Season 2021-22 Opinion Talking Points

If you know your (recent) history — is it enough to make your heart go Wooaaah?

by Kevin Murray  |   30/11/2021  8 Comments  [Jump to last]

We'd like to think we don't care what the Red Side say… but unfortunately, as it is usually a reminder of them having the upper hand, most of us probably do.

With the negative circumstances surrounding the build-up to the 239th Merseyside derby, it would be understandable to forget that Everton are unbeaten in the last three matches against their own noisy neighbours. Picking up two draws and, of course, in February, returning from Anfield with all 3 points for the first time in over 20 years.

A lot of the talk surrounding Everton's recent run of poor results has focused on the numerous injuries to key players. However, it is worth remembering just who was missing in securing that victory earlier this year. Everton's much-missed centre forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin was fit enough only for the bench that day and centre back Yeri Mina was not involved at all.

These two players will almost certainly not be available on Wednesday but, on this evidence, should that really be enough to raise the white flag of surrender?

The other noticeable aspect of the starting XI that day was that it included the much-maligned trio of Mason Holgate, André Gomes and Tom Davies. Again, none of these will be available to start this match. Although, going by the most vocal opinions, these three players will not be a huge loss.

Conversely, two players who should be available to make their derby debuts are the popular additions of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend. With the possible signs of an emergence also of the real Fabian Delph at Everton, the options for the starting XI are, on paper, arguably stronger now than they were in that victory at Anfield.

Previous manager Carlo Ancelotti received plenty of criticism last season for his tactics and formations, often leading to a dull experience and many dropped points, particularly at Goodison Park. However, opting for a three-man midfield away from home in this match proved an inspired move as a more aggressive Everton pressed the opposition into mistakes.

This observation though, is one of the worries regarding current manager Rafa Benitez. Benitez appears extremely reluctant to deviate from his preferred 4-4-2 formation, often leaving Allan exposed against a more mobile opposition midfield. With the mobility and quality of the midfield three he is likely to be up against on Wednesday, this is a huge concern. In Doucouré, Allan and Delph, Benitez does have the personnel to call upon to make this change, but will he?

A formation change to 4-3-3 would also provide a front three with pace, directness and mobility to allow Everton to play to their strengths on the counter-attack. Richarlison returns from a one-match suspension and Demarai Gray was, by some distance, the most dangerous attacking player after coming off the bench on Sunday. Leaving a choice between Andros Townsend and Anthony Gordon to complete the front three.

This would also allow Benitez to drop those players who have become a stick with which to beat him. The continuous reliance on Alex Iwobi and Salomon Rondon is in danger of turning the tide of support against Benitez. More than anything else, Everton supporters are losing patience with an insistence on turning to these two players without giving a chance to the younger players at his disposal.

Leaving attackers Ellis Simms and Lewis Dobbin on the bench on Sunday, when the team was chasing goals, was to most, totally baffling. Benitez's reasons are unclear; is it a sign of stubbornness or simply a lack of trust? Either way, it is not proving popular with large sections of supporters.

In short, contrary to many people's opinions, Benitez does have options at his disposal — in both formation and personnel. Some of these options would arguably ensure a stronger starting XI than the one which secured victory in the last Merseyside derby.

As always, this is a hugely significant fixture for everyone connected to the club, but perhaps even more so given the recent run of results. It is, however, impossible not to underestimate the significance of this match in the future of Rafa Benitez as manager of Everton Football Club. Will he once again turn to his trusted methods and selections, or will he take note of recent history and try something different?

This particular Evertonian is hoping for the latter. But mostly just hoping… and praying.

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