Exclusive: Campbell claims Everton missed ‘perfect time’ to play Man City
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes that Everton have missed the perfect time to play Manchester City after the game between the two sides was called off.
Just hours before this week’s game, the Premier League announced that the match at Goodison Park would be rearranged after the Citizens announced more of their players had tested positive for COVID-19.
Campbell believes that while the Toffees have missed a good opportunity to beat City, the extra rest the players have been given may benefit Everton in the long run.
Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said, “You can look at it two ways. Everton were on a bit of a roll and second in the table.
“You’re thinking, ‘this is the time to play Man City’. They’re going to be a bit weakened with a couple of players out through COVID. It would’ve been the perfect time for Everton.
“On the other hand, the game got cancelled and the players were playing with knocks and fatigue so it gives them a chance to recharge the batteries.
“I don’t think it’s the worst thing to happen, but I’m sure the players will have wanted to play Man City.”
Everton were robbed of the chance to go level at the top of the table with Liverpool as the festive fixture will now be played at a later date.
The safety of the players must come first in these situations and as Campbell says, the extra rest the players have now had will leave them in good stead for their match against West Ham.
With the Toffees back challenging for a top-four finish, a home win against the Hammers must be achieved to keep the pressure on their rivals.
Everton may go into the game as favourites due to their home advantage and West Ham’s deteriorating form.
The Hammers are winless in four while Everton have won their last four Premier League games and a well-rested Toffees side should take the points.
In other Everton news, Kevin Campbell has predicted the result of Everton’s clash against West Ham.