Rodwell returns

Saturday, 15/10/2011

by Michael Smith, Shoot's Everton blogger

There’s a real mixed bag of football fans that currently inhabit the North West of England.

Even after the Carlos Tevez debacle, which is not yet over, the Man City fans still seem as delirious as ever. The impact of Sergio Aguero and Arabian billions are a swift and effective medicine for what is now being seen as merely a pesky inconvenience.

On the other side of Manchester, United prepare themselves for the short trip up the M62 to our mutual rivals, Liverpool (which is about the only thing us Evertonians have in common with United).

Anfield, like every other ground in the country, is a place where United expect to win and they head there with their usual confidence.

For us Evertonians though, life is rarely that cosy. But we wouldn’t have it any other way, would we?

Rarely are two weeks the same at Goodison and this season is becoming a real rollercoaster ride of highs and lows already, and don’t expect it to be any more predictable this weekend.

After a dismal showing at Manchester City and a home defeat against Martin Atkinson, sorry, I mean, Liverpool last week, it wouldn’t be unlike the Toffees to get a result at Chelsea in the tea time kick-off.

There are definitely some encouraging signs. We are no strangers to upsetting the apple cart at Stamford Bridge - they haven’t managed to beat us since the 2009 FA Cup Final remember.

After what was widely agreed to be Everton’s poorest performance last season, the inept 2-0 defeat at Bolton, we drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fourth round replay and secured that memorable 4-3 shoot out victory. Adversity often spurs us on to do better.

It will be interesting to see how Jack Rodwell responds to his own personal low after that infamous red card. The unfortunate timing of the international break forced him to stew on it for two full weeks, but his return to action tomorrow, which will be his 100th game for Everton, will hopefully be a happier occasion for the 20-year-old.

Louis Saha, who has scored five goals in his last five appearances against the rebuilding former champions, will also play. David Moyes is determined to set up more offensively since the toothless attacking display at Manchester City and this should guarantee the Frenchman a starting place.

Chelsea have looked shaky when defending set pieces this season too, so Leighton Baines will be a threat if he can put in his usual quality of corners and freekicks. Bainesy has started this season as he ended the last and Chelsea will be wary of putting challenges in on the edge of their own penalty area.

Speaking of Bainesy, Evertonians can reward him for his fine performances last season by helping him win the North West footballer of 2011, to vote go to; http://www.northwestfootballawards.co.uk/index.php/your-vote/

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