Everton vs Doncaster – Match preview | Unity is needed after a bad start

It’s hard to imagine that Everton’s season could have started worse.

Many had predicted defeats against two strong teams like Brighton and Tottenham, but the way both surrendered was alarming.

Adding fuel to the fire was a group of Everton fans who decided it would be a good idea to shout abuse at the players as they boarded the train back to Liverpool on Saturday.

Yes, fans are frustrated after years of under-performance and yes, they have paid a lot of money to follow the club around the country, but this kind of behaviour is still completely unacceptable. It is also counterproductive. How is this going to make the team play better? And will it convince potential new recruits to join the club?

The only positive thing is the condemnation of the behaviour by the majority of Everton fans on social media and in messages from the Everton Fans Forum and Supporters Council.

These groups, and others like the 1878s, have done much to unite and mobilise fans in difficult times over the past few years. The actions of a minority could undo all that hard work. But it is hoped that a positive response at two home games this week will show the true colours of Everton fans.

The opponent

It has been an eventful 12 months for Doncaster Rovers since they last faced the Toffees at the same stage of the competition.

The Yorkshire side started their second consecutive season in League Two after a disappointing 18 games.^th But they improved significantly under Grant McCann and finished fifth, qualifying for the play-offs.

However, their promotion hopes were dashed by an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Crewe Alexandra in the semi-finals.

With two wins and a loss in their first three games, as well as a 2-0 win at Salford in the previous round, they are currently fifth in the League Two table.

Tuesday’s game is only the 10th.^th The two teams first met, most of which took place during Everton’s three-year membership of the old Second Division (now the Championship) in the 1950s.

Previous encounter

Doncaster 1-2 Everton, August 30, 2023

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Everton were in an equally dire situation last August, having lost their first three league games before trailing at half-time against Doncaster, but second-half goals from debutant Beto and Arnaut Danjuma sealed a nerve-wracking victory.

About the team

Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images

Sean Dyche says new signings Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom and Jake O’Brien will make their first appearances for the club in the starting line-up after being substitutes in the first two games of the season.

The long injury list is not expected to be resolved by this game, but Ashley Young is available again after her suspension.

Academy graduates Roman Dixon and Harrison Armstrong could be there after their debut this weekend.

What they said

Everton boss Sean Dyche: “I just want to see good performances. People who make a mark.”

“If they haven’t played, they need to put a marker down and make sure they play on Saturday. [against Bournemouth].

“That’s a message I spread generally. Every day is a chance to show us what you can do, whether in training or in a game.”

“Of course, games are more relevant because they represent a more visually measurable part of our work, but the players also leave their mark in training.

“They maintain this high level of consistency. We think they push. We want the players to do that every day, but of course they have to show us what they can do when games come up.”

“That’s what you want, especially from the new players because they have only spent a limited time with us.”

Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann: “A great game, a great opportunity for everyone to go to a very nostalgic stadium. I’ve never been so excited about it.”

“It’s an opportunity to show how far we are from the Premier League. It gives the players a chance to play against top players and our fans a day of adventure.”

“We will go there and do our best to try to win the game.

“The boys will see 25,000 to 30,000 Everton fans. As a young player – and we have a lot of them – that’s what you aspire to. To compete against top players will be a great opportunity.”

Last word

Everton’s return to action so quickly after Saturday’s chaos is probably a good thing – but only if they get a positive result. Another defeat would plunge the club into crisis.

However, a win could be the first step towards recovery ahead of an important game against Bournemouth this weekend.