The Premier League is back and certainly didn’t dissapoint in its opening weekend. Here are five things to look out for in game week two.
5. The cavalry arrive at Goodison
Everton played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Molineux in their opener. Despite a numerical disadvantage for the majority of the encounter, The Toffees came within ten minutes of snatching all three points.
A large reason for that was new signing Richarlison. The headline-grabbing Brazilian put in a tireless performance on the left flank and twice put his side ahead.
Apart from a Lucas Digne cameo, Richarlison was the only new signing on show as the game took place just two days after the transfer window slammed shut. Everton will host Southampton on Saturday which seems an ideal situation to unleash some of the late arrivals.
Kurt Zouma or Yerry Mina will likely jump straight in at the back to replace the suspended Phil Jagielka. Mason Holgate ably deputized after the captain’s dismissal last weekend, but Marco Silva didn’t sign such esteemed defenders just to warm the bench.
Mina, who was last seen in action putting a header past England in the World Cup, probably won’t make the starting XI as he didn’t join up with the squad until Thursday. Zouma, on the other hand, has trained all week and enjoyed a full pre-season with parent club Chelsea.
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Whoever does get the nod has an excellent opportunity to state their claim for a position where Everton suddenly find themselves spoilt for choice.
A shiny new toy that will have to stay in its box for now is Andre Gomes. The Portuguese midfielder picked up a hamstring injury in pre-season and won’t be available for another couple of weeks.
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That just leaves the diminutive Brazilian: Bernard. The long-time target of Premier League clubs has been capped 14 times for his country and will add some more samba flair to The Toffees new-look attack.
He will likely play on the right of an offensive quadrant and should feature at some stage this weekend after a full weeks training at Finch Farm.