Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Ronald Koeman’s seem to be perpetually in 7th place in the Premier League as of late, that is no small part due to a 5 game unbeaten run. Regardless of result today they will once again be 7th but they will look to solidify that spot with a win over Today’s visitors Bournemouth.
Midweek action took Everton to the Bet365 Stadium where they had to make do with a share of the points, a game which will be remembered for Peter Crouch’s 100th Premier League goal and subsequent Robot Celebrations. Stoke is never an easy place to go to but Everton boss Koeman will look at it as a missed opportunity to close the gap on Manchester United in 6th.
United like Everton have recently drawn with Stoke at The Bet365 Stadium but they also drew on Wednesday meaning there is still a 5 point gap between themselves in The Toffees. A gap which could still be eaten in Today and increase Everton’s revitalised hopes of gaining a European place at the end of the season.
With Southampton in the EFL Cup they will hope that they do them a huge favour by beating United in the final and opening up another Europa League place. Southampton can only do their bit at the end of the month but Everton need to make sure they still get results on the board themselves.
And as of late that is exactly what they have been doing, after somewhat of a slump in October and November they have once again found the spark that they displayed at the start of the season. That start perhaps raised expectations a bit too much but if you asked Everton fan right now they would be happy with 7th place.
A few weeks ago if you asked Bournemouth fans about their league place they would have been very happy after a top half placing but there might just be a bit doubt creeping in as Eddie Howe’s side have slipped to 14th in the table. That said most Bournemouth fans would arguably be happy with that also.
Bournemouth’s slide down the table has coincided with the fact they have failed to win any of their last four matches, a run of results that has only earned themselves 2 points as defensive deficiencies continue to once again rear their ugly heads.
Tuesday night saw them be the first team to lose to Crystal Palace since Sam Allardyce took charge and sees their buffer between themselves and the drop zone get slightly less secure. That gap currently sits at 7 points so no cause for concern just yet but a win some time soon would certainly be most welcome.
These two have had some titanic battles as of late with the one that springs to mind is the 3-3 draw at The Vitality Stadium last season and it’s at home where Bournemouth seem to have Everton’s number. Although the story is diferent at Goodison Park.
That is because Everton have won all the encounters between these two sides on Merseyside and I can’t see that story taking an unexpected plot twist this Afternoon. I think the Toffees will ease to move to victory and close the gap on Jose Mourinho’s United who play tomorrow. A home win for me.
