Everton hit by Fellaini injury

, 9 October, 85comments  |  Jump to most recent
Midfielder hopes for quick return to action
Update Marouane Fellaini is a doubt for the rest of the October schedule after picking up a knee injury.

The Belgian FA claim that the midfielder will be sidelined for three weeks — which would mean he will miss the game against QPR, and possibly the derby, as well as his country's next two World Cup qualifiers — but Everton are not putting a timescale on his absence until they can assess the injury when he returns to Finch Farm on Monday.

It now appears as though he suffered the injury in the 2-2 draw with Wigan but Fellaini reported for international duty as usual this week as the extent of the strain was not immediately apparent.

It is thought that the former Standard Liege man aggravated the injury training with Belgium ahead of their matches against Serbia and Scotland .

Fellaini has primarily been deployed as a forward so far this season, although he dropped back to a more familiar midfield role as the game progressed at the DW Stadium at the weekend.

Any absence may therefore provide an opportunity for Steven Naismith to press his first-team claims. Or, if Darron Gibson is fit for selection after the international break, David Moyes may push Leon Osman wide right and use Kevin Mirallas as a supplemental striker to Nikica Jelavic.

Quotes or other material sourced from Belgianfootball.be



Reader Comments (85)

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James Smith
1 Posted 09/10/2012 at 20:30:27
This isn't good news at all.... If we lose the big guy our midfield is going to collapse, Neville and Osman just won't cut it. We might have to bring in Hitzlsperger to save our sinking ship.

Just think about it; the big guy pretty much controls the air balls on the whole field... I'm not sure any of our other mids are over 4 ft tall!

Rahul Gandhi
2 Posted 09/10/2012 at 20:48:26
That is a big loss. With possibly no Fellaini & Gibson - that would mean the dreaded Neville / Heitinga partnership again in central midfield for the derby?
Tom Kennedy
3 Posted 09/10/2012 at 20:58:52
If its true, then so be it..
We just have to get on with it. I'd like to think we could get by without him.
Phil Sammon
4 Posted 09/10/2012 at 21:00:27
He played 90 minutes and there was no mention of a niggle, let alone a 3 week layoff.

I'm going to be optimistic and suggest that this is nonsense.

Gavin Ramejkis
5 Posted 09/10/2012 at 21:07:30
Arse, that leaves chuckle brother sidling around the midfield like a one legged pensioner, not good
John Atkins
6 Posted 09/10/2012 at 21:09:02
Hopefully he'll miss the international games anway and maybe he'll miss the QPR game but the Derby IS only just under 3 weeks away ....... So hopefully the big fella will be back for this game ready to give it his all !
James Martin
7 Posted 09/10/2012 at 21:16:24
No huge loss, hopefully Gibson will be back so we can play Osman and Gibson with Naismith playing where Fellaini does. This should encourage us to keep it on the deck more and allow a reprisal of the Naismith Jelavic partnership.

Fellaini hasn't played well in a single derby and has often gone missing. He also contributed nothing in the games against Wigan or Leeds, contrary to the beginning of the season I think he's in bad form and has looked unfit (perhaps as a result of this).

If Moyes is bold and plays Naismith or Mirallas in that position rather than pushing Osman or Anichebe in there then we could see a very attacking, quick, dynamic forward 4.
Kunal Desai
8 Posted 09/10/2012 at 21:23:31
This is why we needed to Ofoe in earlier than leaving it the bloody last minute. I just hope it doesn't come back to haunt us.
Edward Simpson
9 Posted 09/10/2012 at 21:28:07
I'm with Phil on this one.
Think it's bloody nonsense in all honesty.
There is no word from the official website either.
Gibson should be back soon along with Hibbert, so if only Fellaini is out for the the next two games then it really isn't the end of the world at all.
I do think if that's the case we still have good enough quality to beat either QPR or Liverpool.
Edward Simpson
10 Posted 09/10/2012 at 21:31:47
James-If Fellaini is injured (jury is still out as nothing official has been said) then it really should be time for Naismith to prove his quality especially as he should be completely fit for next game. (Banned isn't he for both games in the international break.) So I would agree with what you said.

Fellaini isn't consistent, getting better at it but still not as important as Baines who is world class in my opinion.

Giving Naismith his old partnership for the game against QPR would be a good idea, but I doubt Moyes would put Anichebe in the same starting XI as Jelavic.
Gerry Quinn
11 Posted 09/10/2012 at 21:52:18
Probably got a sore elbow!
Will Florance
12 Posted 09/10/2012 at 22:03:16
He's not injured on the Premier League Fantasy Football and they are usually first with these kind of things.

I'm going with Phil on this one; hopefully just tabloid drivel.
Paul Andrews
13 Posted 09/10/2012 at 22:05:26
Mirrales best position will be behind a forward.
He will be more of a goal threat than Fellaini,if Gibson is fit it will mean Coleman playing in front of Hibbo/Neville wide right.
Tom Bowers
14 Posted 09/10/2012 at 22:10:46
Probably exaggeration but he was finally showing world class form.
As for Derby match form when was then last time Osman played well in any big game and that includes all the Derbies over the last 10 years.

Hopefully he is fit but Gibson is back in training and there are others chomping at the bit to get in even maybe Hitzlsperger?

Having said that we know Moyes will stick with his ''pets''
Jamie Barlow
15 Posted 09/10/2012 at 22:21:44
This doesn't sit right with me.

What if Moyes wanted to keep this a bit quiet?

QPR and Liverpool now have two or three weeks to plan whatever knowing Fellaini won't play.

David Hallwood
16 Posted 09/10/2012 at 22:31:50
If he is out, perhaps give Naismith the role given that Jelovic called him his best partner
Phil Sammon
17 Posted 09/10/2012 at 22:37:36
Jamie

Surely Liverpool/QPR would realise he was injured when he didn't play for Belgium anyway.

John Crook
18 Posted 09/10/2012 at 22:41:52
How can they plan if they know HE IS NOT PLAYING? Becasue surely EFC will change styles to accommodate him missing and it will be more of a guessing game for them.

It might actually be to Everton's advantage as I felt it was becoming a bit stale after only 6/7 games (every team trying to man mark him).

I agree with the above comment that Fellaini hasnt had a decent derby as of yet. In fact the last derby we won (2 years ago, Cahill, Arteta) Fellaini was missing for that game.

It's no worries from me he is missing for 3 weeks....3 months would be a different kettle of fish but 3 weeks.... no problem!
Jamie Barlow
19 Posted 09/10/2012 at 22:54:41
Yeah, you're probably right Phil.

I just think the Belgium FA should keep quiet.

Its fair enough to announce that he's injured and won't be playing for Belgium but not for us.

Patrick Murphy
20 Posted 09/10/2012 at 23:25:03
This stinks! If Everton thought he had an injury they would have requested that he did not travel to Belgium in the first place. What happened on his last international sojourn? He decided that he would be leaving in January! If I was David Moyes I would make the lad travel back to Finch Farm asap or I would request that Everton's medical team could check him out over in Belgium.

Very convenient for the lad to be injured during the international break , I wonder if his father cum agent has something to do with this.

Andy Crooks
21 Posted 09/10/2012 at 23:46:03
I hope it's untrue but if not then I agree with James Martin. We will beat Liverpool and beat them well.
Gerry Quinn
22 Posted 09/10/2012 at 23:50:52
They are famous for Waffle in Belgium
Jim Knightley
23 Posted 10/10/2012 at 01:00:41
Fuck would be my reaction if this is true.

Let's hope he will be back for the QPR match. It's bad, but just two injuries to important central midfielder/attacking mid players really has the potential to screw us up. We haven't got the likes of Ramsey, Walcott, Sigurdsson etc to come off the bench, like our competitors. I would imagine either Heitinga would come into the midfield, or Naismith would play behind Jelavic. Hopefully he will be ok though, as I'd rather neither happen.

Peter Thistle
26 Posted 10/10/2012 at 03:48:24
We need him for the derby, hope he's alright. Stupid internationals, should be scrapped :P
Simon Harris
27 Posted 10/10/2012 at 05:05:27
Greg O'Keefe from the Echo is reporting this as well. A little vague/early on how long he'll be out for, but from experience add an extra week or 2, to what Everton report.

If it's confirmed, let's get him back to Finch farm and start his treatment asap. The Derby is looming ominously....

Sam Hoare
28 Posted 10/10/2012 at 07:29:50
Injuries to central midfield where we look a little light in squad depth. Hopefully Gibson is back or else I think we may struggle for the next few weeks. Think I might cry if Neville and heitinga was our central midfield pair for the derby!
Tony J Williams
29 Posted 10/10/2012 at 09:12:39
The whisper is that the club has agreed to let him recuperate in Belgium. Reports on tinternet vary from 3 to 6 weeks...... brilliant!
Andy Meighan
30 Posted 10/10/2012 at 09:08:36
Never had a good derby yet. Gibson will be back so Moyes will have to shuffle the pack a bit.

I don't think it's as big a loss as people are making out. Like I said, he's yet to impose himself in one of these games and I'm sure Brenda will see how easily rattled he was by Wigans cumbersome defenders on Saturday.

Anyway it's only saying he could possibly miss the derby. We've got a game before them and correct me if I'm wrong but aren't QPRand the Shite struggling at the moment? Two winnable games if we go about them positively.
Richard Jones
31 Posted 10/10/2012 at 09:08:53
"NO HUGE LOSS" bloody hell Martin hes world class and the red shite will be shitting their pants at the thought of facing him, I always thought you reserved your talking bollox for all things at board level.... Obviously not!!
James Martin
32 Posted 10/10/2012 at 09:17:45
Sorry Richard are you talking to me or someone called Martin? Add that to the fact that I never get i9nvolved in the boring debates about the board they have on hyere then I'm not really sure what you're talking about. Or is is that you have automatically extrapolated my support of Moyes to the board?

My opinions on Fellaini are well known, I don't think he's world class. He put in a very good performance against Man U at the beginning of the season and I praised him for it but he has not kept up that level at all. He was quite good against Villa and Swansea but his performances were made to seem better because of the goal Given allowed in and his deflected header. After this I'm not sure if he's helped or hindered us to be honest. He was very much at blame for the loss to West Brom, missed an open net (also did the same at Swansea) and then allowed a runner to nod in the corner, he was anonymous at Wigan and was more of a liability discipline wise, whilst he put in the worst performance of the whole season at Leeds. World class players, your Ronaldos Messis Iniestas they don't do that, they don't have this level of inconsistency. the closest we have to world class in our team are Baines and Pienaar who play the same way every single game usually regardless of the opposition. Fellaini is one great game, 3 decent games, two terrible games.

Will the RS be soiling themselves over facing him? Past evidence would suggest not, have we won a derby when he's been playing? His only meaningful contribution has been luckily avoiding a red card against Kyrgiakos. He was anonymous in all three games last season with his best performance against Liverpool being when he still played for Liege. Add this to the fact that prior to the back end of last season our best form has usually come when he's not in the team, I believe we play better quicker football with more pace and rely less on the long ball to him. We played well before he came to the club and we'll play well after he's gone and we're certainly capable of beating Liverpool without him (as we have done every time we've ever beaten Liverpool).

Terry Smith
33 Posted 10/10/2012 at 09:30:15
I know it's a blow having one of our best players missing but I'm not too worried. We now have players that can make a difference to the squad. I think Gibson will be back for the derby and he does make a big difference when in.

We can now play Mirallas & Pienaar in other positions and bring in the likes of Gueye, Naismith & Anichebe. Teams like QPR would probably have Fellaini a marked man and we could football them off the pitch next week.
James Morgan
34 Posted 10/10/2012 at 09:33:25
SSN have got this too. Bollocks.
John Sankey
35 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:09:23
OS saying they have no idea how long he's out, but he's defo out the qualifiers so this maybe suggests Belguim talkin shite again.

I also agree with him being non-existent in derbies, so I wouldn't be too bothered if he never played against them, particularly as I think we would be better off playing Mirallas behind Jelavic because I think he would cut through that defence very easily. I may be wrong of course; we'll see.
Richard Jones
36 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:12:15
Sorry James mistaken identity, I'm a big fan of his, would you say he played well against Newcastle?
Andrew Ellams
37 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:18:18
James, I'm pretty sure he played in the Cahill/Arteta 2-0 win a couple of years ago. I don't think we have beaten them too many other times since he's been at the club.

There is every chance he played in the Gosling cup tie too

James Fletcher
38 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:27:02
This has just been confirmed...
Paul David
39 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:39:52
Bollocks
James Fletcher
40 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:40:49
Time to step up to the plate Mr Naismith.
Patrick Murphy
41 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:40:30
Fellaini didn't play in the 2-0 Arteta / Cahill derby win. In fact the only time he has played in a merseyside derby and the blues have won was the Gosling cup-tie.

MF has played in 6 PL games against LFC with 5 losses and 1 draw.

Maybe we won't miss him as much as we think. At least the Manager of the Month has a couple of weeks to think about his tactics , better to lose him early than to lose him on the eve of a game.

Andrew Ellams
42 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:50:52
Still might be a bit harsh blaming him for some of those team performances though
Sam Hoare
43 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:56:26
I'm not sure I would describe him as world class but there is no doubt in my mind that he is one of our better players. Even on his bad days he is a huge handful for defenders and usually able to hold up the ball well and bring others into play in the final 3rd. On his good days he is virtually unplayable.

He will be a big miss even if he does not have a great derby record and RS will be pleased if he's not in the lineup.

Happily we're not a one man team and should have Gibson to play alongside Osman in midfield with either Coleman or Naismith on the right and Mirallas behind Jelavic.

Col Wills
44 Posted 10/10/2012 at 11:12:53
Talksport mentioned that he might have a tear in his knee (if its cartilage, it would mean an operation and maybe 4 weeks outs) hence him staying over in Belgium. Brings me back to thinking why do players need a mid-season break when surely this is Felli's (enforced) break and should set him up for a good winter.

One mans misery is another man's opportunity. Naismith is having a (enforced) 2 week break also, so time for him to step up and make it hard for moyes to drop him.

Also having a break are Osman, Hibbert, Neville, Pienaar, Distin, Gibson, Heitinga (prob wont play), Coleman?

Steavey Buckley
45 Posted 10/10/2012 at 11:53:18
Fallaini's injury proves 2 things, Everton can't afford to have players playing for their countries because of the possibilities of injuries with no adequate replacements; and Moyes not replacing Rodwell and Cahil has been costly with the loss of points against Wigan, WBA and Newscastle.
Charlie Dixon
46 Posted 10/10/2012 at 10:53:19
Not the end of the world in my book:
Howard
Nev Jags Distin Baines
Osman Gibson
Mirallas Pienaar
Nais
Jelly

More than enough to beat both sides

Sam Jennings
47 Posted 10/10/2012 at 12:29:06
Agree with James Martin #913 he is far too inconsistent and would end up getting sent off in the derby anyway as one of the kopite's yard dog defenders would be looking to wind him up no doubt, either move Mirallas inside and coleman forward or play Naismith in behind Jelavic - no worries
John Dubay
48 Posted 10/10/2012 at 12:23:49
Charlie (#954) — Looks a good line-up to me too... plus Anichebe & Oviedo as backup.
We should play good stuff on the deck with this lot.
Sam Higgins
49 Posted 10/10/2012 at 12:42:42
I don't know why everyone is geting so worked up about Felli - we can cope without him. I don't trust the guy anyway for me he disgraced the club with those comments earlier in the season.

The only wish I have for in the international break is that Mr Leigton Baines does not play a single nano second for Twatland. He is the guy that Everton can ill afford to loose - the man is irreplaceable, and if he does play for Wankland and gets injured they wont give a fuck and no one will give a shit except us. Needless to say I was over the fucking moon when Woy cleared Cashley for the San Marino game.

I don't begrudge Leigton his international duty but its not the 1990's anymore and playing for England means next to fuck all. For all the ejaculations over St Georges Park those bunch of fucking clowns arnt going to win a world cup of the European championship for another 100 years probably more.

In any case no one appreciates Baines like we do everyone would much rather fawn over Cashley and his pathetic tweets - fucking go ahead drop fucking rose petals for the guy but leave Leighton out of it. the press have only started climbing up Baine's arse when they realised cole could be suspended anyway.

Sam Higgins
50 Posted 10/10/2012 at 12:57:13
...and yes I know I forgot to put the 'h' in leighton.
Mike Gwyer
51 Posted 10/10/2012 at 13:00:38

Bit of a shitter really - Felli definately gives us options and teams do play defensively against us with him in the team.

For me Naismith has no chance of filling the hole behind Jellavic, his Leeds performance was shite plus he has no pace - Anichebe will get the nod for the QPR game, his performance in that match will then indicate whether he gets to play against the RS.

Jimmy Sørheim
52 Posted 10/10/2012 at 13:08:18
Fellaini is a big loss in that we have no other tall midfielders, Gibson is still not ready to come back from injury.

The worst idea ever would be to count on Naismith hitting form with Jelavic again, because we have seen how poor he has been since the start of the season. This Naismith guy is trouble, too much out injured and too unstable a performer to be used VS the reds. Naismith is miles away from any kind of form, the cup matches have showed that even better.

The only candidate to replace Fellaini should be Mirallas. Remember you get what you pay for, and Mirallas has done a much better job then Naismith so far this season.

In fact I would count Naismith out until January, only then has he got a foundation to do well with. It is simply too early calling for Naismith to do anything since he has been out injured for a very long time, and a bad injury as well. Naismith is a pure gamble by Moyes, either it will work or fail, but I have seen nothing yet convincing me that Naismith is ready to start games and perform up front with Jelavic.

Phil Sammon
53 Posted 10/10/2012 at 13:26:22
I thought Naismith looked very good pre-season. He was terrible against Leeds, but who wasn't?!

No need for any rash decisions anyway. Hopefully Fellaini will be back before the Derby at least.

Tom Bowers
54 Posted 10/10/2012 at 13:27:02
Fellaini was starting to be a factor this year and his ability to control the high passes on his chest in the opponent's half was just brilliant. He will be missed but Moyes must have a plan ''B'' (doesn't he).

Still it may be precautionary to hold him back from the internationals and I for one hope he is fit for the Derby match but even if not I still believe we will be too good for Roy Rodgers and his cowboys.
James Martin
55 Posted 10/10/2012 at 15:02:13
Jimmy Naismith would have cost the same as Mirallas if we'd bought him from Rangers for a fee like we should of. Naismith played well in preseason and in the Villa game and the Carling cup, he played badly at Leeds but so did everyone including Fellaini. He hasn't had any decent time in his proper position and has been caryring an injury. If you get what you pay for then surely Saint Royston was therefore worthless?
Doug Hast
56 Posted 10/10/2012 at 15:52:06
We need him for the derby game. Osman will disappear as soon as the game begins.
Devin Massopust
57 Posted 10/10/2012 at 15:58:15
James, please tell me you didn't just bring up Royston to Jimmy! I have a feeling this thread is going to change topics real quick
Richard Earle
58 Posted 10/10/2012 at 16:01:23
I agree with James Martin. I think this would be a good opportunity to change things around a bit and get Naismith some useful game time. We should have Gibson back by then to bolster the defence so it's just a swap of Fellaini for Gibson. This is a chance for Naismith to prove himself. I still think we have an awesome dynamic attack and now with Gibson and possibly Hibbert back for the QPR game we should be OK.

I just hope Baines doesn't play for England and get injured!
Col Noon
59 Posted 10/10/2012 at 17:30:57
Why are so many pleading for Naismith to start? He has shown absolutely nothing in any of the games he has played. "Jelavic's best partner".. Yes playing Hibs and Ross County maybe not in a fierce derby where you get a millisecond on the ball if you are lucky. His touch, speed of thought and awareness are not up to Premier League standard.

"But he runs all day" is the direct response I get when I question his ability. He may have been decent in Scotland, but not in the premiership I am afraid. I can't remember who posted "we have moved on from this type of player" in a previous post but I had to agree. We have far better options.
Andy Walker
60 Posted 10/10/2012 at 17:55:52
I will be amazed if he's not in the squad for the derby.
Shane Corcoran
61 Posted 10/10/2012 at 18:41:30
You could be right Col, although I think his injury has hampered him badly. And he has played in the Old Firm derby. The standard mightn't be as good but time on the ball would be just as scarce, if not scarcer.
Keith Glazzard
62 Posted 10/10/2012 at 18:44:36
Naismith looks to be in contention simply by looking at the numbers we have available. Gibson we don't know. If Hibbert is still out, Coleman could still be moved up but Neville would have to go back. Or Heitinga at RB? MF more likely.

One way to bolster MF would be to put Oviedo at LB, Bring Baines up and put Pienaar into centre mid, but I'm sure that won't happen. More likely to see M Gueye left MF instead - oh dear! Drenthe would have been handy in this situation, but ...

If we ever played to Ossie's strengths he would be up with Jelavic, and would have many more goals and assists to his credit. That too, is unlikely to happen.

Karl Masters
63 Posted 10/10/2012 at 18:54:54
As it's a strain injury, it could disappear as quickly as it flared up. If it was a tear injury (nothing to do with crying!) it would be more serious.

The Good news is that he has avoided playing the 2 international matches and making it any worse. Also, Gibson is due back very soon so we may have a replacement to come straight it. On the downside, we don't know for sure yet how bad it is, but it can't be that bad if they are waiting till Monday to have a proper look.

Small squad and injuries are part of football. Time to just get on with it really.

Brian Keoghan
64 Posted 10/10/2012 at 18:43:25
Fellaini would be targeted by the Red's hatchet men anyway;remember they did him a couple of seasons ago (the Greek centre back put him out for a few months). They will also have a go at Pienaar (remember Carragher's GBH tackle on him after 9 seconds at a recent Anfield derby).

Everton will need seasoned pros for the Derby, players who can look after themselves and others. The big Belgian seems to become upset too easily and I would not be too unhappy if he did not start the Derby. If fit, the bench could be a good place for him as we could bring him on in the 2nd half and reduce the intimidation opportunities from the loveable Reds.
Barry Rathbone
65 Posted 10/10/2012 at 19:26:20
Regardless of how he's done previously against LFC we want all guns on the team sheet for this derby.

We have a psychological problem against this wretched club and Felli paired with Gibbo brings a "fuck 'em" swagger that raises the rest.

Not one iota of hope should we give them while at their low ebb because they'll take it.

Make no mistake they'll be happier if he's not there, c'mon Felli.

Gerry Quinn
66 Posted 10/10/2012 at 19:57:37
I remember him getting that foot injury against the Redshite player who was sent off? It was a Goodison match and he ended up missing the rest of the season.
Peter Laing
67 Posted 10/10/2012 at 20:39:27
That redshite player Gerry was that Greek yard-dog whose sole remit was to do Fellaini at all costs including a red. Seem to recall that Pienaar was also on the receiving end of some rough treatment as they kicked us all over the park and we surrendered to such brutality with a whimpering defeat.
Steve Barr
68 Posted 10/10/2012 at 20:51:06
I rate Felli very highly. Big fan.

But to be honest, I reckon he was equally culpable re that injury against Liverpool. From my viewpoint he deliberately stamped down on the incoming defender's two footed tackle (Sotirios Kyrgiakos) would have done himself a favour by riding the tackle rather than stamping!

He can be his own worst enemy although he's certainly mellowed since that incident.

Ian Bennett
69 Posted 10/10/2012 at 21:08:27
Steve - yep, his own fault.
Brian Garside
70 Posted 10/10/2012 at 21:09:16
If we are to keep a similar syle of play then the nearest we have to Feli is our own Greek. Yes Big Apostolos. Barkley could be back but will not get a look in. Coleman must not be allowed to play RB. Stirling would skin him time after time.
Peter Jones
71 Posted 10/10/2012 at 21:42:21
No need to fret.

Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Distin Baines
Osman Gibson
Mirallas Naismith Pienaar
Jelavic

Totally capable of being the piss out of QPR with this team. No way Fellaini misses the derby unless something far more severe develops out of this injury. They said Jelavic was out 2 weeks and then two days later....

Keith Glazzard
72 Posted 10/10/2012 at 22:01:44
Brian and Peter - putting your 2 posts together (for the derby).

Will Hibbo be fit? No doubt about him being on the teamsheet if he is. But the young lad will be seen as a threat like Bale was (is). And Moyes double marked him with Coleman right MF.

And Peter, you've set up a lovely footballing team for QPR there. But it's still a Mark Hughes team, and Moyes will see it foremost that way. No Neville? Might be nice - RB if Hibbo isn't ready would do me, but he's likely to start.

Ian Smitham
73 Posted 10/10/2012 at 22:38:26
Steve#023, two players, no quarter asked or given, sadly injury to our man, hard play in the Ebbrell/McMahon tackling mode.

Peter#032, that would be the team I would pick, but Keith#037, valid point, suspect Pip will start, and Ossie will miss out. After thier Manager lambasted the teams lack of effort they will be coming full on at us and as usual the game will be a battle/attrition and Pip probably shades Ossie in that respect. Peters back four looks like it could stand that challenge.

Still hope Fella is there to destroy them and I am looking forward to being there.

Thanks!

Peter Jones
74 Posted 10/10/2012 at 23:30:21
Keith, if Neville starts, I got no problems with it being at RB in the event Hibbert can't play. Just don't want to see him in the middle out of position. If Moyes puts Mirallas behind Jelavic, it also makes perfect sense to see this lineup....

Howard
Neville/Hibbert Jagielka Distin Baines
Osman Gibson
Coleman Mirallas Pienaar

Jelavic

Either way we go, it's a strong team. Hughes has no idea what to do with that team he's got. No doubt that no away match is a cakewalk, but we are simply a superior team with more organization and solid partnerships, even without Fellaini.

Jimmy Sørheim
75 Posted 11/10/2012 at 00:57:42
James, Drenthe is a much higher skilled player then Naismith, at least Drenthe scored us goals in the league, Naismith has done nothing to impress yet and I doubt he is good enough for the PL.
But what I meant to say was regarding "you get what you pay for" that this transfer was a major bet, perhaps just like Drenthe was, but Drenthe is now gone, a winger who actually did a very decent job on the right.

I can still not understand why Moyes did not hand him a contract, Drenthe saved half of our season with his goals and assists. Too bad he was his own worst enemy.
I miss both Donovan and Drenthe, these are two players that got me exited about Everton again when there was very little positives to find.

Jimmy Sørheim
76 Posted 11/10/2012 at 01:11:21
All I can say regarding Naismith is I pray Moyes will not be stupid enough to use him during the derby, because if he does then we will suffer from it. I still remember last season we lost ALL our games against the Red Shites.

How is Naismith going to change that, he has been shit because he is injury prone and too weak for PL. Naismith will need a long time to be used to the PL, he might not work out, but we paid nothing for him so it does not really matter. I can promise you right now, Moyes will NOT pick Naismith to play just behind the striker; as a right winger maybe.

Keith Glazzard
77 Posted 11/10/2012 at 01:15:55
Peter - we're saying the same thing about Pip here. All I'm saying is, don't ask me, ask DM. And looking at life without the Big Fella for a few games makes you think.

It's not often I can recall national newspapers taking much notice of one of our players being injured. And its not just because of his hairstyle.

Edward Simpson
78 Posted 11/10/2012 at 02:35:13
Lets just hope that when he gets assessed on Monday that it isn't to bad and that he can play for the derby.
Hibbert and Gibson will be a huge boost for us, so not too worried if Fellaini is out next week.
Steven Kendrew
79 Posted 11/10/2012 at 03:55:33
Fellaini would be a loss but not a fatal one with this new squad. Many of you have come up with team formations and doesn't that demonstrate our existing depth? Felli could also be a liability with the ref in the derby....but I'd rather have him in , to be fair.

We have more than every chance this time against the RS and I think we will be fine against the R's. Team for derby and R's:

Howard,
Neville/Hibbert, Jags, Distin, Baines,
Mirallas, Gibson, Osman, Pienaar
Naismith, Jelavic

Subs: Oviedo, Anichebe, Duffy, Mucha, etc, etc.


Things are good!

Paul Andrews
80 Posted 11/10/2012 at 09:01:53
Steve@23

Fellaini cant tackle in general,every time there is a 50-50 he goes in to protect himself with studs raised.That is his first thought,not to win the ball but to make sure he does not get done.

Drew O'Neall
81 Posted 11/10/2012 at 09:10:50
Suspect Moyes told him if he didn't play for Belgium he could have a week of in the motherland.
Sam Hoare
82 Posted 11/10/2012 at 09:45:47
Alot of people here seem to be assuming that Gibson will be back for QPR and the derby. I have not read anywhere that that is definitely the case. If it is not then I think we will look very light in midfield with fellaini and gibson out. Truly our failure to bring in Ofoe or another defensive midfielder at the end of the transfer window could be set to haunt us...
James Martin
83 Posted 11/10/2012 at 10:11:08
Osman and Pienaar in the middle, screw a holding mid lets just go and batter them 5-0.
Andy Walker
84 Posted 11/10/2012 at 15:47:59
I expect Marouane to play in the derby.
Jamie Barlow
85 Posted 11/10/2012 at 15:57:55
Fellaini says "As you have probably seen and heard, I am currently suffering from a knee injury. Fortunately it is not too serious but I will have to miss the two games with Belgium.

I am hoping to be back playing for Everton as soon as possible."

No mention of missing any Everton games.

Fingers crossed.

Col Wills
86 Posted 11/10/2012 at 16:41:35
I'd have him as substitute in the derby. Give the fitter lads 70 mins then can you imagine bringing him on up front to pummel the reds
Ian Bennett
88 Posted 11/10/2012 at 19:57:54
Jimmy alert, jimmy alert.

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