OPINION
It has not been the best of times recently for an Everton fan, but their recent 3-0 win over Cardiff is just what they needed to lift their confidence up a gear.
One player who featured in that resounding victory on Tuesday was midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who had not featured for the Toffees since December after being overlooked by Marco Silva.
However, it looks like Silva had a change of heart for this game as he welcomed the Frenchman back into the fold to replace Andre Gomes, who was being rested.
BBC Sport now report that Silva is set to have the mainstay – who has 22 appearances this term – to call upon for the clash against Liverpool this Sunday, but the manager must resist the temptation to start him after Schneiderlin’s transformation in mid week.
Many Everton fans would have no doubt forgotten about him until he featured in mid week, but they were certainly in for a treat as it looked like the 29-year-old had never been away from the team.
He glided around the pitch in the second half of the match, showing off his excellent passing range and confidence in possession as he excelled alongside Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the park.
It would not be wise of Silva to suddenly drop him after such a transformation, which is why he must disappoint Gomes in order to give Schneiderlin an extended run in the team.
Everton supporters would have no doubt been rather wary when they spotted his name on the teamsheet before the match, but their fears disappeared once and for all after the midfielder settled into the game with ease.
Gomes has been a bit off the boil recently, so it makes complete sense to pick his teammate over him for the Merseyside derby.
Over to you, Silva.