Everton v Middlesbrough Preview

Aitor Karanka admitted that this Saturday’s trip to Everton will be Boro’s toughest test of the season so far but insisted that his side have had time to recover after losing to Crystal Palace.

Boro’s 2-1 defeat to Palace was their first since their return to the top flight, following a three game unbeaten run against Stoke, Sunderland and West Brom.

On paper Everton look likely to be an even tougher test, after making an impressive start under new manager Ronald Koeman and taking 10 points from their first four fixtures.

The Toffees produced an ominous display last time out with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sunderland, which saw lusty forward Romelu Lukaku bag a hat-trick.

Despite that, Karanka, who attended the game at the Stadium of Light, voiced that there was no need to panic ahead of the game at Goodison Park.

“I said after the Sunderland game that we shouldn’t get carried away and now (after the Palace defeat) there is no need to panic,” said the Boro boss.

“This season is much better because we have more days to forget and work on the training pitch than when we were in the Championship,” he added.

Karanka also expressed that his side should be better prepared to deal with Lukaku after coming up against a similar player in Christian Benteke last weekend.

“Benteke and Lukaku are very similar players but it is important that we stop the source . It’s not just a job for the defenders but the whole team.”

Karanka also spoke about his admiration for Everton boss Ronald Koeman, both as a manager and as a player.

The Dutchman made 192 appearances for Barcelona in his playing days and is best known in England for a successful two-year spell at Southampton.

This summer he made the switch to Merseyside and appears the have hit the ground running.

Team News

Karanka confirmed that that forwards Jordan Rhodes and Cristhian Stuani are both doubtful after picking up knee and groin injuries respectively.

Gaston Ramirez should return after starting on the bench against Palace, following his involvement with Uruguay during the international break.

Everton don’t have any fresh injuries after their victory over Sunderland, though Enner Valencia could make his debut after signing on loan from West Ham.

Meanwhile Gareth Barry is in line to make his 600th Premier League appearance.

The Opposition

After a dismal end to last season, which saw the end of Roberto Martinez, there is some renewed optimism at Goodison Park following Koeman’s appointment this summer.  

The Toffees have won three of their first four league games, beating West Brom, Stoke and Sunderland after drawing with Tottenham on the opening day.

Everton have conceded just two goals in those games and have looked a far better defensive unit through a combination of Koeman’s tactics and the signing of centre back Ashley Williams from Swansea.

They have strengthened further forward as well, with midfielder Magaye Gueye, a £7 million signing from Aston Villa, providing energy alongside the experienced Garth Barry.

Some may have raised an eyebrow at the £30 million capture of Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace, however the mercurial winger has made a good first impression and looks like he can provide good service for the potent Lukaku.

One To Watch

Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian striker hadn’t scored for Everton for six months before his hat-trick against Sunderland but appears to have recaptured some form.

At the end of last season Lukaku lost his confidence under Martinez and looked set to leave Everton, following his £28 million move back in 2014.

Now, though, he looks set to stay. And with the likes of Bolasie, Gerrard Delefeou and Kevin Mirallas, providing him with service, the powerful forward will be expected to be one of the league’s top scorers once again.

Last Time Out - 1/12/2015

Middlesbrough 0 Everton 2

The Toffees were worthy winners when the sides met in the quarter-final of the Capital One Cup last year.

First half goals from Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku put the visitors in full control as they reached the last four in front a packed out Riverside.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

As well as Adam Forshaw played in the last two games, I feel that Adam Clayton and Marten De Roon will be our strongest midfield partnership this season.

The back four and goalkeeper will probably stay the same while Gaston Ramirez should return in the number 10 position.

Stuani's injury leaves a vacant position on the right hand side so I would go with Adama Traore after his 10 minutes cameo against Palace.