It’s fair to say that Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern have been impressed with Ronald Koeman’s efforts in charge of their club so far this season.
The Dutchman has done such a good job this season that reports have emerged claiming he could become the new manager of Barcelona.
Our landlord believes the chiefs at Everton must do everything they can to keep hold of Koeman and our resident Everton punters agree with him. The Merseysiders have made strides this season, so to lose their manager would be a big blow to everyone associated with the club.
And there’s nothing that keeps managers happy in their current surroundings quite like winning games, especially in the ever-competitive world of the Premier League.
Everton face Sunderland at 3pm on Saturday and although the Black Cats are rock bottom of the Premier League table at the moment, David Moyes’ side will be no pushovers as they continue to fight for top flight survival.
So, who should start on Saturday to ensure the feelgood factor continues at Goodison Park with an impressive win? Our landlord’s had his say…
GK: Joel Robles
Joel Robles has managed to keep his place as Everton’s number one despite the return to fitness of summer signing Maarten Stekelenburg and our landlord expects the Spaniard to keep his place for this one.
RB: Seamus Coleman
Full back is not a position where Everton are short in quality and Coleman is a vital cog to his side’s offensive play, with four goals and two assists already this season.
CB: Ashley Williams
The Welsh captain has settled in nicely at Goodison Park following his summer move from Swansea City, securing his place as a first team regular in Koeman’s side and providing an extra level of sturdiness at the back.
CB: Ramiro Funes Mori
Funes Mori seems to have ousted club captain Phil Jagielka from his centre-back spot with a series of strong performances and Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern are more than pleased with the relationship forged between the Argentine and Ashley Williams.
LB: Leighton Baines
A simple first-choice at left back for Everton. Baines has become a true fan favourite during his time at Goodison Park and is continuing to deliver even at the age of 32.
CM: Idrissa Gueye
The Senegalese international has impressed since arriving from Aston Villa in the summer and our landlord expects Gueye to add to his 20 Premier League starts for the Merseyside club following James McCarthy’s thigh injury.
CM: Gareth Barry
Barry is in line to to take the captain’s armband following Phil Jagielka’s demotion to the Everton bench and even though he struggles to keep up with the speed of play at times, the former England man’s experience at the base of midfield is vital for the Toffees.
CM: Morgan Schneiderlin
Our Everton patrons have been raving about Schneiderlin’s performnces since his January move from Manchester United and our landlord expects the Frenchman to put in another shift against Sunderland.
RW: Ross Barkley
Though not his favoured position, Barkley will look to have as much influence from the right-hand side as possible, cutting in so that Seamus Coleman can get in behind Sunderland’s defence on the overlap.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
Everton’s season might not be quite so impressive without the services of Romelu Lukaku, who has scored 16 of their 40 Premier League goals to rise to second in the division’s scoring charts. He’s the first name on the team sheet these days.
LW: Ademola Lookman
Whilst Kevin Mirallas could be sidelined with a groin injury, our landlord has been impressed by young Lookman’s performances in the Belgian’s absence and expects him to keep his place against a shaky Sunderland defence.
