Manchester United vs Everton

We will miss the craft of Bernard but, away from home against such a pragmatic and powerful Mourinho side, I think Silva will go with the combination of work rate, pace and power that these three offer. This will be important away from home.

I'm not sure if it's what I want but I think it's the way Silva will go.

The problem we have is Antony Martial who has come into some decent form. He loves sticking it to us for some reason. He's the Les Ferdinand of today.

Makes more sense to play Tosun in home matches where there is less space behind as his link-up play with back to goal is better than Richarlison's.

Then either Calvert-Lewin or Tosun who both have strengths and weaknesses.

I think Tosun struggles when defences sit deep early in the game but last Sunday was perfect for him as a sub and so it proved.

I'd stick with the same formation at Old Trafford and, if needed, Tosun and Calvert-Lewin are on the bench as able backups.

1. They don't target our players with cynical challenges.

2. Fat John Moss doesn't guess decisions because he so far behind play. And the lino gets offsides right.

3. They have one eye on the Juve game next week and are tired after a midweek humbling.

At the same time, while we can dominate possession, we don't exactly control games.

I think our goals will still come from counter-attack moves.

Here's hoping and looking forward to a win!

I'd like to see Tosun and Lookman start against Brighton, Calvert-Lewin is also pushing for a start which is exciting.

Additionally, we have counter-attacking pace and we are now a good defensive unit so surely we will go close.

I think the only change will be Calvert-Lewin in for Bernard. The fact that he can get a bit of change out of the Man Utd defenders aerially, got a bit of strength and pace may sway it for his inclusion. Especially with his well-taken goal last week, he will be confident and he is the most likely to get his head on a cross.

That and I think Richarlison is more effective on the left using his pace and having the option all the time to cut in and shoot.

In other words, Calvert-Lewin with his height, pace, and ability to hold the ball up, against Richarlison's pace, dribbling and ability to break at speed.

I think I'd go with Calvert-Lewin and shift Richarlison left and Bernard right, with Walcott dropping to the bench and Tosun and Lookman also on the bench.

The thing to remember about Richarlison on the left is that he is playing much further forward than Gylfi did when he was on the left under both Koeman and Allardyce, and he is also far more central. In effect, he is playing as a wide forward rather than a wide midfielder.

I can see the points about maybe moving Bernard to the bench but in the little I have seen of him I just can't drop him. The lad is a special footballer and for me he has to play.

I have also considered the Walcott - Lookman argument and think that it's inevitable – will it happen this week though?

Here's how I would start:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Gueye
Gomes
Lookman Bernard Richarlison
Walcott

Controversial? Yes. Capable? Very.

Manchester United have ALL of those guys — and we still have a better record than them.

This was Koeman's final selection. We've come a long way!

Let's hope his linesman are a tad better than at Arsenal. Despite the fact that we lose over half the games he referees us, I still fancy at least a point tomorrow and would not be surprised with all three. Same team for me.

Phil... Jon Moss came to my lad's school last week. (Without my knowledge as I would've gone in and given him a piece of my mind... ha!)

I fancy us to nick it.

Pickford
Coleman (c) Keane Zouma Digne
Gueye Gomes
Walcott Sigurdsson Richarlison
Tosun

Subs: Stekelenburg, Mina, Baines, Davies, Bernard, Lookman, Calvert-Lewin

Bring on Calvert-Lewin & Lookman in the second.

Then Bernard if we need that extra creativity – or Davies / Mina if we need extra protection.

Really have a good feeling about this one!

COYB!!!

On the back of three wins and improved form, you would be thinking all good news; then we find that the referee is Jon Moss and all previous aspirations start to founder on the rocks.

This will not be easy, there are no easy games in the Premier League; but I think we do have a chance, despite the referee alluded to before, and Lady Luck be with us for a change.

I will not be tempted into choosing a team for this one; bearing in mind that the game against Palace, Bernard Richarlison and Walcott were all below par for some reason.

So I am thinking: stick with the starting selection for last week; as Lyndon has suggested, surely they will be all up for this game, and no-one will dare have an off-day.

As always, I'm hoping for the win; I would take a draw tomorrow but I have got my feet firmly on the ground for this one, and I cannot predict the team Silva will go for but I would like to see Calvert-Lewin leading the line.

We can't underestimate this side. But judging by the Everton Unseen video, with a brief glimpse of Marco Silva roaring at the players during a training session, there will be no under-estimation done by those that matter.

Note Silva and Mourinho are mates. Both confirmed it in the press conferences. I'm sure Silva would love to beat him in this game and will be doing everything to achieve it.

Some are making out this is the best time to play Man Utd; I am not so sure... they played well at Stamford Bridge last week and were unlucky not to take all 3 points. This followed a comeback from 2 goals behind the week before to Newcastle were Man Utd picked up all 3 points.

Apart from Guardiola, Mourhino is by far the most successful manager in the Premier League. His team aren't playing as well as he would like but, as the saying goes, form is temporary and class is permanent. Can we get something from the game? I think we can but will have to play a lot better than we did last week.

Team selection will be interesting but, with virtually a fully fit squad to select from, it's a nice problem for Silva to have. The one positive is we know Silva will not just go there to defend, and we will get chances — the question will be: Can we take enough of them to win or draw? Let's hope so.

However, I would be pleased with an attacking performance that gives Man Utd a lot to think about... instead of one of our usual pusillanimous, "let's get away with a two-nil defeat" displays.

To be followed by a resounding win over Brighton next week. And three points at Mordor of course.

Yes, a draw would be a good result in many ways but, as posts from above say, if we are ever to move on to the next level, then winning one of these fixtures away to one of our hoodoo clubs would represent a monumental step forwards.

I don't subscribe to the people who say we can't win these games as we are still a work in progress; we are playing well enough to win that game tomorrow and, with the shit that has gone on at, United it's sitting perfectly for us to get at them.

They obviously have some great individuals but are they a team?

I'm feeling similarly positive to when Martinez took us there in 2013 and knew we could end that horror record.

Tell him in no uncertain terms that we expect him to forget the narcissism, man-up, and chase down everything for 60 minutes or so and to chase every ball.

I also think Richarlison is a better option (than Bernard) on the left and would like to see Lookman start ahead of Walcott (who has struck me as being disinterested / head elsewhere recently).

How can this biased charlatan be allowed to churn this shite out every week?

I'm thinking a score-draw for this one.

2-2 tomorrow but I think we can nick a win.

Pickford
Coleman or Mina Keane Zouma Digne
Gana
Gomes Sigurdsson
Walcott or Bernard Tosun or Calvert-Lewin Richarlison or Lookman

Reasons:

Coleman or Mina — Coleman is not fully fit or up to speed. Vulnerable in defence and not as good going forward. One of the most ineffective parts of the team is down the right. Also, I expect that Man Utd will have worked out this is the main weakness to attack. Mina has played this position before and will be good defensively and going forward; or else, Brands doesn't know his job.

Keane Zouma — Solid and provide attacking options.

Digne — Fantastic!

Gana — You get what's written on the tin.

Gomes or Davies — Professional; Davies as a tactical change option.

Sigurdsson — Performance.

Walcott or Bernard — Walcott has the least touches of the ball than any other outfield player in the last three games. One-dimensional. Bernard a bag of tricks, the threat is increased on the right, which has been recently below par.

Tosun or Calvert-Lewin — Tosun is the only one resembling a complete centre-forward we have got, with Calvert-Lewin as a tactical change. Tosun ahead of Calvert Lewin because the latter has a poorer 70% pass-completion rate. Tosun could benefit from the new midfield trio providing a central attacking option. Tosun has mastered running into channels at last.

Richarlison or Lookman — Richarlison in the centre-forward role had one shot on target in each of the two games he has played in this role without providing any desirable other centre-forward attributes. Against Arsenal, he had 5 shots, from the left, on target. His weakness is a 70% pass-completion rate and poor pass decision-making – he doesn't use the better positioning of other forwards. Lookman, meaning though of not the same pace, can beat defenders and has superior ability In his passing game in the final third and can score.

Prepared for the onslaught.

People have short memories. Tosun and Calvert-Lewin missed so many chances in the games against West Ham and Arsenal. We should have been out of sight before they scored and eventually won.

Bernard is one of the most talented players we've had for years — he is perfect against Man Utd. Maybe jig them around though so Walcott is the centre-forward. If there are any changes, I'd swap Walcott for Lookman.

To my knowledge, never. At least not as a professional. In fact, I don't believe I have ever seen a 6'-5" right back. Nothing I know of his game would fit that position.

Agree with you on Walcott vs Bernard, although I'm quite certain Silva will keep Walcott in the lineup because of his pace. We don't have much of that.

And Richarlison on the left for me. Advantage over Lookman is his finishing ability.

I'm torn as to whether it is a good game to bring in Lookman for Walcott, or whether we should play Tosun in the centre-forward role.

What we really need is a quick one-game loan.

Oviedo from Sunderland.

Okay, he's got a good turn of pace. At Palmeiras, he did take the ball up the pitch and has decent ball skills, but passing, crossing, and beating a man are not skills his posses. He's slow over a yard, but quick over 20. He's not a right back.

Our team has changed considerably in 2018. Six of the starting eleven last week were not even here 12 months ago. We have a new look team whereas United appear to have stood still. If, and it is a big if, we can stay solid at the back, we have the pace and quality in attack to trouble their back line.

You can accept getting walloped if the opposition is outstanding on the day but the game at Arsenal, we just passed up so many glorious chances to finish the game in the first half.

We have some really good players but the trouble over the years with many of our better players is turning up in the big games at venues like Old Trafford.

Can Sigurdsson do something special tomorrow?

Will Richarlison show the rest of the league at the biggest venue in England just why we shelled out so much money?

Can Bernard dazzle and put on a potentially match-winning show?

Can Tosun, Walcott, Calvert-Lewin be clinical if they see the opportunity arise in front of them?

These are questions that have failed to be answered in a satisfactory nature by so many of Everton's players over the years in the bigger matches.

We were woeful against them last season so I'm hoping for a big improvement, even if we lose.

Man Utd and Jo Mo have been getting pelters all season and they're certainly not the Man Utd of old but we all know when they want it, are up for a fight and in the mood to attack teams, they have some very capable top class players that can hurt anyone.

I think it's a classic game of two fairly attack-minded teams still trying to find their best team etc. Lukaku has bossed Keane and Zouma in the past so that will be a good battle.

Shaw vs Coleman and Digne vs Valencia — also good battles of attacking full backs.

Take the game to them but we must be clinical and avoid an Arsenal scenario, where too many sitters were missed and then concentration lapses cost us the game.

Tomorrow is a massive match and a good result is key as there's a gap appearing from the top 6. Our wingers and midfield can do a good job and turn them over but we must take the chances and also not get wound up and be at the beck and call of the crowd and possibly one of the worst Premier League referees.

I've a good feeling better than for some years for this game, and I hope and pray we can win.

It could be a massive boost to this season and bearing the run of aways coming up, a welcome tonic.

I would also have Richarlison back on the left with Tosun upfront. Bernard as a supersub for later in the game when their defence is tiring.

Lookman should get a look in too!

Enough of that so what can we expect tomorrow ?
If they can get a good result at Old Trafford then we may start to believe that they are halfway to becoming a really competitive team again.

Yes, we know Manure still have some big guns that can hurt you but if they can keep Pogba quiet then they have a real chance of winning as Everton are quietly amassing some big guns of their own.

Gylfi is playing well and the emergence of Gomes could be the catalyst to gird the midfield.

Seamus coming back was also a boost so I anticipate some good results over the next few weeks.

As I keep saying this is a work in progress and although they have 3 wins on the bounce they haven't exactly been totally dominant but have had some good fortune which always helps.

C.O. Y. B.

If you are a footballer then you surely crave these types of fixtures and the chance to shine in them.

I really thought when we won at Old Trafford in 2013 under Martinez that a psychological barrier had been broken down but five years on it's reverted to type with no wins at any of the top six in that timescale.

Tomorrow maybe we can blow down that barrier once and for all and then progress further.

First goal is ever so crucial. Milivojevic's penalty miss and Sessegnon's shot slammed back of the bar, along with Morgan's red card play a significant part in the 9 points gained. We will need luck and bravery as well as some excellent officiating.

First half against Leicester we could have been 3 or 4 up, we also had chances against Fulham and palace before we scored. Not sure why people feel the need to denigrate ourselves when we win a few games, you generally get what you deserve in this game and the last 3 games we have been the better team. Anybody can point to ifs buts and maybes from a game but generally the final score tells it's own story.

If we play anything like we have been recently then there is no reason why we can't come home with 3 points.
COYB

Luck deserted us earlier in the season with the Jagielka and Richarlison sendings-off.

For me, boys, please. COYB

I'd like to see Richarlison up front. Man Utd aren't going to sit deep and those defenders are just asking for someone to give them the run-around.

I'd consider Lookman on the left. Can he put in a high energy, pacy performance? Happy enough with Bernard there, though.

Lastly, I wonder whether we complement the high-energy press with similar in the centre of midfield? You can make a good case for Gueye and Davies. I could see Man Utd shitting themselves with the pace and industry that midfield and attack would give. Obviously no issue with Gomes but they would give something different.

Anyway, it's going to be interesting. I can't imagine us going there with anything but attacking thoughts... In itself, that's an improvement on how I'd usually feel before these games.

Up the Toffees!

I have been thinking along the same lines. The psychological barrier is the biggest enemy today, and against any of the top 6 teams. We have a strong squad, overall better players than Man Utd at this point in time. I am hoping Silva can drill it into them the fact that if we play our best football and match them physically we will win the game. There is no doubt about it chances will come for us today, take them ruthlessly and we will get the 3 points.

I think the squad is starting to 'believe' and this match offers an opportunity to cement that.

Aye I recall getting robbed at Chelsea under Roberto when 10 yards offside Terry scored about 20 minutes past injury time.

It's weird that for since the turn of the century our record away to these sides has been awful yet the manager who won one at Old Trafford and all but won at Chelsea was Martinez despite him only being here three years.

I think we have a great chance today if we play our own game and not be overawed.

We are due a win over Man Utd and haven't paid them back yet for snatching that Semi-Final from us a few years ago.

The likes of Pickford, Digne, Zouma, Gomes, Bernard, Richarlison, and Walcott have no reason to be tainted by our previous managers' negativity and lack of self-belief.

Jags and Baines et al spent their entire careers not believing. Not their fault, but hopefully we can now look to a brave new era!

We are due a win here and it's as much about attitude and mindset today as it is ability. If we get that right we are more than good enough to win.

Richarlison, Bernard or Lookman against Ashley Young is something to look forward to.

The match officials are a big concern. Jon Moss proved last week that match officials on this country will always favour the tv and sponsors favourites. We need to take our chances and defend well enough to take his performance out of it and still get the win.

2-0 win. Theo and Siggy.

Mourinho's side is pragmatic, so I'm not sure if we can out-work them as such.

A bit of guile from Bernard might be what we need – but I suppose if we switched it around he could come on later on in the game.

Tosun to start and Calvert-Lewin to replace him for energy?

Well, I was at a brass band concert this afternoon and guess what one of the last tunes they played? You've guessed it – The Liberty Bell. It's a lucky omen.

UP THE BLUES!!!

Realistically, a well contested draw would be a really positive away result. And playing as we are, a win is not out of the question, particularly if we don't have to defend a lead for most of the game.

For me, what's most important is the way we play rather than the result from one game. I think he will stick with the same side, but I can see the attraction of bringing Tosun back, so maybe.

It feels good to be looking forward to games again, rather contemplating whether to watch them or not.

On a separate note, our thoughts and prayers are with those unfortunate people in the helicopter at the Kingpower and Glenn Hoddle and their families. Puts everything into perspective.

I agree with you completely. Bernard and Richardson between them could have Man Utd chasing shadows, and would be far more effective than throwing Calvert-Lewin into the mix as some suggest. We need craft and guile to get in behind their defence and these two are the men who could be the key to unlocking their back four.

Biggest problem we have is that we're already playing against 12 men with the totally inept Jon Moss referring the game.

It's time the refereeing panel took a long hard look at this man's performances this season. I've seen him make blatant errors in other games, not just ours and he's surely the worst referee in the Premier League, by far.

Laurie @86, hopefully a Lucky Omen for us, we are due a bit. The Liberty Bell, also the intro to Monty Python's Flying Circus, and now for something completely different!

I'd keep the same team as vs Palace. Think that is a team best set up to counter -attack and the front 4 will get more space and hopefully use it better. Tempting to start Mina against Lukaku but I don't think you can disrupt what is looking like our best centre-back combo in a few years currently.

You can bet your life Lukaku will score, he's on a barren run and this is Everton, you know where I'm coming from.

Man Utd will score, we just have to be more clinical than them as they will give us chances.

I would start Lookman and Walcott both wide, pace will terrify their back 4.

I'll be watching from the comfy chair.

Get a grip pal, we are Everton.

We are equals on the pitch, I genuinely believe that, which we have not been able to say for a long long time.

I personally would start Mina. He has a presence and one that is needed in these encounters. Lukaku is a fantastic strong unit but Yerry Mina is an absolute beast of a man.

I watched him warming up last week before the Palace game and he clearly had a good relationship with his team mates. There was a sense of "banter" running throughout with players pushing each other, throwing balls at each other etc but was very clear to see they were a good unit. This kind of camaraderie should not be underestimated.

3-1 to the Blues today. Bernard brace and Richarlison.

COYB

I said before that I think I'd like to see Calvert-Lewin up top for this one. Not sure why but I think he will be gung-ho for this. Looking forward to it as usual – with high hopes but realistic expectations.

I'm going 2-2 for this. 1-1 at half time. What odds on that?

I can see a score-draw myself.

And that Lukaku breaks his duck... Against Bournemouth next week.

It's unbelievable that we have a diamond in Bernard one week, then should be dropped the next... FFS, get real.

Hope we give them a performance to win some converts.

Pickford
Zouma, Mina, Keane
Coleman, Gomes, Gueye, Sigurdsson, Digne
Richarlison, Tosun or Calvert-Lewin

I doubt this will be the case though as it would mean dropping both Bernard and Walcott to the bench. Although if things were not going well we could put them both on to change the dynamic. My guess is Silva will go with the same line up as started last week with the possible exception of dropping Bernard and moving Richarlison to accommodate Tosun or Calvert-Lewin.

I just want us to play as though we are the better side and not try to make changes to try to stifle them. It never works and we end up losing. Play our own game and let them worry about us.

Richarlison on left of a three, either Tosun or Calvert-Lewin up front.