Match to be played on Saturday 15th March 2014 at 15:00. Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool.
Everton have a great chance to move above Manchester United and into sixth place this weekend when they host Cardiff City at Goodison Park.
It’s been a decent season for Roberto Martinez’ men though the Spaniard would like a little more consistency from hi side with superb performances mixed in with disappointing displays against some of the bigger sides.
Martinez should be able to name a strong team for the match and this is the eleven he could go with.
GK – Tim Howard
No doubts over the American’s place in the side, he guarantees experience and will keep the back four well organised.
RB – Seamus Coleman
Coleman has been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League this season. Everton need a dominant performance from him defensively and when he goes forward.
CB – John Stones
Phil Jagielka is still struggling with an injury which means Stones should keep his place. The youngster needs to develop a good relationship with Sylvain Distin.
CB – Sylvain Distin
Distin injects experience into the heart of the back four. He’s a very difficult defender to get the better of because he reads the game well and still has a decent burst of pace over short distances.
LB – Leighton Baines
Baines needs to control that left hand wing. He has to funnel any Cardiff attacking play into the centre as well as getting forward well to utilise his top class delivery.
RM – Kevin Mirallas
Mirallas is the ideal player to have out wide because his pace, skill and movement make him a difficult player to keep quiet. He’s also a great player centrally and will drift in at times when Coleman gets forward.
CM – Gareth Barry
Barry will roam the space in front of the defence. He needs to cut off the angles, intercept well and make it difficult for Cardiff to play basic football.
CM – James McCarthy
McCarthy is the perfect player to have next to Barry because he compliments him well. He offers that aggressive element in the midfield, breaking up the play and using his power to get forward.
AM – Ross Barkley
Barkley needs a good 90 minutes after he was drowned out of the game against Arsenal. He’s capable of unlocking any defence with a single pass.
LM – Leon Osman
With Steven Pienaar picking up a knock in the game against Arsenal, Osman can slot in on the left. He’ll tuck in when Baines is forward and has enough experience to be effective out wide.
ST – Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku’s job is to press and harass the Cardiff defence. He needs to really get stuck in, using his pace and power to get on top during this game.
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