With many thanks to Everton season ticket holder Paul Knight, we ask a few questions about his beloved Toffee’s ahead of Saturday’s game.
With many thanks to Everton season ticket holder Paul Knight (@paul_knight1878), we ask a few questions about his beloved Toffee’s ahead of Saturday’s game. Vital Reading asks Paul about Everton’s top four ambitions, the future of David Moyes and his opinion of Brian McDermott.
——————————————————-
1) Everton are currently seven points off the top four, do you think you have a chance of getting in the Champions League spots?
Realistically, no. The points we dropped earlier in the season in games we should have won have really hurt us – Newcastle (H), Norwich (H) and Fulham (A) in particular. Our rivals have picked up and our form has been patchy so I think we may have missed our chance now with Spurs and Arsenal pulling away a little. Never say never though!
2) David Moyes continues to impress as Toffee’s boss, do you fear losing him as his CV gets ever stronger?
I wouldn`t like to see him leave and realistically, I struggle to think where he would go. He has complete control of the footballing side of the game at Everton, not many other clubs would give him that. However, I think the frustration at the lack of funds is now starting to show and if a good enough offer came in, who knows what he would do. Tactically he can be frustrating sometimes and he certainly has flaws, but I rate him very highly. Personally, I think he will stay.
3) What would you rather have, an FA Cup triumph or Champions League football?
Difficult question! I would usually say Champions League, as the money we would get could really push us on to the next level and would help us keep the likes of Fellaini and attract big names. However, based on the current squad, I don`t think we are ready for Champions League football so I`d take an FA Cup win this year on that basis, with Champions League next year.
4) What are your strengths and weaknesses as a team that you have noticed over the past couple of games?
Strengths – we have been much more of a threat going forward this year. The addition of Mirallas along with Gibson in the middle has really given us a different dimension and pushes us forward much more quickly. The Baines/Pienaar combination is always a massive strength, although it has not been at its best for a few months now, it is still a big weapon for us.
Weaknesses – defensively we have been very nervy and poor this year, we can`t keep clean sheets so have to rely on scoring more than one goal per game, every game. We are particularly bad against a big striker, our centre halves seem to get bullied. We have also been sloppy in front of goal this season; we should be scoring a lot more with the chances we create.
5) Who is Everton`s inform player/s doing into Saturday`s game?
We haven`t been in the greatest of form the last couple of months, so this is a tough one! When he`s played, Seamus Coleman has been very impressive and Victor Anichebe had been playing very well until he was injured a couple of games ago. Leighton Baines, as usual, has been brilliant.
6) What Reading player do you rate the most and why?
Adam le Fondre. Very tidy little player and certainly knows where the goal is. His finishing is impressive, I would be happy if he didn`t play Saturday! If he does, I wouldn`t want to give him too many chances.
7) Going with head over heart, who do you think will go down? I don`t mind if you say us!
Realistically, I think it will be QPR, Reading and Villa. Although, it could easily be any 3 of 5 from QPR, Reading, Villa, Wigan and Southampton. It will go down to the wire!
8) What sort of team and shape do you think we`ll see from Moyes this Saturday?
Assuming Fellaini is back, I would expect a 4-4-1-1 with Fellaini playing off Jelavic, and Gibson and Osman in the middle. Mirallas and Pienaar wide with the usual back 4 of Coleman, Jagielka, Distin and Baines.
9) Give us your opinion on Brian McDermott?
I think he is a decent manager who sets his team up to play to their strengths well. The last couple of games aside, you have looked a much tougher team to beat and look threatening going forward. Generally he comes across as a likeable guy, honest and unbiased in his interviews, which can`t be said for all managers in the league!
10) What’s your prediction for the game?
I don`t make predictions, it`s a superstition thing! However, I have asked around and the general consensus is Everton 1-0.
