Leeds United could look to use Everton’s own supporters against them this weekend as they travel to Merseyside on Saturday afternoon.
The arrival of Frank Lampard as Rafa Benitez’s replacement should have lifted the mood at Goodison Park and it did, momentarily.
However, the Toffees were well beaten by fellow relegation strugglers Newcastle at St James’ Park on Tuesday evening and they sit just two points outside the bottom three.
Everton have won just once in their last 15 Premier League games and the Whites will fancy their chances of getting a result on Saturday.
The supporters on the blue half of Merseyside are notorious for getting on the backs of their own players when they are out of form and a fast start for Leeds could worsen the mood inside the ground considerably.
It has something that has often been picked up by pundits and fans but opposing players have also noticed it.
Speaking on his own podcast, the Fozcast, Ben Foster revealed the best way to enjoy success at Goodison Park.
“It’s an intimidating atmosphere,” said the Watford goalkeeper. “One thing I will say though, is if you can get on top of Everton early doors, the Everton fans are horrible to the Everton players.
“They are horrible, they get right on top of them. They get in the players’ heads, for sure.
“It’s massive. All we say before the game is ‘right lads, we need to start fast, we need to get on top of them’.
“We said that before our game away at Goodison [earlier this season] and they scored after two minutes!
“We won the game 5-2 and we make a point of saying it, the Everton fans are horrible. If it looks like we’re overrunning them, they get on the Everton players like crazy.”
Like Watford, it is very likely that this particular weakness has already been identified by Leeds despite the Whites not playing in front a crowd at Goodison Park for over 18 years.
It is a real opportunity for the visitors to take advantage of the current state of affairs at Everton and, when compounded by the brilliant travelling support, it could play into Marcelo Bielsa’s hands nicely if his side are able to get off to a quick start.
