Season › 2017-18 › News West Bromwich Albion v Everton Lyndon Lloyd Tuesday, 26 December, 2017 69comments | Jump to most recent Everton's year finishes with back-to-back away games, the first of which is at the Hawthorns against struggling West Brom. Sam Allardyce has already indicated that Phil Jagielka won't be asked to play another 90 minutes so soon after the goalless draw with Swansea which should mean at least one unforced change from the manager. Idrissa Gueye's injury picked up against the Champions will mean at least one more alteration to the side that started on Saturday, with perhaps Tom Davies coming into the a similar formation or Wayne Rooney could return to play in the more withdrawn role in which he was so successful against West Ham and Huddersfield recently. Kick-off: 3pm, Tuesday 26 December 2017 Referee: Roger East Last Time: West Brom 1-2 Everton Live Forum Reader Comments (69) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Karl Masters 1 Posted 26/12/2017 at 08:11:50 One of those games you feel you can win every season, even when we haven't been playing well.Often we have won at The Hawthorns, but I remember us losing 4-0 there a few years ago and also losing 2-0 when we had won our first two games in 2012. Plus, the law of averages says West Brom have to win sometime and we are usually a gift horse to teams like that! I'd take a narrow win! COYB! Derek Knox 2 Posted 26/12/2017 at 08:17:52 I would have been more confident about today's match, had we not had key players missing. Assuming of course, that Rooney will miss this one, Gana will be out which is a worry.There are no easy games in the Premier League which I have always maintained, but these are desperate for points, coupled with the fact, they have an even better record than us for winning Boxing Day fixtures.Injuries should not affect results with a balanced squad, but we are not exactly balanced yet, so the others will have to step up to the plate and prove their worth.Here's hoping we can continue the unbeaten run under the new regime.COYB Peter Anthony 3 Posted 26/12/2017 at 08:31:37 Beni Baningime is a good shout to replace Gana. Great engine, strong and fast in the tackle and solid on the ball with a cool head and good passing range. Really shone in Rhino's short charge. The boy can shoot too. Beni Boxing Day Bang-one-in Baningime. Ian Bennett 4 Posted 26/12/2017 at 08:44:24 I am expecting a lot of changes and the squad is big enough to freshen it up other than at full back.PickfordKennyMartinaHolgateWilliamsBaningimeSchneiderlinRooneyBolasieNiasseLookman Oliver Brunel 5 Posted 26/12/2017 at 08:49:41 What's the score with Lookman and Vlasic – they weren't on the bench for Chelsea? Brian Furey 6 Posted 26/12/2017 at 08:49:57 I like the sound of that headline, Peter, and it would help to give Schneiderlin a good kick in the arse to wake him up. I hate watching players with loads of talent but feck all urgency.Beni must be excited by how well Davies and Kenny have done. I hope Sam is focusing on the big FA Cup game as it's our last chance at some silverware. Of course you want to be winning all games but for me I'd happily settle for 15th place over 7th if we won the cup.The Europa League means little to me at this stage as we are in the middle of rebuilding a side which takes time. Look at Spurs and Man City and how long it took them to get into top 4. Brent Stephens 7 Posted 26/12/2017 at 08:55:30 Oliver #5 maybe the bug that hit a few? Brent Stephens 9 Posted 26/12/2017 at 08:58:16 Lyndon - typo - "so soon after the goalless draw with Swansea". Gerry Quinn 10 Posted 26/12/2017 at 09:09:52 Everton haven't lost away on Boxing Day since 2005 at Aston Villa, winning three and drawing two.However, no manager has lost more Premier League matches on Boxing Day than Allardyce's tally of seven... Let's hope we "do an Everton" and get rid of that awful record. Robert Leigh 11 Posted 26/12/2017 at 09:19:55 I'd agree with a few posts above that say we have an opportunity to rotate here. Kenny has put in some mileage the last 11 games or so, perhaps a break in this one ahead of the trip to Bournemouth would do him some good. Holgate at right-back would give us some extra height to counter West Brom's big lads:PickfordHolgate Keane Williams MartinaLennon Davies Schneiderlin LookmanSigurdssonCalvert-LewinRooney (if well), Bolasie, Vlasic, Niasse then available from the bench if required.COYB!! Peter Anthony 12 Posted 26/12/2017 at 09:51:57 Re Sam's Boxing Day record: If only Wenger has been a Premier League manager longer than Sam of the present set, surely there is no shame in that. 7 losses out of about 20 games with the financial miss match in many games in terms of player quality v that is not a disastrous record is it. Lies, damn lies and statistics. That said, 3 points pleeeeeease! Let's not finish the Christmas Celebration early. The 12 days of Christmas takes in the Cup too, don't forget, lads! Ajay Gopal 13 Posted 26/12/2017 at 09:56:13 Robert, I agree that Kenny needs to be given a breather – would also add Martina and Calvert-Lewin to that list. I would go for a 3-4-3 formation. Holgate Williams and Keane as the back 3, with Davies and Lennon as wing backs. Schneiderlin and Baningime in centre midfield. A front 3 of Sigurdsson, Niasse and Rooney. Bolasie, McCarthy and Lookman or Calvert-Lewin to come in as required.PickfordHolgate Williams KeaneDavies Beni Schneiderlin LennonRooney Niasse SigurdssonSubs: Robles, Jagielka, Kenny, McCarthy, Bolasie, Lookman, Calvert-Lewin Robert Leigh 14 Posted 26/12/2017 at 10:08:19 Ajay, I thought the same but we are running out of bodies!! Main issue being this is Kenny's first season and Martina has been around a good few years to be able to take it more maybe.Calvert-Lewin too, but Niasse appears to not be fancied by Sam so he may have to plug on. David Milner 15 Posted 26/12/2017 at 10:20:46 I think we will rotate here but a lot will depend on the flu bug going around & which players are likely going in the January sales.We know Jags will not play & Rooney may be given a bit more rest if has the bug. If Sandro & Klaassen are going then they are not worth the risk playing.The stories regarding Cenk Tosun are interesting, he would be a good signing & it looks like Besiktas have lined up a replacement in Arda Turan. If that is the case then Niasse is most likely going to Fenerbahçe. Kevin Gamiero with Sandro going in part exchange would also make sense.If Moyes wants Schneiderlin & offers the right price (Willing to take Mirallas as well) then let them both go.Given the above scenarios & the fact that this could be the last couple of matches Martina needs to play left back (Garbutt) I would go for the following side.PickfordKenny Holgate Keane MartinaBaningime SigurdssonLennon Vlasic BolasieCalvert-LewinSubs:- Lookman, Robles, Davies, Besic, Feeney, Williams, Henen.If Rooney is fit then swop for Vlasic & drop Henen from the bench. Gareth Clark 16 Posted 26/12/2017 at 10:25:39 I'd like to see a little more attack this game – so assuming Rooney is still out:4-3-3:PickfordKenny Keane Jagielka MartinaBaningime Schneiderlin Vlasic Sigurdsson LookmanNiasseSubs: Robles, Williams, Holgate, Davies, Klaassen, Sandro, Calvert-LewinBolasie to miss out & come in for our next home game next year. Calvert-Lewin needs a break. Niasse deserves a start. Sandro & Klaassen on the bench. Siggy playing through the middle & Vlasic and Lookman down the wings will be a huge threat. Give Lennon a break. Bring him back next game. Geoff Lambert 17 Posted 26/12/2017 at 10:37:51 What is all this need a break/rest rubbish! These are super fit athletes in their prime the young lads will have loads of energy and be desperate to play in every game.It's a good job they don't have to work for a living. Jay Wood[BRZ] 18 Posted 26/12/2017 at 10:56:32 More solid clear common sense from Sam in this story in helping Williams and Keane get back to basics:Link Oliver Brunel 19 Posted 26/12/2017 at 10:58:09 PickfordKenny Keane Holgate MartinaLookman Klaassen Baningime SigurdssonAubemeyang Tosun Mark Taylor 20 Posted 26/12/2017 at 11:08:32 Given our own currently turgid attacking and West Brom''s own lethargic style of play, this is not likely to feature early on MotD. I guess that's cue for a 5-4, but I'd settle for a 0-0 and another point to assist the rebuilding of fragile morale.I agree with a few others that the youngsters need a rest. I'm delighted so many have been given their chance but I wasn't expecting them to be mainstays by this point, of course that has happened because of the misguided transfer policy we all know about. So I think Kenny and especially Calvert-Lewin would gain from a rest on the subs bench.I agree with Brian 6, the real priority now is the FA Cup and we have a decent chance if Klopp de-prioritises that and we go into it with a fresh and first choice team. It's a sign of progress that I cannot see us being relegated under Allardyce – I wasn't saying that a month ago – so where we finish is fairly immaterial other than a few extra quid. Steven Jones 21 Posted 26/12/2017 at 11:19:47 Apart from illness and injuries, Sam will stick with the same solid structure. The game for changes will be Bournemouth, four days after this one with Man Utd 48 hours after that. Wanting to have a stronger side out against Man Utd will see more peripheral players getting their chance on Saturday.Also, with Sam there is no Christmas Day training, so no time to practice any new line-ups and formations. Expect to see:PickfordKenny, Keane, Williams, Martina Baningime SchneiderlinLennon Rooney SigurdssonCalvert-LewinSubs: Lookman or Vlasic, Holgate, Niasse, Sandro, Daavies(Jagielka will be rested properly – Holgate on the bench and back in the eleven on Saturday and coming on in the second half to change to three at back, pushing the fullbacks forward.) Brian Wilkinson 22 Posted 26/12/2017 at 11:27:45 Mark@20, whether Klopp De-prioritises the Cup, it will not start until he has played Everton, he will be putting out his strongest 11 available. He's still seething from only getting a draw in the derby, so expect Klopp to be going out all game for this one; let's hope big Sam tips him over the edge.We have the players available today to get a result against the Baggies. Whatever Sam decides to field today, I will go along with, let's not be too hasty with who is selected until the final whistle.And let's remember, guys and gals, only 6 days until the January sales starts, let's hope Sam bags some gems. Colin Glassar 23 Posted 26/12/2017 at 11:45:35 1-2 Everton win. Clive Rogers 24 Posted 26/12/2017 at 11:46:14 With regards to Mirallas leaving, there is apparently a problem that his wages are so high that several parties have lost interest. Mark Taylor 25 Posted 26/12/2017 at 11:50:46 Brian (#2),You could be right but maybe his players won't have quite the same indignation? At this level, it only takes a drop off of a few percent to change the course.I certainly do not think we will get out of a game like the last one with another draw, so I'm still hoping their eye will be a little off the ball, even if only subconsciously. Anthony Flack 26 Posted 26/12/2017 at 12:09:27 What has happened to Mirallas?Has he vanished or was he banished?? James Marshall 27 Posted 26/12/2017 at 12:27:30 We beat Swansea 3-1 I think. Has someone had a little too much Christmas cheer?Anthony, I think Mirallas is on his way out of the club. James Marshall 28 Posted 26/12/2017 at 12:34:08 Why are some people calling our attack turgid? I think we've scored 11 and conceded 2 in our last 5 games or something. That's pretty good if you ask me, especially as we'd conceded 28 prior to that! Kim Vivian 29 Posted 26/12/2017 at 12:36:45 I will be disappointed with a draw if that is all we manage today. Defence should hold good, one expects, so it is all about finding the goal again. I have predicted 2-0, but can see the odd goal being the difference.I do not expect to be able to get on a stream this afternoon unfortunately (over at the outlaws) but may manage to blag it. Will definitely be seeing you all on the forum though. Happy Boxmas to all at-home and travelling Blues. Have a great day. COYB Clive Rogers 30 Posted 26/12/2017 at 12:39:37 James (#27), he might not be unless we subsidise his astronomic wages. Graham Murphy 31 Posted 26/12/2017 at 12:49:06 I have looked at Lawro's predictions on the BBC and he has gone for a home win. He is so utterly biased against Everton, it is beyond belief. I cannot see anything less than a draw today and I think this is an ideal game for Niasse to be strong against their backline. This really will be a physical battle. COYB Martin Nicholls 32 Posted 26/12/2017 at 12:52:25 Graham (#31) – "Lawro"? It'll be "Carra" next! Jay Wood[BRZ] 33 Posted 26/12/2017 at 12:53:25 Don't fret or worry over Lawro's predictions Graham.I think I'm right in saying he hasn't predicted a Liverpool Premier League defeat in getting on for 3 seasons.Says it all. John G Davies 34 Posted 26/12/2017 at 12:58:07 Lawro. Carra.Can we stick to calling them cunts please and not use their nicknames. James Hughes 35 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:02:30 Is it true that an anagram of Mark Lawrensen's full name comes out as:-"Total knob-head, who knows Sweet Fanny Adams about football and only got the job 'cos he played for the RS" or did I get that wrong? I may have used a vowel twice!1-3 to the mighty Blues Derek Knox 36 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:05:00 John G, that's what I like about this time of year; 'Goodwill to all men' except them twats from Mordor! Jamie Crowley 37 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:17:05 0-1 to the Mighty Blues in a game so boring you'd prefer to be completing a project on the ‘honey-do' list! Jack Convery 38 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:35:06 I reckon this encounter will cure my insomnia. I do hope we beat Pardew – I can't stand him. I wouldn't put him in charge of a box of matches on a windy / rainy day. PG Malcolm 39 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:37:34 No Rooney? John Fowler 40 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:42:04 For me,PickfordKenny - Keane - Williams - MartinaRooney - SchneiderlinVlasic - Sigurdsson - LookmanSandroOn The Bench:Robles - Holgate - Besic - Calvert-Lewin - Bolasie - Davies - Lennon Paul Gallagher 41 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:44:47 A turgid 1-0 win for us today. Onwards and upwards. Graham Murphy 42 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:52:05 I think I am agreeing with the majority of ToffeeWebbers with a 1-0 VERY hard fought win, with not very much excitement! I will go with Siggy scoring again! Clive Rogers 43 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:54:20 John, 40, there is no way Sandro will be picked, he was awful when he came on against Chelsea and lost the ball every time he had it. He may well have played his last game. Matthew Williams 44 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:56:15 Cenk Tosun???... never heard of him, Lol.Real Striking quality... please sign him up, Sam!As for today... won't be pretty,but methinks the Blues will nick it 1-0. Eric Myles 46 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:05:43 So the problem I reported on another thread regarding the "news" "rumours" "comments" and "articles" links is not only a problem on my old 'phone (S4 mini which used to work perfectly, but still doesn't) but also on the wife's S5.Not only that but logging in on her S5 'phone is not recognised. Tom Bowers 47 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:07:29 We all know that all games will be tough and Albion, despite their low position, will be another toughie. A welcome improvement under the 2 Sams but still a lot of work to do and getting 3 points today with the limitations up front would be quite a bonus.If Bolasie gets on, it will be interesting to see how fit he really is. Personally, I would play Niasse today. Everton's midfield options are pretty much the same even with Gana but they do need to combat Barry and the uncompromising Argentinian nut. Steavey Buckley 48 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:09:49 Pickford. Holgate, Williams, Keane, Schneiderlin, Martina, Davies, Sigurdsson, Kenny, Bolasie, Calvert-Lewin. Paul Gallagher 49 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:11:24 Don't forget our near customary penalty to win this game 1-0. Ben Mackenzie 50 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:11:39 Nobody saw that coming! Phil Walling 51 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:12:04 I thought he said Calvert-Lewin was knackered? Dave Abrahams 52 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:12:37 Tom (47) Bolasie will get on, he is starting, good luck to him it's been a long and testing time for him, we might be a bit more attacking unit today. John Keating 53 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:19:12 3-5-2 a big surprise to me but very interesting.They will play 2 up front and they have to go for it with their position.Hope it works for us?? Steavey Buckley 54 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:19:28 Bolasie is in the starting 11: Pickford. Holgate, Williams, Keane, Schneiderlin, Martina, Davies, Sigurdsson, Kenny, Bolasie, Calvert-Lewin. Steve Harris 55 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:21:45 3 Centre halves against West fucking Brom!!!! Phil Walling 56 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:22:37 It will revert to four at the back if we go behind ! Lev Vellene 57 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:22:50 You can use the Live forum link on the Chelsea game article for now. Jay Wood[BRZ] 58 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:24:14 That's interesting!Sam said players had been impressing in training. Bolasie is obviously one of them.Good luck to the lad. Colin Glassar 59 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:27:28 Big nose having his usual dig at us on Sky. Paul Gallagher 60 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:29:38 Bolasie must be at 100%, why else would he start him? I would have thought it would be better to give Bolasie the last 20 mins, break him in gently. No Rooney again. I think he has found the best position for Martina barring not on the pitch. This line up may catch West Brom out. Mike Gaynes 61 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:29:44 Delighted to see Bolasie back. Jay Wood[BRZ] 62 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:30:34 Phil Walling. Merry Crimbo, Phil.Did you have any luck the other day handing monies over to EiTC?Dunno if you saw my earlier post of a few days ago, but I got caught in a dead end loop on the club site. I arrived at a page where you filled in your details, selected the amount to donate and then clicked a payment button... which annoyingly took you back to EXACTLY the same page, now blank without your previously entered detailed.Being Xmas I am still awaiting a reply to the email I sent the club on the problem.Wondered if you found a work-around...? Cheers! Steven Jones 63 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:30:49 Guys, with 4 at the back, which really means 9 at the back – leaving Calvert-Lewin alone against Chelsea – was switched with three at the back and wing backs getting forward to support 2 up front. This is the attacking second half against Chelsea – and not the first half sit with two banks of four plus one sweeper in front – the deep lying false number ten! :-)Get the feeling he is playing Sigurdsson in the advanced top of diamond or number 10 role. Schneiderlin left as the one sitting DCM and Tom preferred to Beni so we get forward and support the front two of Bolasie and Calvert-Lewin. We shall see... but it is not too defensive. John Keating 64 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:32:21 Steve 55West Brom will play 2 up top and with us playing 3 centre halfs that could - if played properly - be the best bet.We can defend with 5 but also attack with 4. Derek Knox 65 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:33:47 Colin, yes I picked up that, Merson saying we're a Big Club, Tony Cottee defending us and Sam to the hilt, good on them.Just watched the Spurs v Saints game, htf did they beat us 4-1? Painful reminder of how really bad we were under Sch.. you know who. John Critchley 66 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:44:51 Jay Wood, 50+ games now without defeat! Jay Wood[BRZ] 67 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:52:12 Talking about 'Our Lawro' John and his predictions about the 'poo?I thought it was an absurd number. The pinkies: the new invincibles.In yer dreams! Brian Wilkinson 68 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:53:16 I think it is better to start Bolasie Paul@66, give him a run out and 3 subs as back up, put him on for last 20 and if he pulls up it's stretching the subs available, great to see him back in an Everton shirt and will certainly give Calvert-Lewin much needed support going forward. Eric Myles 69 Posted 26/12/2017 at 14:55:50 Can we have the international live broadcast link back please as I am able to access a few different broadcasters and would like to have the info all in one place. John Smith 70 Posted 26/12/2017 at 15:36:33 I started watching late, whats the line up? John Smith 71 Posted 26/12/2017 at 15:47:48 Disregard my question, I found it. 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