The Change Imperative

The turnaround last season followed an international break where Silva had had time to work with the new summer signings and integrate them into the system he wanted to play.

Maybe it will work again this time – but, if not, then he is I believe, out of options and so are we.

The cracks will be papered over and we'll be all having this same conversation this time next week, and likely the same conversation this time next year too.

People are mocking Moise Kean being nominated for the Golden Boy award, but what chance has he had under Silva. Two starts and a few cameo appearances from the bench. Not the way for him to integrate into the team. He needs a run in the first team to build his confidence and then I think we'll see the best of him.

He's just one example of Silva being disinclined to try anything new or different. Then there's his continued use of Walcott, surely the most ineffectual player we have at the club.
Gylfi? Morgan?
So many areas where he could and should have already made changes. Silva seems too intractable, unable or unwilling to sacrifice either his preferred favourites or his formation.

I see no point in continuing with him. He's never going to take us to where we want to be and is far more likely to take us the way he took Hull... Down to The Championship.

noun

1. (in the US and Canada) February 2nd, when, according to tradition, the groundhog emerges from hibernation; if it sees its shadow, it returns to its burrow for six weeks as a sunny day indicates a late spring, while a cloudy day would mean an early spring

2. a situation in which events are or appear to be continually repeated

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers.

Word origin of 'Groundhog Day': sense 2 from the film Groundhog Day (1993), in which the lead character experiences the same day repeatedly.

Really? Preferred for what exactly?

Did that earthquake shake you up?

Varying the attack with more central play allows our dangerous wing combinations to arrive late. Instead of predictably slow, with the opposition defence set and ready.

Getting a grip of central midfield, as in most games, is key.

I would prefer Davies in the line-up.

We have to ditch as many under-performers as we can. It looks as if Delph might miss out with a hamstring.

Pickford
Sidibe, Mina, Keane
Davies
Richie, Gomes, Iwobi, Digne
Calvert-Lewin, Kean or Tosun

Forgive me for invoking the unmentionable Allardyce, but he was right about this: when you're struggling, the first thing to do is to make sure you don't concede.

We need some one-nils and to dig in. We're third from bottom and we need to realise what that means and the threat we face.

I would go with Iwobi at 10 and play Bernard, but I would have Calvert-Lewin up front for this game.

For all his perceived sins, the midfield needs the pep of Tom Davies, not the cowardly Schneiderlin.

But surely we know by now Silva is not the man for Everton, everyone except Moshiri, that is. Marco generally has these long losing runs every campaign and I doubt that he will be in charge next season. If he is, we could be playing Stoke and Barnsley.

It will be interesting to see how the crowd react to what will be a challenging game. I hope they get behind the team from the start and show the boys that they have their full support, regardless of their opinion of the manager.

Confidence is low and understandably there is a lack of belief, the first goal is absolutely vital. I can only imagine the pressure that Silva will be feeling when he takes his seat in the dugout.

Just hoping for a win, that's all you can really do while Silva is manager: hope.

I suspect the result will depend a lot more on which West Ham turn up, as they have been brilliant and woeful in equal measures, whereas we have been mostly somewhere between poor and mediocre.

Tomorrow's team will indicate if it is more than just talk and the result may show if we are traveling in the right direction. After that, it becomes a matter of permanently losing old habits and moving toward the light.

Silva must go either way after this game.

For all the talk of changed tactics and formations, the guy has been with us 16 months and in that time has played the exact same way, regardless of form or results. Is he really going to change now?

The result will depend on West Ham. If they carry on their form we may be in trouble. However, they tend to get a nose bleed whenever they venture this far north and their record at Goodison Park is not great. They only have one away win this season and that was against Watford.

The likes of Anderson and Yamolenko will be a handful and I'm not looking forward to Mina and Keane trying to cope with Haller. In saying that ,though, they are not great on the road so may be just the opposition Silva needs to get out of a tricky spot. They won't park the bus which will also be better for us.

I think it'll be a draw tomorrow personally: 1-1. West Ham are bad on the road and we're just bad.

Of course, like everyone I would like to see a convincing performance and win tomorrow, followed by a massive resurgence, but I'm not expecting much. Even if we do win (and we should) we will likely as not slip straight back into our September form.

I did have hopes when Silva joined us after reading much from various prolific commentators despite the evidence of my eyes with Hull City and Watford, but it seems those last couple of tenures are the barometer we should have paid attention to. As well as listening to the Watford fan base.

If it triggers Silva's departure I could stomach a defeat tomorrow. Words I never thought would leave my mouth (or put in writing).

Striker is a massive problem. Calvert-Lewinjust doesn't look suited to the role. Kean should be given a run of games as he will never get up to Premier League speed sat on the bench. Sigurdsson must be benched.

Some of the players have been abysmal but we cant sack 8 players. At this stage, it should be Moise Kean sacking his agent, Zaha should be given his a pay-rise.

Please, EFC, prove me wrong and make me proud.

Especially when most of us on ToffeeWeb could pick a better team and a better system than what Silva is presently going with!

Derek T, I think most of us have asked the same question over and over, but then again it should have been asked before as with Koeman, and Allardyce, and the massive compensations that were paid to Martinez, Southampton, Koeman himself, and of course Allardyce.

As for Silva, with his poor track record, why give him a 3-year contract? Contracts can be extended if results and performance merit it, but once they have been signed, it is an automatic recipe for compensation again should it not work out.

You would have thought with Moshiri being an Accountant he would have been more savvy in both his choices of Manager and lengths of Contracts awarded.

As for tomorrow's game, I am not at all optimistic, but hope upon hope that a win may be possible with the right team selection, but with Silva's stubbornness I don't envisage many changes apart from Seamus (who is suspended) but we'll see.

For me, the team selection will dictate whether or not I can stomach Silva still being in the job come 2:30 pm. If he goes with his standard 4-2-3-1 approach, then I want him gone – regardless of whether it clicks for a game and we hammer the Irons 4-0.

If he shows some adventure – almost treats it as a 90-minute knockout game – then I'll have a modicum of respect for him, even if we lose. But even a free-flowing victory in a new system probably will not be enough to get me even remotely back onside...

I just had another look at the Premier League table; considering the fixtures we've had, the fact we are in the bottom three is the damning indictment that should have already delivered him his P45.

I don't like that it's an early kick-off either; that usually means a subdued atmosphere. I hate that. We all know how a quiet, nervy Goodison feels.

I think and hope the faithful will respond tomorrow by creating the bear-pit atmosphere which so intimidates the opposition. If Silva cannot lift this team, we're going to have to do it for him.

I don't mind admitting I am worried. This is a massive game for Everton Football Club. The term "must-win" is one of the most over-used in the game, but we really must win this fucking game.

Most of our team are soldiers. They are not leaders. I'm looking for three players to step up and lead tomorrow.

Sidibe: Needs to show the composure and belief others look for in a player of his stature.

Mina: Has to take control and boss everything. He can't allow himself to be dragged down to Keane's level. He has to drag him up to his.

Sigurdsson: He has to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask himself how somebody with his talent can be this shite, for this long.

Start early tomorrow, guys. Let's create the sort of atmosphere which will have the West Ham players wishing to fuck they were somewhere else!

We just need to win. Hopefully keep a clean sheet and then slowly build momentum and fancy football.

Good luck everyone!

A) The man who stands to be paid about £8m if he is sacked.

B) An Evertonian

I’m afraid until that situation changes, and some kind of meaningful performance-related pay is introduced, we will continue to be a charity for spiv managers.

I think that offers pace with an attacking attitude. I'd much prefer trying that and losing than what he is doing, although I think that side would win 3-1: Kean first goal, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin.

West Ham not good on the road!

We're you at Goodison last September? Everton 1 WHU 3. It was painful.

I hope your right.

So for my shout:

Pickford
Sidebe Kean Mina
Davies Schneiderlin Gomes Digne
Richarlison Calvert-Lewin lwobi

3-4-3

I've left Bernard out as Iwobi carries more of a goal threat and ,with Digne as a wing-back, he won't be relying on Bernard much.

So... in conclusion: it's 4-2-3-1 then, isn't it?

The Kenwrights are so desperate for Silva to get it right that I can see him surviving even if Everton lose the game. Fat Sam, or, more probably, Moyes are ready to be brought in. I expect the axe to fall in November and you'll never hear of Silva at this level again.

West Ham can play a bit on their day but having beaten Wolves at Goodison one can hope that the Hammers are there to be had also. So much for the optimism as we know how disappointing the Blues have been since then. One thinks that Moshiri has a contingency plan in mind.

As for the crowd, wouldn't it be great to have the bear-pit atmosphere, but I fear as soon as something goes wrong, say West Ham score, the crowd will wet their knickers as usual and it will all go negative.

Cripes, this is supposed to be fun!

Subs: Stekelenburg, Holgate, Walcott, Schneiderlin, Simms, Sigurdsson, Calvert-Lewin

Manager: No Silva

I gave my season ticket to my 18-year-old 2 years ago; I can't watch them, they have ruined more weekends than I can remember. My lad told me last night that he doesn't want to go tomorrow he said the 3 young lads he goes with are doing the same, He is embarrassed to be blue... how sad is that.

Sometimes I wish we live thousands of miles away from Goodison like some people on here. Unfortunately, we live right in the city centre, Scotland Road and are surrounded by Kopites. Even the out-of-town students have jumped on their bandwagon,

Sad thing is, we are never going to get one of those top managers who win trophies sad days indeed... One clinically depressed Toffee.

The present Everton team are supposed to have top-class coaches for different positions on the pitch, going from keeper to striker, so maybe these are the people that the criticism should be aimed at, as well as the manager?

We as a club just show a total lack of ambition in our managerial appointments and waste millions on rectifying our own mistakes, and then repeat the process.

Having said that I would prefer Davies energy to Schneiderlin's caution in this one or lets hope Delph is fit.

I would also like to see Iwobi and Bernard in the team.

West Ham took us apart at Goodison Park last season and they have better players this season so this will not be an easy game.

However, we should remember we are Everton and play like it. Wear the shirt with pride. 11 dedicated and motivated players are better than 11 skillful and talented players going through the motions.

Silva has worryingly been praising Walcott so I expect him in the predicted line-up.

Anyway here goes:

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Sidibé, Keane, Mina, Digne, Schneiderlin (or Delph), Gomes, Sigurdsson, Walcott, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin

Preferred Line-up: Pickford, Sidibé, Keane, Mina, Digne, Delph (or Davies), Gomes, Iwobi, Bernard, Richarlison, Kean

Optional 3-4-3 line up: Pickford, Sidibé, Holgate, Keane, Mina, Digne, Delph (or Davies), Gomes, Iwobi, Richarlison, Kean

It's a few players implemented in that system that screw the whole thing up in my opinion. Schneiderlin as part of the two holding midfielders just kills our ability to move forward quickly. Sigurdsson at the 10 is, and has been, out of form for some time. I'd go with Kean up top in lieu of Calvert-Lewin, but I'd be clear to say there's a time and place to play Calvert-Lewin – he's a good player. The strikers suffer from a system of continually playing the ball wide, relegating most of their usefulness to trying to get a head on a cross or coming out wide just to get a touch.

Most see this, and Lyndon points out the deficiencies and the need for change. Most have been calling for change for quite some time now; having seen what only Marco can't.

If Marco doesn't become flexible, and fast, he's a dead man walking. And I fear this will be his downfall, not making adjustments.

He'll end up wielding the axe that falls on his own head.

For me:

Pickford
Sidibe Keane Mina Digne
Delph Gomes
Iwobe Bernard Richarlison
Kean

I'd bring Davies off the bench if my never-ending, never-likely, call for Bernard at the 10 wasn't bearing fruit. But God how I'd like to see a tricky, creative player behind the Italian wonder kid and the ball played down the middle more often.

Big game. We're reminded frequently how Sir Alex was ready to get the axe, and how we should be patient. Issue is, I don't see Marco having the intelligence to make the necessary changes to save his job. And comparing Sir Alex's last stand and Marco is a bit of a joke. One is a brilliant manager, arguably one of the best ever. Another seemingly can't adjust and stubbornly plods forward without results.

Marco is emptying the shitter in front of Goodison.

Link

But the stats for Marco are so damming so far this season: we have conceded 46% of our goals from set-pieces – the highest in the Premier League – next highest is Watford who are bottom of the league and have conceded 36% from set-pieces. Now that's a pretty bad stat but when its coupled with the fact that we haven't scored in 50% of games then we have problems at both ends of the pitch. I think given the fairly easy set of fixtures we have had so far it makes those stats even more damming.

I just cant see Marco turning this around in the time frame needed to keep his job past December. Our fixtures for December are really tough so, even if we appoint a new manager, he will have a mammoth task turning this team around.

If they don't even make that any longer (do they?), I'll grab some Natty Lite.

Help dull the pain.

I should state my choice of beer is only to channel my inner Cousin Eddie.

Silva has one heck of a big tank in that RV. As for Schneiderlin, far or not, he is the latest symbol of "false hope," just like James Beattie before him. We had that protracted chase for him and didn't get it over the line in the summer. Koeman banged on about Rolls-Royces and we got all excited when he finally arrived. Then, a few months of decent play followed but just dismal failure.

Please God – a convincing win on the back of a major tactical change!

If Silva lacks the personnel to play 4-2-3-1 successfully, then why does he keep square-pegging away like a stubborn toddler who has not yet developed the ability to think laterally? Surely this is Management 101.

The man is inept. He's like a gardener that uses a fork to dig a hole just because it worked well when he was digging bulbs out...

He does have the personnel to play 4-2-3-1. As you say, he plugs ineffective square pegs into round holes.

If anyone favors a 4-3-3, fine. But I'd say it's the implementation of the 4-2-3-1 that is the problem, not the formation or the players we have, if used properly, to play that formation.

And as you rightly point out, it's Management 101 level to be able to see this.

Now go grab a fork and start digging.

I hate to say it but Liverpool have got it right across the park. The midfield should be the heartbeat of the team. They should run their nuts off and be involved at all times. Ours seem to play in 2nd gear. Delph is the only one we’ve got who plays with any aggression or tempo, and he looks like being injured for tomorrow.

We need to change something. I would try 4-3-3, with 3 midfielders who play side by side and who are asked to do a bit of everything. I believe Sigurdsson could play one of these roles, and I would bring Davies in for Schneiderlin for obvious reasons also. I hope Gomes is fit to fill the other role.

I’d play Kean, DCL and Richarlison as a front 3. Bernard and Iwobi just don’t offer enough goals.

Hopefully the players will give us something to shout about. It can be a tackle, closing down the keeper, anything. Let’s just see some tempo and aggression. Tippy tappy 4-2-3-1 is not Everton.

Insert two types of players in that 2. A defensive cover for the back 4, and an aggressive ball winner who will play it forward quickly, and also be willing to move up in attack to support. One holder, one box-to-box, with the primary goal for each being defensive support.

It doesn't equate to tippy-tap, Danny.

It's how we're playing the 4-2-3-1 that's the problem. When you stick a player like Schneids in one of those 2 positions, you don't get the ball forward quickly enough, and you have a person of below-average ability to win the ball.

Recipe for disaster. But not the fault of the formation.

Never a truer word spoken.

He may well win tomorrow, even with 4-2-3-1, playing both Schniederlin & Sigurdsson. It won’t disguise he is out of his depth, not brave enough to show the growing pains of a new formation even without key personnel. It would have bought him time and empathy. A self inflicted, probably lethal wound.

If I’m West ham, I give Everton the ball and let them ‘piss around’ with it. The crowd inevitably will become edgy and we will beat ourselves. Too many players are moribund and at the bottom of the barrel looking for form.

Everton are rumoured to be looking at potential replacements, unforgivable that a succession plan isn’t already in train. It reflects very badly on Brands. If true, Silva is just a placeholder until they are sure they can get the guy they want. I’m fairly sure they don’t want a rehash of Koeman’s dismissal, the subsequent turmoil until they panicked and plumped for Allardyce 🤢.

The club needs new energy and a new manager. I predict a laboured 1-1, Silva sacked shortly after.

"He does have the personnel to play 4-2-3-1." Hmm... does he? I mean he can put 10 outfield players into that formation, but is it advisable? The 8 Premier League games we've played this season, and the fact we are in the bottom three, would indicate no. If you think that he is simply just not selecting the right players for that system - and that, I don't know, Davies instead of Schneiderlin and Bernard instead of Sigurdsson, would see us setting the league alight - then I'm sorry but I think you and Silva are in the same kindergarten class bashing the same blocks into round holes.

For the record, I am not against 4231 as a formation. I'm against Silva using it time and time again despite recurrent evidence that it is not working, and irrespective of who we are playing, or where, or when, and which players we have fit or suspended or in form or... any other variable. 4231. Done. Decided.

And we are pinning our hopes on a mind like that?

Do you think they'll sack him with a draw? I personally think a draw extends his reign.

But then again, I'd have sacked him the second we were in the bottom three!

I think he survives and plods forward with a draw. Which begs the question - is a loss the worst thing?

I've seen people become very upset at the suggestion of losing being a preferred outcome. I generally agree with them. As a fan, the object is to win, surely? And what kind of fan wants his / her team to lose?

But there does come a point that if it's in the best, long-term interests of the Club you love to lose, and get a conservative, resistant Board to get off their collective asses and make a change, are you not showing more love for the Club because you realize they need that change in the end to ultimately move forward?

I should state, I want us to win tomorrow.

Will do that tomorrow and miss game.

As if.

For the record, I am not against 4231 as a formation. I'm against Silva using it time and time again despite recurrent evidence that it is not working

We're on the same page. I believe with different players in that formation, and a tweak to the general flow of play (not continually down the flanks, American style), we'd reverse our fortunes.

And to answer your question, shite pithy exit line, not a dig.

Pun intended.

A guess even a win means nothing, he staves off the inevitable until a replacement is procured. If they have a guy set to go the result is irrelevant, I think it’s over for him.

It might be one more game, could be even another six and if the right candidate won’t come he may even limp to the season’s end. Which ever way you cut it he will not be here next season.

His Hail Mary - an monster unbeaten run and a cup win, in England he’s never gotten close to. It’s over, terminal.

I'm against Silva using the 4-2-3-1 time and time again, in the way HE implements it.

I do think we have the players to play in the 4-2-3-1, but would say the manner we approach the 4-2-3-1 is flawed. Couple that with Marco's insistence to plug players not suited to their position on the pitch, we're screwed.

So, we agree to an extent, but I'm in the same kindergarten class as Marco.

Digne is a different player with Bernard ahead of him. I like DCL but Kean has to be given more of a chance to show what he can do. Keane is in poor form and Holgate might be a good partner for Mina who could attack the ball with Holgate to cover.
Regardless of the team( I don’t expect him to drop Siggy or Morgan and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Walcott there either) the most important thing tomorrow is the crowd. Make a hell of a row and cheer the team on and we might just respond. A quiet crowd and we go a goal down and the team I suspect will be selected will fall apart.
It’s a sad state of affairs when you can’t look forward to seeing your team in action- I live in hope Silva will pick a team with energy which can win but I wouldn’t like to bet on it!

If we can excavate our form from the Spring, we'll claw our way out of the grave.

If we don't we'll be shoveling shit.

An excellent and prescient point you've made there peter.

I think football has moved on from the 4-2-3-1 employed by Silva. This idea of having a number 10 is fundamentally flawed. The best teams play with an energy not previously seen. The work rate of Liverpool and Man City has seriously raised the bar. The best teams play with zip, tempo, aggression - call it what you like. There is no room for passengers. When we play with Sigurdsson, Schneiderlin and Gomes in this formation, we aren’t mobile enough and we aren’t direct enough. We play tippy tappy stuff that gets us nowhere fast.

If Sigurdsson is to play, it has to be as an orthodox midfielder. He covers a lot of ground, but it’s all on the periphery. Let’s get him involved. I’d play Gomes as well, and ideally Delph to add energy and some good, probing passes. But they have to play as a mobile 3, not 2 holding and one further forward.

Looking at the West Ham threat, I think the West Ham midfield trio of Rice, Noble and Lanzini have to be contained. At the same fixture last year, Everton where totally outplayed in the midfield.

Not marking forward players will result in a whitewash.

The operation. of West Ham Trio at Goodison. should have been a template for how Everton midfield operate. Interchanging and movement at speed, rather than static positions and slow support play in the final third.

Cutting out crosses from the right flank in particular and concentrating on getting in front of the attacker , should be a priority in defence . Attacking the near post and getting in front of the marker should be the forward play must.

Of course there has to be more attacks through the centre.

All these solutions have not been applied and good players have not been able to show of their best.

But the most important factor will be Everton's attitude and motivation on the pitch.

I do love your allegiance to the belief that Bernard is "a tricky, creative player" ... tricky yes, but creative, no. When was the last time you heard anybody utter the words "great pass by Bernard!"? If anybody's going to replace Gylfi in that spot, it's Iwobi. I think his passing is very, very good.

For what it's worth, I actually do still like the 4-2-3-1... I just think Gylfi should be playing back in the DM slot next to Gomes or Delph. He'd have more room to pass, his lack of pace wouldn't be a handicap, and he could still get forward. Plus he works a lot harder defensively than Schneids ever will.

My fear is that when you play a 4-3-3 against superior teams, you cede midfield.

Like I said initially, if 4-3-3 is your preference, God knows I'm no expert on tactics, and you may be right.

I still stand by the point that 4-2-3-1 isn't a poor formation for us. As you say, with Sigurdsson, Schneiderlin, and Gomes, we're not mobile enough. But if you were to play Gomes, Delph/Davies, and Bernard at the 10 in a 4-2-3-1, and most importantly play the ball through the middle occasionally, I think you'd see the system and formation work a treat at Everton.

Listen, I've been crying out for this for eons. It's not happened, nor has it even come fucking close a single time. So, believe me when I tell you, the thought has crossed my mind that my way is completely flawed.

But I'm a fan, and an American one at that who's never played the game at any level. So when I talk tactics, it's probably a prudent course of action to take anything I say with a grain of salt.

But I am a stubborn bastard. And until I see what I think will work actually tried and attempted, I'll bleat on about it until Jesus comes riding out of the clouds on His white horse.

We still might not win but without a change of approach defeat is inevitable.

Get yourself a few cans of Tennants Export!

They should take the edge of any misery tomorrow.

Natty Lite, the Meister Brau of 2019. Try it sometime. My college aged kids live on the shit. Awful gut-rot.

If Bernard was played centrally, I firmly believe you'd hear, "great pass by Bernard" more often.

Iwobe's a fine shout, too. At least you're plugging the proverbial round peg into a round hole.

You notice how often Iwobe drifts inside? It just naturally occurs, it's his instinct.

I'm sure it infuriates Silva, who wouldn't know the middle if he was the stuffing in an Oreo cookie!!

Anyone popping one beer a year needs some prayers chucked upstairs for him. ;0)

We need to change to system and drop players out of form. We needed to do it a Burnley, why couldn't he see that ? It is concerning. His game management is very concerning too, no tactical thought on his substitutions, . it seems like panic stricken decisions and hope for the best. poor standard. I am concerned for the club that after Burnley, the 4th defeat on the run, the board did nothing. Very worrying.

If there is no change in tactics or personnel tomorrow and we get the same ineffective play and lose by a set piece it is the end. Farhad Moshiri will have no option but to act to save his investment. He must have commissioned Brands to covertly prime 1 or 2 possible replacements over the last 2 weeks.

Maybe, just maybe, the 2 weeks break has pressed the reset button for all concerned, lessons learned and changes will be made.

If so tomorrow could be when our season starts.

A lot of fans still seem fixated on the idea of a singular creative string-pulling number 10 (maybe it’s a 15-year hangover from those Riquelme rumours...) but surely we want a group of players all able to mix it up, take chances, be prepared to roam around the pitch, and express themselves when in possession. We are so predictable that a computer could just simulate 90% of what our players do when in possession. The players need to come off the leash; they’ve surely proven by now that they cannot be effective in this system.

Jelly of the month,

I'm very nervous. mere beer wont do it

I think Davies deserves a chance but he is one of those more forward-looking players and he had a few rocky moments at Sheffield Wednesday in front of the back four. I'm just not sure that a game with so much riding on it provides the best conditions for a 21-year-old who has been on the fringes and in whom the manager doesn't seem to have much faith right now.

Schneiderlin can perform the basic duties of a DM well when he wants to. Hopefully tomorrow is one of those days... Plus, he's not all bad.

And Cruzan Single Barrel rum from St. Croix. Elegant.

There's a museum here in Kansas City where they excavated a sunken 19th century steamboat. One of the items retrieved was a case of Scottish Tennant's lager or "beer". I couldn't believe the Glaswegians were subjecting Americans to that poison almost 150 years ago.

If I was Silva I'd be a little concerned whether players like Schneiderlin and Davies really have a vested interest in going all out to save him from ignominy. His team selection is going to be interesting on so many levels. And while I am not suggesting that any of our squad would stop short of giving their all for the team/club, I am not sure who we will have on the pitch tomorrow with the fire in their belly to go above and beyond for Silva. I haven't seen it so far, and I don't expect to see it tomorrow either.

That's a top gesture by any standard.

I hope we either go for a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2.

Defence picks itself for both (although I would replace Keane with Holgate as he looks shot of confidence).

4-3-3
Schniederlin, Gomes and Davies in the midfield with Richarlison, Iwobi and Kean up front.

4-4-2
Richarlison, Davies, Gomes and Bernard in midfield with DCL and Kean up front.

Either would be a statement of intent.

4-3-3 would allow Richarlison and Iwobi to be more direct inside forwards, like what Liverpool and City do.

4-4-2 would hopefully allow space for Kean to play off DCL. I would play Bernard here as he is more disciplined defensively.

Trump isn't running at the weekend, possibly Exeter on Tuesday.

I don't care who's playing tomorrow, as long as he uses the pace in the team and has them playing with purpose.

We're in the bottom three. We're in disarray. We could have the kindest, most thoughtful group of professionals ever to be assembled at a football club, but I will predominantly judge them on their ability to do their jobs on the field, and unfortunately that is where a lot of our current squad are failing. I'm angry and I'm frustrated, and that isn't going to be dissipated because Morgan Schneiderlin is a decent human being.

That's your confirmation bias kicking in. You've been up there too long mate. Try a drop of Irish single pot
Disappointing news about GT as I'd accumulated a nice little war chest today. . It'll keep

Mike

Always happy to try a rum which is new to me. Not sure I can get it over here, but I'll keep an eye out for it.

I wonder what others have lined up as a pre game game plan for tomorrow ?

I'd go for. Cigarettes and whiskey and wild wild women. . cept the Cigarettes would fuck my breathing up. the whiskey would do my memory in and a wild, wild woman would probably be the fucking death of me

On a scale which ranges from "Really tough call" to "total no brainer" where does that one lie ?

Sorry guys. I started early today

Danny, It was one of the reasons why Barca sold Gomez, he slowed play down and didn't have that zip or energy you've mentioned.

He certainly lost form and played badly that season before recovering at the end of the season. He then started ok last season with that precise pass for Walcotts goal in the Southampton win before losing form (and maybe his head) following the death of his father and the (with hindsight) bad decision to play him against West Ham. He then got back in the side at the end of the season and has been improving ever since. Few bad games here and there, but right now he’s playing as well as he’s ever done for us.

He might be limited. He might have a languid style that makes him look like he’s not trying, but he’s far from our worst player.

As Lyndon says above, there’s no one else to play but him. Gbamin should take his place, but that’s unlikely this season with the surgery. Delph can in certain games, but tomorrow is not one of them. We need someone to sit in against West Ham and their abundance of talent in the attacking third.

I like Kevin’s 433 and would like to see us use some pace as West Ham look vulnerable on the counter and lack pace at the back. Sigurdsson might find it easier if noble plays, but I’d like to see us breaking from deep and hitting them with fast, direct passing on the counter. I also think that we can press West Ham high up the pitch with their tendency to play out from the back.

This is a very winnable game. They’re a good side, probably the 8th best side in the league now we’ve plummeted. But they have weaknesses to exploit and we will beat them if we play well.

Happy to admit I'm going native in lots of aspects. It's a good research project checking out these whiskies! What's your favourite Irish one?

How this club could spend £450 million on player purchases in 4 years, and be going backwards is a sad indictment on the staff we employ. And what you can rely on with this club that when Siva and Brands depart they will be replaced with more dross.

Tennants is what's drunk by those folk who hang around subways over here and are one step away from graduating to methylated spirits.

There have been numerous times when he has let himself down and gone missing like many others in the team.

All the players would benefit from stability and simplicity. That will give them a chance to gel, a chance they haven't been allowed to take so far.

Great gesture by Schniederlin by the way, and probably shows how much the death of his own father affected him, but I’d honestly prefer it if he was sitting in the stands next to his guests tomorrow afternoon.

Perfect for an after match tinkle after watching the Blues give us the blues every week..

Buckfast is the 'gets you there' drink up here. Fortified tonic wine made by monks. When you drink it/chew it, you realise why monks are so quiet.

Nothing beats poteen, though. I remember buying some round the back of a pub on the outskirts of Dublin. The bloke gave me a rope and said 'you'll be needing that when you've finished the bottle!'

Tennants Super is 9% proof, in the eighties I had 4 cans in my student flat [why?] and wrote a garbled letter to Mr Howard Kendall, Bellefield. Amazingly the great man didn't write back. Thinking back , it was 1991 after that 4-4 match , very emotional after us equalising 4 times and precipitating Liverpool sacking a manager.

The reality is central heating inhibitor is probably better for you than tennants super

You'll pick a bottle of 12 year old up for about 40 quid on Amazon. Gets an awful lot more expensive for the really high end stuff. As always. You get what you pay for.

Tony A.

Fair enough mate. The no-brainer it is then

I once had half glass of Potcheen (and you definitely cannot buy this stuff a your local supermarket), I can't begin to describe what that stuff did to me.

I drank it at my mates house just at half a mile from mine and nearly never made it home.

I would have Tosun and DCL up front and bring Kean on for impact.

In my view Tosun is our best clinical finisher and would thrive if he had someone along side him.

Regardless.. I would sack Silva.

No Steve, I haven't seen him at his best yet.

I have to say though he looks like a class act, he seems to have a lot of composure. He his I have to say worth what we paid and I hope under the right conditions a fair bit more.

Regarding Red Breast, I have a close Irish friend who loves Single Pot Still Irish whiskey. Years ago I brought him a bottle of the 15-year Red Breast for his birthday and we had a lovely, lovely evening with it.

I admitted he hadn't been as bad as Siggy and even ok by his standards but I would not play him though I am pretty sure Silva will. Tom or even Beni worth a try before him!

If my post was misleading then I apologise but I certainly don't want to be tarred with that particular brush!!

What a fantastic gesture and act by Schneiderlin.

Cosmic juju tells me he'll play, and play a blinder tomorrow. Good deeds work their way into everything.

Regarding the drinks, and Mike Gaynes in particular, I love beer. Love it. BUT! At the ripe old age of 50 now, it keeps me up at night, peeing at least twice, and my belly can become unsettled. Lovely thoughts.. . . I drink a lot of the vino now. Love wine. Love it.

And when I'm going all out, I drink Bushmills for my mate Steve Ashcroft. Used to only pick the Irish stuff, now will only drink the Bushmills. It's solid. When I pull it out of the cabinet, I usually announce to my Mrs., "Switching to the Brown!"

She knows she's in for it. The hard stuff makes me think I'm 20 again, and I act age-inappropriate. Probably why I love it so much.

If Marco doesn't start Kean, and if we go 1-0 down and he puts him out there at the 75th minute, praying a 19 year old can change our fortunes and placing stupid pressure on the kid, I'm going to throw whatever drink I have in my hand through the TV.

And in an honest moment, at 7:30 a.m., that drink will undoubtedly be coffee.

Marvellous stuff, it's just a pity you can't remember you had a good time!

Have you had Japanese Sake?

I once went to a party where some Japanese turned up with a genuine high strength version of it, they even brought tiny little white pottery bowls that it's should be drunk from.

It tasted to me like sweetened water and I put it away like there was no tomorrow. Some three hours later I attempted to stand up from my seated position on the floor, this was another one of those Potcheen moments, but the strange thing is I was fully aware of what I was doing and what was going on around me, but I just couldn't control my legs.

I was an embarrassment to those who invited me.

If it's anything like our American Moonshine, it's like drinking jet fuel.

And it certifiably messes you up.

How to ruin your reputation and lose your friends in under an hour?
Potcheen.

I have to try it.

You are usually so measured but I can sense the desperation in your words - a preferred line - up ?!

This is not a criticism by the way, far from it. This preview was excellent as usual, but there is no disguising how fed up you are.

I dread these early kick offs. The ground is always like a morgue. God forbid we go behind tomorrow.

Good luck blues.
Onward Evertonians. 💙

Yeah they make it from potatoes or at least my relatives in county Wexford do. May be mistaken but I believe Moonshine was developed using similar techniques by Irish immigrants in Kentucky.

If you do try it, if it's your first time just make sure that you're handcuffed to your bed, this is where you can safely pass out and a kind soul to watch over you would also be helpful.

We'd done our then-customary pub crawl down Great Portland Street, before stopping for a 'last one' at the Baker & Oven right by Baker Street tube. It was full of blues and we were drinking with these navy guys stationed in Portsmouth where I lived at the time. They had this wine they'd brewed in the officers' mess. We swilled it. Oh dear.

All I remember is falling over backwards on Wembley Way - it took ages to land on my back and longer to get up. I could remember us scoring and keeping the ball for five minutes near the end of the game. On the train back to Oxford, someone asked us who scored - neither of us could remember. It was only watching the highlights in the pub that we remembered it was a Grobbelaar own goal.

As we regularly said in the 1980s, what a day that was!
Apparently.

Quite a lot of drinky - poos experience on this thread.

And there was me thinking that only I was a partial to a tipple or 2 when our team had upset me.

Yammas.

You're 100% correct. The American Moonshine came from the Irish settlers, and was a southern thing to be sure. The Moonshine I think started in Kentucky, but has a ton of roots in Tennessee. But Tennessee is known for their whiskey, also from Irish settlers.

Kentucky and the deep south have their bourbon.

A proper Southern man only drinks bourbon. He also eats grits, addresses all women as "Ma'am", and knows his manners. He also owns multiple firearms. I've no problem in the least with any of that. The Southern man also overwhelmingly supports Donald Trump. This is where myself and the Southern man part ways.

Make of that what you will. ;0)

Anyway, the team tomorrow will have Schniederlin and Walcott in it, will be set up 4231, will use zonal marking to defend set pieces and will lose. I wish I was wrong. Marco will spout some pish about the moment, confidence and decision making.

Utter fraud.

Duly noted. I hope you like strange knocks at your door.

Moshiri will be relieved, I'm sure.

I also keep a bottle of cloudy stuffy handy for my brother when he visits at Christmas - he's a Liverpool fan

Are you being serious?

Regardless of the result tomorrow he’s got to go!!!

I’m not sure Silva has a plan A let alone a plan B.

By comparing it to Moonshine, you are definitely in the right post code.

I've always been involved in transport. from driving wagons to distribution management to CPC training. There was a period when Potcheen / potine / "Irish gear" was actual currency. Not quite legal tender, but seemingly more powerful than your dollar or our pound.

Irish wagon drivers had very little respect for English law back in the day – which meant they felt right at home in Liverpool.

Irish HGV driver waving what could easily be a container of anti-freeze - "Look guys. I need to make that boat." The deal would be struck within seconds.

DUP and the British government – look and learn. You only need to ask the Irish wagon drivers. They circumnavigated your problems 30 years ago

Pickford,
Sibibe, Keane, Mina, Digne,
Davies, Sigurdsson, Gomes,
Richarlison, Kean, Iwobi.

Job's a good 'un; 2-0 to the Blues.

I think your infatuation with Sigurdsson is going a touch too far there! I am not an admirer of Sigurdsson at all but, if he were playing well, scoring and creating chances, then he would have earned his place. As he is doing none of that, he shouldn't be in the team in my opinion.

So how could he possibly play a role he has never been in before, yet Bernard could not?

I don't believe Bernard could play the #10 because he lacks the passing creativity and the interest -- naturally gravitates to the touchline and generally avoids the middle of the pitch.

I believe Siggy could play DM because he has all the requisite passing skills and the obvious interest and capability in defending, because he does it all day long. He tracks back with great energy and solid fundamentals, which Schneiderlin lacks.

But if you really dislike Siggy so much that you think Schneids is part of our best 11 and not Siggy, then I'd say your obsession is more than comparable to my infatuation.

One of the funniest things I've read on TW.

My prediction is that we'll lose 2-0 and be looking for a new manager on Monday.

One of the few pleasures of getting on a bit is having a glass of brandy (by mouth) and realizing that doing nothing is one of life's pleasures.

I am uptight about tomorrow, though. Big day in so many ways.

Pickford
Sidibe Keane Mina Digne
Gomes Delph Bernard
Kean Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

Subs: Lössl, Holgate, Davies, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Tosun, Gordon.

Of course, some vodkas taste so terrible that it might be a viable alternative. But it doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun.

Do not drink it with a lit cigarette in the room.

We called them "upside-down shots".

Turn over the shot glass, and most have a shallow well at the bottom. Fill said shallow well, with shot glass upside down, with whatever is your choice of drink.

Proceed to snort the stuff up through your nasal cavity and down your throat.

I did a lot of upside-down shots back in the day. I don't advise trying them.

Spoons. pfft! 🥴

Delph has not yet been ruled out but is a doubt, his injury record was an issue before we brought him in. If he’s even slightly doubtful, to pick him in game of this magnitude is folly. To see him limp off after 10mins would be has massive misstep.
Moreover to pick Schniederlin would be doubly so. He has never stepped up at Everton under duress. Sent off already this season mostly due to petulance, two reckless tackles against Bournemouth and City. All signs are he’s simply isn’t disciplined enough, when we need him to be.
If anticipated Silva sticks and doesn’t twist Davies and Gomes are brave enough to be the two. Both possess more mobility and will attempt positive passes to get the ball to our most dangerous players.
He may ring the changes if not the formation.

Here’s what I think would give us the best chance under the 4-2-3-1

Pickford
Sidibe Keane Mina Digne
Gomes Davies
Richarlison Iwobi Bernard
Kean

It's time to toughen up and be decisive and choose a team that will work for you - - if they cnnot do that - -- or don't wish to - - - then Silva is finished.

Gone Gone Gone Beyond
Gone Completely Beyond
Gone Gone Gone Beyond
Gone Completely Beyond
Gone Gone Gone Beyond
Gone Completely Beyond
Gone Gone Gone Beyond
Gone Completely Beyond

I am sitting here in New Brighton close to the window in my top writing room - - thinking about being a Blue and Fellow Blues - - as always I send Cosmic Blue thoughts and grooves all the way through the air to my Fellow Believers and sufferers.

Your friend - - with a firm handshake - - George

Certainly don't see Sigurddson in that defensive midfield role as he also can't tackle. He doesn't deserve to be in the team either and Silva should play Iwobi in the number ten role.

Throughout all this footballing torture and metronomic disappointment the cosmic grooves of love for our club are undimmed. When I close my eyes I can still see them, they are there, strong and full of the fans love of Everton. A timeless energy that we are privileged to be able to tap into. We will find our way eventually through this dark forest of poor form. One way or another.

Handshake returned.

Oh there is blessing in this gentle breeze
That blows from the green fields and from the clouds
And from the sky: it beats against my cheek
And seems half-conscious of the joy it gives
Oh welcome Messenger. O welcome Friend.

The noise picked up little by little, so did the teams attitude, tackles were harder and successful, passes were connecting, any faults were overlooked, we got a goal back and the noise, from a small crowd was deafening and we eventually won 2-1, Mark Ward scored a penalty but don’t remember if that was the winner or not.

What I do remember is the crowd took over and upped the team’s performance, lifted them up and turned a very likely loss into a very welcome and needed victory.

That’s what is needed today, Darren Hind summed it up the other day in a less long winded way than I have just wrote, the players need us behind them today during the game, every second of it.

Don’t blame today, fuck the mistakes, cheer us on to a win and let’s go home with a smile on our faces ready to enjoy the rest of the weekend. A big handshake back George and good luck with your 4-0 bet.

A lot will hinge on his team selection I believe today, if he sticks with the usual, apart from Sidibe in for Seamus, I can't see us getting anything out of this at all. When has he ever been bold and surprised us with his team selection and tactics?

Pickford
Sidibe Keane Mina Digne
Walcott Davies Gomes Bernard
Calvert-Lewin Kean

Controversial, I know, but think Walcott is better-suited to a traditional winger role. He could also swap out Bernard or one of the front two for Richarlison.

I personally think we have the personnel for 3-4-3:

Pickford
Sidibe Keane Mina
Holgate Davies Gomes Digne
Richarlison Kean Iwobi

I think that we really need to go for something different, used the static 4-2-3-1 for too long and it's doesn't seem to have suited any of the managers or players that have used it, bar a short period under Martinez or Koeman.

It's been said a million times that Sigurdsson should be dropped. Let's see. He's been out of form for a while and missed a penalty with Iceland over the International break. Iwobi should be given a chance at No 10.

Wonder if we'll see a huge shock with Walcott up front? It was planned for the City game so maybe he'll try again.

Every game is a tough one when the goals won't come even though there are people in the team who can score.

They need a good win to maybe turn the corner but I think Silva is running out of options and time.

It seemed like we just had to pop a half decent striker in there and we would finally be off to the elusive promised land of the top four. But let’s face it although we brought in some great talent we also lost our most vital players from last season in Gana and Zouma and the at this point there simply is not enough depth in the squad to withstand their absence the goal scoring is now worse than last season just by the cumulative effect of a general lack of service.

Marco Silva imho is a decent coach who like most of his predecessors is an abysmal public relations person. Should he be fired. Absolutely not. Let’s just work on the basic things and stop shoe horning decent players into situations where they have little chance of success. We still have the same nucleus of players that we had high hopes for just eight games ago. We also still have a gaping hole in the middle of our defense, a massive Gana sized gap in the midfield and then there is still that Lukaku thing that we never really dealt with!

Cheer up lads. Three points today and the club begins to look like it had a clue and it will at least begin to feel a little different. Patience.