Everton v Cardiff: Toffees look to continue impressive form against promoted sides

The international break may have come at the wrong time for Everton. The Merseyside based club had only lost one in the last six, only conceding four goals in the process. The team had seemed to find their stride and the results have proved this. The issue for the Toffees could be that the international break offset the balance of the team.

For Cardiff City it is the opposite. The Bluebirds have only won two out of the last six games, but they did face three of the top four in the league. The team are lying in 18th position in the league staring at a relegation battle for the rest of the season. A win at Everton could take the team up to 14th place, depending on the teams around them results.

Team News

Midfield playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson picked up a knock for Everton in the last game before the break against Chelsea and still could be a doubt to play against Cardiff after not featuring for Iceland. England under-21 international Ademola Lookman also could be unavailable after receiving a knock. Andre Gomes pulled out of Portugal’s international games due to a leg injury and may be a doubt. Young defender Jonjoe Kenny also faces a late fitness test.

For Cardiff City there is a doubt for club captain Sam Morrison, as he was taken off in the last game against Brighton and Hove Albion with a head injury. Defender Jazz Richards has a hamstring injury which could mean he will lose some playing time. Forward Kenneth Zahore has a calf injury and is unexpected to play for the upcoming match.

Outcome

As for the game itself, an Everton win looks the more likely outcome. With the talent the Toffees have even with Sigurdsson and Gomes not being 100%, the team has enough to see past Cardiff City. The Merseyside based team have a good record against newly promoted sides at home being undefeated in the last 13 games, winning nine of those. The Bluebirds have scored only two goals away from home which is the fewest of all 92 football league clubs this season. To make things worse Cardiff haven’t won in the top flight against Everton since 1956.

All is not lost for the Bluebirds though. Everton have only kept two clean sheets at home out of a possible six this season. The two goals they have scored away from home this season have been against Liverpool and Chelsea. The team have their backs to the wall at the moment and a win at Goodison Park could be the kick start the team need to get out of the dreaded relegation places.

With this game coming straight after the international break, it could put a surprise on the cards. As Everton had more players leave for international duty then they could be a bit sluggish to start the game. This could play into Cardiff’s hands and can take an advantage to get a vital away win. The Bluebirds coming off a win, want to keep momentum running as the fast approaching Christmas fixtures are coming and good form through and running up to these could make or break a season.