Regulars at the bar here in the Transfer Tavern have been fairly satisfied with Everton’s start to the season.
After a below-par season last term, they are currently ninth in the table and are also in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup.
The Toffees’ most recent display was a 6-2 hammering of Sunderland, with Arouna Kone, Romelu Lukaku and Gerard Deulofeu the stars of the show.
However, while Everton are performing far better than last term, there is still arguably some cause for concern.
In fact, Everton actually had a winless October, taking only one point out of a possible nine. Furthermore, their victory over the Black Cats was only the second time they had won at home this season, the other coming in a 3-1 win over Chelsea, which to be honest isn’t the hardest thing to do at the moment.
So despite their improvement from last term, the Toffees’ form suggests there are some passengers in the side, below are FIVE players who Martinez could give the axe in January!
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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Tony Hibbert
A fine servant of the Toffees, time might finally be up for the right-back.
This season, Roberto Martinez has given several of his young defenders a lot of game-time, with it looking like Hibbert may be a little out of the picture.
He has spent his entire career at Everton, however, so it is more likely that he may be allowed to bow out this summer instead. Nevertheless, do not expect him to get too many minutes on the pitch this season.
Darron Gibson
Though a talented midfielder, the Manchester United youth product has been desperately unlucky with injuries, and his lack of fitness really has hampered his Everton career.
Despite his age, Gareth Barry is enjoying a fine year alongside the excellent James McCarthy in the centre of the park.
Combine that with the fact that Martinez also has Tom Cleverley and Mohammed Besic in reserve, it is hard to see what Gibson can really offer to an Everton side.
Aiden McGeady
McGeady came in with a lot of promise, and started relatively okay for the Toffees.
However, it appears that attitude and effort continues to be a problem for the Irishman.
Though McGeady has undoubted talent, he simply is not consistent enough.
Furthermore, with Deulofeu beginning to add consistency to his game, coupled with the decent form of Aaron Lennon, it is again difficult to see what McGeady can offer.
If he does not change his attitude quickly, he may unfortunately prove a real waste.
Steven Pienaar
A former Everton favourite, and a man who has served the Toffees well.
However, at the age of 33, and with Martinez appearing to prefer Lennon and Deulofeu as his widemen, Pienaar’s days could also be numbered.
The South African missed the start of the season with injury, and he may prefer to find one last challenge before he finally hangs up his boots.
If Martinez was to let him go, Pienaar would be able to hold his head high.
Tyias Browning (loan)
Browning has made six appearances so far this season, but with Seamus Coleman returning to fitness, and Leighton Baines not far away, Browning may find his opportunities towards the end of the season more limited.
If Martinez feels he has enough depth in the squad, Browning could benefit from another loan move. Having previously been on loan at Martinez’s form club Wigan, Browning may benefit far more if he was on loan at a top Championship side or even a side in the Premier League.
