Everton host Fulham at Goodison Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup later today.
The Blues have endured a dire campaign and the FA Cup is the only chance Everton have of redeeming anything from the season.
Dire
People have stated that Everton’s position isn’t as bad as some make out. However the standard of football from Everton this season has been simply awful.
In previous seasons the likes of Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar have given the Toffees something different in midfield, a bit of flair to light up an otherwise unremarkable team.
Creativity
However since the duo have left Everton have completely lacked any sort of creativity. One of the few players that were capable of providing a bit of creativity is also on the verge of leaving the club. Russian midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is about to return home with Spartak Moscow.
The former-Lokomotiv Moscow player was capable of producing moments of magic but he was too ponderous and didn’t work hard enough for the Premier League. Every Everton fan knew ‘Billy’ had talent he just couldn’t get accustomed to the pace of the English top flight.
Luxury
Dutch maverick Royston Drenthe is another player capable of producing a bit of creativity. Unfortunately Everton boss David Moyes doesn’t believe that Drenthe is good enough to start for Everton at the moment.
Drenthe is the sort of unpredictable player that can win you or lose you a game. The winger doesn’t like tracking back and often gives the ball away. However he has the talent to excite and thrill fans, an ability few other players at Everton can boast.
Pragmatist
David Moyes is a pragmatist and prefers good solid players who work hard. That means that his teams have lacked flair and creativity in recent years. This seasons team is by far the most unimaginative since Moyes took the reigns. David Moyes has done a good job at Everton but he would prefer his teams to win 1-0 than 4-3.
At the moment Everton are struggling to gain any wins. The Toffees are grinding out results and are currently 14th in the Premier League table. This is a situation that the fans are now getting tired of and dissent has grown amongst the Goodison faithful.
Poor
Everton’s money problems are well documented in the press. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is apparently looking for new investors to provide the club with the money they need to progress. Currently though I don’t believe money can always be used as an excuse.
The players and manager have to take responsibility for the teams current slump as well. The squad is full of international players who are underperforming.
Difficult
At this moment in time Everton are finding every game difficult and their home tie against Fulham will be a difficult one. Fulham attacker Clint Dempsey will be the big threat to the home side. The 28 year-old American has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season.
Everton are struggling to score goals this season and the Cottagers will prove a tough opposition for the Toffees to progress past. Everton are unlikely to repeat the feat of 2009 and get to the FA Cup final this season.
However for Everton fans the FA Cup is the only thing to hang their hopes on this season because the Premier League is unlikely to provide them with much cheer.
Can Everton progress past Fulham in the FA Cup?
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