Sky Sports pundit picks starter from Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson for Everton vs Fulham
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Nathan Patterson has been “very impressive” for Everton this season but the Fulham game “might be too soon” for him believes Kevin Campbell.
It was a blow to Frank Lampard for the young Scottish full-back to be injured on international duty when he had been a valuable quarter of the best defence in the league at that point, but despite a run of defeats in recent tough games club captain Seamus Coleman has filled in well.
After the manager revealed ahead of the win over Crystal Palace (22 October) that Patterson may be ready for the following week, Sky Sports pundit Campbell is content to let the Irishman continue in that role until the Scot is 100% ready to go, because the drop off from one to the other hasn’t been as stark as some had feared.
“I think they can afford to put him on the bench and get him on for half an hour,” he exclusively told Goodison News of Patterson’s return.
“Because I think he was very impressive, Patterson was.
“But Seamus Coleman, we mentioned this at the start of the season.
“Patterson will be number one but Seamus Coleman will be there behind just in case.
“I think Seamus Coleman’s done really well but you’ve got to protect him a little bit, so I think Patterson comes back on the bench and starts to get himself back in the team further down the line.
“I think Fulham might be a bit too soon.”
Coleman may not be able to cover the ground he used to on such a regular basis, but he held up well even with the midweek game at Newcastle (19 October) crowding the calendar last week.
With Everton cursed by defensive injuries in recent seasons it would be no surprise for Lampard to be cautious with the youngster, as he had been with Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the Englishman proved he was ready.
Due to the overall strength of the defence and the fact that Coleman has held his own pretty well still Patterson can be eased in until doubts over any set backs are put to rest, especially coming off such a positive win over Palace.