Everton boss, Marco Silva, reveals that his side’s squad depth has caused a “good headache” ahead of the Blues’ trip to Brighton.
Last Saturday, a weight was lifted. A wonderful piece of skill from Bernard opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Sigurdsson finished it, as his screamer sent the Gwladys Street into delirium.
That win against the Hammers eased the nerves, not only of the fans but also for Silva, as that win but more importantly, the performance relieves a bit of pressure.
“We have build from that.” he said, in his weekly press conference at Finch Farm. That win could be the start of their season, all teams have blips, hopefully, Everton’s is now over and they can really kick on.
“I understand why that question is being asked because we performed so well, showed quality and how proud we are in ourselves to play at the level we played.” He said, once asked about the pressure to build on last week’s positive result.
“Of course we have build from that and believe that it was a turning point for us. That doesn’t mean that we win all of the matches until the end of the season but we have to play in that way.”
Unfortunately for the Toffees, there may be a notable absence in their defensive department. Centre-back, Yerry Mina, missed yesterday’s session with a suspected knee injury and Silva reveals that the Columbian is not training with the first-team squad.
“It is not so good at the moment. We have more time until the game, we will have a look tomorrow and the matchday as well. However, it is not a serious injury but at the moment he is not ready to put with the team in the full session.”
Nevertheless, this means that Mason Holgate may get his opportunity he so fondly craved. Holgate has only played a limited number of games this campaign – including both Carabao cup wins – but Silva is confident that if the youngster is included, then he will be ready.
“Yes, he is prepared. He has shown me every day that he is working hard to get his chance. He has already played in two Carabao cup matches and did well and I am 100% sure if he has the chance, he will perform at this level.”
Some positives for Silva include the inclusion of both Morgan Schneiderlin and Fabian Delph, which will notably bolster the Blues’ midfield as well as the return of Seamus Coleman, after he completed his suspension for the red card he picked up against Burnley.
The Opponents
It has been a mixed bag so far this season for Graham Potter and his side, currently sitting just below the Blues in the league standings.
As of late, consistency has been their downfall. After that exceptional win against Tottenham three weeks ago, the Seagulls came crashing back down to earth after Matt Targett’s added-time strike completed a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park.
To add insult to injury, Potter will be without midfielder Aaron Mooy, after his red card at the weekend means he will miss the clash.
However, Silva is aware of the threat that Brighton pose and is going down to the south coast with his eyes wide open.
“Yes, I agree.” He said when asked if he feels Brighton should have more points than their total suggests.
“They play quality football and have a clear model of what they are trying to build, completely different from what they have been doing the last two seasons.
“Of course they need points, but so do we and should go there with a win in our minds, thinking that it is a must-win game.
“However, they will be thinking the same, I am 100% sure in the way they will play and how they will approach the contest. Over the past couple of weeks, teams have been changing their style a little bit, but I don’t believe Brighton will change much.”
(Image – Copyright Paul Gillett and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence)
