---
title: "An opposition’s view: Everton"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/04/23/an-oppositions-view-everton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Previews"
published: "2015-04-23T09:43:37Z"
modified: "2015-04-23T11:53:15Z"
---

# An opposition’s view: Everton

It’s been a deeply disappointing season for Everton. Most of us started the season full of optimism- confident that we’d build on last year’s impressive campaign- but a combination of injuries, poor managerial decisions and individual errors has meant that we’ve grossly underperformed. Our European form (before the Kyiv 2nd leg debacle) offered some consolation, but you’d struggle to find an Everton fan who believes any real progress has been made this year.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this season has been a real learning curve for Roberto Martinez, and one that he must use as a formative experience if he’s to progress as a manager. It’s hard to escape the feeling that teams have realised how one dimensional we are at times and worked out a way to play against us. Until recently, Martinez had been too stubborn to respond, but we’re now seeing signs of a more pragmatic approach that is starting to bring better results.

It’s strange, as he’s honestly the most intelligent man I’ve heard speak about football, but this summer will be key for Martinez’s Everton career- he needs to rebuild an aging squad and convince the fans we’re actually going in the right direction. Personally, I’d like to see the deadwood moved out- the likes of Distin, Alcaraz, Hibbert etc. all must be replaced- and unfortunately that list also includes former United players Tim Howard and Darron Gibson. The former has been very poor this season, despite a recent upturn in form, while the latter is just far too injury prone.

We’ve got very little to play for now. The ridiculously overblown threat of relegation has comfortably been staved off, and we’re 15 (yes, 15) points off Southampton, who are in the final Europa League slot as it stands. Now we’re playing for pride, more than anything, and should, at least, be capable of finishing in the top 10. This is a talented group of players, who have improved in recent weeks. The pace and enthusiasm of loanee Aaaron Lennon has provided much-needed width, whilst the partnership between John Stones and Phil Jagielka is starting to blossom. Stones really is a Rolls Royce of a young defender- for my money the best young centre back in England- and it’s my belief that we’d be in a far better place now if the two had managed to stay fit all season.

Former Everton and United player Phil Neville has suggested today that for Everton fans, the fixture with United is almost as significant as the Merseyside derby. I certainly wouldn’t go that far, but there’s a definite rivalry between the two cities, and we’ve seen a lot of movement between the two in recent years. Former Blues Fellaini and Rooney will be a threat, as will the impressive Spanish duo of Mata and Herrera. To be honest, I’m most concerned by the big Belgian, as Everton are woefully bad at defending crosses. It’s sod’s law that players come back to haunt their former teams, so that’s definitely one to keep an eye on this Sunday.

Expect an open, attacking game. Lukaku is back, and will most likely start with Barkley just off him in the number 10 role, with Kevin Mirallas and Aaaron Lennon either side of the talented youngster. The jury is still out on van Gaal for me- the media hypes him up a lot and I’ve seen some strange decisions during his time at United. He’s spent big and is reaping the rewards, but that doesn’t make him the messianic figure that the media are trying to portray. That being said, he seems to have stumbled upon a team, and a system that grinds out results. Score predictions are notoriously difficult, but I’ll sit on the fence and go for 1-1.