Everton travel to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds after a really disappointing defeat against Newcastle last weekend looking to bounce back.
It is a vital game for Everton as the worst thing that can happen is two losses on the bounce and for the team to not show an immediate reaction.
Newcastle were in awful form before their game with Everton and they came out comfortable winners so Carlo Ancelotti will be needing a big reaction if he wants to achieve the top four dream.
However, in his press conference the Italian seemed to bring those expectations down just a little as he said: “It still remains a dream for us, but I think the games against Leicester and Newcastle gave us an answer.
“To fight for fourth, we have to improve.”
That is exactly what Everton are in, a fight.
They are one of several teams who will be thinking that this is their best chance of reaching the Champions League, a chance to be a part of Europe’s elite.
There is no doubt that Everton fans would be glad to just get into Europe but when a chance like this comes along supporters will want their team to take it within their grasp.
To do that Everton need to get revenge on Leeds United who beat them at Goodison Park in the reverse fixture.
Although only one goal was scored in that game it was a cracker, which tends to be the case whenever Leeds play so we should expect the same this time round.
Especially when Leeds are coming off one of their performances of the season in which they dismantled one of the high-flying teams this season.
Before that 3-1 victory at Leicester City Bielsa’s men also beat Newcastle so they are building up some good form and will be desperate for it to continue.
On paper it has all the ingredients to be another great game with Everton’s need to bounce back but they will have to do that without England’s first choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
He has been in and out of the side this season, but he seemed to hurt himself against Newcastle after throwing the ball late on in the game.
Ancelotti revealed that he hopes he will be back for the game on Saturday against Manchester United whilst also saying that Fabian Delph is back and ready to play.
Unfortunately, though Allan is still not back and the game on Wednesday will come too soon for Jean-Phillipe Gbamin.
Leeds also have some injury issues which are very touch and go.
Patrick Bamford suffered a dead leg so will have to be assessed whilst Raphinha and Rodrigo are also awaiting confirmation of their availability.
So, it could be a depleted squad from Leeds for Everton to take advantage with a couple of their keymen needing to drastically improve their form.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has lost his goalscoring touch from earlier on in the season as he was practically scoring in every game.
Also, Richarlison has been nowhere near his best in recent games as the Brazilian seems to be in a bad rut with his overall effect on games being nowhere near what it used to be.
With Josh King recently signing and ready to take a place in the front three the attacking players places are under threat so hopefully we shall see a reaction from Richarlison and co.
2012 was the last time Everton travelled to Elland Road and they were knocked out the League Cup after a 2-1 defeat.
This time it is in the big leagues and Ancelotti will doing his all to make sure there is not a repeat of that result this time round.
Written by Elliot Thompson
