West Ham United vs Everton

Howard will have to be at his best and actually command the box, and Jags and Distin will need to run things with Gibbo doing his regular work. As Fellaini is out, and Osman a certain starter under Moyes' regime, I'd rather see him put the short man up with Jelavic to get him the hell out of midfield in a game that we need to dominate if we're to win. Stick Hitz in there, or even Heitinga - I know neither are lighting the world up at the moment, but we need someone who you know will kick people and not lose easy ball.

Also think this is the sort of game that Naismith will get an early goal in, but would rather see Oviedo getting at least half a game to run at, essentially, a less talented team than what we've faced so far this season - no disrespect to West Ham, but they are over-achieving at the moment.

Assuming Pip is fit he is straight back in along aside Gibbo, Naismith right, Nuts left. Brian still on the bench. Ossie behind Jelly if Jelly stays up top instead of drifting here there and fucking everywhere.

Would like to see Oviedo given a run out but is it worth breaking up Pienaar/Baines combo down the left.

Frankly I'm undecided about this. Think the stiff sidepart that is Brian ( very central American name) looks sharp and i'd like to see him given a run out. Nuts is better on the left than anywhere else. Do you break up the partnership with Baines to accomodate him in the team. I'm undecided. Discuss.

Barkley looks superb on the ball, doubt he'll get the role behind our striker/come winger come work horse that is the jelly man. So ossie in there then I reckon.

But matter is we need to buck up our ideas. There big headed manager will employ some mind games, as he did while he was at Blackburn moaning to the papers about Cahill being a 'clever player', then I remember Cahill getting a foul given against at every single challenge. Hate him for it as it worked.

But the matter are hand is this, and I've put alot of thought into it. We don't often lose so ....that's it....3 points it is then.

Our squad is far better and with the Hammers missing Diame and Diarra, breaking them down shouldn't be an issue.

Hopefully Howard doesn't have another 'mare and we can stem their flow at the back.

Dealing with Carlton Cole is down to Distin and I feel that he can more than match him for both strength and pace.

Jelavic
Pienaar
Oviedo Osman Barkley
Gibson
Baines Distin Jagielka Coleman
Howard

Bring on the abuse ...

West ham are decent on the left with Jarvis, so being strong on the right will be important for us defensively. We need plenty of width on the left with matty Taylor playing out of position on the right for them. He's going to look to come inside a lot which is where baines/Oviedo/pienaar should exploit when possible.

Time for a big game off pienaar I think.

I like your team. I just feel that Oviedo and Baines both seek the same space. Pienaar cuts inside and gives Baines the room to bomb on.

If Hitz or Nev start then I'll be devastated. We have Gibbo in there. The rest of the midfield needs to offer some attacking threat. I'd go with Pienaar, Osman, Gibson, Barkley, Naismith in midfield. It's time to play Barkley. Get him in while he's still got confidence he gained at Sheffield Wednesday.

COYB

I like the look of Oviedo, but putting him on the right is not his natural position, and swapping him for Pienarr on the right stops baines playinbg his game to some extent. Plus Pienarr just never seems as good on the right.

Naismith is yet to totally convince on the right, and has done better popping up in the box. A winger he is not, so i'd be interested to see him behind the striker today.

That leaves either Barkley on the right (and most would agree he probably won't start) or Coleman, who has performed in parts this season. I'd say Neville is fit i'd go for the following -

Howard
Neville - Jags - Distin - Baines
Coleman - Osman - Gibson - Pienarr
Naismith
Jelavic

I'd bring on Barkley for Naismith if he proves ineffective, or just to give him more game time even if this formula works

The problem that Moyes doesn't make purchase players on that basis.. therefore we don't have a dedicated right winger able to step in..

I agree with the point above that Mirallas is probably the biggest miss, because we become very lop sided.

Fellaini is great when things are going well like v Utd he was unplayable. However he was poor in the 2 games you mention and he gets frustrated too easy when decisions go against him.

Gutted Mirallas isn't fit, certainly options though for Moyes to consider today.

Hmmmm, what he offer against United, Arsenal, City, Fulham, Swansea, Sunderland & Villa.

Goals!

I get the feeling there are a lot of folk on here who initially slated the lad a few seasons back, when he was settling in as a 19 year old, for not being worth the transfer fee and now can't wait to stick the boot in when things go wrong. He's class and we will miss him today.

It's baffling.

It's either Heitinga or Nev in midfield...Barkley must be gutted. What does the lad have to do to get a game.

I'm a Moyes lover but this seems insane. At times I just scratch my head at his thinking.

If Gibbo is sitting in then where is Heitinga/Neville playing?

Anichebe is in for his height. Don't worry that hes never won a header in his life...he's tall so must be decent.

Jesus, I wish that bloody apocalypse had happened.

Everton XI: Howard, Jagielka, Distin, Heitinga, Baines, Neville, Osman, Gibson, Anichebe, Pienaar, Jelavic.

Surely Ovideo, Hitz, Barkley and Vellios deserved something better

Plan A anyone?

A fuckin shambles of a selection.

Real opportunity lost. Barkley and Oveido defo should have been in the line up. Anichebe and Neville starting was a massive step backwards.

"Anichebe is in for his height. Don't worry that hes never won a header in his life...he's tall so must be decent."