After getting the better of Arsenal, another huge game is on the horizon next Monday against our arch rivals.
They always say form goes out the window in these matches, but I hope it doesn’t on this occasion! Saturday’s result will surely give the team confidence heading into the game with Liverpool, who have plenty of problems of their own at this moment in time. Having said that, Liverpool can hurt us. They are still creating chances in matches, but Darwin Nunez is among those struggling to hit the target.
I experienced winning at Anfield when Super Kevin Campbell got his goal many moons ago, and we were a struggling Everton side with questions all over us. The current team is going there in the exact same position. There’s a big buzz after the Arsenal win, but we’re still in the bottom three. The pressure will be on Liverpool, but you’re always fearful going into every derby game as you don’t want to lose that fixture. I hope our fans get in early and show their support for the side.
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Doucoure deserving of starting spot
Abdoulaye Doucoure was another player who put in a real shift against Arsenal, having not started a game for the club since August prior to kick-off. I would keep him in the side as it would be very brave to change that midfield after Saturday.
If we show that same energy against Liverpool, they will struggle. If you are passive, they will pick you off. I think Dyche will want to keep that midfield three together for the game at Anfield as Doucoure has that ability to run through midfield and maintain high levels of energy, which could prove key for us. We have been at Anfield far too many times where we’ve allowed them to dictate the ball under no pressure and Dyche will be working on rectifying that issue.
I must add I was disappointed we didn’t sign anyone in January as I felt it was needed. There should have been players lined up in advance, which hasn’t happened, but we have been guilty in the past of bringing numbers in for the sake of it.
We've made no signings, so it's time to start trusting our youngsters. If the going gets tough and you need fresh faces, Sean Dyche will understand that academy players bring you that energy. Although they lack experience, they just might embrace the situation and feel it is their level. We’ve seen it before where players take to it, with Tom Davies serving as one example. Dyche will now have to work with what he has and he's just proved to us coaching and educating players can make a huge difference. You can never underestimate those qualities.
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