Everton vs Aston Villa

Two monumental tests of the backbone and the character of players that have had an easy ride in recent years hiding behind managers being the scapegoat.

Huge game.

Keane is weak but Holgate should never be considered a solution.

He's sat out his mistakes because he continues to make them but still thinks he's Cruyff.

Mina and Branthwaite in an ideal world, but ideal world's at Everton don't exist.

Pro-Duncan, not Duncan. Old boys club versus get someone else in. That can be debated elsewhere.

3 points. That's all that matters. Whatever our opinions or views, that's what we all want.

A gaping hole in our centre. Been a problem for an awfully long time now. That's before you get to the gaping hole in the middle of our defence of course.

Play compact, play on the front foot, even if we have to defend deep at times, play for yourselves, and go and play for the fans. All basic stuff, but if achieved, then I'm sure the fans will do the rest.

3 points a MUST from this game!

It's a huge game and we badly need a lift after the events of the past 3 months.

I expect it'll be 4-4-2, and if Delph fit the same lineup as Lyndon has but Gomes out for him.

With some important players back and fitter too, we can have some more confidence. Duncan will have them fired up, the set up will be simpler and better balanced. Goodison will be at its bear pit best.

Everton 2 Villa 1

Firstly, please don't let any goals in, in the first ten minutes. This always sets us back, and we end up chasing the game and making us more vulnerable to counter attacks.

We are the home side, so press hard up the field and control the game.

As some say, this is a must win game, and will give us breathing space away from the bottom three.

I wouldn't pick Holgate or Gomes, Branthwaite in central defence, and put Godfrey in midfield to strengthen us up.

Very difficult to do with the players available. I don't think it can be done.
But here is my attempt assuming Allan is out of the equation.

Pickford
Coleman, Mina, Godfrey, Mykolenko
Doucoure, Gomes, Townsend
Gordon, Richarlison, Gray

Bench: DCL, Branthwaite, Keane, Holgate, Patterson, Delph, Rondon,Begovic.

As Dunc has said an awful lot depends on the atmosphere; get behind the team, even if we go one down... get the win!!

In two months they've had one win in eight and that was five games ago away to Norwich in mid December.

A supercharged Goodison stoked by Duncan, we'll do them tomorrow.

Hopefully you're bang on the money about your final paragraph though.

I am correct in saying they have 1 win in their last 6 since 5th December, away to Norwich.

Nothing to big up. Nothing to fear.

Pickford
Coleman, Mina, Branthwaite, Godfrey
Doucoure
Gordon, Townsend, Richie, Gray
DCL

Pickford
Patterson Mina Branthwaite Mykolenko
Allan Gbamin Doucoure
Richarlison DCL Gray

Moving forwards that is the team i'd like to see bedded in; maybe with a better DMC than Gbamin (Davies? A new signing?)

However now is probably not the time for risks and so I expect it to be more like:

Pickford
Coleman Mina Keane Godfrey
Gordon Allan Doucouré Gray
DCL Richarlison

Cracked me up

Duncan at today's press conference.

Now that is going to leave someone a bit conflicted.

Oh, and Iwobi!!

I severely doubt this is the game for Gbamin; I'd spend the game in constant fear of Ings, Watkins, Coutinho or any other of the wily Villa forwards picking his pocket every time he got the ball.

I fully expect Ferguson to play Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison together up top, and play direct to them whenever possible. I'd also like to see Doucouré given licence to get up the pitch as often as possible, and be that midfielder arriving late into the box.

Gray and Gordon (or Townsend) to play a bit more centrally, with the full-backs given licence to stay as wide as possible – and Allan (if fit) or Holgate to screen in front of the two centre-backs – as, if memory serves, it was Ferguson who used him there against Man Utd in his previous caretaker period.

In possession, I wouldn't be surprised to see Holgate almost make up a third centre-back, with the other two splitting wide to allow the full-backs to advance. Mina surely has to start, and it's probably pick 'em between Keane, Branthwaite and Godfrey (or Holgate if he's not chosen to play in midfield).

It will be interesting to see what happens at full-back. Ferguson will no doubt feel compelled to pick Coleman, but whether he goes for Mykolenko or Godfrey at left-back could be quite telling.

I'm not expecting anything too complicated, and he might just opt for an old-fashioned blood-and-thunder 4-4-2. Whatever happens, I just hope the players can get the energy and intensity levels right from the start, and set the tempo for the game early.

Asked about the sacking of Benitez, Duncan said he wasn't shocked given the run of results; we were on a bad run and the results speak for themselves.

Duncan quite rightly instructed the media to speak to Benitez over the failures and he wanted to draw a line under what had happened. He was also asked would there be a change of formation or personnel? His reply was "Well, given the results we have had, then we have to make changes."

Duncan went on to say that Ancelotti had rang him to wish him well. He also said Carlo was a fantastic manager and he learned a lot from him. He went on to say he was a great tactician and he was also great with the lads, and he got on great with the lads.

He was a real inspiration to Dunc and he had the team flying at one point and it just tailed off at the back end of the season. Obviously that is quite different from what he thought about Benitez, as he never mentioned anything about Benitez.

Back four is more speculative. Will it be Coleman or young Patterson? Will Mina and Godfrey be the centre-back pairing? Will Mykolenko get the nod?

Up front, it's Gordon, Gray and Calvert-Lewin for me with Townshend also a consideration for either Gomes or Gordon.

As others have said, it's the commitment that counts and the desire to get 3 points.

COYB.

Let's hope he has the instant effect as last time.

Pickford
Patterson Branthwaite Mina Godfrey
Allan Doucouré Gomes
Gray Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

It would be brave to go with Patterson and Branthwaite, but Coleman and Keane have not earned an automatic first choice. Branthwaite did really well against Chelsea, not overawed or out of place despite his young age, so he gets the nod over the all-at-sea Keane.

Patterson has to be blooded soon, Duncan will have been watching him closely in training. Tomorrow is the day for his debut if he's doing well enough at Finch Farm.

Mykolenko looks like he needs a bit of time to adjust; Godfrey has impressed me at left-back and he should start tomorrow.

A bit nasty leaving Gordon and Townsend out, but they can play a big part from the bench. I want the midfield to be a proper midfield three, with licence for Doucouré to support attacks. . Gordon and Townsend will deputise for Gray and Richarlison.

Is Richarlison not fit?

If he is, surely he's the first name on the team sheet?

I've criticised Allan regularly, but what a pity he isn't available tomorrow. I think Duncan would have moved him higher up the pitch out of harm's way where he could go to war... I also think him and Duncan would be made for each other.

I think our three piano players are certainly Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, and Gray. It's the eight carriers who need identifying tomorrow. In reality, cut that down to seven, because Pickford will play.

If Allan and Doucouré are fit, I feel sure Duncan will play them, because otherwise there is no steel in the middle. That's five left. The four-man defence is anybody's guess and, not for the first time is the hot ToffeeWeb topic. Can anyone honestly say that there are players amongst our defenders who are an absolute shoe-horn into the team?

Duncan will show his mettle by sorting the defence out. Four from Mina, Keane, Godfrey, Branthwaite, Holgate, Coleman, Mykolenko, Patterson, Kenny.

Good luck with that, Duncs!

BTW – I know that's only 10. I want a place reserved for Gordon.

Nil satis...

He basically called him... Carlo Fantastico! 😂

"Do you think the players know what it takes to play for this football club?"
"I think they do now".

Delph injured again and is out.

Subs: Begovic, Patterson, Godfrey, Gomes, Townsend, Dobbin, Onyango, Keane (for when Mina breaks down on 45 minutes)

But if he has a decent game, then no doubt it will be, “Why hasn't he been up for it for the last 2 months?” – which is fair comment about a professional... but it's all about tomorrow, imo.

I'm nervous!

Tomorrow's game is only "important" in the sense that it's Dunc's first game. In of itself, it's not going to save or sink our season.

So if we think middle-of-the-road Aston Villa is a bridge too far for Patterso,n then when do we play him? Against Man City? In a six pointer versus one of our relegation rivals?

Coleman is past it. If Nathan Patterson is not at least equal to him, even allowing for experience, then we should hire back Brands and Rafa and sack them again for signing him, along with Kenwright, who claimed credit for handling the deal.

Steavey, how about at left-back?

Julian, it was. I think they might get a reminder in the morning too.

Jeff @ 70 - good point.

Pickford
Patterson, Mina, Godfrey, Mykolenko
Gomes, Allan Doucouré
Gray, Richarlison,
Calvert-Lewin

Sadly no Gordon. Could we play him in behind the 3 and in front of Allan or Doucoure if we don't play Gomes?

Result tomorrow. We get a result!

So true about Patterson, but Duncan will also know the weaknesses of Digne, who is far more likely to play than Patterson.

Whoops – just noticed Rob has made the same point, doh...!

We are in desperate need of a midfielder before the end of the transfer window. Gomes just does not cut it unless he comes on as a sub with about 20 minutes to go. Maybe Oyango should be given a go??

Without Allan tomorrow, I cannot see anything other than defeat. Duncan is not a miracle worker. We need some reinforcement in midfield and quick.

Pickford
Coleman Mina Keane Godfrey
Gbamin
Doucouré Allan
Gray Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

Godfrey in beast mode at left-back. Patterson and Onyango come on in the 60th minute for Coleman and Gbamin; Gordon for Richarlison on 75 minutes...

2-0 the Toffees. Let's just hope he doesn't sub the sub again!

I will have an pint of whatever you boys have been drinking.

Kenwright would play Coleman. We've seen Seamus embarrass himself for months game after game. He's too fucking slow. His initial speed has gone.

Don't play Seamus – he's past it!

My team for tomorrow:

Pickford,
Patterson, Mina, Branthwaite (if fit), Godfrey.
Allan (if fit), Doucouré, Onyango,
Gray, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Mykolenko for Branthwaite, with Godfrey moving to centre-back and Gomes for Allan.

COYBs

I think we all will know in the first 10 minutes what the story is in this game.

One thing is certain, we need to avoid defeat !

Pickford
Coleman
Mina
Godfrey
Mykolenko
Doucouré
Gomes
Gordon
Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin
Gray

He needs a break regardless. He's virtually an ever present in a struggling team at 33 which wear anyone out. Throw on the Irish games and I'm surprised he's been as good as he's been.

I would be absolutely shocked if Dunc's lineup does not include Anthony Gordon.

I am under no illusions just because there will be a euphoric atmosphere there tomorrow, that this wilĺ be anything but an easy game.

However I do think with Duncan back in temporary charge at least, and the crowd breathing a collective sigh of relief at Rafa's departure, it may just be enough to get all three points.

That is assuming Dunc picks a team resembling our best available, and the ever faithful crowd as usual do their bit, plus a bit extra. Unfortunately won't be there, but hopefully will watch it on the box.

COYB UTFT !

Removes one of the top names from Moshiri's managerial short list

As long as we don't loose and the players give it %100 then its a start in the right direction..

I predict there will be goals for sure...

Haha I was going to say the same thing. That said, poor old Meatloaf was a good old entertainer and despite his peculiar style he did make some great songs. But yes he was probably on the list along with Rooney; Cannavaro, The Chuckle Brothers, Big Bird, and Willie Wonka

Pickford
Patterson Brainwaithe Keane Godfrey
Gbamin
Gray Dacoure Ricchy Gordon
DCL

I want us to get back our defensive solidity. Too risky to give Patterson his debut in such a high pressure game. He will get his chances. Keane and Coleman deserve to be dropped, they were absolutely shocking against Norwich. Gordon deserves to play.

I would go 4-4-2 with a flat back 4 of Holgate, Mina, Branthwaite, Godfrey.
The width would come from Gray and Gordon, Allan and Doucoure in the middle. DCL and Richarlison up top.

Pickford
Holgate Mina Branthwaite Godfrey
Gordon Doucoure Allan Gray
Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

SUBS: Kenny, Mykolenko, Keane, Gomes, Gbamin, Townsend, Dobbin, Tosun

I d take Tonys@51, line up albeit without Gomes, whom I think will be even more pedestrian than normal against a fast and confident Villa, so i'd start with Gordon or Gray in his place. But will Seamus and Michael Keane start, remains to be seen.

But hopefully Duncan will have the players galvanised for what has been a decent fixture for Everton down the years.

Hopefully a scorching intense bear pit atmosphere at Goodison today, and put Slippy in his place but more importantly get 3 points.

This game is a must win, and could be the starting point of a good run of results, to build up confidence for the rest of this season.

Add to that a dangerous Villa side with Gerrard and Cuotinho to spice things up a bit.

It should be a good show.

2-1 Everton

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Andy Crooks

Absolutely. Age has caught up with Seamus and I'm dying to see the new boy in an Everton shirt, but I'd have no worries if Ferguson goes for experience. Seamus will not let us down today.

Here is my team for today:

Pickford
Holgate Mina Branthwaite Godfrey
Allan Doucoure Gordon
Charley DCL Gray.

Think we should give Mykolenko a break and take him out the line-up.

Also interesting to see most lineups writing off Patterson, with Ajay not even giving him a place on the bench. Gordon in a central 3 is also a strange one.

For me:

Pickford
Patterson Mina Godfrey Mykolenko
Doucoure Allan Gomes
Grey DCL Richie

Bench: Begovic, Coleman, Branthwaite, Townsend , Gbamin, Onyango, Gordon, Simms, Dobbin

Oy vey.

We need to win this and really hope we do for Duncan!

COYB

Will be roaring them on with my long suffering family from me couch here in Tokyo!

The collapses against Villa, Watford, rs, Brighton, Norwich etc… are unacceptable. Better defending, improved passing and a bit of gumption are all required in bucketloads today.

Seamus is in woeful form at the minute and has an serious error in him every game, Kenny isn't good enough and it would be a tough ask to throw Patterson in when we are 5 points off relegation. We have seen this with Mykolenko already.

Although Allan has not been great he will be a big miss as we don't have anyone else like him in the squad. I would still try for Longstaff in the window.

5 in the midfield for me today with Gordon playing inside of gray on the right and Richy playing wide left.

Mykolenko misses out until he gets used to the pace of the game. Feel sorry for him as he is nowhere near ready but been thrown in because of the ex managers gobshite behaviour.

I wouldn't be surprised if onyango got a start in the centre. Think Duncan likes the lad.

My fear is we play 442 and lose the midfield again. Rondon can't get anywhere near the 11 surely?

We are all looking for a reaction today. Losing has become a habit over the last few months. We need to get some momentum going the other way. We need 11 men on the pitch today.

Villa looked decent last week but not great. Gerrard has them working hard for each other. We have to match that before trying to play.

Pickford
Coleman Mina Keane Godfrey
Gray Gordon Gomes Doucoure Richy
Dcl

Coyb.

New leaf, start again (again) and all that. Hopefully with the toxic atmosphere temporarily lifted the players, whoever is picked, will express themselves.

The result is important, but I just want to see a reaction and performance. Get that and the result will follow.

I am right behind my boyhood ideal Big Dunc, I am as nervous for him as I am for a positive result. I am unsure if he actually wants the job permanently or not, if not then I have swung to having Wayne in with him and Lee Carsley. I would be concerned for Dunc's mental health and stress levels were he to take it permanently, he would put an awful lot on himself to get it right.

Rob Dolby - really interested that you mentioned Onyango, I have the same weird little hunch he might actually start him. How do you know Dunc rates him, or are you reading between the lines? Much depends on Allan's availability. We HAVE to loan in a CM for the remainder of the season as it is, he can't be sold until at least the summer. I like Allan and if he plays today we will see him at his snarling best. I would love Onyango to get a game behind Allan and Doucoure, it's probably too soon but we are hardly overrun with options, I say that as one of the few remaining optimists on here about Gomes.

So 433 for me today, any calls above for Holgate to be played over 3 RBs is insane in my opinion. I think I would play Coleman for this one but let him know any further repeats of recent weeks will likely event I him being dropped for Patterson. I would also go for Yerry and Keane with Godfrey LB, Mykolenko needs time. 433 means Gordon would drop to the bench which is harsh I know but Gray and Richy must play.

Whoever Duncan sends out it will be a relief to see that monkey off our backs.

A win would be great but we need our strikers to hit form. Time for Calvert-Lewin to get at it – he needs a bit of that Ferguson aggro.

The team selection will be interesting.

'I really hope Digne gets roundly booed, none of this clapping an ex-player who let's face it scampered at the first opportunity'.

Did you not follow the news for the last two months of Benitez's reign?

I'll wager good money that the Goodison faithful will do the polar opposite of what you hope for and give Lucas a very warm reception as he was denied a proper send-off by the vindictive, self-sabotaging Benitez.

The crowd will use Digne as a vehicle to express their anger against Rafa-the-ex-gaffa and a display of sympathy for Lucas is my prediction.

No negative thoughts is the only way to go, George, let's just get behind the team and roar them on to a vital win. I don't care how they do it – deservingly or the Jammy bastards way – as long as those 3 points are added to our total.

Pickford, Kenny, Mina, Branthwaite, Godfrey, Townsend, Doucouré, Gray, Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

I also want to see Simms, Dobbin, Mykolenko, Whitaker, and Onyango on the bench. This is a new start. No Rondon, no Delph... and only 1 goalkeeper, for fuck's sake!

We need to get on the front foot from the off. Coleman has been flogged this season and Kenny will be up for this game.

I am shocked by Lyndon's predicted line up. The same old same in my view some players don't deserve another chance. COYB

I'm thinking Bridge, George.

I don't care what side Duncan puts out, you know we will have a go from minute 1 to minute 90, no sitting back and letting the opposition control the game and the tempo.

Why is Patterson at right back of particular concern against Gerrard? If Creasehead is any good at the coaching / managing thing, then he will be well aware of the weaknesses of all of our players. What he will never have seen is how Patterson links up with whoever gets the right-wing or central-midfield slot.

It would be nice to say Duncan's got a few games' grace to get up and running – sadly, we need positive performances and good results asap.

Danny Ings loves playing against the Blues. Don't give him any space.

Longstaff is a decent up-and-down centre-midfielder that isn't afraid of graft. Keeping him fit is the only issue.

He would be on an almost free transfer and we would be weakening one of our relegation rivals by bringing him here.

Bissouma is a £40M player. We won't be signing anyone like that whilst FFP is hanging over us.

Anyhow I have digressed from the main thread.

SSS then get ready for the game.

No massive black cloud today – only blue skies.

UTFT.

I think the odds-makers have got this just about right, Villa have lost four since the start of December, but three of those defeats were against Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea; they have beaten Leicester and Norwich (remember them?) and fought back from being two down against Man Utd.

Gerrard has brought a feelgood factor to Villa Park. They will fancy their chances today, But Rafa out and Big Dunc in will add a feeling even gooder factor to the Old Lady today. The odds makers have not taken that into consideration.

Lump on!

Whichever, do we include another defensive midfielder or somebody at least as mobile as Doucouré at his best albeit I would like somebody we don't seem to have who is capable of doing both.

As Darren says, Villa are favs, they have shortened since yesterday.

I have to say I am full of trepidation about the game, you have to be a super optimist to fancy us to beat anyone just now.

It will be just like Everton if Digne comes and plays a blinder.

Good gesture, but what about the lads in The Royal Oak and the Dark House? :-)

Thought that was a windup Tony but a fellas just turned up here who said the same and said both those pubs are chocca!!