Everton vs Norwich City: Premier League matchday 6 preview
Another week has gone by, and Everton are a mercurial playmaker lighter. The departure of James Rodriguez to Qatari side Al-Rayyan made the headlines midweek, but it is straight back to business for The Toffees on Saturday.
Everton play host to newly promoted Norwich City, who are still in search of their first win of the 2021-22 Premier League season. It is no secret that The Canaries badly need a win to try to lift themselves off the bottom of the table.
However, this is also an extremely important game for the Blues. A 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend burst Everton’s unbeaten bubble. Falling short on penalties to Championship side QPR in the EFL Cup on Tuesday just added to the frustration.
In more positive news, Everton appear to have gotten a slight reprieve on the injury front.
"Pickford is okay, has been training, Lucas [Digne] is okay. The others are getting better but remain out."@rafabenitezweb with the latest ahead of #EVENOR…
— Everton (@Everton) September 24, 2021
The squad is still depleted, but the return of Jordan Pickford and Lucas Digne should help things. With the injury woes in mind, Everton are going to need the players that are fit to step up big time on Saturday. Here are three such players who could help secure three much needed points at Goodison Park.
Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford has only just returned to training, so it remains to be seen whether he is ready for Saturday. If Pickford is in net against Norwich, it could be an opportunity for him to steal three points.
With Norwich hungry for their first win and Everton without several key pieces, it is likely that the Everton keeper will be tested on Saturday. Prior to the shoulder injury he picked up against Burnley, Pickford had picked up where he left off for Everton. The 27-year-old has been a confident presence in net for The Toffees. When he is at his best, Pickford makes the whole defense better.
After two straight defeats with Asmir Begovic in net, a Pickford return on Saturday could provide a much needed lift.
Allan
Allan has quietly been one of Everton’s most consistent players since arriving from Napoli in 2020. The hardworking midfielder rarely puts a foot wrong. Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure have made a great pairing in the center of the park this season. Both players can contribute in attack and in defense.
With injuries preventing Everton from finding a consistent back line this season, Allan’s job becomes even more important. By shielding the defenders, the 30-year-old can prevent mistakes before they have a chance to happen.
Allan’s rock solid play has also allowed his partner Doucoure to contribute more offensively. Another strong game from the Brazilian on Saturday would be a welcome sight for Everton.
Demarai Gray
With Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin still out with injuries and Salomon Rondon lacking fitness, it is optimistic to expect goals from the striker position on Saturday. Enter Demarai Gray, who has already found the back of the net three times in the Premier League this season.
Gray has been an early season revelation, massively outperforming his £1.7 million price tag thus far. If Everton are to win against Norwich, they will need someone to step up and find the back of the net. On current form, it seems likely that Demarai Gray will be that man.
Norwich have conceded a league-worst 14 goals on the season. This suggests that the Blues will have opportunities to capitalize on this Saturday. It is up to players like Demarai Gray to step up and do so in order to secure three points.
Everton vs Norwich – Final Thoughts
Given the results of the past two games, it is very important that Everton bounce back against Norwich. Rafa Benitez’s Toffees have had a solid start to the season, and a win on Saturday would keep that trend going.
Everton came into the season without a whole lot of squad depth, and they have certainly been unlucky with injuries. This is the sort of game that good teams find a way to win regardless.
With Man United at Old Trafford just around the corner, the healthy players must find a way on Saturday.
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Featured image courtesy of @Everton.