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Everton vs West Ham United

Lyndon Lloyd , 5 January, 98comments  |  Jump to most recent
FA Cup 3rd Round Preview

James McCarthy continues to recover from his hamstring problems

The Europa League has thus been a fertile arena for Everton where things have largely gone to plan for Roberto Martinez's men but it has been blamed for much of the squad rotation that appeared to disrupt the Blues' Premier League campaign earlier in the season.

Somewhat ironically, Everton have performed worse since their involvement in Europe effectively went on hiatus at the tail end of November, leading to an awful run of form that has thrown their plans for the League campaign into disarray.

The FA Cup might provide a distraction of a more welcome variety for Martinez's men as they seek something to revive their battered confidence but a visit from West Ham is no one's idea of fun these days.

Indeed, the rejuvenated Hammers no doubt counted themselves unfortunate not to come away from Goodison Park with a point in November when Leon Osman's late goal secured what was, at the time, only Everton's second home League win of the season. And they will feel they have little to fear from the fragile Blues who return to an uncertain reception from their home fans aftter consecutive matches away from home.

Martinez could welcome John Stones back to the starting XI after another two-game absence as he seeks a first win since mid-December but James McCarthy is unlikely to make it due to his long-standing hamstring issues.

Martinez held his pre-match press conference at Finch Farm this afternoon and confirmed that Stones, who has missed the last two games with a knock to the ankle on which he had surgery in October, is ready to return. Antolin Alcaraz's suspension makes him a likely starter.

Kevin Mirallas, who was withdrawn at half time of the New Year's Day defeat at Hull is also fit but McCarthy is still in recovery. His manager said that the Irishman is progressing well but that he will play no part in what he labelled a "pivotal" game against the Hammers.

Martinez also used the occasion to dismiss speculation linking Ross Barkley to Manchester City and reiterated that he wouldn't rule out adding to his squad this month, particularly given the lack of experienced cover in goal.

"It's always an opportunity to see if we can help players we have in squad. We'll always take a look to see if we can strengthen," Martinez said.

“We're a bit exposed in [the goalkeeping department]. We're looking into that position to take it a bit further,” he continued but stressed that any acquisition would be on a long-term deal and "not just for the sake of it."

Like many of those players who started at Hull on New Year's Day, Barkley's position in the line-up is by no means guaranteed after Martinez hinted he may make further changes to his team for this unorthodox televised Tuesday evening Third Round kick-off.

A report in the Liverpool Echo suggests that Luke Garbutt could be drafted back into the side which, if true, could mean more game time for Leighton Baines in midfield where he has made a couple of promising appearances.

The key for Martinez is, of course, not to make so many changes that he weakens the side at a time when all he needs is to grind out a victory to use as a platform on which to try and build confidence and a sequence of positive results. More than anything, whichever players he fields need to show character and fight because, on the basis of their form this season, their opposition from the Capital are likely to have both. A trip to Doncaster or Bristol City awaits the winner.

Kick off: 7.45pm

Full coverage: ToffeeWeb Match Reports

Reader Comments (98)

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Colin Wharton
1 Posted 05/01/2015 at 16:56:51
I thought the last game was supposed to be pivotal!
Brent Stephens
2 Posted 05/01/2015 at 16:59:48
"The manager... reiterated that he wouldn't rule out adding to his squad this month".

But I thought he said we'd (only?) be strengthening internally?

Steavey Buckley
3 Posted 05/01/2015 at 17:05:58
With some unknown reason, Man City are given an extra 2 days by the FA to prepare for Everton's next big game against them on Saturday. The West Ham game should not be treated as do or die, because Everton don't need any more injured players. Players such as Stones, Mirallas and McCarthy are needed for Saturday, otherwise, Man City are going to roll over Everton.
Kieran Riding
4 Posted 05/01/2015 at 17:15:30
The draw for round 4 is tonight. Dont agree with that by the way.
Paul Andrews
5 Posted 05/01/2015 at 17:18:04
Lee Carsley:

"New Year is time to pull together. It Â’s fair to say that it has been far from the best festive period on the pitch for Everton players and Evertonians watching in the stand, but IÂ’d like to wish all Sunday Echo readers a Happy New Year.

"2014 didnÂ’t end well for us but it was still a year of great progress for the Blues and despite our recent struggles thereÂ’s no reason why 2015 canÂ’t be a good one at Goodison either.

"LetÂ’s pull together and help the team out of their sticky patch.

ItÂ’s tough to take but thatÂ’s always been the Everton way."

Colin Leary
6 Posted 05/01/2015 at 17:21:39
Knowing our luck, we will go all the way and win the cup and go down.
Gary Collins
7 Posted 05/01/2015 at 17:32:17
4-3-1-2: Robles; Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Garbut; Besic, Barkley, Baines; Mirallas; Kone, Lukaku.

Mirallas behind the front two, narrow midfield, three fullbacks... plenty of room to bomb on.

Steve Woods
8 Posted 05/01/2015 at 18:08:51
Let's hope Stones isn't being rushed back. We are going to need the lad in the relegation battle ahead.
Rahul Sreekumar
9 Posted 05/01/2015 at 18:11:08
All philosophies aside... just take decent corners, free-kicks & throw-ins. And win tackles & headers like a Premier League side would... Pleeeeeaaasseeee!!!
Stephen Graham
10 Posted 05/01/2015 at 18:22:27
Colin Wharton, it's a big pivot ...
Jon Cox
11 Posted 05/01/2015 at 18:14:31
At the end of the day, it's nice to have our best team available, but it's still the style of football and tactical nouse that matter in the end.

Sadly we're lacking both at the moment.

Mr Kenrick, as an aside, I seem to remember many moons ago stating that a good move for OFM would be to take a well earned sabbatical, to go abroad and learn some ways of playing the game differently to that which he was playing at the time.

It sure took a while but at least the penny dropped in the end. Just for curiosity, I'd love to know when it was.

This was the only way he's ever get a plan B.

For those who don't know His team beat Barca last night.

Now what would be the odds on that?

COYB

Jon Cox
12 Posted 05/01/2015 at 18:25:49
Sorry I meant This is the only way he'd get a plan B
Peter Mills
13 Posted 05/01/2015 at 18:39:21
I booked my season ticket seat over the phone a few days ago, but I must admit I can't summon much enthusiasm for the game. What a dreadful thing to say about the 3rd round of the FA Cup, which has been such an exciting day in the past.
Mike Childs
14 Posted 05/01/2015 at 18:52:41
What I wouldn't give to look forward to our next game like in the past. I may not have agreed with OFM but at least I never had to worry about the lads playing with passion.
Stephen Brown
15 Posted 05/01/2015 at 19:18:31
Right a new week a new optimism - play a full team and beat WHU.

Finish about 10 but win the FA cup and go to Semi final of the Europa. You heard it here first!

Peter Mills
17 Posted 05/01/2015 at 19:38:22
Stephen, you have just lit the tiniest of flames in me!
James Carroll
18 Posted 05/01/2015 at 19:44:16
Doncaster or Bristol City away in next round
Kunal Desai
19 Posted 05/01/2015 at 19:41:00
Bristol city or doncaster away. Very tricky tie.
Linda Morrison
20 Posted 05/01/2015 at 19:42:06
I am very optimistic now as Roberto has finally agreed that Robies is crap!

He is looking for a goalie and he needs to. If he has "Lost the dressing room" those players need to put in a few shifts!

Get Irvine back to coach the defence and all will be well, even if we lose tomorrow –which we won't.

Dave Lynch
21 Posted 05/01/2015 at 19:39:51
John@12

There is a separate thread on here about that very victory.

A spawny own goal and a backs to the wall defensive display, led to the victory.

My god he's come on leaps and bounds that fella.

Stephen Brown
22 Posted 05/01/2015 at 19:45:36
Glad to hear it Peter! I'm trying hard to be positive. We can't be that bad that quickly surely ! Hopefully RM, staff and players have taken this week to have a long hard look at themselves! They can't have avoided the criticism - man or mouse time !! Come on let's get behind the boys tomorrow!
Kieran Riding
23 Posted 05/01/2015 at 19:50:02
Gary Collins #7
Decent team that mate.
Colin Malone
24 Posted 05/01/2015 at 19:58:36
Baines in midfield? Please nooooooo. Noooooooooo.
No way balanced enough on two feet to be in midfield.
Tommy Keith
25 Posted 05/01/2015 at 20:03:25
Don't agree at all with those who say go half arsed in the FA Cup. This and the Europa League are the only means of excitement this season. Go for the glory!! It is what it is all about. Moyes and other managers often 'prioritised' one fixture over another and ballsed up both!

On current form, even a fresh full strength Everton will lose to Man City, so go out there, play with passion, give your all, win a game against medium level Prem team at home, and give Evertonians a tiny bit of pride back that we deserve!!!

Ant Summers
26 Posted 05/01/2015 at 20:12:56
Let's see who he puts out, its the effort from the starting 11 I worry about. All around it needs improving.
Andy Meighan
27 Posted 05/01/2015 at 20:17:27
We could play brilliant tomorrow, win 5-0, and guess what he’d do against Man City? Make wholesale changes – not because he has to – but because he can... because this is what he does. He gets on my fucking tits with this chopping and changing buisness.

Wolfsburg away, arguably our best performance of the season, so what does he do for the next match against Spurs? Changes it. QPR at home; okay, not a great performance, but a comfortable win. So what does he do against Soton? Changes it.

The man is a grade A clown and IÂ’m sick of his stubbornness.

Adam Luszniak
28 Posted 05/01/2015 at 20:24:14
Personally I'd like to see 3 at the back and Baines in the middle. Failing that just some bloody fight would be good to see. My team would be:

Robles
Stones Jagielka Distin
Coleman Barkley Baines Oviedo
Naismith
Mirallas Lukaku

Clive Rogers
29 Posted 05/01/2015 at 20:43:25
Nobody seems to be picking Barry. I wouldn't either because his legs have gone. He'll be playing though. I feel RM is still picking him to justify 80 grand a week and a 3 year deal to the chairman. That was why he was ridiculously moved to CB against Hull.
Colin Grierson
31 Posted 05/01/2015 at 21:01:01
SURELY Barry must be 'rested' tomorrow.
Craig Mills
32 Posted 05/01/2015 at 21:51:26
Andy Carroll will terrorise Everton tomorrow.....I'm not looking forward to it
Phil Walling
33 Posted 05/01/2015 at 22:17:07
I have a strong suspicion that the team may look very much like the line up against Krasnovar. Then expect seven changes for Man City.
Jon Cox
34 Posted 05/01/2015 at 22:12:34
RM doesn't know about the concept of defense.

This is a big of a deal than a nuclear attack.

RM either go to polytechnic with regards to the education of football or leave us and Merseyside alone to get on with the job.

Tony Abrahams
35 Posted 05/01/2015 at 22:25:10
I wouldnÂ’t pick the same team as you Ad,am (#28), but I hope we play the same formation that you choose. We need DistinÂ’s height, StonesÂ’s awareness and Jagielka putting his body on the line, and most of all our Keeper needs protecting.

ItÂ’s 40 years since "me dar" first took me to Goodison Park for an FA Cup game against Altringham, and itÂ’s a competition I would love us to win again. A bit early to talk about winning it, but I hope itÂ’s not too late for our famous old ground to get a bit of "its passion" back tomorrow night!

James Marshall
36 Posted 05/01/2015 at 22:46:22
At the end of the day we'll all be sick as a parrot if we lose, but over the moon if we win. It's a game of two halves, and anything can happen, that's why we love football, especially at a pivotal time for the club, the manager and the supporters, but you can bet the players will be giving 110% from first whistle to last, in an attempt to turn it around, win back the fans and really give it their all.

And hundreds of other bullshit, crappy cliches. Football is fucking ridiculous sometimes.

Gerard Carey
37 Posted 05/01/2015 at 22:54:04
So its only now he realises we have a goalkeeping problem!!, what a joke of a manager
Dave Lynch
38 Posted 05/01/2015 at 23:02:23
Gerard.

If he thinks it's only the "goalie" we have a problem with...

Then yes mate. God fucking help us!

Patrick Murphy
39 Posted 05/01/2015 at 23:19:51
Roberto Martinez in the Liverpool Echo was questioned about his thoughts regarding the number of goals conceded he replied:

"If you say to me ’would rather concede one goal and lose the game? or concede five and still have the opportunity to win the game? then it is always about having the opportunity to win the game.

"So the stats I look at are the way we can score goals, the way we can dominate games and the way we can win games.

"We have conceded too many goals because we have made too many individual errors. We are the team with the most individual errors and we have had too many injuries so the amount of rotation we have had to apply in the back four has been too big and sometimes that carries a bit of a bad momentum.

"It is something we need to eradicate. I wouldn’t be too concerned about eradicating that and what I want to see is the team enjoying their football and winning football games.

"If that means winning 5-4 then I’ll take that."

Roberto, the problem is if we continue to ship goals we will continue to fail to win football matches and the players will not be able to enjoy their football! I must admit that my nerves aren’t at all calmed by Roberto’s words.

Paul Smith
40 Posted 05/01/2015 at 23:32:05
He's a tad cavalier our Roberto. It was refreshing last season and concerning now.

I think we can win tomorrow, law of averages and all that.

The Shiteh game though....I'm damn pessimistic about. The crowd should be up for it with the sheikh's train set in town. Could be just what we need after the grim fare we were served up over Chrimbo.

Steve Orchard
41 Posted 05/01/2015 at 23:15:53
Oh no, Phil, your suspicions are very much the same as mine! I really donÂ’t know what bloody team weÂ’re gonna get!

IÂ’ve had me Arl Fella on the phone asking me if I fancy popping up his as I donÂ’t have BT Sport to see it but, to be honest if Martinez isnÂ’t gonna take it seriously, then I donÂ’t know if I can be bothered to watch. I hope IÂ’m completely wrong!

James Marshall
42 Posted 06/01/2015 at 00:29:27
I tend to think we'll do OK against City, purely because they like to keep the ball as well so our stupid fucking passing sideways bollocks is unlikely to apply quite so much.

We might be forced to play on the break for a change which might well do us a favour.

Dave Abrahams
43 Posted 06/01/2015 at 00:09:24
The Man City game is the most important game until we play West Brom and after these two games decisions will have to be made.

Come on Roberto, steady yourself, have a look around and do what you have to do. Loads of Evertonians want you to succeed, you know the game, just apply yourself, please Roberto. Play the game "for your own self", and for those of us who want you to succeed. Come on, play the game.

Paul Kelly
44 Posted 05/01/2015 at 23:36:52
Every time I see a quote from El Bob, I want to cry in anguish.
Steve Carter
45 Posted 06/01/2015 at 02:37:27
I saw that too, Jon Cox (11). Faced with the choice between him and Roberto, I'd have Moyes back in a heartbeat. For all the criticism he got on this site, I never felt we risked going down with him at the helm. A couple of times we didn't get off to a brisk start and we were down towards the bottom for the first month or so, but I always had the sense that things would improve and there was plenty of time for things to improve.

We're hitting this dip right in the middle of the season, the losses have been against very ordinary sides, and it seems to me that Roberto doesn't have a plan to arrest the decline. His recent spin would make even Tony Blair blush.

Harold Matthews
46 Posted 06/01/2015 at 02:45:55
Don't like our current form but we might win this one.
Dominic Tonge
47 Posted 06/01/2015 at 02:55:44
Ok, here's the thing about the next two games: well, three things.

1) Nolan and that ponytailed peperami upfront for west ham. Nolan will either smash Ross to bits or get him sent off, history points to the former. He might score and if so We will be subjected to that snidey celebration that lools like an audition for a chicken tonight advert.

Meanwhile the hairy sideshow freak will be gleefully throwing elbows about the gaff and generally bullying a defence who look like they have no confidence. See the thing is we are in bad shape, and who are the sort of people who kick a dying dog – kopites. They are prime sticking the boot in candidates and we all know it.

2) Frank Lampard. Jesus H C Christ and his merry elves, does Frank love a goal against us. He just always seems to waddle about being largely ineffectual for 67 or so minutes before somehow (mainly via deflections or scabbery of some description) scoring . News of a season long stay at City you say you need to celebrate you cheeky cockney chubster, why not score against Everton. He will score.

I have gone All Colin G here. Sorry. Rant/nostradamus-esque ramblings over

Jermaine Jennings
48 Posted 06/01/2015 at 08:43:42
It is too much too ask to do these simple things:

Press and press players as a team in our own half;
Stop crosses coming in and be more aggressive and physical in our play and tackles;
Get the ball forward more quickly and at times be more direct with the final few passes.

Do the above and we will batter West Ham tonight.

Instead we will start off very bright with intense play with no break through and then after fade away and struggle. A bit like his feeble training sessions on a Friday!!

James Lauwervine
49 Posted 06/01/2015 at 08:59:33
Gary 7, I'd pick that team except perhaps Kone, who was pretty awful against Hull. Then again he might just need some playing time and to be fair virtually every player was bad that day. I'd probably go Oviedo or even Pienaar (if fit) instead. Pity Eto'o has gone off the boil. I was at the last West Ham game and when he came on I thought he changed the game. Barry must not play tonight.

One thing that troubles me is Seamus this season. He was so excellent last year but his touch and confidence seem to have deserted him. We badly need him back to his best because he scares the shite out of teams.

Andy Meighan
50 Posted 06/01/2015 at 09:49:48
Craig 32, Andy Carroll couldnÂ’t terrorise a kid in a scream mask on Halloween... heÂ’s shite.
Peter Murray
51 Posted 06/01/2015 at 10:35:04
This will be a battle. We will need to compete all over the pitch. A scrappy 1-0 win would do both in itself and in potential impact on Premier League form.

Hate making comparisons with our neighbours across the park but they were in a similar situation to us not so long ago. They dug out a 1-0 win at Burnley, beat Swansea and are now being tipped for a top 4 position.

Time for Roberto to start harnessing some good from these "negative dynamics"! (A quote from his press conference!)

Shaun Laycock
52 Posted 06/01/2015 at 10:46:45
3-4-1-2

Robles
Stones, Jagielka, Distin
Coleman, Besic, Baines, Oviedo
Barkley
Mirallas, Lukaku
Subs; GK, Garbutt, Browning, Eto'o, Kone, McGeady, Barry.

More pace at the outside centrebacks with added height for the aerial bombardment, holding midfield full of bite and Baines's quality passing, width with cover; Barkley with license to roam; up front, a threat short and in behind; and a bench that can accommodate a change of formation.

I wan't to see some pride for the shirt tonight. I don't buy this 'it's only the cup' rubbish. You should put out your best team to win every game... does Bobby know what this is though?

Steven Telford
53 Posted 06/01/2015 at 10:41:29
No matter what happens – don't change a fucking thing because change/adaption go against our new footballing philosophy.

Run and pass the ball right up to their box, mind now to give them time to get at least 9 men back, then pass it about for a while. Easy on the shooting, because shooting is for other teams, we win games differently. And under no circumstances is the to be a clean sheet, because if there is it means the defenders have not been getting forward enough.

NOW, Show them our confidence and our dominance, by getting the ball into a red hot shooting position and then send it back to our keeper – that'll show them whose boss!

David Ellis
54 Posted 06/01/2015 at 11:12:18
Steven... shhhh, for Christ's sake. Don't want any Hammers overhearing our game plan, do we?
Peter Barry
55 Posted 06/01/2015 at 11:31:30
So when will we win one of these numberless 'pivotal' 'must-win' games???
Mark Andersson
56 Posted 06/01/2015 at 11:16:49
Nothing but a fighting win will do. If we lose, the manager should be sacked – simple.
Allan Board
57 Posted 06/01/2015 at 11:07:03
Ah alas,we come to the 3rd Round, and find "The Mighty Blues" in melt down. Despondency abounds amid calls for "our leader's head".

How this will all end, no-one can tell. I urge everyone to remember that Everton FC is the most important aspect of all this; should the actions of a few put at risk the affinity between Everton and its fans, then those few should be removed forthwith.

Looking forward (perhaps next season), how about this for a team:
Butland (got to buy him)
Coleman
Garbutt
Stones
Browning
Mirallas
Besic
McCarthy
Oviedo
Barkley
Lukaku

Good, isn't it? Let's hope the "few" don't ruin it.

Andrew Ellams
58 Posted 06/01/2015 at 11:35:37
Allardyce has history when it comes to wholesale changes in this competition. Martinez needs to counter this and play a strong side that will hopefully get a confidence boosting win.

Not sure we can go all the way and win the cup but this game is about the here and now and turning things round. Then we can start thinking about Wembley...

Gerard Carey
59 Posted 06/01/2015 at 12:35:40
Team selection!! First one in is Barry, then any other ten from available panel. Formation not too important!!
Dave Rusk
60 Posted 06/01/2015 at 13:03:00
Where is Kevin Brock when you need him?
Charles McCann
61 Posted 06/01/2015 at 12:50:20
Gary Collins, post No 7, I'm really liking your team selection and formation. Lots of space for Coleman and Garbutt to attack plus no Gareth Barry which is definitely a positive. Let's hope Martinez is thinking along your lines and also that the Everton fans at Goodison tonight get right behind the team.
John Keating
62 Posted 06/01/2015 at 13:10:37
I would play the formation we need in our league games in order get ugly points on the board.
4 - 4- 1 - 1
None of this 3 at the back shit that has left us so exposed this season
Robles - unfortunately
Coleman, Stones, Jags, Baines
Miralles, Besic, Barkley, Oviedo
Naismith
Kone
I'd like to play Lukaku but until he learns to hold the ball up and bring midfield runners into play it will have to be Kone.
Please Roberto when West Ham get a corner leave Miralles up at the half way line !!
Bob Martin
63 Posted 06/01/2015 at 13:37:16
He isn’t a goalkeeper — he’s just a Spanish bloke who plays in goal!!
Andrew Ellams
64 Posted 06/01/2015 at 14:48:31
John Keating, I think you are bang on with that formation for the players we have available right now. Although I also see the irony that it's straight out of the David Moyes coaching manual.
Raymond Fox
65 Posted 06/01/2015 at 14:37:04
I cant say I'm too excited about this game!

The Prem. has to be our no1 priority given where we are now, + City next.
Great shame, but we must get some pts in the league.
We were 60/1 to be relegated 2 weeks ago and I was rash enough to say I'd lay 100/1, well were now only 22/1!
Do we really want a long run in the Cup, and don't forget the Europa!
If we had 30pts and were comfortably placed ok, but were not.

The players have in general have been found lacking in quality or over the hill this season, with Mirallas and Baines perhaps the best of a poor bunch.
The team is crying out for a quality centre back, attacking midfielder and winger, with the midfield position being the most urgent.
Without those players we will continue to struggle big time.

Oh, and throw in a stinking rich Russian/Arab.

Max Wilson
66 Posted 06/01/2015 at 15:43:23
I'm just waiting to see the team sheet before I allow myself to be Pess or Opt . I wonder what the odds would be on seeing a fit Ossie?
Col Wills
67 Posted 06/01/2015 at 15:28:09
I want to see the players fight for the cause and fight for the fans tonight, they owe us big style after that terrible December.

Plenty of pressing, closing down and tackling. Make sure that corners reach the penalty spot or even the backpost, hit the target from freekicks and follow in, make the keeper work from shots and clear our lines quickly when our goalie has the ball, and put pressure on their defence and get the crowd going. Its not hard.....is it?

Norman Merrill
68 Posted 06/01/2015 at 15:53:31
Regardless of how Sam gets his lads. to approach tonight's fixture, my main concern is, will our lads not repeat what they have done in the last four fixtures, & make it easy for the opposition with silly mistakes?
I just hope, we are focused, because we are in for a tough old match, Are we going to be up for it????
Kieran Riding
69 Posted 06/01/2015 at 16:32:29
This game had got Kevin Nolans "funky chicken" goal celebration written all over it.
Paul Tran
70 Posted 06/01/2015 at 16:38:03
Just had a chat with a West Ham supporting mate who is as pessimistic as us. We agreed that the game will be like watching two turds slowly drying in the sun.

Usual fare tonight, then?

Dominic Tonge
71 Posted 06/01/2015 at 16:38:28
Would like to see the following tonight:
Robles ,Coleman ,stones ,jags, distin ,baines,McCarthy,Ross,besicbauer, Super Kev, Lukaku
Seamus and Leighton as wingbacks, McCarthy holding, Ross and Mo in front of him, Kev at the top of the Diamond just behind big Rom.

Jamie Tulacz
72 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:08:57
Nice line-up Dominic. Have been thinking recently that we need to put 3 in the centre of midfield to try to tighten things up, this line up seems to do that well.

Sadly suspect that Barry is likely to feature in the actual line-up, despite all evidence to the contrary that he deserves to..

Mike Oates
73 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:11:40
Like it or lump it the team will inevitably be
Robles
Coleman Stones Jags Baines
Besic Barry
Naismith Barkley Mirallas
Lukaku

With this "pivotal" game at Goodison with the world watching live there is no chance he'll lets kids play, he'll choose his safest team and hope they click. He cant trust Stones as being fit, and he'll ensure Barry sits in front of back 4.

Mike Oates
74 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:14:55
Dominic 72# , McCarthy isn't playing, he still hasn't recovered from hamstring injury - Martinez yesterday in Press briefing.
Gavin Ramejkis
75 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:18:14
Barry needs to be dropped big time, if he plays we are humped
Mike Childs
76 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:18:54
Sure would love to see us win again....
Paul Dark
77 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:34:36
I'd make Besicbauer captain - it might also help to reduce the number of his rash tackles. He is without doubt the most focused player we have.

I only care about tonight if it helps to being about an upturn in our league fortunes.

Whatever happens, relegation cannot happen.

COYB!

Dave Pritchard
78 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:35:22
This game will be a pivotal pivot in our season.
John Keating
79 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:35:56
Andrew 65
Thought that team a bit better defensively with Besic in front of the back 4 and covering if one of the full backs go forward.
You are right about it being a bit Moyesiesque.
I'd love us to be like last season but unfortunately needs must and if this comes off I think we need to play in in our league games until we get some points on the board
Paul Dark
80 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:41:56
Dominic - is a good team.

We might even consider going 4-4-2 in the league to stem the tide of goals, maybe even 5-3-2. It is not in our interest to be involved in 7-goal thrillers at the moment. We need some 0-0s and 1-0s - dreadful as that sounds to say. Relegation must precede all other thoughts. Martinez claims to understand our pride, our dignity and our history: he cannot be allowed to take us down.

Bill Gall
81 Posted 06/01/2015 at 17:43:34
the only thing that makes me nervous about the game against the Hammers,especially with Everton helping clubs to end poor records, is that Everton have not lost at home to West Ham since Decemder 2005.
Caron Jones
82 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:03:02
Evening all.

Does anyone have loggin details for BT Sport and would kindly share with myself so I can enjoy the game this evening.

Many Thanks / Diolch yn fawr.

Conor Waters
83 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:04:43
Surely Barry should be axed. I really can't believe we gave him a 3 year contract. The only future he has is as a converted centre back, although that will probably only double the amount of penalties we concede!

Didn't the Irons get tonked 5-0 by Forest when fielding a weakened team in last years cup? Big Sam will rest a few again I reckon, but that doesn't count for shit with us lately.

Stephen Brown
84 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:10:52
I'd play this line up for next 3 games-

Robles
Coleman Jags Stones Baines
Mirallas Besic Barklay Oviedo
Naismith
Lukaku

Swop McCarthy for Naismith when fit with Barklay going into his role . Stick with this side and get some continuity.
Today is the day the team better man up !

Mid table , FA cup winners and Europa semi finalists. There's a DVD to be made out of this season yet!! Come on !!!

Brian Hennessy
85 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:23:07
https://twitter.com/_bluejock/status/552499387319222274?lang=en
Paul Taylor
86 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:21:58
They need a battling performance tonight, with passion and doing the simple things right... like taking decent corners......

1-0...I hope...

Dale Haldane
87 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:27:20
Stephen Brown #85 nailed it. Was just going to post the same team. All about the balance and dynamism in the centre of the park.
Jon Cox
88 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:28:44
Oh the irony, dare I say it? KITAP1...
James Joseph
89 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:27:03
Regarding Barry, as well as his age he really hasn't been the same since he was crocked at Sunderland. Given that the only games we've won since then have been games that he missed - West ham home, Wolfsburg away, QPR home - it surely makes sense to leave him out tonight and for the next few games.
Paul Dark
90 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:45:51
Brian 85: Be careful what you say about St Aiden the Useless - he's been compared on this website to Best and Messi. Jesus wept ...

Mike Corcoran
91 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:48:55
Tons of links for the game on this Mancs site

http://shadygiz.blogspot.co.uk

Wiziwig is off air, gutted

Martin Berry
92 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:48:04
The team Everton: Robles, Jagielka, Coleman, Oviedo, Distin, Naismith, Mirallas, Besic, Barkley, Barry, Lukaku. #EFC
Martin Berry
93 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:48:04
The team Everton: Robles, Jagielka, Coleman, Oviedo, Distin, Naismith, Mirallas, Besic, Barkley, Barry, Lukaku. #EFC
Paul Dark
94 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:52:20
Barry's in - why oh why?

4-2+2-1-1?

Colin Glassar
95 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:54:20
No Baines?
Mike Corcoran
96 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:53:00
No Manky Carrot for them.
Paul Dark
97 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:55:00
Barry and Robles aside, decent team

COYB!

Nick Entwistle
98 Posted 06/01/2015 at 18:54:12
4231 or 433?
Tony Heslop
99 Posted 06/01/2015 at 19:02:19
I have no idea how this tie will go but I certainly don't want to write it off to make some point about how badly wrong we are going. In fact, looking at the figures so far, it's a paltry few who have signed up to attend – most areas on the booking map remaining green for go ahead; there's loads of available seats left all around.

And to be fair, pricewise, the Club has got it right this time: 㿀 and 㾶 for season ticket holders and ٣ for under-16s being the charges, I would have thought would attract a lot more...

Even more ironic if those empty seats reflect folk who got off their backsides and went to Lille and Wolfsburg in great numbers. No need to guess too what happens if we get to a semi final — enter the thousands who couldn't make it the Tuesday in January.

I'm not saying 'never protest' but I am saying 'channel the energy into something the players can respond to' And if you are hesitating on buying a ticket, go for it and then throw your heart and soul into the game, something you would then be able to comment on, positively or negatively, after the game.

Finally, if there's one thing we still owe Roberto after the season he gave us last time, it's the benefit of the doubt... or at least an element of it. Nil satis nisi optimum.

Brent Stephens
100 Posted 06/01/2015 at 23:49:54
For me tonight was only ever going to be important for any momentum it could give to our ability to escape the relegation threat. And it gave us a bit of a leg up in that respect. Not going overboard, but I saw somewhat more passion there. And somewhat more pace in the game at times. And more mixing it up in terms of tactics.

Besic beastly. Lukaku's best game of the season (winning headers, ball control excellent, shots at goal, running harder).

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