Fuente : Everton FC
http://www.evertonfc.com/

EVERTON: THE VIEW FROM ABOVE - JONATHAN PEARCE

/noticias.info/ BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce will be at Goodison Park on Saturday for the first game of the Premiership season for a game he believes will be too close to call.

In the corresponding fixture last season, Everton got the better of Manchester United with a 1-0 win courtesy of a Duncan Ferguson goal.

As with Saturday's contest, Pearce was on the TV gantry to provide commentary for that match.

He is expecting an equally enthralling contest, telling evertonfc.com: "Last season's game was great.

"Duncan Ferguson really terrorised the United defence in the air and I am wondering if he will play some part again and have the same impact.

"But whether he plays or not, I think you will see a different James Beattie this season.

"Simon Davies is a really good signing, not just because of his ability but because he will be able to provide a decent service for Beattie.

"He is a striker who thrives on a good service and with Davies on the right and Kevin Kilbane on the left he will get that.

"But for this game, I think the result is too close to call. I will have to plump for the draw."

The media focus for this contest has switched from Wayne Rooney to the Neville brothers.

Phil Neville will be lining up for Everton against his former club for the first time. And it is also the first time he has played on the opposing side to his brother Gary Neville.

But while that has got the neutrals intrigued, Pearce is more interested in another head-to-head.

He explains: "I am interested in Gary Neville versus Tony Hibbert.

"Gary Neville was a very unfashionable player a few years ago but now is regarded as one of Europe's top defenders.

"But when I was asked to provide my Premiership XI for last season I made Tony my right-back. He is a very under-rated player and I think this is a very big season for him.

"With the added focus on the club because they have qualified for Europe I believe he has a great chance of earning a place on the flight to the World Cup with England.

"He may well have to settle for a place as Gary Neville's deputy, but I think he is a great player who deserves more credit for his performances.

"He has an attitude which I admire, he just gets on with his football and has improved as an attacking full-back. As for his tackling, he is uncompromising."

Pearce also believes there will be a huge amount of responsibility on Phil Neville's shoulders against his former club.

He added: "A big problem for Everton last season was dealing with the loss of Thomas Gravesen. I wonder whether the addition of Phil will block that hole in front of the defence because if Manchester United get the ball and run at you they can destroy a side.

"That will be a key area of the match. If Manchester United want to win the title they need to have five players getting double figures in terms of goals this season.

"They struggled for goals last year but with a fully fit Ruud van Nistelrooy I don't think that will be the case this time around.

"The test for Everton is to delay the start of that return to scoring form." notas_de_prensa_archivo