With the disappointment of the loss at Wembley last weekend, Everton must turn their attentions back to the Premier League as they host Bournemouth at Goodison Park on Saturday. As mentioned, Everton suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against Man Utd in the semi final of the FA Cup last weekend, a result which put an end to not only their hope of ending the trophy drought but also effectively their season given in the Premier League, the Toffees have nothing to play for. Bournemouth themselves have very little to play for, but the Cherries would be extremely happy with that given they will get at least one more season in the top flight, and you can sense that the players have taken the foot off the gas pedal as they were defeated 4-1 by Chelsea last weekend. Although in terms of league positions and importance their may not be much to play for, but for Martinez, he has everything to play for with his job in jeopardy.
Everton Team News:
Everton will be without key defenders Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka, both are out with hamstring injuries, and Ramiro Funes Mori is still suspended. Gareth Barry also misses with a groin strain. With the season more or less done for Everton, perhaps some of the youngsters might be given a chance, including the likes of Pennington and Dowell. Additionally, Tim Howard, who lost his starting job to Robles will be in between the sticks as the long time stalwart plays his last two games at Goodison.
Possible Starting XI: Howard, Baines, Pennington, Oviedo, Stones, McCarthy, Cleverley, Barkley, Deulofeu, Lennon, Lukaku
Player to watch: Romelu Lukaku
The striker, despite scoring 18 goals in the league this season, had a poor performance in the semi final last week, missing a number of chances, including the penalty. Lukaku will surely be looking to make an amends for that performance and try and reach that 20 goal target.
Bournemouth Team News:
Bournemouth have no new injury concerns and they could regain the services of Max Gradel, who has struggled with a calf injury. Bournemouth will be without the likes of Smith, Rantie, Arter and Mings.
Possible Starting XI: Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie, Gosling, Surman, Pugh, Grabban, Wilson
Player to watch: Callum Wilson
The Bournemouth striker, who played a big part in the club’s ascension into the Premier League, was impressive earlier in the season but unfortunately sustained a serious knee injury that sidelined him for months and has only just returned, coming off the bench in the loss to Chelsea. Given the time he has missed, you’d imagine he would be keen to get back into action and with an Everton defence that has been porous this season, and is now heavy under-manned, he will be looking to mark his return from injury with a goal.
Match Facts & Stats
1. This will be the first game between the two sides at Goodison Park in the league. These sides have met 5 times previously with Everton winning four of them, and the other being the thrilling 3-3 draw earlier this season
2. Everton’s home record has been appalling this season, the Toffees, who are normally very strong at home, have tallied 17 points this season, which is the 2nd lowest only behind Aston Villa, and they have also shipped 29 goals at home, 3rd most in the league this season.
3. Lukaku has failed to score in his last six games, prior to that he had scored six in his last six.
4. Bournemouth has lost 4 of its last 5 games, with the only win coming against lowly Aston Villa, although they have only lost once in their last seven away games.
5. After starting the season brightly, Barkley has struggled since the turn of the new year with the midfielder failing to have registered an assist this year, and having only scored 2 penalties against Newcastle.
Match Prediction:
In the grand scheme of things, this result isn’t that important in terms of Everton and the league, and I think the players have sensed that in the last few games. At home, Everton have been atrocious, and it is hard to see things changing given the recent performances of the side. I think with the defence severely under manned, Bournemouth can find some success and think it will end in a 2-2 draw. COYB!