester United player to be sacked. Also, there have been reports of arguments in the dressing rooms. 20-year-old Facundo Buonanotte has reportedly been frustrating the boss, giving the ball away too frequently during the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on the 15th of January.
The Toffees are currently going through what some are calling an injury crisis. Although James Garner, Tim Irroegbunam, and Youseff Chermiti are back on the grass, Lyon loanee Orel Mangala and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both picked up bad injuries in the 1-0 win over Brighton. During David Moyes' press conference, the Scotsman told the media that it is likely that Mangala will return to his parent club to undergo surgery in France; however, Calvert-Lewin's injury "isn't as bad as first feared," and there is the opportunity to play again towards the end of this campaign. This means that the Toffees will now have to look in the transfer market for replacements. Out of nowhere, this afternoon, it was reported that Everton have reached an agreement to sign Carlos Alcaraz on loan from Brazilian side Flamengo. The 22-year-old Argentian midfielder is set to travel for a medical tommorow and has already said his farewells to his current club. Alcaraz has played in the Premier League before, having had spells at Southampton in 2023 and 2024.
Carlos Alcaraz - Flamengo v Atletico Mineiro - Brasileirao 2024
The Foxes have been slightly active during the January transfer window, letting go of ex-Everton striker Tom Cannon to Sheffield United and have brought in right back Woyo Coulibaly as well from Italian club Parma. Ruud van Nistelrooy has stated in his press conference that "We know there is a deadline, and that's what we are working towards. It is something that we are going to address until the last second of the window to see what we can do," also adding, "We are trying to do the maximum possible, within the possibilities, to get players in that can strengthen this team. If we can get something, then great. If not, then we carry on with this group."
Leicester are one point clear of the relegation zone, whereas the Blues are seven points clear. The opportunity is there for both sides, but who will want it more?
Gameweek 24:
Saturday, 1 February 2025:
Nottingham Forest 12:30 Brighton & Hove Albion
AFC Bournemouth 15:00 Liverpool
Everton 15:00 Leicester City
Ipswich Town 15:00 Southampton
Newcastle United 15:00 Fulham
Wolverhampton Wanderers 17:30 Aston Villa
Sunday, 2 February 2025:
Brentford 14:00 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United 14:00 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 16:30 Manchester City
Monday, 3 February 2025:
Chelsea 20:00 West Ham United
Comments