Everton vs Arsenal

Overall though, Chelsea had more quality on show, and so did Leicester. These two teams were brimming with confidence too. I think the key to this game is our attitude, if we approach it with he same uncompromising and physical approach Arsenal are ripe to be picked off. Their defence is now vulnerable especially with their suspensions and we have plenty of threat both from open play and set pieces. There are a couple of goals for us to be had, at least.

For me the team stays the same as started Leicester apart from Allan's replacement. Gomes or Tom Davies? Carlo seems to trust Gomes more but will need to get more out of him if selected.

The manager has got 10% more out of Sigurdsson these last two matches who is a bit quicker, a bit more alert, closing down better, reading the game a bit better, passing better his reactions are a bit better. All this is making him more confident too and like he is enjoying his football again. It's fine tuning so credit to the training staff and Siggy.

If the manager and training team can get a bit more of that out of Gomes it will be like having a new midfielder.

We really need Andre Gomes to start stepping up here, not sure what he's offering both defensively and offensively, i'd be inclined to go with Davies alongside Dourcoure. Davies can sit deep and keep it simple, whilst giving Dourcoure the license to get further forward.

Leave Coleman and Rodriguez on the bench if both are fit. I think our back four look very solid right now with the inclusion of Godfrey and Holgate playing in the fullback areas. We know will return in goal.

His use wide has placed the full-backs under continual pressure so is clear we cannot expect him to defend with any effectiveness. His only option is centre midfield as No10, but I suspect this is going to be done as a mid game tactical switch rather than starting line up..

Arsenal are struggling but the adage of Keep it tight and nick one hold true for the blues at this point, the end justifies the means..

I have to agree with Christine, regarding DCL, I dislike the approach that's yielded 6pts, it's noticeable Dom has had to create things himself. He's red hot, and we need him to stay that way. We will have more of the ball in this and the Sheffield game, time to be more attacking a play to a clear strength.

Against Arsenal, I'd be minded to stick with the same team we've been using. We'll miss Allan whatever we do. We just have to hopefully that Gomes (probably) starts to up his game.

If the game opens up or we need a goal then Rodriguez may be needed. But I don't like him + Sigurdsson + Gomes at the same time because we're too easily outrun.

This is the climate you need - nobody should be guaranteed a place in the side whether you're the stalwart captain or Colombian superstar.

Everyone should have to earn their shirt! On the Allan replacement I'd go for Davies.

Managers can make a big difference, negatively or positively, in such situations. There might only be so long that some of our lot can perform at the current level; conversely only so long that Arsenal can continue to perform so badly.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a draw. A battle of form and a battle of managers.

COYFB!!!!!

However, the noticeable thing about successful sides is the lack of sentimentality in their team selection.

They evolve and somehow manage to replace loved and admired stalwarts with new player that soon garner the same affection from the fans.

I am not saying, for a moment that Seamus should not play for Everton again, nor that other changes and injuries will not force the manager's hand to swap around players so that it becomes an imperative that Seamus is included.

What I do believe is that, by luck, judgment, or injury, we have discovered a playing system that has tightened our defence and has got us two wins against sides that are being lauded as "Champion's League Contenders".

So, for now, let us please apply the old adage that "if it's not broken, don't fix it" and see where this new formation can take us over the next few weeks - subject once again, of course, to possible changes forced by injuries.

As always of course we want a win, but beware of the wounded tiger, is the watchword, but I don't think Carlo will allow that mindset to prevail and those chosen will be focussed on the job in hand.

We all love Mikel, but as long as any upturn in his fortunes come after this match, I think we will all be happy.

Seriously, spot on, let's twat them!

Olsen (Pickford)
Coleman
Holgate
Godfery
Digne
Richarlison
Allen
Dacoure
Iwobi ( Gordon)
Siggy (Rodriguez) (Gomez)
DCL

I would play Holdgate as DM and put either Coleman if fit or Jjk in at full back.

What has happened to the Rolls Royce that was Andre Gomes pre injury. Mentally that injury must have knocked him. He looks a shadow of the player.

My concern over the many games coming up is just one striker (DCL) playing all games he may burn out. Tosun unfortunately isn't an Option. Does anyone know if Simms could be considered for the bench?

Arsenal have been poor, very poor recently. But they got a goal, their main man scored, and a good result considering they played with 10 men against a Southampton that torn us to shreds. They could well use that as a platform. So we'd be stupid to underestimate.

For that reason we should stick with the same back 4 frustrating Aubamayang is key to winning the game. This defence managed to do the same to Werner, then Vardy, so same again. Coleman on the bench would provide good options if we need to up the attacking impetus.

Davies in the middle for Allan, with Doucoure resuming his role as defensive mid.

James on the bench would be good too.

3-2 to Everton. DCL double and Keane.

My vote would be for a 'soft' return for Carlo's favourite duo on the bench and start with the line-up including Gomes in midfield.

On current form we should win this game. The players are just buzzing and they seem a close bunch, l'm liking the attitude. If we can keep this run going through the new year that should see us very close to the top four and excitedly looking at the second half of the fixtures.

Pickford,
Coleman, Mina, Keane, Godfrey,
Doucoure, Holgate
Iwobi Sigurdsson Richy
Calvert Lewin

Gomes is an especially poor replacement for Allan as he is so slow and poor defensively. He is also a liability in giving away fouls as we almost found out again on Wednesday.

For me I think Davies has to come in. He's not a massive upgrade on Gomes and is less careful with the ball but is better defensively and dribbled past about half as much. I don't think either Holgate or Godfrey should play there but I guess its an option; probably more likely to be Godfrey who is quicker and has at least played a whole season in that position for Shrewsbury whereas I think Holgate has only played 90 minutes there.

It's going to be a tough match but I think we have to maintain the lower block and trying to hit on the counter. Hope the likes of Richarlison, DCL and Iwobi who have done alot of running in the last week have got enough left in the tank.

I hope Davis or Holgate will replace Allen. Siggy or james to play behind DCL who is being isolated over the past number of games.

No food inside GP.

As for Coleman, no-one is guaranteed a start, which is as it should be.

(ie: "here's a knife and fork sir, for the pie that'll never arrive")

Anyone know if the Winslow is doing food, is a classic though!

Pickford
Coleman Mina Keane Godfrey
Doucoure Holgate
Iwobi Siggy Richarlison
Tosun

Subs: Olsen, Kenny, Davies, Gomes, Bernard, Gordon, Nkounkou

So... would anybody here feel bad if our win tomorrow cost our old friend Arteta his job?

Eating food in a bar is normal. Having a beer and some fries is not a bad thing.

People who oppose that notion are idiots.

Do I have this right? #'Merica.

“Excuse me stewardess, I think I can help, I speak Jive.”

That's how I feel reading TW sometimes.

Get an early goal and I don't see this arsenal team having the fight to get back in it.

Tell me how many of those references you understand. For me it was probably about 40%.

No!

I have been a critic and I think its deserved but i'd still give him that chance and hope he'd be up for the challenge.

I'm familiar with all the pubs named but good to have a bit of insight re Covid rules/food etc.

Worked for my team anyway!!

Will miss that chippy when we move to Bramley Moore.

Arsenal have a good squad of players but are having a poor run and we hope it doesn't come to an end just yet but Arteta' s position is under scrutiny I'm sure.

As a young boy in a family network that ran chippies and take aways while I was at school, I do miss the old fish chips and curry with loads of salt and vinegar, a sausage chips and gravy, or a special fried rice. (Not sure if this makes any sense to overseas friends :) )

Living in London, there's no-where in sight to get a good fish and chips unless it's some swanky bar in the centre.

Ah well, living the dream through this thread.

Arsenal are still a good team and in the likes of Aubemayang, Pepe, Saka, Nketiah, Tierney etc they have some serious pace. Quick players breaking at speed against Andre Gomes and Gylfi Sigurdsson is a nightmare.

For me keep/the same approach as v Leicester and Chelsea, and take every chance. Don't stand off and get into their defence.

I reckon the same team that finished Wednesday will start, but I'd prefer Tom over, Andres Gomes whom has a chance to make a mark, and put in a full shift, if he's picked, but it remains to be seen.

Siggy and Gomes starting, is dangerous as I've said in previous threads it's at times, been line being down to x9 players, when both start.

But Everton, with true grit and spirit can stick one up the Arsenal tomorrow.

Great to do a 6-1, like we done when Don Howe was in charge all them years ago, in 1985.

Seriously a win and a good performance to take Everton, into next Wednesday, and beat Manure.

Richarlison and DCL, and Siggy to score, tomorrow, and let's hope some other players get on the score sheet, and spread the goals around.

Win tomorrow and we stand a really good chance of being in the top 4, maybe even the top 2 or 3 by the end of Boxing Day.

Win against United and we are in the semi with a good shot at silverware.

Ideally we win both but if you had to choose?!

Talking about prioritising matches, just read Roberto Martinez saying he placed too much emphasis on the Merseyside Derby prior to the semi-final with Manchester United in 2016. That was prioritising was it Roberto? A 4-0 hammering

So me personally, we can make dropped points up, lose weds and that's it for one cup.

I'm one of the older generation so had my share of success, it would be nice to win a trophy for the younger generation of fans.

Both are massive games in context and win tomorrow gives us momentum, like in 1984, and on to good times.

Beat Man Utd and break their aura of away match invincibility, and we are in a semi-final.

No pressure, but Everton are in good form, so why not win both games?

What is that all about, no gravy south of Watford.

I wasn't lucky enough to get drawn out of the ballot for the Chelsea game but tomorrow can't come quick enough for me now.

Just to echo the sentiments of some other posters, why on earth would you even consider changing our defence tomorrow? Captain or not, Seamus is gonna have to wait I'm afraid.

Full support, Blues, and Onward Evertonians, onwards to the Lower Gwladys! 💙💪🏼

Silverware would be lovely but the Carabao Cup won't earn us the benefits that being a Champions League side would. The attraction would be enhanced in a big way if we could breach that closed shop.

I hope we pile the pressure on Arteta. With how inconsistent we are though I can see us losing this.

I hate Arsenal.

Olsen
Holgate Mina Keane Godfre
Davies Doucouré Sigurdsson
Iowbi Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

An Everton with Olsen in goal makes the team more secure defensively.

The back four picks itself on the same basis of also making the Everton more secure defensively. Arsenal will be no slouches tomorrow.

Davies (not Gomes) is the one who should replace Allan in midfield because he is less likely to give away foolish free-kicks or the odd penalty here or there.

Upfront picks itself; that's the best Everton have.

Ancelotti will need a creative player to open them up. Both Sigurdsson and Gomes are not good enough and a gift to the Arsenal defense. Richarlison is easily managed by Arsenal channelling his play.

This will be an interesting game and Arsenal are a barometer of how Everton are progressing.

Beside, I've despised Man Utd for longer than I've been a Blue. Before I was recruited by Sheedy in '85, my favorite English club was whoever Man Utd was playing that day.

The top 4 generally win the silverware anyway and the Champions League helps you keep players.

Long term, I'd take the Champions League status all day.

I know a Wigan fan, and I asked him when they got relegated if he would have rather stayed in the Premier League or won the FA Cup? Straight away he said, "Win the Cup!"

It couldn't be more obvious. We win a cup this season I am delighted but even that is a big ask and it will scare the big clubs and they will want our players.

Of course, that will happen if we get into the top 4 but then you can pay bigger wages and attract quality.

To be successful it is the only way forward as far as I can see.

Theres nothing wrong with your hunger for a trophy either by the way.

Obviously the Wigan fan would have preferred that one trophy in his lifetime. I am not really up for that.

At Everton, he would be as good as Naismith: pretty good but not good enough. Never starting, seldom playing. He's their hero now at Norwich so that's it.

The ultimate goal for the club has to be that it is a serious challenger for the top 4 every season, so it's the league that matters most. Anything less is not good enough. As Paul above says, all else follows... and yes, why not pick up a cup on the way?

We were poor but we never had to suffer a margarine butty with sugar like some of our neighbours who we called scruffs!

I bet our American cousins can't decipher that one.

Maybe not too privileged though, I thought scallops were slices of potato deep fried until I was about 16.

Top 4 hope for me. A cup win would be great but I'd much rather Carlo took us to the Top 4 in his first full season rather than won the lottery of a cup competition. So win against Arsenal!

Would love to beat Arsenal. My least favourite team other than that lot. We've got to get into them, press them and hit on the counter.

I understand the Wigan fan but Everton and Wigan light years apart in terms of Wigan were always (like Oldham years ago) destined to drop back down the leagues.

I think we've shown for years now that we perform better against teams that attack us, whilst often stuttering against those whose only ambition is to hit us on the break.

If Seamus is properly recovered then I like the idea of trying Holgate as the more defensive CDM with Doucouré being box to box (now he seems to have got his mojo back) and either Gomes or Sigurdsson in the number 10 role.

Personally I think Gomes has had some better performances lately but chasing back and recovery tackling will never be his strong suit so we shouldn't be reliant on that. I don't see the Arsenal midfield as being particularly mobile or physically dominant so I think Sigurdsson or Gomes shouldn't be overrun and their creativity can be an important factor in this sort of match-up.

I'm hoping Arsenal will come with a swagger and a superior attitude and actually dread them turning up looking like a lame duck and hitting us with a sucker punch (or two)!

If Mikel loses his current job as a consequence of an Everton victory then so be it (may as well hope for an absolute drubbing). It would just give him the opportunity to drop a level, get some experience at managing / coaching a more ‘average' team (compared to Man City or Arsenal), and so be better prepared to take over the reins when Carlo decides to retire in 5 years time after winning a few cups and getting us into the top 4 three years in a row.

I still have the high and low of last years quarter-final against Leicester, I still have Hanson's no handball final, and Terry Darrocott watching the ball bounce past him for Villa to score a late extra-time winner at Old Trafford, in the second replay final.

It is time Lady Luck was on our side. I can only recall the Oxford game, where we took advantage for this competition, so I can lay the ghosts to rest.

We simply have to get stuck in from the off and not give them any space whatsoever. In their faces from the word go and give them a truly torrid time – like they get whenever they visit the red shite. Now it's our turn. COYBB

I am afraid Dominic Calvert-Lewin will have to continue and wait a while until the transfer window is open in January. But Ancelotti shouldn't wait too long to find those strikers because Everton are lacking strikers now, if Everton are going to make an impact on the league in 2021.

I agree with you regarding Holgate and Colmean. This would keep the desired Gomes more forward in his play. He would be man-marked to keep under pressure though. Sigurdsson is easily pushed to pass sideways, which will suit Arsenal all day long, aiding their channelling tactics.

What I mean by 'channelling' is pushing the player into difficult shooting positions, which can be easily saved, and cutting out final-third passes. Arteta may be the Manager, but there are a few old Arsenal backroom pros who can get this across to defenders. It's an easy sell. So, in a way, I agree with Sam #41 regarding Gomes and Sigurdsson against Arsenal.

The way to break Arsenal down is to turn them by switching play and vary pass delivery from crosses to central interplay. Rodriguez would be ideal if fit, but Holgate has good distribution and, if Keane can get forward a bit, he is not too bad either. I would like to see Gordon play to give them something to think about. . .

Doucoure actually plays better without Allan, which is difficult to work out. He got forward more than Sigurdsson.

There is no way Aretata can risk open play. I expect him to try to play as Liverpool did. The sods set up shop and tried to turn Everton defenders with long balls. They also used dirty tactics with their targeting of players. They were incredibly bare-faced about it, with the media bandwagon's help. Arsenal will not want red cards, which is a good thing.

It will be very interesting how Ancelotti plays this one, Arteta, a good Everton servant, is way over his head at Arsenal, unfortunately, and probably will sink without trace. An up-and-coming manager, imo, who will never darken the door of Everton, as Moshiri has learn't. Arsenal are about to learn the same lesson.

Ah, yes, takeaways, nothing ever beat the chicken and sausage dinner from the Chinese at the top of Dacre Hill in Rock Ferry, gone now but never forgotten! No knives or forks, just fingers... lol

Anyway, let's have these tomorrow and watch them loons on Arsenal TV finally have a breakdown. They are really comical. Coyb

Arsenal are stuttering but have enough basic class to worry us if they apply themselves... all depends which Arsenal turns up.

And which Everton.

Takeways: coming out of the Beachcomber, Babaloo, Pink Parrot or the Blue Angel at 2 o'clock in the morning the 60s... Chicken Chop Suey and Chips, tasted marvelous, tasted like no chicken I ever tasted before or since. But that might just be me being catty... meow.

So many cats, so few recipes.

The inquisitions when you got back home after a win, some 12 or so hours after the match had finished. "Well, we had to queue up to get in (it went into extra time), queue up for a pint, then queue up for the chippy, before you know it!" Just as the frying pan was about to be introduced to the back of your head.

Yes, there was nothing quite like a good old matchday 'outing' – especially with a win thrown in. Somehow, I don't feel as confident as I did before the Chelsea or Leicester games, I just hope I am so wrong on that though.

Hopefully not too much tinkering with the team apart from accommodating the enforced change for Allan's berth. Let's hope the lads who are going give a rousing welcome when the team emerges from the tunnel.

I'm sure it must lift the players when they come out to that, even though there will be significantly reduced numbers. According to the weather forecast, it will be 'dry' but we all know how accurate those reports can be.

COYB

I'd like to see Anthony Gordon play in this game! Otherwise – same as, same as!

Arterta is under pressure, seeking to claim credit for behind-the-scenes improvements. It will be an Arsenal set up to defend and counter attack. Ancelotti could make changes up front just to mix it up a bit, with the benefit of rotation of the squad, which he has indicated as being necessary.

I doubt it will be the same team selection or formation as the previous two games. I have a feeling that Gordon will play and Richarlison will be rested. Bernard may play instead of Sigurdsson and Coleman will play to free up Holgate. Mina may be also rested. Ideally, Rodriguez would play, but Gomes will probably get the nod.

Ancelotti is more likely to take risks against Arsenal where he knows an under-pressure Arteta is more likely to try to play defensive, rather than the attacking way he would like.

Some will argue that the system we are now using is "not attractive"... Fair shout. But again, Who gives a fuck? The harder we become to beat, the greater the belief the players will have. Confident players will play attractive football. I haven't seen tactics, or a system yet, which couldn't be played with a swagger. We must continue to pay this way.

The bookies have become accustomed to taking Evertonian money down the years. Not recently though. They have been sticking their chins out uncharacteristically far by offering generous odds. And I know many a blue who has landed a couple of hefty blows.

Unsurprisingly, the 7/2 on offer last week has shrunken to a miserly 6/4 this week. It would be easy to run away with the idea that this is an easier task. I don't believe it is.

Like Chelsea, Arsenal have some very talented individuals within their ranks who can hurt you even when things are not going well for them. The shrunken odds is more down to the way we have been playing.

I expect a similar game to last week... and an identical result.

Everton to keep the same focus and team work, and be clinical in front of goal, and get into Arsenal, and no sentiment for the “Best Little Spaniard, we know”.

Our defence is solid and the forward line of Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Richarlison & Calvert-Lewin will create chances. I think Calvert-Lewin will have a field day against their centre-halves.

I've no sympathy for Arteta either. Lost all respect when he kissed the Arsenal badge. Hope we stuff them and he is getting schooled by Ancelotti.

Silva's downfall, was believing that the same system that works against the likes of Chelsea and Leicester, would also work against sides like Burnley and Newcastle.

Ancelotti must be tactically aware going forward and realise that he can't persist with this against teams who park the bus against us.

I really believe Allan is gonna be a massive loss for us; that said, Gabriel is missing for them, so hopefully Calvert-Lewin can cash in. If you'd have said to me we would garner 7 points from the next 3 games prior to Chelsea, I'd have snapped your hand off.

Let's hope they've downed tools on the manager and we can turn the screw even more. Massive game if we want to keep within touching distance of top 4. It's just I've got a nasty feeling about this... Hope I'm wrong come 7:30 tonight.

I would have Holgate pushed up into midfield to fill that gap, and Seamus coming back in at right back.

Don't know how lucky they were, all we had was a sprinkling of castor sugar between two pieces of cardboard.

2- 0 to Everton by the way.

Losing Allan is a big blow, with Holgate being an obvious candidate to step in. And for any other game i'd go with that view, but let's just snuff out their danger man today. 1-0 could be enough today.

For what it's worth I think the boss will go with Tom Davies in the centre as he has a slight edge on workrate. Gomes has struggled, but for me Tom just doesn't show any qualities that demonstrate he is a midfielder capable of playing in a decent Premier league side. No pace, no creativity, hit or miss defensively, and coughs up possession in dangerous positions. But what do I know compared to Anchelotti.

Pickford
Holgate
Godfrey
Keane
Mina

Doucoure
Gomes
Sigurdsson

Iwobi
Calvert Lewin
Richarlison

10-30 this morning
The Big match Revisited

Everton v Fulham 1975 FA Cup

ITV4

My ignorance lasted until I was 9 and was sent on a "help an impoverished Irish war child" trip to New Bedford..

Was delighted to be offered the classic west Belfast treat scallops.. my hosts were less than impressed with my "what the fuck is that".. when presented with these white slimy things..

As for today.. watched Arsenal against Spurs and they were superb, despite the loss. This will be a difficult one but I think Gomes will step up. The rest of the team shouldnt be touched.

This could backfire but this one was doing the rounds on WhatsApp...

There are some horrible bastards about. Last night I heard a cat screaming outside. I went out to investigate & there were 4 blokes in Arsenal shirts playing football with a cat! I ran back inside to get my phone to call the RSCA but by the time I got back the cat was 2 up.

Arteta's current philosophy is to (weirdly) bang as many crosses in as possible despite not having anyone capable of getting on the end of them so I can see us pushing them out wide at every opportunity which our 4 CBs shouldn't have a problem with.

Arsenal are still dangerous though. This is exactly the type of team we could slip up against after the last 2 weekend results.

On the off-chance you read this, enjoy the game!!

Happy for you both, have a great day and be the voice of 39,000 Blues lifting the team.

Coming back to Paul the Esk's excellent analysis, we do need to be careful with this sort of recruitment. Glamorous as it is, the wage bill is already unsustainable.

Not sure whether Deli Ali would be a good acquisition or not, Isco would be good but wages and the 'could he flourish regularly in the Premiership'? come to mind.

From what I've read and seen, he as immense talent, but is he a team player? If he was to come, and James plays too, there would be two not dropping back to help out, putting a lot of pressure on those who do and in defence.

Shame on Palace and Spurs !!

I'm not really arsed about the battle for the tite to be honest with you.

We know Liverpool are going to win the league quite comfortably because there's not really a serious challenge to them this season, City's empire has been crumbling for a few seasons now whilst Spurs don't have the sustainability to achieve it, perhaps even the bottle.

My concern today is how we get on against Arsenal.

I feel like a kid on Xmas morning.

Are RS the only team to score 7 and concede 7 in separate games in the same season ??

I'd wait and see how he performs next season if he gets a permanent contract.

That's a massive incentive to the players and encouragement for the supporters.

Let's give the lads a. Rousing welcome and mighty support throughout the game.

While Arsenal are not in good form they are hard to break down so let's hope we have a good game plan.