Sky Sports pundit in strong Everton prediction ahead of Fulham on James Garner and Idrissa Gueye
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…
Idrissa Gueye should keep his place in the Everton starting XI against Fulham but James Garner will play himself into the team before long says Kevin Campbell.
The pair of midfielders arrived at Goodison on transfer deadline day, with the returning Senegalese international quickly securing a regular starting position while the former Manchester United youngster has only recently started appearing off the bench.
Gueye came under scrutiny over the past month for some error-marked outings but Sky Sports pundit Campbell still believes what he brings to the team is “key”, while he recognises the quality that Garner has will mean he works his way into the line up in good time.
He exclusively told Goodison News: “I think Gueye starts, I’m not being funny, I think he starts.
“What he brings to the team, not only with the ball but without the ball, that’s the key.
“His experience, his positioning, I think that’s important.
“But I think Garner will eventually play himself into that team because I think he’s a really good player.
“I saw him at Forest a lot last season, was excellent, and he’s got something the others haven’t got.
“He’s got that vision and that passing ability to be able to unpick a defence.
“I think Garner will bide his time but he will play himself into that team I believe at some stage.”
While the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last week (22 October) saw virtually everyone put in a strong showing, Gueye was one player who appeared to be struggling for a few matches prior.
He had been caught out leading to goals for Southampton and Manchester United, and Garner has looked encouraging since making his debut against his former side.
But after such a good team performance against the Eagles it would not be a surprise to see an unchanged line-up, although any further struggles from the older man could see a switch made in the coming weeks.