Sport nationSean Dyche is considering giving a £22 million Everton player his first Premier League start of the year against Newcastle United. The match is scheduled for tomorrow, and it comes at a time when the rivalry between the two clubs has intensified, partly due to Anthony Gordon’s controversial departure from Everton.
The recent history of clashes between Everton and Newcastle has been marked by tension and closely contested games, often taking place at night, adding to the charged atmosphere. Despite the saying that form is irrelevant in such matches, Everton’s lack of wins since mid-December cannot be ignored.
Dyche is faced with the challenge of refreshing his team’s approach to surprise Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who have shown more determination than Everton in recent performances. Everton’s defense has been relatively solid, but their attack, including players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jack Harrison, and Abdoulaye Doucoure, has been lackluster and predictable.
One potential change could be to bench Doucoure, a move that would likely catch Newcastle off guard, and instead start Andre Gomes. Gomes, who joined Everton for £22 million after a successful loan spell, may not have Doucoure’s physicality but has demonstrated his technical abilities, despite being hampered by injuries.
Gomes’ passing skills are notable; he ranks highly among European midfielders for attempted passes, progressive passes, and successful take-ons per 90 minutes. His vision and passing could be crucial for Everton, providing the creative spark needed to break through Newcastle’s defense.
Dyche may decide to give Gomes his second start of the year and his first in the Premier League, as Everton seeks to inject new life into their gameplay and secure a much-needed victory.
Citations:
[1] https://www.teamtalk.com/news/farke-norwich-relegation-admission
[2] https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/daniel-farke-issues-defiant-leeds-united-rallying-cry-before-ipswich-fixture-amid-humorous-efl-request-4454847
[3] https://www.alamy.com/daniel-farke-manager-of-leeds-united-hugs-crysencio-summerville-10-of-leeds-united-after-the-sky-bet-championship-match-leeds-united-vs-cardiff-city-at-elland-road-leeds-united-kingdom-6th-august-2023-photo-by-james-heatonnews-images-image560601919.html
[4] https://www.alamy.com/daniel-farke-manager-of-leeds-united-embraces-crysencio-summerville-10-of-leeds-united-during-the-sky-bet-championship-match-leeds-united-vs-cardiff-city-at-elland-road-leeds-united-kingdom-6th-august-2023-photo-by-james-heatonnews-images-image560544342.html
[5] https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/championship/articles/daniel-farke-questions-penalty-decision-in-decisive-moment-of-leeds-loss-2023-12-29
[6] https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/31825/daniel-farke-normally-a-point-for-each-team-would-ve-been-deserved
[7] https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/daniel-farkes-souls-out-body-27857433
[8] https://www.norfolklive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/daniel-farke-norwich-city-watford-5933407
Sport nation