Ray Parlour and Sam Matterface predict Everton result against Aston Villa
The appointment of Duncan Ferguson will cause a “big reaction” from Everton who will fight for a point, according to Ray Parlour and Sam Matterface.
The talkSPORT pundits both believe the Toffees will secure a battling draw when Steven Gerrard’s side visit Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.
Speaking live on the station on Friday (21st January, 07.40am), commentator Matterface said: “They’ve kept one clean sheet since September. Everton will have to be at their best. I expect them to get a hard-fought draw, 2-2 and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score.”
Former Arsenal man Parlour added: “I expect a big reaction from Everton this weekend for Duncan Ferguson, so I am going to go for a draw as well… 1-1.”
Back to basics
In many ways the next game is perfectly set up for a reaction from the embattled players.
Not only has the doomed Rafael Benitez now been removed, finally bringing some closure to a situation that appeared to only be heading one way, but the man who replaced him is the former Toffees striker who famously motivated the club during his previous caretaker spell in charge.
Ferguson was demonstrative on the sideline and interacted with the players, the crowd, and the ballboys during his strong cameo.
The Villa game is at home, giving the supporters an immediate opportunity to show their renewed backing to the club, and indeed the manager, after a period where they have been largely very unhappy.
In addition, the visitors are managed by none other than the fans long-time nemesis, former Liverpool captain Gerrard.
Everything is set up for a great atmosphere, with only the early kick off tempering the noise, so if the players cannot find a reaction on Saturday, in performance if not result, then problems may be deeper than thought.
The Birmingham side do appear to be going places under the ex-Rangers boss, and their January signings, which include ex-Toffee Lucas Digne, have undoubtedly strengthened them, so they will pose significant threat.
In other Everton news, this journalist has shared what training ground sources have told him about the new men in charge.