Here we go again. We’re at home in the third round of the FA Cup, a staple fixture that we all look forward to in August, until everything inevitably comes crashing down as it has this year and we’re just praying that we don’t bottle it.
I don’t think many of us have big expectations for a cup run this year, simply because of the pessimism and apathy surrounding the club at the minute. Not that he has to, but a statement FA Cup run could really do wonders to save face for Marco Silva and his young tenure thus far, as he has recently been bombarded by Everton Twitter for all manner of things, but that’s a rant for a different day.
We host Lincoln City, who recently themselves were promoted to the Football League and seem to be trending in every way the Blues are not. Since my last ramblings, the transfer window has also busted open and the rumours have came flooding through. Most silly, some absurd, but it’s all in good fun.
And while I don’t think we’ll see Timo Werner and Aaron Wan-Bissaka suiting up for the Ev’ this Saturday, I believe we’ll see a bit of rotation, as there should be. The side needs freshening up after a horrific Christmas period. It is a chance for Marco Silva to experiment (but not too much) and for some players to either make a run at the first team, or for others, to say goodbye for one last time.
It may be the last time we see James McCarthy or Morgan Schneiderlin, and genuinely sadly, Oumar Niasse. For all of Oumar’s limitations, he gave 110% and became a genuine cult hero in the vein of Denis Stracqualursi, and I’m sure Evertonians genuinely wish him all the best.
So here’s my team for this Saturday’s affair
João Virgínia – Jonjoe Kenny, Yerry Mina, Kurt Zouma, Leighton Baines – James McCarthy, Morgan Schneiderlin – Ademola Lookman, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Bernard – Cenk Tosun.
James McCarthy and Morgan Schneiderlin need to see what they can offer Marco Silva in the future, and Cenk Tosun may well be playing for his Everton career. With Kieran Dowell gone, the attacking midfield trio picks itself as Richarlison really needs a break. João Virgínia gets the nod over the 71-year-old Maarten Stekelenburg in goal as a time away from the squad will help Jordan Pickford. Leighton Baines returns and, even though he may not ever displace Lucas Digne again, he could give Marco Silva food for thought regarding a midfield experiment.
Like I mentioned, thoughts of FA Cup glory are slim at the moment, but let’s see if we can’t really shake them up, Blues.
