Huddersfield Town will be looking to inflict further pain on Marco Silva and Everton as the pair clash on Tuesday at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The visitors were dumped out of the FA Cup with a 3-2 at the hands of Millwall on Saturday and currently lie in 11th in the Premier League in a season that is quickly turning sour under Silva. Everton named a strong side for the clash with Richarlison, Jordan Pickford, Lucas Digne and Andre Gomes all starting.
A wretched away record for the former Watford manager will have the visitors believing they can secure an unlikely victory and chase down the 11 points required to climb out of the relegation zone. Silva has lost 20 Premier League matches since the beginning of 2017 – the second worst with only Eddie Howe topping that (21).
The Portugese has recognised his side’s lack of form.
“I am not happy with the last month and a half, but I am not panicking,” said Silva.
“We as a club cannot panic. Even if we are not happy, even if the fans are disappointed.
“I am also, but I am not panicking because we as a club cannot panic if we want to do the right things in the future.”
The Toffees are still without centre-back Phil Jagielka and will also be without Colombian centre-half Yerry Mina who picked up a foot injury in the cup clash at The Den.
Although they currently sit in 11th, a victory for Everton could see them rise as seventh.
The home side will get their first look at new manager, Jan Siewert. The former Borussia Dortmund II coach, was brought in after David Wagner stood down, was named their new boss after Huddersfield fell 3-0 at home to Manchester City.
The 36-year-old described the feeling as “excitement” as he headed into his first game as manager of the west Yorkshire club. Siewert also gave a special mention for the fans,
“I find the fans of this club are very special and they give a certain atmosphere, so that’s why I’m excited to have my first game there.”
The German manager will be without at least one of his key players. Philip Billing remains on the sideline with a knee problem. However, Aaron Mooy could make his first appearance since early December after suffering knee ligament damage. The Australian will be a late fitness test.
A win for the Terriers could lift them to 19th, but they would still be seven point adrift in the relegation places.