Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas predicts Everton to beat Lyon in the Europa League clash.
The pressure is mounting on Everton manager Ronald Koeman. The Toffees have made a poor start to the season, and already a section of the fans and pundits are disillusioned with Koeman’s management.
Everton will face French side Lyon in the Europa League clash at Goodison Park on Thursday, and Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas predicts a 2-1 victory for the home side.
Everton are winless in their last three games, and have been playing badly since September. Nicholas says that if Everton do not start well against Lyon it could turn into an awkward night for them in front of the home crowd.
A lot of talk has been going on over whether Koeman’s job is under threat. However, Nicholas believes that the Everton owners do not want him gone.
The former Celtic player has showered praise on Wayne Rooney, saying the former Manchester United striker is getting Everton out of the holes.
Nicholas adds that he thought Everton would be in the top seven this season, but at this moment it looks like a long shot. However, he predicts Rooney to score tonight.
“Well, it just keeps coming for Everton and Ronald Koeman, although I genuinely don’t think the owners want to move him on,” said Nicholas to Sky Sports.
“It is Wayne Rooney who is getting them out of the holes. He’s not in his best form but he’s the one who wants to get on the ball, even if it is crossing from 30 yards out.
“What they’ll get here if they don’t start well is a really awkward night in front of their home crowd. Lyon are a decent side and I just feel like there’s an aggressive display to come from Everton.
“I genuinely thought that they’d be top seven this season and that looks a long way away right now, but I think Rooney will help them get their Europa League campaign off to a belated start with a scrappy win here.”
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