Sky Sports expert predicts result of Everton v Aston Villa
Everton face Aston Villa in the Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Saturday (22 January) where there will be a new face in charge.
Duncan Ferguson has been appointed as the caretaker boss, and Sky Sports expert Lewis Jones feels the return of the legend could see a change in fortune.
He feels that the fixture has now become a tougher test for Steven Gerrard and has predicted a 2-1 win for the home side while previewing the clash in his Sky Sports column.
Jones wrote: “It’s just written, isn’t it? That Duncan Ferguson gets Everton’s season rolling in the right direction at Goodison Park, which will be rocking with one of their own back in the dugout.
“And the identity of the opposition manager is only going to send noise and passion levels north of the expected average. Steven Gerrard must be cursing the timing of Rafa Benitez’s sacking, and this fixture now becomes a tougher test for his Villa side.
“Ferguson has previous experience in this role, having taken charge of Everton after Marco Silva left and led his side to a memorable 3-1 victory over Chelsea in his first game. Everton played with greater intensity, got the ball forward quicker, made more tackles and got the crowd involved at key points of the game.”
New direction
Everton managed only one win in their last 13 Premier League games under Rafa Benitez which eventually led to his sacking.
Ferguson is a club legend and he will unite the fan base. He will transmit his passion from the sidelines and the players will be looking to give everything on the pitch.
Jordan Pickford said this week that the players will do everything for Ferguson, and they will be keen to make an instant impact.
Everton are in the process of appointing their next permanent boss, but right now the focus is on getting the result, and the positive feeling back.
However, mere passion will not translate into victory for the Toffees, especially against Villa who have been impressive under him so far.
Under Benitez, the atmosphere around Goodison Park was getting toxic. Ferguson can change the mood around the place if Everton can secure a victory on Saturday.
In other Everton news, a prominent journalist has blasted the club’s interest in this manager.