Everton face West Ham United at Goodison park tomorrow in what Marco Silva stated “has to be a turning point.”
The Blues have slipped to four straight defeats in the Premier League, leaving them in the relegation zone with just 7 points from 8 games.
Questions have been raised over Silva’s position at the club, and the next few matches seem likely to determine his future. However, the manager had a defiant message for his fans and players when speaking at his pre-match press conference, dubbing the fixture a “must-win.”
He said: “Pressure, I’ll tell you straight, for us as professionals needs to be a privilege, a pleasure. It means we are doing what we really love and working in a football club that is demanding.”
Despite insisting that his current squad are capable of stepping up, he was realistic about the way The Toffees have been performing.
He said: “It’s the reality, our position in the table is not good and our last results aren’t good enough. We have to react, and the pressure has to be good for us. Embracing the moment, you can perform better and win the game.”
Injuries
After Fabian Delph withdrew from the England squad with a hamstring injury, Marco Silva says that the versatile midfielder remains a “doubt,” paving the way for Tom Davies to potentially start.
Cenk Tosun is also out, after picking up a groin injury on international duty. The Turkish international has also been the object of scrutiny following his country’s controversial celebration when the striker scored in a 1-0 victory over Albania.
However, Theo Walcott is fit to play after being stretchered off against Manchester City last month with a head injury. The winger played 90 minutes in a friendly at Finch Farm last week, in preparation for tomorrow’s fixture.
Jean-Phillipe Gbamin remains out, after a setback in training lead to the Ivorian needing surgery earlier this week.
