Paul Merson predicts result of Everton clash against Aston Villa
Everton play for the first time since sacking Rafa Benitez when they take on Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday (22 January), and Duncan Ferguson will be fired up.
The 50-year-old has been put in interim charge of the Toffees, and Paul Merson expects a lot to change when the players take on Steven Gerrard’s side on Merseyside.
He does not see the Blues winning, though, predicting a 2-1 defeat for them while previewing the clash in his Sportskeeda column.
Merson said: “Everton will put up a better showing this weekend with Duncan Ferguson in charge.
“They’re all over the place at the moment but I think Ferguson will make a difference.
“They have more of a chance than they did under Rafa Benitez, but they’ll up against a strong Villa side.
“Steven Gerrard’s return to Goodison Park will spice this fixture up. I don’t think Coutinho will start this game, but he’s an excellent substitute to have in the Premier League.
“Aston Villa are playing well at the moment. They needed game-changers in the transfer window, and they have quite a few now.
“Everton could nick a draw here, but Aston Villa are the better team at this moment in time.”
Exciting
The players did not necessarily down tools under Benitez, but everyone expects their approach to change when they take on Villa.
Ferguson has a way of transmitting his passion from the sidelines to those on the pitch, and if he can get a way to replicate the performances the players delivered during his three-game stint in charge post-Marco Silva, a win could be on the cards against Villa.
Everton players will be keen to make an instant impression on the interim manager.
Whoever is coming in on a permanent basis could also be watching the game, and no one will want to be blamed for a poor outing.
The Toffees will need more than passion against a Villa side that have been flying under Gerrard, though, but they can always rely on their fans to inspire them.
The supporters will be buzzing due to Rafa’s sacking, and Goodison can become the fortress that it used to be again under Ferguson.
The temporary boss will also want to start his second stint on an impressive note, and fans will be excited to be at the ground for weekend’s game.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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