Former Everton manager, Joe Royle believes that the Toffees Croatian striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809.
The 63 year old, who has also managed Manchester City from 1998 to 2001, lauded Jelavic for making a huge impact at Goodison Park since, his move from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rangers-c40314 in January. The prolific striker has scored 5 goals in 10 appearances for the Toffees, and has
played a pivotal role in his side’s recent surge in the Premier League. One of his five goals for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c39043 came against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park, which turned out to be the match winner.
Royle, who guided Everton to FA Cup glory in 1995 by beating Manchester United in the final, thinks that Jelavic has brought extra potency for Everton up front.
“Nikica Jelavic has come in, settled down very quickly and he has scored goals and he looks very promising.” He remarked.
Talking about the all Merseyside FA Cup semi-final clash, the Englishman opined that his former club are in sublime form, and they will aim to put pressure on the Reds third choice goalkeeper, Brad Jones.
Liverpool will have to contend with the Australian shot stopper, after the Reds reserve goal keeper, Doni’s suspension appeal was rejected by the FA, after he picked up a Red Card in a Premier League match against Blackburn http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rovers-c40385. The Reds first choice
goalie, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pepe-Reina-c29672 is already serving a three match ban, after being shown a Red Card against Newcastle United.
“He looked nervous against Blackburn. It is hard for him to come in. In fact it is hard to come in any position but when you have been out of the mainstream as he has it will certainly be a difficult game but it is too hard to call this one.” He added.
Even though Everton lost both of their league matches against the Reds this season, Royle pointed out that Kenny Dalglish’s side have suffered a dreary run of form recently, while the Toffees are carrying a solid winning momentum with them.
“I think that Everton will be right up for it because they are in such good form and Liverpool have been struggling for form.”
Nevertheless, he refused to write off Liverpool from the contest, and mentioned that it is difficult to predict the outcome of a derby match.
The Reds beat Blackburn 3-2 at Ewood Park on Tuesday, despite being down to ten men for a major portion of the game. However, Royle assessed that the Reds were vulnerable in the game, and they need to up the ante, in order to compete with Everton.
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