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Post by Everton News. on Feb 18, 2021 12:56:22 GMT
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Post by Everton News. on Feb 18, 2021 12:57:24 GMT
ANCELOTTI OPTIMISTIC OVER ALLAN AND CALVERT-LEWIN DERBY CHANCES
Carlo Ancelotti is confident Everton midfielder Allan and top-scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin will both be fit to start Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
Yerry Mina, who hurt a calf in Wednesday’s meeting with Manchester City, is ruled out of the Premier League game at Anfield.
Brazilian Allan has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in Everton’s victory at Leicester City on 16 December.
He returned to the matchday squad for Sunday’s game against Fulham but was left out for City’s visit to allow for extra training.
Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, has missed two matches after suffering a minor hamstring issue in the FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur seven days ago.
“We preferred to give Allan one day training instead of staying on the bench [against Manchester City],” Ancelotti told evertontv.
“He trained today and we hope he will be available for Saturday – to start.
“Also, Calvert-Lewin, I think, can start.”
Centre-back Mina made way for Seamus Coleman after 18 minutes against City.
Michael Keane was partnered in central defence by Mason Holgate, then, following a second-half tactical switch, Ben Godfrey, following Mina’s enforced withdrawal from a game Everton lost 3-1.
Ancelotti confirmed Mina’s issue was with his calf, adding: “Yerry Mina, we have to check tomorrow.
“For sure, he will not be available to play against Liverpool.”
Everton FC
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Post by Everton News. on Feb 18, 2021 12:58:45 GMT
DOUCOURE ON BLUES' HUNGER TO REIGNITE EUROPEAN PUSH
Abdoulaye Doucoure says Everton are determined to reignite their push for European qualification in Saturday’s Merseyside derby showdown at Anfield.
The Blues head into the match on the back of a 3-1 home defeat by league leaders Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain just five points behind the Premier League's top four, however, having played a game fewer than the teams above them in the table.
Everton will make the trip across Stanley Park buoyed by their impressive away form. The Blues have won five and drawn two of their past seven top-flight matches on the road.
Doucoure acknowledges Saturday’s game represents a stern test but says the squad boasts the belief and quality to achieve a positive result.
“I think it is the best moment for us to have another game and go into this match against Liverpool,” Doucoure told evertontv.
“Of course, it is going to be a tough game and they are a very good side.
“But we are eager to win that game.
“We just need to start winning games as soon as possible to stay near to the top six.
“We still have the chance to be in the top four or top six at the end of the season.”
Pep Guardiola’s side were pushed hard by Everton, with Richarlison equalising after Phil Foden’s deflected opener.
The scores were locked at 1-1 when the clock ticked past the hour-mark but powerful strikes from Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva took the game away from the Toffees.
“It was a very difficult game,” added Doucoure.
“I think our reaction [from the defeat to Fulham] and the attitude was very good.
“We worked hard and everyone put in a good shift.
“In the second half, we believed more we could get something.
“But we faced a difficult opponent, one of the best teams in the league.
“We are going to learn from the game and aim to do well on Saturday.”
By Peter Lennox / Everton FC
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Post by Everton News. on Feb 18, 2021 12:59:56 GMT
MANAGER ANCELOTTI'S DERBY DEMAND AFTER CITY DEFEAT
Carlo Ancelotti admitted Everton lost to a Manchester City team boasting “fantastic quality, belief and strength” on Wednesday night – but challenged his side to seize a “great opportunity” to hit back in Saturday’s 238th Merseyside derby.
Everton were beaten 3-1 by City at Goodison Park – the result represented relentless City’s 17th consecutive victory in all competitions.
The Blues showed impressive resilience to hit back against the Premier League leaders after Phil Foden’s deflected shot gave City a 32nd-minute lead.
Just five minutes later, Richarlison registered his ninth goal of the season when he finished from close range after Lucas Digne’s strike cannoned off the post.
Riyad Mahrez re-established City’s advantage just after the hour-mark with a precision swerving effort from the edge of the area, before Bernardo Silva’s powerful drive secured maximum points for the away team.
“It was a difficult game [against City],” said Ancelotti.
“From my point of view, the performance was good defensively for one hour. Offensively, we could do better when we had the ball.
“For one hour, I think we had good control of the game. Defending, of course, because we needed to defend.
“We were in the game. We worked hard, and the second goal was the key point of the game. We were not able to come back as we were able to in the first half.
“They are the best side we have played this season. They have fantastic quality, they have belief, they are strong.
“They are able to play really well with the ball and to work hard without the ball, also.
“They don’t give you a lot of possibility to play. We tried to play but it was not so easy because the effort of all their players is really high.”
Everton remain seventh in the Premier League, five points behind the top four but with a game in hand.
Next up for Ancelotti’s side is a derby meeting with city rivals Liverpool at Anfield, with the Blues aiming to sustain their fine away form.
Everton are unbeaten in their past seven Premier League matches on the road.
“We have to prepare well for the next game,” Ancelotti added.
“It is a great opportunity.
“We don’t need to have regrets about tonight [against City], the regrets were against Fulham.
“We have to try to get points on Saturday.
“The derby is a special game. We know how it is important for our supporters.
“And also, away from home, we are on a really good run, so we hope to continue this.“
By Peter Lennox / Everton FC
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Post by rugbytoffee on Feb 18, 2021 18:23:08 GMT
Wonder how soon Pickfords challenge on Van Dyk will be mentioned.
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