Everton FC jury on anticipation, Lukaku and Barry – Liverpool Echo

12 Sep 2013 11:19

Everton’s manager Roberto Martinez

Matt Jones, Prenton

THERE is a major sense of anticipation heading into this Saturday’s clash with Chelsea. In many respects, it feels like the real start to the campaign.

Despite an unchanged 11 taking to the field in each of the first three games, a flurry of transfer activity was always going to be inevitable come the tail-end of the window. Now the players and manager can really focus on the upcoming campaign.

Unfortunately, Goodison will have to wait for its first glimpse of Romelu Lukaku, but both James McCarthy and Gareth Barry  should make their debuts in Everton blue. Focusing on our two midfield acquisitions, they should inject some purpose into what has been a ponderous midfield so far this season.

Both players are more decisive and confident on the ball than the departed Fellaini and veteran Osman, and they should become key players in the successful implementation of Martinez’s possession-based philosophy.

There seem to be no immediate injury concerns following the international break and with all Everton players on duty putting in decent individual performances, they should come back in excellent spirits ahead of what is undoubtedly the biggest test of the season so far.

Martin Shaughnessy, Prenton

WITH only three points on the board, when pre-season expectations would have been to have at least double that, it makes this weekend a big game.

Playing Chelsea is a big game anyway but if we are to have a good season then what better way to kick-start it than a win against the ‘Special One’.

He seems to be making some strange decisions at the moment in particular freezing Mata out – not that I’m complaining! It will be interesting to see how they and we both line-up with Barry likely to get his debut.

Unfortunate that Lukaku can’t play this weekend. We’ll just have to wait another week before he’s unleashed!

It was good to see young Ross get his first cap and he certainly didn’t let himself down. Who knows, we could be represented by half the England team next year!

David Taylor, St Helens

AFTER a completely uninspiring break it is back to the good stuff and a clash against Mourinho and his strong Chelsea team, minus Lukaku of course.

We tended to perform well against Chelsea under Moyes so it will be interesting to see how Martinez’s style of play stands up against one of the better teams.

Whilst Mourinho’s teams are cagey at times they will show attacking intent and afford us more space in the final third so we can, hopefully, turn our possession into goals – and the pressure is now on Kone and Jelavic to bang a few in with Lukaku breathing down their necks.

It will be interesting to see our starting midfield – I expect McCarthy and Barkley to start but most of the remaining midfield places are up for grabs.

Mirallas hasn’t quite got going this season so he may be a surprise casualty but his international goal and a game against Chelsea may be just what he needs.

Chris Douglas, Old Swan

ALTHOUGH the table looks grim at the moment it means nothing yet, I remember when the  league tables didn’t get published until well into the league season before Sky took over.

Whatever way you look at transfer deadline day it has left us a bit lightweight, there is no real dog in midfield anymore, a bully like Fellaini – this could be a problem against Chelsea as we’re certainly not going to out pass them.

I wouldn’t be surprised if McCarthy is left on the bench originally to let him bed in. Hopefully Gibson is fit as he makes the side tick, as well as being the only one in the side who hits a pass hard enough.

Let’s also wish our international players a safe and quick journey home as any injuries or delays will put international football even further down my list of things I care about.