Everton's squad deserve credit for stepping up while Jack Grealish dominates the headlines, according to Michael Ball, who says the rest of the team have not felt sorry for themselves after losing a star.
Players respond to Grealish absence
Writing after Everton's back-to-back wins over Newcastle United, Ball said all the news has been about Grealish and the type of lad he is, but rather than feeling sorry for themselves, the rest of the squad have stepped up.
They know they have to prove they can play without Grealish, who was missed when injured in the second half of last season. Ball said Grealish remains an unbelievable footballer and the team want him back in the starting line-up sooner rather than later, because having him in the side gives a stronger team.
Lampard returns with Coventry
Ball expects Frank Lampard to get a good reception from the home fans at Hill Dickinson Stadium, describing him as a well-liked figure in football and a former team-mate. Lampard was loved when he came to Everton and had a memorable night keeping the club up against Crystal Palace, though things did not go his way after that.
Coventry have had fantastic results of late, beating Newcastle 4-1 and then defeating Sunderland 2-1 last time out. Ball noted it is a short turnaround for David Moyes and his team, moving from a Monday night slot to their first Friday night fixture.
Pressure on Coventry
Ball said Lampard knows what the Everton fanbase is all about and will probably try to overplay to keep the home supporters quiet. Everton must put pressure on Coventry and not make it easy for them despite their positive scorelines.
Ball urged the team to keep the run going, avoiding going into the next international break with just the three points from Monday night, and called the match an opportunity to push up the table and build on the work of the past week.
