Everton’s first half midweek against Newcastle was pretty much what we expected - plenty of possession, but a lot of passing sideways and recycling the ball as the Blues were unable to be incisive against the Toon despite Marco Silva making three changes to the squad.
It’ll be interesting to see what the manager does differently tonight, especially since visitors Watford FC will show a little more attacking endeavour and adventure, which is likely to leave some gaps for Andre Gomes and Gylfi Sigurdsson to probe.
And then there’s the whole Everton-Watford bad blood saga. The Hornets were not impressed that Farhad Moshiri had make overtures at Silva last season after Ronald Koeman got the sack, and showed him the door as their form plummeted. The Blues also bought Richarlison for a shed-load of money this summer, and the player will certainly have a point or two to prove.
There’s also Gerard Deulofeu who is now with Watford. Always a favourite at Goodison despite unending stepovers and little end-product, will he be sparked up to put the Blues to the sword tonight?