Lawrenson predicts lively Everton atmosphere for Ferguson’s first game
Everton against Aston Villa isn’t a game that jumps off the page when the fixtures are announced but it could be a lively one at Goodison Park.
Toffees legend Duncan Ferguson will take caretaker charge of the game after Rafael Benitez was sacked on Sunday (16 January) and there is an expectation that he will get the side fired up to new levels.
BBC Sport pundit and former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson can’t wait for Saturday lunchtime and thinks Ferguson will get Everton back on track.
“I usually expect the atmosphere at Saturday lunchtime kick-offs to be flat, but not this one,” Lawrenson said on the BBC Sport website.
“Instead, it could almost feel gladiatorial with Duncan Ferguson in the Everton dugout after they sacked Rafa Benitez, and we know from his previous stint as their caretaker boss that he won’t tolerate any slacking.
“The whole mood at Goodison Park will be different now Benitez has gone, and the fact Villa boss Steven Gerrard is on the touchline too will ratchet it up another notch or two as well.
“I am expecting an improved performance from Everton. You tend to get that anyway whenever a team changes manager, but I think it is especially the case with Big Dunc in charge. Prediction: 2-1.”
Peak excitement
Lawrenson makes a good point with Gerrard being the rival manager for this game in particular.
The Goodison Park atmosphere is one of the more intimidating when the crowd are up for the fight and there’s no doubt they will be with Ferguson at the helm.
Gerrard’s Villa have equally been up for the fight since he arrived from Rangers in November and he will want a win on Saturday just that little bit more than he otherwise would given his relationship with Everton fans.
Villa’s high intensity is likely to be matched by Ferguson’s Everton and a frantic tempo could lead to a very open game.
All of these factors, mixed together has the recipe for one of this season’s most memorable games and Ferguson needs to come out on top.
In other Everton news, a new twist in the search for a new manager has emerged with the club reportedly turning down this Ballon d’Or winner.