Everton face Villarreal in the Champion's League on Tuesday in what is certain to be one of the most important games we have played in the last 20 years.
When the draw was made, much was said about how tricky a task the game would be. The Spanish side, have, as anyone will tell you, amassed a collection of very talented South American players, who play a fast, flowing style. Players like Forlan and the midfield general Riquelme are undoubtedly of a high quality.
However, why is it, perhaps, that Forlan and his strike partner Luciano Figueroa, have both failed in the Premiership. Forlan couldn't score playing for Man United against English defences, and I suspect we might see him struggle again.
Last season I watched Everton out play Manchester United, hold off Chelsea for over 70 minutes with ten men, and shut down countless other top flight sides. Should a side who finished forth in the Premiership be scared of a side who finished third in Spain? I don't think so. Finishing 4th in our league shows the quality of our squad, and the Spaniards were country mile behind the two world class teams ahead of them. The game will be tough, but with two evenly matched sides.
Everton will give competitive debuts to Phil Neville, Simon Davies and Per Koldrup, with “new signing” Mikeal Arteta also set to feature in a side that should look to score whilst not giving away the crucial away goal. James Beattie will once again play on his own up front, and will be reliant on Kilbane, Cahill and Arteta getting forward from midfield to support him, or else he will once again look immobile and ineffective in the loan striking role.
Team Prediction (4-1-4-1)
Martyn
Hibbert
Yobo
Koldrup
Pistone
Neville
Davies
Cahill
Arteta
Kilbane
Beattie