Source: Liverpool_Echo
BARRY HORNE: Marouane Fellaini loss not the end of the world for Everton FC
I WAS unable to get to Goodison Park on Tuesday night but believe a good performance against Sporting Lisbon was marred by a sloppy final 10 minutes.[LNB]Nevertheless, at 2-1 up, we are still in a good position in the Europa League tie.[LNB]While the task to qualify for the last 16 is now less than straightforward, it is by no means impossible.[LNB]A decent if ultimately disappointing game was overshadowed by the news earlier in the day that Marouane Fellaini is out for the remainder of the season.[LNB]Whilst this is obviously bad news, especially considering the player has been in his best form since arriving from Standard Liege 18 months ago, it's not all doom and gloom.[LNB]This has been a season in which we have had to get used to positives amid lots of bad news.[LNB]While Fellaini will be missed there is a bright side.[LNB]More of the long term injury victims are now working towards full match sharpness, plus we shouldn't forget how well Jack Rodwell was playing prior to his injury.[LNB]Although Tim Cahill could also be out for a few weeks after limping out of the Sporting game with a calf injury, his resurgence alongside the irrepressible Steven Pienaar has been a boost.[LNB]The way they linked up for the opening goal hints at greater things to come, especially if Mikel Arteta can quickly reform his understanding with the Australian.[LNB]Whoever is selected for today's clash with Manchester United won't need any motivating .[LNB]Over the years we have had some close encounters with the Red Devils but in recent times we have often fallen short.[LNB]In a spell where we've often taken points from all of the top teams except Liverpool, Man United will possibly provide our sternest test.
