Everton vs Newcastle United

Sunday, 22 April, 2018 78comments  |  Jump to most recent
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Sam Allardyce has admitted he still feels under pressure as Everton boss

Goodison Park plays host to its penultimate match of the 2017-18 Premier League season as Newcastle United come to town for the Monday night game.

Sam Allardyce faces another of his former clubs in a contest that looked at one stage as though it might have had significant ramifications in terms of the relegation picture. Now, however, with first the Toffees and now the Magpies having assured their top-flight safety, it's very much a mid-table affair.

Indeed, the two clubs sit side by side in the table in ninth and 10th place respectively with just a point separating them thanks largely to Rafael Benitez overseeing four wins on the bounce which has lifted them well clear of the drop zone.

Everton, meanwhile, under Allardyce have won just one of their last four, having been beaten at home by Manchester City and then drawn against Liverpool and Swansea, and have registered just four victories since the turn of the year. It's been enough to keep them between 11th and 9th since they won at St James's Park and it looks like that will be the Blues' lot this season unless they can overhaul Leicester and hold off Newcastle to finish eighth.

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With Allardyce admitting that he still feels under pressure as speculation over his future and an uneasy relationship with supporters continues, he is unlikely to be moved to experiment much with his starting line-up. That could see Everton unchanged from the side that started at Swansea, which would mean Morgan Schneiderlin continuing in defensive midfield alongside Idrissa Gueye, Wayne Rooney playing in between a wide duo of Yannick Bolasie and Theo Walcott and Cenk Tosun deployed up front.

It's unlikely to bring much of a change in approach but with the benefit of home soil, the Blues are always capable of grabbing a goal and getting their noses in front. The issue for the manager, however, might come if Everton concede early or reach half time having barely bothered the opposition goalkeeper, as has been the pattern for far too much of the last few months.

In that case, the disgruntlement that moved a significant element of the away support to chanted his name in unfavourable terms at Swansea last week could surface in the stands at Goodison.

It seems inconceivable, given that Benitiez has been at odds with his board over the financial straightjacket within which he has been forced to work this season while Everton have blown historic sums on a failed recruitment drive that Newcastle would leapfrog the Blues if they were to conjure up a win on Monday evening.

It would be testament to the recent and timely resurgence on Tyneside under the Spaniard and the continued stagnation on the Blue half of Merseyside but it also wouldn't tell us much more than we already know. Everton need change and inspiration in the dugout and it can't come soon enough.

Kick-off: 8pm, Monday, 23 April, 2018
Referee: Robert Madley
Last Time: Everton 3 - 0 Newcastle United

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Jagielka, Keane, Baines, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Rooney, Bolasie, Walcott, Tosun

 

Reader Comments (78)

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Tony Everan
1 Posted 22/04/2018 at 07:27:26
The race for 8th is on!

To give the “hopefully” outgoing manager some credit, I would have bitten someone's hand off if they offered us 8th back in the dark days of October 2017.

It will be a close game, we have slightly more quality than the Geordies and hopefully that will gain us a narrow win.

The Barcodes and Rafa are full of confidence at the moment, though, and, if any of our lads turn up wearing flip-flops... New-castle will stand on our sand-castle!

Neil Lawson
2 Posted 22/04/2018 at 07:35:22
Team selection will be fascinating. I suspect Lyndon may be correct and that the Fat Lard may just stick his head up his own arse and choose the usual suspects for another tedious and uninspiring performance designed not to lose.

However, despite his protestations that we non-believers are in a small majority, he knows the truth is otherwise, and I wonder if he will be tempted to make 3 or 4 significant changes to show how progressive he can be? (Yeah, right!) Don't be surprised to see Baningime and Vlasic starting with maybe young Tom Davies also. If I am correct, it's only because he is a fraud and a charlatan (and a knob).

Whatever team plays, the crowd must make our feelings towards him crystal clear throughout the whole match.

Allardyce out asap.

Kunal Desai
3 Posted 22/04/2018 at 07:36:06
Is anyone really asked? This should be about making feelings known and hammering home to the board and for the Southampton game that the manager is not wanted here next season. Placards and banners should be going up to renforce that.
Jim Bennings
4 Posted 22/04/2018 at 07:59:03
Let's try to win tomorrow night and stop the obsession with this current manager's imminent removal.

Yes, Allardyce is a problem at Everton but, for me, he's just one of the many symptoms of a bigger problem that has been prominent at this club for many many years – which is the players getting off with an easy ride.

I still haven't forgotten the way the fuckers downed tools last season in the last six games... and the year before... and the year before that. I still haven't forgotten the endless shitbag jobs (even under Moyes) whenever a big game came about.

I'll blame Allardyce for team selection, like everyone will, of course, but there's a bigger problem going on at Everton and one which has gone on for way too bloody long – that's harbouring a loser's mentality.

We will chuck Allardyce in the summer but will Fonseca, Howe or whoever get the same treatment that say Martinez had, if they have a maiden season finishing 5th or 6th (very unlikely to be honest) but the fans abuse him if it quickly starts dropping off in the following months? It's worth posing the question now.

Can we accept finishing 8th next season if the football is more attractive going forward? Again, for example, like it was for at least half of Martinez tenure?

Are we willing to be patient, like we were with Moyes, who some will say robbed a living here for 11 years without any great success, while others may say it was a decade of great stability? Either way, he got that decade to leave his stamp on the club.

Tony Everan
5 Posted 22/04/2018 at 08:09:44
Jim, it's a fair point. It will be always difficult to accept 8th.

The new manager will make cock-ups, bad team selections, and will be slagged off intermittently throughout the season. There will be the good, the bad, and the ugly. At the moment, we just have the bad and the ugly, so 8th with a bit of good will be an improvement.

Above all, I want to see a seed planted. I want to see a passionate team, growing. I want to have hope for the future.

Phil Walling
6 Posted 22/04/2018 at 09:29:08
Premier League place-money may be some incentive towards a good finish to the season – particularly if it is reflected in players' contracts, although no great incentive to finish 8th rather than 9th!

Position 7th – £137M; 8th – £124M; 9th – £124M; 10th – £118M.

Derek McMonagle
7 Posted 22/04/2018 at 09:43:26
I don't think anyone with any sense is expecting miracles next season. What is important is that we can see progress towards the sort of team we want to watch every week. A glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. For me, this is the biggest problem with Lardiola. He just hasn't got it to give.
Mark Boullé
8 Posted 22/04/2018 at 10:10:09
It would be very amusing if somebody makes an Arsenal style banner:

"Thanks for the memories Sam but it's time to go"...!

Clive Rogers
9 Posted 22/04/2018 at 10:12:33
Just how bad do Bolasie and Schneiderlin have to play to be left out? Surely it's time for Baningme and Vlasic to be given a game.
Paul Newton
10 Posted 22/04/2018 at 10:34:58
I agree, Clive. At least Baningime and Vlasic will inject some effort and enthusiasm.
Phil Walling
11 Posted 22/04/2018 at 11:25:44
How does it benefit Sam's apparent wish to stay on for him to keep on playing these two clowns in spite of the evidence of his own eyes?

After all, he'll get his contract paid up even if he gets the tin-tack!

Jim Bennings
12 Posted 22/04/2018 at 11:49:46
Team for tomorrow I'd like to see:

Pickford
Baines
Keane
Jagielka
Coleman
Walcott
Klaassen
Davies (or Rooney – not both)
Vlasic
Niasse
Tosun

Brian Harrison
13 Posted 22/04/2018 at 12:33:21
I have no idea what team Allardyce will field, but it won't play in a way that it will excite us. So penultimate trip to Goodison Park on Monday, can't wait for the season to be over.

We have had many bad managers over the decades but I can't remember any having such a toxic effect on the atmosphere inside the ground.

John Kavanagh
14 Posted 22/04/2018 at 13:04:24
I'd only play Schneiderlin and Bolasie if they have 'For Sale' (all reasonable offers accepted) on their shirts rather than sponsor and club badge. Then hope Moyes and Chris Coleman are watching. (Williams could have 'Free to Good Home' on shirt if our self-anointed saviour is daft enough to play him.)

Any "Lookman In, Allardyce Out" banners on display would do nicely.

Like our two favourite survey questions, I expect the result to be 0 - 0.....

Jay Harris
15 Posted 22/04/2018 at 13:16:01
Putting aside managerial issues I would like to see Davies and Gueye in midfield. Although neither have had great seasons, Gueye is much more suited to the deep-lying role and Davies gives the side more energy and drive. Both have more pace in their little toe than The Crab.

Walcott and Calvert-Lewin on the flanks with Niasse and Tosun up front. Rooney to come on for the last half-hour if we need him.

John Raftery
16 Posted 22/04/2018 at 13:24:39
Sam took over a team playing with power, pace, skill and confidence – as evidenced by the 4-0 hammering of West Ham. His dour approach has stifled players' creativity, hampered the team's style and destroyed their potential to deliver winning, progressive performances against top teams, indeed any teams.

That is the narrative believed and recited daily by many fans and local pundits. The reality is he took over a totally unbalanced squad which would have seen us at best engaged in a relegation battle until the final week of the season.

At worst, we might well be where Southampton are now, buried in the bottom three with Mark Hughes as manager. Sam has had one transfer window to strengthen the squad, making two signings which have addressed some of the obvious weaknesses.

Mid-table mediocrity is not something any fan aspires to but it is the best we could have hoped for with this squad, this season. It might well be the best we can hope for next season whoever is in charge. The key point for me is that mid-table is pretty much guaranteed under Sam.

Any new appointment this summer will be fraught with risk. With any of the names being bandied around, there is as much chance of us sinking down the table as there is of us climbing into the top six. But relegation battles can be exciting and excitement seems to be what many fans crave.

James Flynn
17 Posted 22/04/2018 at 14:14:34
John (#14) – "I'd only play Schneiderlin and Bolasie if they have 'For Sale' (all reasonable offers accepted)..."

Don't know about Bolasie, But Schneiderlin did sort of put out a "Someone come get me" message a week or two ago.

If it means he'll try hard these last few games, putting himself on display, I'd rather he play them all if it means he'll be gone in the Summer.

Jim Harrison
18 Posted 22/04/2018 at 14:33:06
John (#16),

Your first statement is stretching the truth somewhat. One game, and it wasn't as dominant display as the score suggested. Prior to that, there was very little on show of the attributes you list

This isn't in defence of Big Sam, but he can't be blamed for what went before. We were shit in every game except the West Ham one.

Trevor Peers
19 Posted 22/04/2018 at 14:40:17
Almost certainly we will lose this match, the whirlpool of outright hatred for Allardyce will guarantee the outcome, so be it.

Whist it's pretty obvious Allardyce will be gone at the end of the season, for some that's not enough, they want to publicly abuse the guy right to the bitter end, pointless in my opinion. The problems where there long before he arrived.

What future manager watching the hatred bubbling over at Goodison will want to manage Everton? Very few, it's self-destructive and we'll get the manager we deserve — a Z-lister.

Brian Wilkinson
20 Posted 22/04/2018 at 14:42:00
Jim@12, you could be close with that team selection, after the board meeting due this week, I can see Sam going all out for a win.

If he plays Vlasic and Klaassen and we lose, it's ours and the players' fault; if we win, then Sam will say being safe allowed him to play those players. And after the Southampton game, Sam will take the credit if we win, and have a little dig at the board and fans if we lose; it will not be Sams fault.

ps: Trevor, I would take a Z-lister over Sam.

Brian Wilkinson
21 Posted 22/04/2018 at 14:45:58
If, as expected, Sam will be gone, the players need to band together, ignore Sam's instructions, and go out there and play as a team... They cannot do any worse.
Trevor Peers
22 Posted 22/04/2018 at 14:47:22
Brian, with a Z-lister comes certain relegation; if you'll take that as well then god help us. Look at Sunderland, that could be us sooner than you think.
Clive Rogers
23 Posted 22/04/2018 at 14:52:06
Jay (#15), not sure about your wingers and striker. Walcott has been anonymous since his first few games and Calvert-Lewin very poor at times and can't put the ball in the net. Niasse has energy but little else and zero awareness of other players.
Brian Wilkinson
24 Posted 22/04/2018 at 15:08:24
Was tongue in cheek Trevor, I fully expect us to get the manager side of it right this time. I have seen the likes of Walker, Smith and believe me they were dark days, but Sam is up there as the worst we have ever had.

Pundits can argue he got Everton safe, it just shows how bad those teams results below us were if we can somehow still be 9th, a horrible season that cannot end soon enough for me.

Brian Wilkinson
25 Posted 22/04/2018 at 15:16:41
If we kick off tomorrow, I fully expect Operation Goodison in full flow, pass it to the player in the centre circle, then a big hoof towards the corner of the away fans. I have followed Everton from the early seventies and seen this at nearly every kickoff.

One day, this move will pay off... not sure when, though.

Trevor Peers
26 Posted 22/04/2018 at 15:23:50
I admire your optimism, Brian, but I don't see anyone beating the door down to be our next manager and who can blame them? The chances are, after 10 games, they will be despised and hated. The days of having patience are long gone; it will be a miracle if we get the right man in.
Gareth Clark
27 Posted 22/04/2018 at 16:03:26
I'd like to see some other players given a chance.

Give Walcott, Bolasie & Tosun a break... Vlasic, Klaassen, Niasse & Calvert-Lewin are due a start.

Pickford
Coleman Jagielka(c) Keane Baines
Rooney Gueye Klaassen
Vlasic
Calvert-Lewin Niasse

Subs: Robles, Funes Mori, Schneiderlin, Davies, Bolasie, Walcott, Tosun


Justin Doone
28 Posted 22/04/2018 at 16:28:12
Any protests should be held at the start and end of the game. Once the players enter the field of play they need our full support.

If you want to vent and shout at someone do it against the opposition.

Schneiderlen should not be given another chance. He offers nothing other than standing in between the defenders playing 10-yard danger balls against his own teammates.

I'm not convinced by Baningime but admittedly not seen a lot of him. He's a bit too laid back and doesn't have Gana or Davies in your face pesky enthusiasm to win balls back.

If a defensive midfielder cannot defend, ie tackle, track, close down or hassle the opposition then he better be a bloody good passer. Schnides hasn't and can not.

Newcastle have a similar player but who can pass. Shelvy (?) is their go-to man at every opportunity. He takes charge and pings the ball around like McIlroy.

We need to shut that danger out. I would tell Rooney or Davies to sit on him. Mark him out of the game with an advanced midfielder. Then we can push up marking player's further forward ready to pounce. Jagielka to stay deep to mop up any other hopeful punts from their defenders.

This will not happen and we'll all be talking about what a good player Shelvy is. He'll be afforded so much time on the ball he'll be compared to Pirlo and only their poor finishing will keep us in the game.

I'm still hopeful for a win. But please no Williams, no Schneiderlin and don't let Shelvy dictate play. That's when players on the pitch need to use their football intelligence and take action no matter what the manager may have instructed before the game.

Dave Elliott
29 Posted 22/04/2018 at 16:33:12
I would take the club cat over Sam right now!!!!
Brian Wilkinson
30 Posted 22/04/2018 at 17:48:51
You'd be surprised what a big contract will do to some managers Trevor. All along, I have said I can see Fonseca going elsewhere, which will leave us with Silva.

Lately though, I am feeling a bit more optimistic about getting Fonseca and Brands on board.

Brian Wilkinson
31 Posted 22/04/2018 at 18:05:45
Moshiri is attending the game tomorrow night. If it goes tits up, I can see Sam with his golden handshake sorted after the game.
Mark Berry
32 Posted 22/04/2018 at 18:29:27
An absolute shocker of a season, from board, management & playing staff. Hoping it is not repeated for many years to come.

Like many, I don't feel Sam & his team are right for Everton, but he can not be held accountable for a dreadful first half of the season, the limp attempt at the Carabou Cup and the truly dreadful showing in the Europa League - Problems much more deep rooted & truly embarrassing for this great club.

Michael Lynch
33 Posted 22/04/2018 at 19:04:30
The only question is how many players can be replaced in the summer without making it impossible to bind together a functioning team? A lot depends on who the manager is of course, and the DoF. I hope that the remaining games will mark the end of this squad's time at Goodison, as well the manager's and the current DoF's.

In my ideal world, everyone would go, playing and coaching staff, except Unsy for the U23s, and Pickford, Coleman, Tosun, Davies, Walcott, Sigurdsson, Lookman, Vlasic in the squad. Some (Davies, Calvert-Lewin, Baningime, Kenny) need to go out on loan, the rest sold or retired.

As for Monday night's game, we'll probably lose.

John Davies
34 Posted 22/04/2018 at 19:50:47
Whilst, as always, I hope for an Everton win tomorrow night, I will not be happy until I know Allardyce is out the door.

Brian (#31), I hope the golden handshake happens whether it goes tits up or not.

Sean Kelly
35 Posted 22/04/2018 at 20:26:28
I just want to see something resembling football. I guess that won't happen while The Walrus is in charge.
Phillip Warrington
36 Posted 22/04/2018 at 20:37:52
Everton were always going to finish where they finished. There are (believe it or not) too many good players to be relegated, this is where the board need to work overtime and find someone like Wegner (he would have a big point to prove) that cannot only shape the first team but the whole club as a footballing team. Martinez, Koeman and Allardyce were never going to do that.

We have one of the best youth systems in the country, as proved by national winning teams; we just need someone to take these players to the next level and not ship them out on loan and then forget about them.

Moshi has the cash and the business know how to go forward, now he needs to appoint a footballing overseer, separate from the manager, to run the club as a true footballing club. I am not saying this happens and we win the Premier League but at least hopefully we can enjoy watching the teams play and through a proper footballing structure give the young and upcoming footballers a reason to stay.

At least if we are not winning trophies, the players are becoming better players to me that is success. If a player can say I was proud and became a better player by playing for Everton, then that is what leads to success.

David Connor
37 Posted 22/04/2018 at 20:55:19
I was offered a free ticket for the Newcastle game on Monday. I am that pissed off with the whole club from top to bottom, I turned it down. I wouldn't have given it a seconds thought any other season.

My love for the club is slowly drifting away. I hope to god someone turns our fortunes round rapid before I can't be bothered anymore. We really are in a sorry state.

I hope for a win of course but I would accept a defeat if it means the end of Sam and his hangers-on.
Neil Copeland
38 Posted 22/04/2018 at 21:03:25
According to Sam, his one target when joining as manager, was to keep us up. In that respect, he has succeeded 100% and deserves credit for that.

He has brought in 2 players both of which seem like decent acquisitions and again credit is due.

He has also at least to some extent had a hand in shifting out some of the dross (Mirallas, Besic).

And as many have said already, cannot be held accountable for the complete mess that he walked into. Yes, we beat West Ham 4-0 but they missed a penalty at 2-0 and were the better team until that miss knocked the stuffing out of them.

I, like many others I suggest, would have taken safety at almost any cost rather than nice football and relegation. Sam has brought some stability to a rapidly sinking ship.

However, Evertonians rightly expect better for next season and Sam will not give us that. We need a new forward-looking manager with the right back up at DOF and the most senior levels within the club. It looks like Elstone is on his way and it was being rumoured a month or so ago that Kenwright was going to step down also; if we add Steve Walsh to that, I think it will go a long way in sorting out the deeper issues.

Trevor Peers
39 Posted 22/04/2018 at 21:10:23
Brian @30; I wonder if Fonseca is an A-lister, from all accounts he favours defensive formations much the same as your mate Allardyce.

So, 10 games into the new season and playing much the same way with a manager who has no Premier League experience, what will be the response from the fans if the results are poor?

Tony Abrahams
40 Posted 22/04/2018 at 21:20:41
So the difference between 9th and 10th position is £6 Million, Phil? What a co-incidence that is? Get us into the top half of the table Sam, and you can take the bonus and leave.

Iain Johnston
41 Posted 22/04/2018 at 21:30:39
This is about the gist of it for me as far as Allardyce is concerned.

https://www.buildlineup.com/shared/5adcf073138c092e24ab296b

Hywel Owen
42 Posted 22/04/2018 at 21:38:42
What a load of ungrateful whingers we have become. Sam Allardyce (I do not lower myself to using childish nicknames) was brought in to keep a Club that was heading for the Championship in the Premier League. He has done that with a load of players who did not want to know anything other than drawing huge pay packets for doing sod all.

At least half of the playing staff need to be shipped out and the Club must stop handing out lengthy contracts to mediocre over-the-hill dross. There are, at the moment six top Clubs in the Premier League – the rest are there to make up the numbers and provide BT and Sky with second-rate matches to show. It will take a long time and loads of money for EFC to join these six Clubs.

Having said that, I am confident that, with proper management from the top down and the necessary finance, it will happen.

Have faith.
Bill Watson
43 Posted 22/04/2018 at 21:46:13
Michael (#33),

Come on, share your inside information with us!

You must have some to be so sure that all the coaching staff, with the exception of Unsworth, should be sacked.

Will Mabon
44 Posted 22/04/2018 at 21:47:09
Iain, you have Tosun way too far forward.
Steve Hogan
45 Posted 22/04/2018 at 21:52:15
Whilst on the subject of a new manager and most likely a new CEO, anyone heard the rumour that our current deputy CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale is about to be promoted by Blue Bill to the post of CEO?

I hope not, don't doubt she has lot's of ability, but this the wrong time in the club's history to appoint a person with no visible experience in managing a Premier League club.

We are even more likely to become a charity with a football club attached.

Neil Lawson
46 Posted 22/04/2018 at 22:05:07
I haven't read all the posts so apologies if this has been covered already, but one name that is not oft-mentioned and touted (and for reasons that we all understand) will be on the touchline tomorrow . A man who has, it seems, most, if not all, of the qualities required to redress our decline and tailspin. And a man who would be available, I'm sure.

Benitez. We have endured the dreadful sight of Sammy Lee in the dugout, so getting beyond our prejudices is possible. As things stand, we are at risk of becoming "a little team" so I for one, would not be unhappy to see Benitez at the helm.

If the Magpies turn us over tomorrow, as is quite possible, maybe the spotlight will point towards him.

Ron Marr
47 Posted 22/04/2018 at 22:08:15
Moshiri shit his pants and brought in Allardyce after the Southampton game, with Everton being 2 points above the drop zone, having conceded the most goals, and with the second worst goal difference.

Allardyce has 3 draws and 5 losses (and abysmal game plans) against the top 6 teams. He is clearly not the manager to take Everton to the next level and should be gone asap. I was reading on whoscored.com that Everton make 73 long ball passes per game with an effective rate of 18%. This just insanity, you need the ball to score, 4 out of every 5 long balls go to the opposition.

Talking about Southampton, I haven't heard much from Matt "Saints are bigger than Everton" Le Tissier recently. He's become almost as invisible as Jared Kushner.

Ray Griffin
48 Posted 22/04/2018 at 22:13:03
Despite all the obvious guff etc, blah blah, Benitez is by far & away a better manager than the current incumbent & the reasons why are:

Style of play – Gets the best out of players
Stands up to the owner & chairman when they're wrong
Winning mentality – doesn't consider avoiding relegation a result
Attracts good players
Capable of building a team to play proper football

I for one would welcome him big time

Neil Copeland
49 Posted 22/04/2018 at 22:22:03
Agreed that Benitez would be good for us but not convinced he would come. I think he distanced himself from all speculation when we were looking for a successor to Koeman.
Dan Davies
50 Posted 22/04/2018 at 23:55:20
Moshiri is at the game. Might have a chat with Benitez after the game?
Dave Elliott
51 Posted 22/04/2018 at 00:01:44
With new sporting director imminent, Sam Allardyce waits to learn if he will be part of Everton overhaul.

Reading this piece shows why we need to get rid of this arrogant piece of garbage from our club. No respect for the fans players or staff.
Derek Thomas
52 Posted 23/04/2018 at 01:24:14
If your own fans start singing 'Sacked in the morning, you're getting sacked in the morning...'

All together now...

Ed Prytherch
54 Posted 23/04/2018 at 02:42:49
This will be a win-win situation. If we win we celebrate the victory and if we don't it is another nail in Sam's coffin.
Brian Harrison
55 Posted 23/04/2018 at 09:11:15
As far as Allardyce's two signings, I think Walcott wasnt getting a game at Arsenal and moved here to try and get a spot in the England squad for the World Cup, and that looks to have failed. Tosun, yes he has scored a couple of goals but is so slow, might be a useful sub but no more than that.

I see Allardyce is forming the same mind set as he did at West Ham as he admitted in his book. When he decided time was up, he thought it would be fun to wind up the supporters by constantly talking about next season. Just shows how little respect he has for fans. Maybe the people criticizing the survey saying it was disrespectful to Allardyce should do their home work and read what he said at West Ham.

He has started the same thing here, talking about next season, and maybe selling Lookman in the summer — all done to wind up the supporters. I mean how could anybody sell a young promising wide player, yet play Bolasie every week?

He knows most of the fans don't particularly like Schneiderlin so he plays him every week. He knows he will also pocket the best part of £6 million whatever happens, and he knows that come next December a struggling club will be after his services. How sad an indictment is this that the same win-nothing anti-football managers can always find work.

Jonathan Tasker
56 Posted 23/04/2018 at 09:40:46
Please could someone hold up banners that say "Who needs a survey?"
Dick Fearon
57 Posted 23/04/2018 at 10:34:23
Speaking from afar, yet having seen every match this and previous seasons on TV, I am puzzled why Gana regularly gets high ratings.

Can someone please enlighten me as to his particular abilities?

John Keating
58 Posted 23/04/2018 at 12:08:37
I can see this panning out as a meaningless end of season knock-about, unfortunately. If we do not get a win, I can see us finishing 10th.

More important than the result is the fact it's another game bringing this horrendous season to a close.

Moshiri is being reported as attending the game tonight. I would like him to do the decent thing and face to face inform Allardyce that he has succeeded in his remit of employment, thank him, and inform him that his tenure will cease at the end of the last game of the season.

As regards the team. I'd keep the back 4 from recent games. Play Baningime in a midfield 4 and give Tosun some support up top with either Niasse or Calvert-Lewin alongside him.

Gareth Clark
59 Posted 23/04/2018 at 12:31:27
I'd like to see some rotation & give some guys a chance to get game time & prove themselves.

Pickford
Coleman Jagielka Keane Baines
Rooney Gueye Klaassen
Vlasic
Calvert-Lewin Niasse

Subs: Robles, Funes Mori, Schneiderlin, Davies, Bolasie, Walcott, Tosun.

Gareth Clark
60 Posted 23/04/2018 at 12:32:50
BUT:

We will see the same boring line up of players who on the majority aren’t performing.

Pickford
Coleman Jagielka Keane Baines
Gueye Schneiderlin
Walcott Rooney Bolasie
Tosun

Kim Vivian
61 Posted 23/04/2018 at 12:42:27
Fucking Sod's Law says we will put together a Wwst Ham or Man City last year type performance, win with a hatful and bullshit Sam will be all over it and we'll all be panicking like shit in case it really does add weight to a possible retention.

Whatever occurs at the end of the season we have a long difficult climb back to where we have been even in the relatively recent past and a virtually insurmountable climb to where we have been in the longer past and were we want to be again. I know Man City have done it but that sort of investment is a done dog I reckon.

I am really feeling that our time as a force in football is over. That is what this season has finally done to me. It just kills the hope. I shall remain an Evertonian for however much longer my God gives me and continue to hope for the best, but as a mere mortal I simply do not know what the answer is.

Anyway, I've gone 2-1 today although my head says this has 'draw' written all over it. COYB.

Tom Bowers
62 Posted 23/04/2018 at 12:42:30
It's all about attitude!


In far too many games this season, the team has come out looking as if they know they can't win and usually the opposition sense that from the off.

Would be nice to come out bright and take the game by the scruff of the neck instead of the usual 50 passes before getting into the opposite penalty area.

They have nothing to lose so go for it

Tony Everan
63 Posted 23/04/2018 at 16:17:44
I won’t ever bet on Everton, but this one looks like a draw to me.
Harry Wallace
64 Posted 23/04/2018 at 16:27:17
I have never had Sky or BT Sports so any game televised I'd go to the pub. When I lived in Oz, I had to catch a bus at 4am to watch games. Similar during my time in New Zealand and Asia too.

Now, for the first time, I actually decide not to go. I don't even steam it. That's how much I dislike our style and commitment.

Let's hope this changes next season!

Pete Clarke
65 Posted 23/04/2018 at 16:28:36
I am hoping the team is full of youngsters who want to impress but I expect to see players like Schneiderlin, Gana and Bolasie who are nothing short of bang average.

Not sure I could swallow having Benitez at our club. I watched them early in the season and thought they were bang on for relegation and it's only this late run that's got them out of it. However, I feel we are due a defeat tonight and this will play right into Big Sams hands as he makes up the excuses.

Walcott needs to show himself in a game like this as he's done nothing for a while.

Derek Knox
66 Posted 23/04/2018 at 16:33:23
Tom Bowers @62, spot on there, it's the can't be bothered attitude that grinds.

Being an Evertonian for years, I have always wanted the team to go out with the right attitude, and preferably win, and if they get beaten by a better side, reluctantly, I will accept defeat, in the knowledge that at least they have done their best.

The chance that Schneiderlin will be playing instils me with disdain, and even more contempt for Allardyce, who keeps picking him, when it is obvious to all and sundry, that he is a square peg in a round hole.

A lot are saying basically this a nothing game with little to play for, obviously, the Europa spot is well beyond, but what about pride, and for all those fans who have travelled all over the country supporting them, in many cases undeservedly.

Dave Abrahams
67 Posted 23/04/2018 at 16:52:28
Jonjoe Kenny is still at the club, played his part when selected, been through away by Allardyce as though he doesn't exist. I would play in tandem with Seasus to give proper balance down the right wing, put Walcott up front as a striker where he has always wanted to play, and put Davy Klassen in the squad at least, and give Niasse the chance he has earned and deserves, but that has no earthly chance of happening.

I'm going to Goodison tonight when I could be in town enjoying myself and finishing in Ned Kelly's winding my mates up over getting fucked tomorrow by Roma. Not much fun in life now, unless Samuel gets his P45 and his comics after the game or in the morning – better still half-time tonight would be fuckin' perfect.

Ron Sear
68 Posted 23/04/2018 at 17:28:43
I'm beginning to wonder what makes me more depressed, watching Everton play or reading ToffeeWeb. I know one thing, any new manager's first action regarding the team should be an absolute ban on reading any fan forum site, it would at least leave them with a tiny bit of optimism and self-respect.
Jimmy Hogan
69 Posted 23/04/2018 at 17:36:18
Ron (#68). I quite agree. But you know what they say, a pessimist is sometimes an optimist with more information.
Brian Denton
70 Posted 23/04/2018 at 17:45:52
Jimmy, another variant is:

"If you can keep your head when all around are losing theirs... the chances are you haven't understood the situation in the first place!"

Eddie Dunn
71 Posted 23/04/2018 at 18:14:48
Trouble is that neither team has anything to play for. Our lads don't even have to impress the manager for next season – they all know he will be long gone. Newcastle are just pleased to be safe and with the club up for sale and a question mark over Rafa's future due to the availability of transfer funds, their players may also be on the proverbial beach.

Expect a dull encounter, with Sam playing his two defensive midfielders. Sam just wants to make his record look nice and safe and a point is a must but a win a bonus.

I have no idea who will win.

William Cartwright
72 Posted 23/04/2018 at 18:28:31
Brian; That is an interesting slant on the quizzical behaviour of Mr Allardyce. If true, then we are all mugs for falling for it! But as you say, it shows him up to be a really appalling person in spite of his charming demeanour...
Derek Turner
73 Posted 23/04/2018 at 18:46:44
Despite all the evidence pointing to the futility of doing so, I will be supporting Everton Football Club this evening and hoping for the win. COYB.
Jamie Evans
74 Posted 23/04/2018 at 18:50:58
I normally take my 10-year-old nephew to the match with me. This is his 2nd year as a season ticket holder. Before that he attended games sporadically but now like most 10-year olds, he's fanatical.

Do you know what I mean by 'fanatical'? Just crazy about Everton and football in general – it's "FIFA" this and "Panini stickers" that – he knows which player wears what boots and is great with his stats as well. I suppose we were all like that at 10. No FIFA for me though. It was Subbuteo for a gentlemen of my vintage. Anyway where was I ?

Oh yeah, my nephew.

He's not joining me tonight at the game.

When I asked him why, he gave the honest answer you would expect from a 10-year-old -

"It's boring."

I had no reply.


Mark Murphy
75 Posted 23/04/2018 at 18:51:18
If we lose tonight Newcastle go above us. I don't want Sam but I don't want that either!

COYB!!

Phil Walling
76 Posted 23/04/2018 at 18:55:04
Schneiderlin being interviewed on Sky so certainly a starter tonight!
John Ronnie
77 Posted 23/04/2018 at 18:59:31
Only 4 games to go now until this sorry bastard of a season comes to an end. Close the door behind you please, Sam.
Steve Ferns
78 Posted 23/04/2018 at 19:04:42
He's in, Phil. Good to see Allardyce going for legs with Rooney in midfield also.
Michael Lynch
79 Posted 23/04/2018 at 19:11:31
Unchanged. So that's our best team. Which is why we're shit. Only Pickford, Coleman and Walcott are anywhere near top 6 quality. The rest are either past it, not up for it, or not good enough for it.

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