After two heavy wins against struggling opposition, do you feel Everton have turned the corner after a sluggish start to the season?
Playing a side as bad as AEK Athens in
We also have a bit of strength in depth for the first time in a long time too, even with the long term missing like Arteta and Jagielka, we could still afford to leave out the likes of Yobo, Pienaar, Cahill and Saha against Hull and play some good stuff.
David Moyes is viewed as one of the best managers in the country. Do you agree with this view and do you think he has to deliver a trophy this season after coming so close last year?
Moyes is the first to admit he's still learning, and as such, he can still infuriate sometimes. Unnecessary negativity sometimes (seen in this fixture last season!) and the fact he still doesn't have the best record at making game changign subs. There is no doubt though he is one of the best around in inspiring absolute respect and loyalty from his players and fans. I think that's why the attitude of Lescott surprised us all so much.
We have shown a lot of progress on the pitch (off the pitch is another matter altogether, but that isn't Moyes' fault) and a trophy is definitely the next step. We've done well in all 3 Cups in the last 2 seasons, a semi final, a final and a good run in the UEFA Cup, so we are getting there.
How has Sylvain Distin performed since his arrival from Pompey? Do you think he is a good signing?
Distin has slotted in almost unnoticed. He has fitted in so well, you forget he's actually new and still getting to know the place and the team because he has just been so comfortable there. His leadership is definitely bringing the best out of Yobo too, who always benefits from having a good leader alongside him.
And what do Evertonians think of Yakubu?
We love the Yak. There are still a few dissenters looking for anything to moan about who will say he's lazy, but he is absolute class. The best striker at this club since the likes of Graeme Sharp and Gary Lineker, he is just such a natural player, and absolute class who can bring the best out of players around him. It was brilliant to see him score on his first start for so long on Wednesday.
What are the main strengths of your team?
The defence has always been our strength under Moyes, it has always been our biggest asset, and Moyes has always built from the back. In an attacking sense, our left side has been our best threat in Arteta's absence, Baines and Pienaar forming quite the handy partnership down that wing, and Bily the Russian has managed to assist 5 goals in just over a game and a half, so he should make it even better once he adjusts.
Are there any weaknesses in your side that Pompey may be able to take advantage of?
I would have been worried if Crouch and Lescott were still around! I have never been his biggest fan, but Lescott always struggled against the biggest centre halves, as shown in last season's fixture. While there are no obvious weaknesses to be exploited in our side, our attitude could cost us. We sat back against Fulham when we were comfortably 1-0 up, and let them come back at us.
We just have to make sure we don't underestimate Pompey, because if we do, we will be punished. We took
What do you make of the current Pompey side? Do you think we're going down and do you think we'll be easy opposition on Saturday?
Unfortunately, Pompey do look doomed, not just for the start they have had, but for all the trouble off the pitch too and the big turnover in players. There are still a couple of decent players in there, I've always liked O'Hara and Boateng at Spurs, Kaboul seems to be wanting to be a bit of a goal machine this season, and James always has a blinder against us! Definitely good enough to give us a game, and while I'd be hoping for a win against any side bottom of the table, I don't expect it to be 'easy.'
Predict the scoreline.
Like I said, not expecting it to be easy, but think we can get a win. 1-0 to Everton.