The Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern are desperate for their side to win against Newcastle this evening. It has been a very long and difficult season for the Toffees, but things are beginning to come good. After a tumultuous spell that saw the dismissal of two managers, Sam Allardyce has come in and really made an impact. The Englishman has reverted back to basics, and his side have earned a few good results as a result.
Against Liverpool at the weekend, they showed the grit and determination that they have lacked all season long, and they were given their rewards when Wayne Rooney knocked in a penalty towards the end of the fixture.
Whilst most players have been buoyed on by the arrival of Allardyce, not everyone has benefitted. One player that has struggled in recent weeks is Tom Davies. Though clearly a very talented young English player, he has been poor lately, and against Liverpool, he particularly struggled.
Fortunately, if Allardyce wanted to change his squad up and replace him, he has more than a few options to call upon. His side is on a decent run at the moment, and so he’ll want to ensure that every player is playing to their best ability.
With that said, Allardyce should start 1 of these 2 players against Newcastle instead of Davies…
Morgan Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin hasn’t had a very good few years, that much is clear.
He stumbled at Man Utd, and he didn’t exactly hit the ground running at Everton either.
That being said, he’s a solid enough option, and if Allardyce is looking to sure his team up, then a decision to start the Frenchman might make sense.
He’s a defensive midfielder by trade, but like Davies he’s also able to pump the ball forward and attack, and that could give Everton a slightly different approach against the Magpies.
Aaron Lennon
Aaron Lennon is, perhaps, a more natural replacement for Davies.
He’s an attacking midfielder, and given his years of experience, he knows exactly how to move past a blip.
The Englishman will likely be key for Allardyce this season, particularly given his years of knowledge, and if the manager calls on him, he’ll no doubt be able to confidently expect a solid performance.
Offering pace, technique and a decent goal threat, Lennon is still a great player despite his age.
