Stoke City vs Everton

I just wish he'd score a goal once in awhile.

Back to Mirallas - he's another one that I want to see succeed & score goals. He has it in him. Hoping to see him for the rest of the season, and hopefully the next one as well.

Both these players risk losing their respective spots for good if they are out for more than a couple of weeks because of the increased competition in those positions.

Good news about Mirallas though :)

I would imagine that if Lukaku is fit it will be the same team as Wednesday night. Then if he gets the paperwork through we will have Naisse, Deulofeu and Mirallas to come off the bench if necessary.

Robles;
Coleman, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Galloway;
Lennon, Cleverley, Baines, Oviedo;
Barkley;
Mirallas.

4-4-1-1 should get the win,1-0 Blues!

As for all this delight over Kone's 'hold-up play' and space creation well, who expects strikers to score regularly? Quite how his inclusion at the expense of variously Mirallas, Deulofeu, Lennon and even Naismith is justified astounds me !

On the subject of tomorrow, let us hope that with all our talent, we can make Stoke look ordinary, which is what they did to us at Goodison. If every member of the team puts in a shift like Lennon, we will do it, but it won't be as easy as beating a very poor Newcastle.

On the subject of RM I loved him during the first season, although I had doubts about his pedigree following relegation.

Since then, his tenure has been disastrous. But, if his project does come together, I will be delighted because I ,like most football fans, am fickle. And I want Everton to be great again.

I want a big win tomorrow, and RM to pick in-form players, not favourites!

Ged may also be right, we're on the verge of being a very good side and it just could happen.

As far as positivity is concerned, I've read the last two results right and made a decent profit in so doing. It's amusing that over a week ago over two hundred posters wanted the manager hung, drawn and quartered but now there seems to be acknowledgement that he's good enough to get us 'eighthish, after all!

As far as the team tomorrow is concerned, don't be surprised if Lennon's recent goals spate doesn't see him back to the bench. It's happened before!

He is, I am sure, a lovely human being, and (as a pro footballer) has a decent pass at his disposal, and boy, can he lay it off! However these are things that a player should be able to do without thinking about it. He couldn't play at centre-half, he couldn't play centre-mid, and he shouldn't play on the wing ahead of actual wingers like Mirallas, Lennon or Deulofeu.
If he can't get his arse in the box and bang in shots as soon as a chance presents itself, then he should not be playing up front.
If Rom ain't fit, sling Mirallas up top, or Barkley, or Rodriguez, just someone who will look like scoring.

Deulofeu could come on for Lennon and Mirallas for Cleverley last 30 mins depending on the state of play.
Niasse for Lukaku if clearance comes through.

Maybe this weekend he'll get to play up top if Lukaku is out, with 2 from Mirallas/Lennon/Deulofeu supporting, and Niasse a potential late sub if required.

I've play Kone up front – the guy can finish given the right service.

Don't think you are wrong in your viewpoint, I could understand the change in the voting for Martinez if we had beaten two decent teams; the two teams we beat – especially Carlisle – was something that would've been expected and Newcastle were chronic.

We need to carry on and beat the better teams starting at Stoke tomorrow before we can be really confident that we are moving forward.

I fancy us tomorrow though I agree with Andy Crooks (28). I'd play Galloway at left back.

The result tomorrow will go a long way in suggesting which it is.

Irrespective of that I am totally with Andy Crooks.

RM has to go.

Regardless of who plays up front, the defence still needs sorting .. that is the biggest problem and the reason we have not won many games this season.

Martinez seems to be making more reasoned choices recently, it will be interesting if he maintains this run ... or reverts to type.

and Newcastle

Robles;
Coleman, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Baines;
McCarthy, Barry;
Deulofeu, Barkley, Mirallas;
Lukaku.

If Lukaku doesn't start I would prefer Kone to Mirallas against Stoke.

Who knows what to expect for this one. Three years ago I would have settled for a point at Stoke. Now despite my misgivings about the manager I am hoping for a win. This is certainly a roller coaster season.

I think the 3 points against Newcastle dispelled any looming worries about the "R" word so perhaps the anxiety levels on and off the pitch will drop and we will start seeing the best from our players. I hope so - it's the hope that keeps you alive!

Up the Blues.

Kone for all his faults is the best fit for the job if Rom has to drop out. I would start with him and if we are behind with 15 mins throw on Niasse and go 4-4-2.

Mirallas has no space in starting XI at this point for me. Lennon deserves to keep his place on the right side, Barks in the centre. On the left, Cleverly an inferior player but away against Stoke we need his work rate as Johnson plays like a winger when they are at home. Plus if Shaqiri plays he will try and exploit our left side the last time.

So its Kone for Rom, otherwise unchanged for me...

I reckon it's confidence and the crowd has been on his back when they should be looking at his contribution. Perhaps a few easy tap-ins and a header or two will restore some confidence. Is Vardy that good?

The team against Newcastle was probably our best balanced all season. Cleverley and McCarthy either side of Barry. No holes, no exposed fullbacks. Okay, it left us a bit short up front where Lukaku took a hammering but once we got that important first goal they had to open up and we enjoyed the extra space.

Barca have done it, Chelsea have done it and the rs have done it and got results, I've been really impressed with Lennon's attitude, work rate, first touch and eye for goal lately also the fact that him and Delboy are quick and nimble could make the perfect recipe to run at the giant clumsy Stoke back four and draw fouls and create chances!

We owe these big style for that late pen and for them being so abysmal and letting the rs get to a final!

Worst idea ever.

I'm not so keen on Cleverley being out on the left but he will put a shift in and work back, as will Lennon, although he gives us pace on the break. But we are going to have to graft today to keep their attacking players as quiet as we possibly can and not let them take control of the game.

Hopefully Lukaku will be fit to start and Niasse will be available to take a place on the bench.

Stoke are struggling a bit at CB at the moment with both Shawcross & Wilson out and there being a doubt Wollschied and his fitness today so IF those 3 are out, we could have some joy if we get at them and try being a bit more direct than usual into Rom?!