Blues comfortable winners over the African Champions

I'd give Lookman and Bernard a start – Lookman on the left (where I'd start him against Chelsea) and Bernard on the right – to try get him into some form.

Gor Mahia (H):

Stekelenburg
Kenny Holgate Mina Baines (c)
Bernard Davies Schneiderlin Lookman
Calvert-Lewin Tosun

Subs: Virginia, Jagielka, Markelo, Baningime, McCarthy, Dowell, Niasse

Tuyisenge will likely come up against Colombian defender Yerry Mina, Everton's Sh6 billion acquisition from Barcelona in August following an impressive outing at the 2018 Fifa World Cup where he scored three goals.

English forward Theo Walcott, Irishman Seamus Coleman, Sandro Ramirez and former Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin are also expected to feature for Everton. Having consistently conquered the local and regional front in recent times, this will be yet another opportunity for Gor Mahia players to introduce themselves at the international stage.

Knowing our track record we’ll be going to Chelsea with a left back at centre half or something mad like that.

Subs: The entire starting first XI, give them about 10 mins each, out of respect for the Gor Mahia fans.

It's a great chance to give people the opportunities they deserve and also give some youngsters a place on the bench.

● Lookman to start on the left (where I'd start him against Chelsea).
● Bernard on the right (to get him more time and hopefully let him find some form)
● Calvert-Lewin and Tosun (Both deserve a chance)
● Davies and Schneiderlin starting (McCarthy and Baningime on the bench)

This is by no means a bad team – with a full team of players fighting for a first-team starting spot.

My starting line up would be (4-4-2):

Stekelenburg
Kenny Holgate Mina Baines (c)
Bernard Davies Schneiderlin Lookman
Calvert-Lewin Tosun

Subs: Virginia, Jagielka, Markelo, Baningime, McCarthy, Dowell, Niasse.

What I like about this formation is that is what we often change to in the second half - so it gives us some preparation and practice for that situation.

I would preferably give McCarthy, Dowell and Niasse game time.

[On a side note, I think Baningime will soon be very close to the first team – very similar player to Gueye, but a lot better on the ball.]

That was said during the streaming of the U21 game last week.

I agree, the match should have been arranged for an afternoon game in the summer, then a bigger gate would have been more certain with a lot of parents bringing their kids to see this game. But what's done is done, I hope we get a decent crowd (4 or 5 thousand?) to give these lads from Africa a bit of a Scouse welcome.

Lukaku should have stayed and got the chance to lift some silverware!

It will be a huge game for us, being broadcast live here and our family is gathering to watch the game. Along the way, we will place a few bets via SportPesa.

I fully understand the frustration of a few posters, questioning why the game was being played now – in fact, they may recall it was supposed to be in pre-season but EFC I believe dropped the fixture. The game was part of the sponsorship deal, so it does, if you like, have financial meaning behind it.

More importantly, Everton is now on the way to becoming a big brand in East Africa, where SportPesa makes its millions, which it ploughs into overseas sponsorship to build its own brand. Along the way, by growing Everton's brand in East Africa with matches such as this, they will of couse see a huge commercial benefit.

Everton will hopefully use the game to give a few rusty legs a run out, and at the same time post a good result which will continue to help their awareness in this neck of the woods.

Total East Africa population: 120 million, so not a market to be sniffed at – it is bigger than places like Malaysia and Thailand. SportPesa is an East African brand, operating in all 3 countries, which now have a single market (called the EAC).

"These shores have only produced Victor Wanyama, McDonald Mariga and Divock Origi's father as players of any note." Very good!

I would give an hour to both Keane and Mina, Mina, as well as game time, needs time alongside his defensive partner.

An hour for Lookman, no more as we may well need him, and an extra 30 mins for Bernard who is still fitting in.

Game time for the fringe players, and 10 minutes to the 3 main stars of the team for sponsorship reasons.

Contractually Everton have got to put a very good team out. They have to pick the majority of players who are playing in the Premier League, I think they have to use at least six first-teamers.”

However, what constitutes a first team player could be open to interpretation and it seems likely that manager Marco Silva will turn to his fringe players with the game coming in between Premier League fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/nov/06/dorcas-amakobe-girls-football-kenya-moving-the-goalposts

Divided loyalties tonight Amit?!

Virginia
Holgate - Mina - Jagielka/Feeney - Baines
Schneiderlin - McCarthy - Davies
Dowell - Tosun - Lookman

Take Lookman off at half-time so he's ready for Chelsea and give Calvert-Lewin or a youngster a run-out, rest the 1st XI and let them sign autographs for all travelling fans and kids at the ground.

Seems it contains more than three:

The East African Community (EAC) is the regional intergovernmental organization of the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania with its Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

I am not worried about Mina getting injured. The game will be played as a friendly so I very much doubt the tackles will be flying in. I would be more concerned if Mina made a full debut at Stamford Bridge without any meaningful chance to acclimatise.

Jagielka, Baines, Holgate, Schneiderlin, Calvert-Lewin, Kenny, Tosun, Davies, Lookman and Niasse have all made Premier League appearances this season; Dowell and Stekelenburg have both appeared in the League Cup.

For those who can't get the game, or have no access to any streams, or are unable to go to the game, it's the next best thing to keep up to date with the match.

Thanks.

Pickford, Kenny, Mina, Keane, Baines, Gueye, Gomes, Davies, Bernard, Richarlison, Lookman.

Then subs from Virginia, Holgate, Baningime, Calvert-Lewin, Tosun, Walcott, Sigurdsson, Dowell.

Make it more of an occasion to create ‘loads of East African fans' — Tony (#33), I like that. Let's also make it meaningful for the Gor Mahia players as well as filling the sponsorship coffers.

They are intensely passionate about football down there, especially the Premier League. Bizarrely The local buses and taxis are decorated top to bottom with emblems, team names, pictures and names of players plastered all over them (I took the Sir Alex Ferguson bus to town twice in Arusha). Even in the remotest areas, you are guaranteed to see people wearing Premier League strips from across the ages.

However, sadly these are almost solely the shirts of the predictable global juggernauts. I only spotted 2 Everton badges, and one of the fellas had no idea of its significance when I struck up a conversation with him. I know it's not an exact science but I even spotted twice as many shirts of both Leicester and Aston Villa.

Football being the international language, I spoke to plenty of locals on my travels and tried to gauge how well-known the Blues were. The game in Dar es Salaam last pre-season definitely didn't go unnoticed, but the only player anyone could name to me was Wayne Rooney! And, without exception, everyone I spoke to was a Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal or RS fan.

Sadly, we seem to have missed the boat in securing a global fanbase, and the only way to catch up is by breaking into the elite... Evidenced by the more modest, but clearly growing, number of Man City fans I encountered on my way.

When I looked on the ticket section of the OS, and the incredibly cheap ticket prices, it seemed that only two or three sections of Goodison Park would be open – would be a testament to the lack of faith the club has in the fans they know only too well are unlikely to show for this.

A pity in some ways, but I'm more with those who see this as a meaningless sponsored 'promotion' that is unlikely to impact the dismal state of play Dave Harrison (#36) describes in the EAC.

Marcel Brands will be watching his old team PSV according to this report in the Echo.

Link

Well worth a read as it gives valuable insight into how Brands operates. If he can replicate what he set up at PSV with us, expect him to uncover some real rough diamonds to be polished.

Think we should do more in all continents.

We can give match practice and keep sharp those struggling to get onto the first eleven and also those not in the match day squad.

Kenny gets a run out, as does Dowell, as does Calvert-Lewin and Lookman and Baines and Mina and, of course, Tosun and Holgate.

If needed for more match time after injuries, Gomes and Bernard.

I have a sneaking feeling that Sigurdsson gets some time.

And perhaps a bench of ten subs, just in case … and for show … and for togetherness ….

Beni and Jags and McCarthy may also be nice depending on injury recovery ….

I'm looking forward to it ….

Start Dowell at Number 10.

The club and SportPesa even picked up a pan-African award from a continental marketing body for the success of that event.

I appreciate many on here remain sceptical and a few posters would rather the Blues did not play the game tonight. Fair enough.

Meanwhile, in my corner of East Africa, 7 blue shirts are chatting over beers and a curry, video calling a couple of mates who made the game tonight. The lucky buggers.

I for one am glad and grateful that the blues have decided East Africa is a market they want to cultivate. As a matter of local pride, I hope it ends up being a very successful venture for the club. Let's hope SportPesa make the type of financial contribution that will see our historically weak commercial revenues grow even more rapidly. I think events like tonight will help.

Cheers and enjoy the game!

I don't think tonight will directly lead to a massive recruitment of fans but is a small step on the way of raising Everton's profile. I agree that what will really do that will be us breaking into the elite.

In the meantime, the game is a welcome refreshment, an added extra, a chance to see Everton players in action at a reduced price and to enjoy the sights and sounds around the fat wagon and the green pitch under the floodlights.

Away from the Premier League merry go round, it's a game with no pressure and a chance to welcome and appreciate players from a different league where football is played in a different context. An enjoyable break, maybe even fun.

Then you have Baines, Jagielka, Kenny, Niasse, Lookman, Virginia and the likes to step up.

You just never know when an injury or suspension might crop up, so better keeping those players up to speed in case needed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DrVr_-kWsAA-TnL.jpg

Will it last the whole game ?!?!

Also hoping for another good effort from McCarthy at some stage of the game, on his road back from horrendous injury.

Beni Baningime playing instead of Leighton Baines.

Everton: Stekelenburg, Holgate, Baningime, Jagielka (c), Mina, Davies, Schneiderlin, Lookman, Dowell, Calvert-Lewin. Tosun. Subs: Virginia, Baines, McCarthy, Niasse, Broadhead, Gordon and John.

On a side note, just seen Sandro on Twitter playing for Real Sociedad against Seville and missing from a few yards out by missing the ball completely and kicking the ground... the ball dribbles to the goalkeeper...and the commentator laughs.

The lad is shot of confidence.

He was quick enough to sign for massive wages only 12 months before, so he should have given us, and himself, more of a chance, rather than just throwing the towel in.

Plenty of decent football from both teams with nobody going mad but playing at a steady pace. Early goals fromLookman and Dowell put Everton 2-0 ahead at half-time.

Plenty of substitutions in the second half with two late goals coming from Broadhead and Niasse giving a 4-0 win, a good workout and a trophy to finish a nice enjoyable night.

Now for Chelsea on Saturday!!!!

Wasn't the lad who went to West Ham on a free also called Broadhead or something similar?

However, it was pleasant to sit on the bus thinking of what I would like to do with three things – a vuvuzela, a lump hammer, and the backside of the said idiot.

I agree that Broadhead looked very impressive on the ball. One to nurture.

Delighted to see McCarthy back & looking fit. A few games under his belt and he will be challenging for first team football no doubt.

Good runout, rather easy, for Mina.

Baningime did well in an unusual position for him, maybe could become a bit of a 'Phil Neville' type, decent but not spectacular in a number of positions.

Lookman was brilliant, went on the pitch to stake a claim for a first-team place and he certainly improved his hand. Great attitude, great movement, great finish for his goal. He is a real talent. Walcott and Bernard have real competition here.

Great to see McCarthy, as fully fit and inform McCarthy is a real asset to the squad.

Davies did well, more so when moved further up. Calvert-Lewin was decent. Broadhead looked a talent.

Dowell looked a little too eager, hugged the ball when he should have passed, but took his goal well.

Tosun was poor. He does not fit our style and I expect him to leave in January or in the summer.

Niasse scored a great goal, but his touch and technique in general is just woeful. Gone in January.

Schneiderlin was completely AWOL, I only remembered he was in the team when he took the free kick on 90 minutes. Back to France in January, I expect.

Good to see Jags, his final season with us; he'll be 4th or 5th choice. He'd do a job for Cardiff or Fulham, should give him a send-off and then let him go.

What did we learn from this game? Not a lot. It was good to see McCarthy back in the fold. Fully fit, he will strengthen our cover in midfield. Lookman confirmed his rich promise with a lively display. There was nothing wrong with his attitude tonight.

Yerry Mina loped his way through the game, in the main keeping things simple. It was slightly worrying he showed some signs of fatigue when sprinting back in the closing minutes. Hopefully he will be ready for the much sterner test which awaits him on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.

The young substitutes, Gordon and John, formed a lively partnership on the right. A feature of Silva's early months has been his demand for the wide players to work closely together. He spent several minutes briefing the young duo on what was required before they were thrown into the action.

It has also been mooted that the standard of Gor Mahia was probably between League 1 and 2. I was a bit disappointed that some of the fringe players went through the motions with little commitment.

I would have thought it was the ideal platform for these players to give Marco food for thought... but no, apart from Lookman, Davies (to a degree), Baningime (who was out of position), Calvert-Lewin ( lots of running but no end product), Dowell (a player I like, but tends to fade in a game), the only others worthy of note were the youngsters towards the end.

This would also have been a game for Tosun to show what he can do, but I'm afraid he confirmed what most of us thought, that he is simply out of his depth even at this level. His control and first touch is woeful, he expects the ball on a plate, and rarely runs or stretches to receive it.

Maybe a bit harsh, but these are highly paid professionals, so in my eyes deserve to be criticised if not producing, or not trying to the best of their abilities.

I think a win like this, even against easy opposition, is useful for keeping up momentum in terms of developing a winning mentality. We get more and more used to winning, and it increasingly becomes the norm, which is what we want. We go out to win, regardless of who the opposition are.

So far with Silva, I'm happy. We seem to be developing that winning mentality, and we're playing some great football, very entertaining to watch. Makes a big change from the last few years.

Through-balls from midfield that would have set an attacker free missed their target or came up short over and over again.

This against low-level opposition doesn't bode well for squad depth.

Plus point – Valencia.

I had split loyalties and, while being disappointed for Gor, I had to take my hat off to Lookman, and the professional performance put in by the rest.

Tosun might have done a bit more, but he was sharp in the opening 25 and created Lookman's goal.

Schneiderlin was, I thought, quiet. But I guess Gor's midfield was rather pedestrian.

Decent performance from the blues. Lookman certainly has his fans amongst the locals here.

On to the real stuff now!

A few months ago, he seemed to have a look of "not arsed" from his first appearance from the bench.

However, after the game last night, he came out with all the right words and positives about ready to take his chance when called on, and also mentioning Everton going to Chelsea on Sunday with belief.

If this is the case and he knuckles down and wins his place, he has a great future at Everton Football Club.