Royal Blue Mersey - Everton at Tottenham Hotspur: Premier League Matchday 13It's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2014-12-01T19:12:43+00:00http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/rss/stream/70712482014-12-01T19:12:43+00:002014-12-01T19:12:43+00:00Everton Player Ratings against Spurs
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<p>Everton travelled to Tottenham, on the back of a great win in Wolfsburg. The Blues needed this opportunity to write a few wrongs after midweek games, but unfortunately that wasn't done.</p> <p><span>This excuse for a European hangover has to stop in my opinion. They are professional footballers paid to do a job all at peak fitness. There is no excuse for lack of interest however and unfortunately that's what I saw in large parts yesterday. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> played <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> off the park for the first 20 minutes before stopping, slowing down, standing off, and finally losing interest. That can't be of a result of tiredness.</span></p>
<p><span>I spoke, a couple of weeks ago, about Martinez finding the balance after a midweek game. It appears it is one of few things as a manager he is yet to grasp. Roberto has never coached a side in European football before, so all this is coming new to him, that's the only exception I'll allow from a fans point of view, but it still doesn't take away from the fact we play poorly after a Europa league match. So on with the ratings.</span></p>
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<p><span><b><span>Tim Howard</span> - 6-</b> It sounds funny to say this having conceded two goals, but there wasn't an awful lot for Tim to do but the things he did do, were nothing short of poor. For example Tottenham's first goal was a rebounded shot from a Howard save. Two things about that save is he committed a cardinal sin in goalkeeping terms, as he made the save but pushed it almost straight in front of himself instead of to the side. The second is I felt he could have potential held onto the <span>Harry Kane</span> shot which led to Christian Eriksen's equalizer. He was however in a good position to cover Besic' poor headed back pass 5 minutes towards the end of the first half.</span></p>
<p><span><b><span>Seamus Coleman</span>- 6.5 -</b> Coleman looked off the boil yesterday and for some reason looked shaky when attacking his wing in front of him. In fact, he shied away from it all game instead look for a pass inside. I think Coleman may still have had a slight injury, but I think its good to get him back in the side. We'll see better from him in the midweek game this week I'm sure.</span></p>
<p><span><b><span>Phil Jagielka</span>- 6.5 -</b> Consistent is probably the best way of summing the captains performance yesterday. He didn't do anything that set the world alight but I don't think he did much wrong. One thing that was a piece of brilliance was his <span>James McCarthy</span> style, last ditched tackle towards the end of the game when Harry Kane was clean through on goal, that prevented the home side from going 3-1 up.</span></p>
<p><span><b><span>Sylvain Distin</span>- 5 -</b> Yesterday was the Sylvain Distin of old. Being caught out of position, being caught committed to the wrong ball and the wrong man and not anticipating the runs around him. Distin struggled massively, I will put Tottenham's first goal down to a 50/50 error on Howard's and his part. If you watch the replay you'll be able to see Distin stand off and stand off and stand off Kane as he makes a run towards our box, he then jumps into block a shot that didn't happen, again committing himself, and allowed Kane to get his shot off which of course then lead to Howard's mistake and ultimately the goal. I could really be doing with never seeing Distin play like that again, i'll be honest.</span></p>
<p><span><b><span>Leighton Baines</span>- 6-</b> I think Leighton could have done with returning against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/hull-city">Hull City</a> this Wednesday. I think he, like Coleman and Barry, was still carrying a knock and it hampered him. Leighton struggled to get forward like normal yesterday and bar a couple of good balls into the box, was pretty much out of the game. I’d also like to see him work on beating the first man off a corner.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Muhamed Besic- 7.5- </b>I thought Mo tried hard all game, his distribution was good and he carried the ball forward. He was held back by lack of runs in front of him and poor play around him from the likes of Barry and Barkley. We’ve definitely got a lot more to look forward to from the Bosnian, his performances keep getting better every time he plays.</span></p>
<p><span><b><span>Gareth Barry</span>- 6- </b>Another player I felt was rushed back to soon. He just didn’t look right and he was caught in possession on the half way line for their second goal. A very unfamiliar performance from Barry, another whom I’m hoping improves for Hull City on Wednesday. </span></p>
<p><span><b><span>Ross Barkley</span>- 6.5- </b>Ross struggled to get going yesterday, besides his mesmerizing run in the first 20 minutes, he didn’t really do much else that was good. He gave the ball away a lot and held onto it for to long, I hate to be to critical as he needs time to get to where we believe he is capable, but performances like yesterday need to start to disappear and quickly. I know he is capable of better.</span></p>
<p><span><b><span>Kevin Mirallas</span>- 8.5 –</b> My man of the match by a long way. I still can’t understand Martinez’ decision to take him off, he looked fresh, on his toes and certainly looked a lot less fatigued than some of our other players I’d have taken off instead. He attacked the Tottenham defense with real confidence and they simply couldn’t get hold of him. His goal was something of a world beater and is up there for goal of the month no doubt. Mirallas was one of very few opportunities to score yesterday and our chances of winning went off with him when he was substituted.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Samuel Eto’o- 7-</b> Eto'o had a fairly good game, nothing to shout about but did everything he needed to, I’m happy with his contribution and you can see Lukaku is a lot more confident when Eto’o plays in behind him.</span></p>
<p><span><b><span>Romelu Lukaku</span>- 7- </b>Again Lukaku didn’t do a lot wrong yesterday, he held the ball up better than he has done before and the goal against Wolfsburg appears to have given him some needed confidence. A couple of times yesterday he had the ball played into feet, which he controlled well, then he found a pass and moved back into the middle for the cross, that’s exactly what we have been crying out for him to improve on and I believe he has so far. One slight criticism was that he allowed himself to be dragged to wider areas to often and left the box vacant.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Leon Osman- Sub-</b> I might sound harsh here but when you put a substitute on he needs to have and impact and unfortunately Osman was none existent in my eyes. Was caught in possession. He was playing in the wrong position, which isn’t his fault, but certainly didn’t aid his game. </span></p>
<p><span><b><span>Aiden McGeady</span>- Sub-</b> again not much impact from McGeady, I thought he would create a few more chances but he again was slow on the ball. I’d love to see the Aiden McGeady that has this free style of play he gets in the Ireland team, his performance against Scotland for Ireland is exactly what I want to see from him at Everton, but I’m still waiting to see it.</span></p>
<p><span>You can see from my rating I believe the issues lay with the defence and the majority of our midfield. I also felt Roberto made the wrong changes yesterday and to only use 2 subs when we are chancing the game is ridiculous. Yes, <span>Christian Atsu</span> </span><span>Maybe leaving in January but he adds another level of pace to our team which we needed I’d have put him or Pienaar on for the final 15 minutes. Unfortunately Martinez didn’t use his last sub and that damaged us. We need to start seeing a </span><span>More consistent side if we want to even dream of get a spot in the top 4 or winning the Europa league.</span></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/12/1/7313661/tottenham-vs-everton-player-ratingsAlex.Fitz.EFC2014-12-01T16:37:44+00:002014-12-01T16:37:44+00:00Review: Blues lose at Spurs, again
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<p>The reverse of Thursday in Germany. The Blues win possession but lose the game in North London. But then they always lose at Spurs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>In many ways <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> played better in defeat at White hart Lane than they did in victory on Thursday night in Germany. The possession was a little better (55% vs 44%), but this time it wasn’t used as effectively and crucially the defending were not good enough.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span></span><span>It all started well enough with a strong Everton line up including the return of cavalier fullbacks <span>Seamus Coleman</span> and <span>Leighton Baines</span>, and the surprise recovery of Gareth Barry. It was the strongest team the Blues have been able to field for a while. The only downside to that is the ongoing bodge of how to play <span>Ross Barkley</span> and Samuel Eto’o. The England youngster hasn’t looked convincing since his return from injury but need game time in his preferred position; playing out wide isn’t helping. The conundrum comes as Eto’o is surprising people with his football intelligence and his movement across the pitch, which is making him hard to leave out. You can’t help but feel the constant changing of those attacking positions is harming the flow of the team. With Kevin Mirallas making his third start in a week there will be more changes ahead for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/hull-city">Hull City</a> on Wednesday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span></span><span>It was one of Mirallas’ more frustrating games, although to mitigate his ineffectiveness for the last hour he was on the pitch his wonder goal on the quarter hour mark will surely be in the Goal Of The Season. Romelu Lukaku had no such mitigation as he had another ineffective display, though a lack of service contributed somewhat to that. Ultimately a lack of match fitness is what told in this game. Barry, Coleman, Baines, Mirallas, and Barkley have all been missing recently, or in and out of the team, and Muhammed Besic is still settling into the rhythm of the Premier League. That lack of fitness does not help when you're chasing a game and need fresh legs to drive the team on.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span></span><span>Credit must go to Tottenham though as their high pressure game once again brought them benefits, their second goal was as a direct result of <span>Mauricio Pochettino</span>’s team pressurizing high up the pitch with Barry caught in possession. That then led to the second thing that caused <span>Phil Jagielka</span> and <span>Sylvain Distin</span> problems all game, Spurs direct running. <span>Harry Kane</span> and <span>Aaron Lennon</span> kept the Everton back four on their toes for most of the ninety minutes. Both Spurs goals came as a result of Jagielka and Distin not being able to cope with Kane running at them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span></span><span>A fabulous game for the neutral, or Spurs fans, it was a missed opportunity for Everton to put another marker down this season and really consolidate their push for the European places. Amends can be made quickly though with the game against Hull a mere two days away.</span></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/12/1/7313369/everton-tottenham-result-premier-leagueMaxMaz2014-11-30T17:55:28+00:002014-11-30T17:55:28+00:00Spurs frustrate Everton in loss
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<p>The Blues fall to Spurs 2-1 in London.</p> <p>Two similar teams came into White Hart Lane looking for three points as Everton traveled to London to take on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a>. Both were coming off Thursday Europa League wins and were looking to return toward the top quarter of the Premier League table.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton's</a> performance was a letdown coming off a win in Germany that saw them top their group with a game left to play. The team were riding high on the win in Europe, but frustrated in their return to league play.</p>
<p>Things started off great for Roberto Martinez's side, but defensive mistakes spelled their doom as Spurs were able to expose a Toffees defense that had held strong of late, but ultimately are suffering from key injuries.</p>
<p><span>Kevin Mirallas</span> drew a foul and won a free kick just outside the Spurs' 18-yard-box in the 14th minute. <span>Leighton Baines</span> took the kick, but Mirallas got it back and curled a magnificent shot past <span>Hugo Lloris</span> to make it 1-0.</p>
<p>Five minutes later Spurs had equalized. <span>Tim Howard</span> managed to punch out Roberto Soldado's shot, but not far enough as <span>Christian Eriksen</span> pounced on it and leveled the score.</p>
<p>Just before the halftime break, Soldado made it 2-1 after <span>Gareth Barry</span> was robbed of the ball by Harry Kane. Tottenham had been dominating the midfield, and the goal was Soldado's first since March.</p>
<p>Everton weathered early second half chances from Tottenham, but couldn't manage to get anything going offensively. A 60th minute pair of substitutions brought on <span>Leon Osman</span> for Samuel Eto'o and <span>Aiden McGeady</span> for Kevin Mirallas. The substitutions did help the Blues get a few more chances, but Hugo Lloris and the Spurs defense proved too strong.</p>
<p>A late charge for an equalizer saw a penalty shout for Everton, as Romelu Lukaku's header on a set piece was blocked by Federico Fazio's hand. But the referee waved off protests and no penalty was given.</p>
<p>Everton return to Goodison Park on Wednesday to take on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/hull-city">Hull City</a>.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/11/30/7309439/everton-tottenham-premier-league-white-hart-laneSean Yancy2014-11-30T17:37:21+00:002014-11-30T17:37:21+00:00Yannick Bolasie on Twitter: "Barkley <h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="{"cache_age":"3153600000","url":"https://twitter.com/YannickBolasie/statuses/539108994519146496","height":null,"provider_url":"https://twitter.com","provider_name":"Twitter","author_name":"Yannick Bolasie","version":"1.0","author_url":"https://twitter.com/YannickBolasie","type":"rich","html":"<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>Barkley ">Yannick Bolasie on Twitter: "Barkley&nbsp;</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>'Scourge of Merseyside' Yanick Bolasie of Crystal Palace thinks quite highly of Ross Barkley doesn't he?
<br />So do we, so do we..</p></p></div>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/11/30/7309893/yannick-bolasie-on-twitter-barkleyCalvin2014-11-30T15:33:33+00:002014-11-30T15:33:33+00:00Gamethread: Comment here as Everton play Spurs
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<p>Europa League contenders do battle in London</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> have been on the cusp of Champions League qualification a few times in recent years, and have fought each in some close games too during that time. While White Hart Lane has never been a happy hunting ground for the Blues, the atrocious behaviour of Spurs home fans this season has meant that more often than not an away team has left with three points from London.</p>
<p>Both teams played and won in the Europa League on Thursday, with Spurs at home while Everton were away in Germany. While Tottenham weren't completely convincing, the Toffees weren't at their magisterial best either at VfL Wolfsburg, taking advantage of some dubious refereeing and clinical finishing on the fast break.</p>
<p>While today's game is not a do-or-die situation, the mediocrity of the bulk of the teams in this season's Premier League means that any team that can string together some wins has a chance to get high in the upper echelons of the table.</p>
<p>Everton XI - Howard, Baines, Jagielka (c), Distin, Coleman, Barry, Besic, Eto'o, Barkley, Mirallas, Lukaku</p>
<p>Everton subs - Robles, Hibbert, McGeady, Atsu, Osman, Pienaar, Garbutt</p>
<p>Tottenham XI - Lloris (c), Vertonghen, Chiriches, Fazio, Davies, Bentaleb, Mason, Lennon, Eriksen, Kane, Soldado</p>
<p>Tottenham subs - Vorm, Kaboul, Paulinho, Lamela, Dier, Dembele, Chadli</p>
<p>Join us for a chat in the comments below!</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/11/30/7309477/everton-at-tottenham-hotspur-live-gamethreadCalvin2014-11-29T21:14:56+00:002014-11-29T21:14:56+00:00Q&A: RBM speaks to Cartilage Free Captain
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<p>Battle of the Europa League hangovers</p> <p>We had the pleasure of chatting with our fellow SB Nation blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Cartilage Free Captain</a>, for this weekend's Premier League game between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a>. Thank you to<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bryan%20A."> Bryan</a> who took the time to answer our questions. <a target="_blank" href="http://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2014/11/29/7307121/tottenham-hotspur-everton-premier-league-preview">Click here</a> to read our responses on the Spurs blog too.</p>
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<div dir="ltr"><font color="#000000"><span>RBM - This season is one of parity in the Premier League. What were your expectations going into the season, and how have they changed now?<br></span></font></div>
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<div>Spurs entered the season as outside contenders for the top 4 in my mind. Fifth place in the first season under <span><span>Mauricio Pochettino</span></span> seemed to be a pretty good goal and sixth would have been acceptable. However, with the "parity" or general <span>shittiness</span> of all teams not named <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> and my overall skepticism about <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton's</a> ability to sustain their current run, make me think that maybe, just maybe, Spurs could sneak into the top four with a good run of form. Even if they don't, I still think the Europa League places are a good goal.</div>
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<div><font color="#000000"><span>RBM - Mauricio <span>Pochettino</span> is <span>Tottenham's</span> 10th manager in 12 years. What have you seen that you like so far, and what has you worried?<br></span></font></div>
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</span>There's lots to like about <span>Pochettino</span>. He plays an attractive style of football that, when it works, puts a lot of pressure on opposing teams and make Spurs look really good. I also like that he has no qualms about giving young players the opportunity to prove themselves.</div>
<div>As far as things that worry me, <span>Pochettino</span> seems to struggle with a plan B. If his initial game plan isn't working, he has trouble changing the game. The biggest concern to me though is just how long it's taking Spurs to grasp <span>Pochettino's</span> system. <span>Everton</span> seemed to fit quickly into Roberto Martinez's style last year and <span>Marseille</span>, who played a very boring style of play last season (a la <span>Tottenham</span> under <span>AVB</span>) have adapted quickly to <span>Marcelo Bielsa's</span> pressing style. I have faith that the team will get it, but it's taking a lot longer than I anticipated.</div>
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<div><font color="#000000"><span>RBM - What does the Spurs youth academy set up look like? Are there any players that will be breaking into the senior side soon?<br></span></font></div>
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<div>Honestly, it's great. Better than it's been in decades. <span>Andros Townsend</span>, <span>Nabil</span> <span>Bentaleb</span>, <span>Harry Kane</span>, and <span>Ryan Mason</span> have all shown themselves to be solid Premier League players over the last two years. I think Kane and <span>Bentaleb</span> are the best of that group. I'm convinced Kane will be a star for years to come.</div>
<div>After that group there's some more exciting U-18's coming. Harry Winks made his first team debut <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span> against <span>Partizan</span> and <span>Milos</span> <span>Veljkovic</span> is on loan at <span>Middlesborough</span>. Those two, and Alex <span>Pritchard</span>, who is also out on loan, are going to be the ones to watch going forward.</div>
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<div><font color="#000000"><span>RBM - Who would you say are the best players on the squad so far? Are you expecting lots of activity in the January <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>?<br></span></font></div>
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</span>The best players this season have been Hugo <span>Lloris</span>, Harry Kane, Ryan Mason, and Christian <span>Eriksen</span>. Everyone else has been pretty inconsistent.</div>
<div>I don't think Spurs will be that busy in January. Historically, we don't buy during the winter because Daniel Levy hates the inflated prices during that part of the year. If there are any purchases, they'll likely be of the bargain variety. I do, however, expect quite a few outgoing players in January. Spurs have a pretty bloated squad right now and four or more players could be shown the door. If we're lucky, Levy will quickly reinvest that money. <span class="im"><br>
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<div><font color="#000000"><span>RBM - <span>Tottenham</span> have two wins and four losses at White Hart Lane this season. How come their away form is better than their home record?<br></span></font></div>
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</span>The cynical answer is because our home support is awful. Fans are, for whatever reason, unhappy with the way the club is being run and are showing that displeasure by just being bad fans. West <span>Bromwich Albion's</span> manager said our fans helped his side to their win at the Lane and Emmanuel <span>Adebayor</span> has said the players prefer to play on the road because the support is so bad.</div>
<div>The better answer, though, is that we've played a lot of home games following away trips in the Europa League, and, even though <span>Pochettino</span> rotates the squad heavily, there's still an evident malaise following those away trips.</div>
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<div><font color="#000000"><span>RBM - Both Spurs and <span>Everton</span> play a 4-2-3-1 formation. Do you think the two will cancel each other out, or will it be end-to-end <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span>?<br></span></font></div>
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</span>While they're nominally the same formation, I think they'll play very differently. <span>Tottenham</span> play very narrow across the front and rely on pressing and quick counterattacks, while <span>Everton</span> get more width from their wide players and will attempt to hold possession. I wouldn't be surprised if Spurs sit a little deeper and invite <span>Everton</span> onto them, then turn up the pressure and try to catch them on the break.</div>
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<div dir="ltr"><font color="#000000"><span>RBM - Finally, a score prediction from you for the game? Which players (on either side) do you think will have a good game? </span></font></div>
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<p>For Spurs, Hugo <span>Lloris</span> will have to be his usual amazing self and I think Christian <span>Eriksen</span> will continue to be good. For <span>Everton</span>, <span><span>Romelu Lukaku</span></span> will probably feast on our center backs and <span><span>Kevin Mirallas</span></span> always seems to cause Spurs problems. I'm not terribly confident in Spurs' form at the moment, so I'm gonna say this is an <span>Everton</span> win 2-1.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/11/29/7307099/everton-at-tottenham-q-a-with-cartilage-free-captainCalvin2014-11-29T17:14:07+00:002014-11-29T17:14:07+00:00Everton Visit White Hart Lane: Match Preview
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<p>Everton looks to extend its eight match unbeaten streak when the club travels to London to face Tottenham.</p> <p>November 30, 2014 - 4:00 GMT, 11:00 EST</p>
<p><a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1385475/tottenham-hotspur-vs-everton/">TV Info</a> - Live Soccer TV</p>
<p>Though 'eight match unbeaten streak' sounds great, the Toffees have only five points out of a possible nine in the league this month. With performances improving over the last six or so weeks, Everton could really use another three points to show for its hard work before entering the always hectic month of December.</p>
<p>Those three points will have to come from a victory at White Hart Lane over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a>.</p>
<p>With a victory and a host of other positive results around the Premier League, Everton could go as high as fourth on Sunday. Of course, such unanimous help from around the league is unlikely, but moving up two or three places on the day is a realistic goal.</p>
<p>To do so though, Everton must improve upon its record of four points from four matches after Europa League fixtures.</p>
<h4>Team News</h4>
<p><span>James McCarthy</span> will be unavailable this weekend, after a recurrence of the hamstring injury that has plagued him for much of this season.</p>
<p><span>Roberto Martinez</span>, as reported by Daniel Alston at EvertonFC.com, <a href="http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2014/11/28/mccarthy-out-quartet-could-return">gave the following update</a> regarding other players:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>"There are two different groups; one with four players who we need to assess for the weekend and who have an opportunity to be part of the squad. That's Gareth Barry, <span>Steven Naismith</span>, <span>Leighton Baines</span>, and <span>Steven Pienaar</span>.</span></p>
<p><span>Darron Gibson</span>, <span>Bryan Oviedo</span>, <span>John Stones</span>, and Antolin Alcaraz are progressing well but they need a little more time."</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>The Opposition</h4>
<p>Spurs are still somewhat stuck in year two of the Gareth Bale hangover.</p>
<p>Tottenham has not won a Premier League match in which the opposition did not have a man sent off since October 5. The London club sits in 10th heading into the weekend, level with Everton on points, but behind on goal difference.</p>
<p>Spurs have struggled at White Hart Lane this season, having already lost four matches on the club's home ground.</p>
<p>There have certainly been bright spots for Tottenham as well though. <span>Nacer Chadli</span> has shaken off his poor first season with the club, having scored six goals in the EPL this season. <span>Christian Eriksen</span> has four goals in the league, and played hero in Spurs' 2-1 victory against ten-man Hull last weekend.</p>
<p><span>Harry Kane</span> has enjoyed a breakout season as well. The Tottenham Academy product has scored seven(!) goals in Tottenham's successful Europa League campaign, earning him some playing time in the Premier League as well. He has two goals and an assist in 280 minutes of Premier League play.</p>
<p>Kane may see significant time against Everton on Sunday, as Spurs' injury list has grown lengthy.</p>
<p><span>Emmanuel Adebayor</span>, Younes Kaboul, Etienne Capoue, <span>Andros Townsend</span>, Nacer Chadli, and <span>Danny Rose</span> all missed out on the club's 1-0 victory against Partizan Belgrade on Thursday. It is currently unknown if any of these players will be available on Sunday.</p>
<p><span>Kyle Walker</span> is also a long-term injury absentee. <span>Kyle Naughton</span> will miss out due to red card suspension.</p>
<h4>What to Watch For</h4>
<p>Expect Seamus Coleman to return to the starting XI on Sunday, and to play a big role in the attack. If Danny Rose cannot play, Spurs may have to go to a third-choice left-back, opening a weak spot for Everton to exploit.</p>
<p>If Baines cannot play, all the more reason to focus the attack down the right.</p>
<p>Perhaps then, we will also see the reunion of <span>Kevin Mirallas</span> and Coleman down the right wing as well.</p>
<p>Of course, if Eriksen starts on the left wing for Tottenham, Everton will need to treat that wing with care as well, as he is the most obvious danger man out of the midfield. Coleman and the right winger will need to be prepared to slow down the Danish midfielder.</p>
<p>McCarthy will be sorely missed in that battle, as his work from the center of midfield is normally crucial to allowing Coleman to push forward into the attack.</p>
<p>Who will take McCarthy's place? It is an interesting dilemma for Martinez, provided that Barry plays. The manager will have to decide whether <span>Leon Osman</span>, who filled in admirably in the holding midfield role against West Ham and Wolfsburg, or Muhamed Besic, to whom the holding midfield position is more natural, should start alongside Barry.</p>
<p>That choice will tell viewers about how Martinez views the match. If Osman is chosen, Everton will likely look to take the game to Tottenham at White Hart Lane. If it is Besic, the club may look to play more defensively, and strike on the counter, as was done against Wolfsburg.</p>
<h4>The Final Word</h4>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton's</a> record of two wins, three draws, and one loss in the league away from Goodison Park shows that the club has been reasonably successful on the road. Can Martinez's boys keep that up? Is a draw at a somewhat struggling Tottenham a result Everton will be content with?</p>
<p>After a slow start to the season, these sort of matches may be the ones in which points have to be made up. Spurs are injured, struggling in the Premier League, and have been poor at home this season. The Toffees ought to play for all three points.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/11/29/7302323/everton-at-tottenham-hotspur-match-previewAdam.Braun