Newcastle United vs Everton

Oh, and an oxygen tank might not be a bad idea either.

Pickford
Mina
Keane
Holgate
Allan
Gomes
Van de Beek
Alli
Gray
Gordon
Richarlison

I still don't think we can come away with all three points though, as I think their new boys might just outdo ours on the night. Throw in the home crowd and night game feel and they undoubtedly will be well up for this.

That said, I saw enough quality on Saturday to suggest we can still give them a game so I'm going for a score draw. Maybe 1 -1 with Gray getting our goal?

Onward Evertonians. Full support. 💙

Pickford, Coleman, Mina, Holgate, Mykolenko, Allan, Gomes, Van De Beek, Gray, Richarlison, Gordon.

Dele for either Donny or Andrè with 30 mins to go depending on performance and scoreline. COYB.

Everybody who makes it all the way up to the top without stopping for a breather should get a certificate, Brent. The one time I remember really struggling was after popping into the Strawberry for a couple of jars and foolishly trying some local "cuisine" – a pease pudding bap is not ideal preparation for such strenuous exercise!

Guimaraes is a very good player but he's new to the Premier League and hopefully Allan kicks the living shit out of him.

Tough game though. They all are.

One step at a time, sweet Jesus?

Hoping that our newfound shape and commitment continues, Van de Beek will be raring to go, hope we see something of Alli and maybe Patterson if the game is swinging in our favour!

Only change I could see being justified would be maybe Coleman swapped for Kenny or Patterson. Outside of that, stick to the 3-4-3 and those who did well.

If we need to change to recover, a bench of Alli, Van de Beek, Calvert-Lewin, Townsend and El Ghazi beats anything we've had recently. If we're in the lead then Van de Beek to shore up the middle, and any others just for minutes.

COYB

We all say "new manager syndrome" and players will drop off after they bed-in, we all see a false dawn; however, I saw something different – basic touches and taking players on, drummed into the players, a tough approach by Frank on being on time and discipline, but at the same time, the manager giving every single player confidence and not coming out with "the squad is not good enough".

Instead, he has given hope to every single player, praising and defending them, the players all though not right, and should have done it for previous managers, want to play for Lampard, you can see improvement right away on the passing, defending set pieces, and at the same time our corners have improved.

Unlike previous managers, he has given the players belief, he has ironed and tweaked our weaknesses, even for those brief minutes, you could see Iwobi and Tosun getting stuck in and making a nuisance of themselves on the opposing team.

Normally when a team pulls a goal back, you get that here we go, but at the game I always thought we would score again.

We have seen some rise when a new manager came in, but for long spells of each Manager, we struggled to string two passes together.

Even under Carlo, that was the best team effort on Saturday, I have seen for a long time.

Only one game, but by god we look so much better, Van de Beek, Alli and Calvert-Lewin coming back will add strength and competition.

As much as I like Godfrey, we play so much more on the front foot, when Mina is in the team.

I just hope it is not another false dawn, but certain things changed last Saturday, we looked a team, a togetherness that I hope continues.

Keane and Mina in the middle too. A far-from-perfect duo but our best combination in my opinion.

Hopefully this will change now.

"What is your job – a. Professional Footballer

"So, if you are, then I expect you to be professional and therefore these will never be needed because you will do things that show you are a professional."

Be absolutely huge to bin that largesse up at Newcastle.

We've still got four fit players (touch wood) and hopefully Ben is back in a month or so. It's also a great chance for Branthwaite to get a run too maybe, although if Mina pulls up, it may need Astley, Welch or Anderson from the U23s on the bench for a few games.

Not ideal, but again hardly ‘calamitous'

Balance and full of attacking intent. Go and impose ourselves on them. Individually we are better; collectively we are better.

3-1 win.

Marc Overmars is free but has been inappropriate with females at Ajax, hence the cancelling of his contract. Would be controversial.

The Barca fella.

Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season.

Lots of options if we choose the DoF route.

As we saw on Saturday, Lampard is quite the opposite and wants us to be on the front foot. As he said, he wants us to be aggressive when attacking. But he also said although he wants to play front-foot attacking football, there has to be a structure that they play too, but when we get in the final third, he wants the players to feel free.

I know many are saying this is a must-win game. I think it's a must-win game for Newcastle but not for Everton, although I am sure Lampard will be going there and looking to pick up all 3 points.

Let's remember we won our last game and it was against Premier League opposition, whereas Newcastle lost to Cambridge at home in the FA Cup. So the pressure is very much on them and, although they have added a few new players, this will be their first game together.

Gomes was better on Saturday, but we said the same after he came on vs Arsenal and then he stunk the place out. So maybe Van de Beek for him.

I think we'll stick with 3 at the back, Holgate looked better.

Patterson is yet to get any minutes, so he'll be a sub at most... Coleman, as Captain, will probably continue there for the foreseeable (until Patterson has won his place).

Personally, I'd have Mina as club captain. He's arguably our best player and, when he's on the pitch, he's such a calming influence, and has an arrogance and confidence that see's him not get wound up by the opposition.

It will be a different game with 50,000 howling Geordies and a side knowing they have to beat us but, as long as we play our game with no silly mistakes, I'm sure we will have opportunities to score.

High scoring win for the Blues, I hope.

Pickford,
Coleman, Mina, Keane, Holgate, Mykolenko
Allan, Gomes,
Richarlison Gray
Calvert-Lewin

That would leave Alli, Van de Beek, Gordon, Kenny, Branthwaite, Patterson, Townsend, Begovic, Patterson, El Ghazi, Dobbin, Tosun, Iwobi, and Gbamin to fight for the bench. Funny how suddenly we seem to have a strong squad!!

Gary #25, agreed. The hyperbole gets a little over the top here sometimes. As does the endorsement of spending a whole lot of money for a centre-back we may not need.

Brian #28, this might not be a "must-win" in the table, but a failure to come out of this game with points would be a kick in the stomach for the Lampardian revival story. Morale is important too.

No way would I bench Gordon, our most consistent performer for weeks. Calvert-Lewin can start on the bench.

Last time we benched Gordon, he came on and showed what a mistake that was. Calvert-Lewin is struggling for fitness and form.

A few sites are predicting Newcastle will line up as 4-3-3:

Dubravka
Schar
Burn
Trippier
Targett
Shelvey
Willock
Guimaraes
Saint-Maximin
Joelinton
Wood

That's not a bad side to be fair. Not a relegation side certainly.

So I wonder therefore if we match them up, meaning Holgate loses out (again harsh) and either of Van de Beek or Alli comes into the midfield.

This asks less of Coleman who just cannot get up and down the flank as a wingback. I'd probably rather see Kenny as a wingback.

So for me Keane sits this one out and Mina and Holgate make the pairing with Brandthwaite if we go for a 3 CB formation.

I've seen this 1000 times. Teams play a blinder and have another game mid-week on short rest. They falter and simply look shit and lose. You know why? They're tired!

I don't pretend to know the formations, but I'd absolutely do the following:

- Start Donny and Dele, no matter what. They'll be raring to go, prove themselves, and they're fresh.

- Don't start Gomes. That's harsh as he played fantastically on Saturday, but I can see him being tired and flagging. Sub maybe, put him on the bench.

- Absolutely start Dom. We're a better side with him on the playing field.

- Keep Gray central. He was amazing in the "10-ish" role on Saturday.

- Keep Allan in the lineup. That guy, in my opinion, is fantastic. He came here under Carlo. When Carlo left, he didn't sulk. He plays his balls off, runs like a lion on the hunt constantly, and we have to have someone who will cover ground and relentlessly look to win the ball back. The more time that goes on, the more I love this guy. He's like a Gueye or a McCarthy – a player I really, really like that just doesn't seem to get the accolades or the discussion as often as others.

Roll on tomorrow. I will get absolutely nothing done in the late afternoon here at work. Can't wait.

Providing he doesn't let the skunks wind him up that much that he has one or two head-banging moments, then we should be okay for at least a draw.

Newcastle only have Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood who will offer any kind of threat to us, and even then, Saint-Maximin sometimes reminds me of Adama Traore formerly of Wolves, in that he's got bags of pace but seems to just carry on running until he over-runs the ball out of play, or hits a wild cross nowhere.

The new midfielder Guimaraes I know very little about and will probably make his debut tomorrow night, as may Matt Targett and Dan Burn. So while we may have one or two debutants tomorrow night, so will Newcastle.

So Jordan, it's down to you, keep your head, keep a clean sheet and come away with 3 points!

Such a great point. Jordan just has to keep his head. He looked like his hair was on fire Saturday.

Going back to his eternal enemy's home, he has to stay under control.

Great, you've got me scared as fuck now. Thanks, Rob!

We should be able to work ourselves on top if we don't score early, we just need to make their possession work through a lot of resistance. Richarlison should be prime for some touches up front so let's find him early and get the pressure on.

This is our bread and butter. These next two games are must-wins. These games could shape the rest of our season so let's all take a deep breath and pray that we pick up 6 points so we can all breathe a bit easier.

And Jamie @ 40, this: 'Jordan just has to keep his head. He looked like his hair was on fire Saturday.'

Neither of those statements are true. Not once was Jordan rash, or out of control.

Michael Keane did not lose Toney. Holgate did. Keane was the one waving forward his backline and was well ahead of both Holgate and Mykolenko. Keane was marking another forward, right in front of him. Toney wasn't his man. Holgate was in touching distance of Toney. Both those players were behind and to the left of Keane, who did the right thing.

Toney ran right to left, right in front of Holgate. Holgate stepped forward and appealed for offside, allowing Toney a complete free run into the penalty area. Unfortunately, Mykolenko hadn't moved forward with the rest of the defence and played him onside.

The penalty doesn't happen without Holgate's and Mykolenko's poor judgement. Nowt to do with Michael Keane.

And for me, Jordan was hard done by. Toney milked it and got a penalty he didn't deserve.

The video evidence could not be clearer.

Jamie #36, agree with all your points but I don't think we'll see both Donny and Dele start. Neither has any game fitness at all. More likely you'll see one start and the other sub in for him around 60 minutes.

Rob #37 and Jamie #40, if Jordan is our greatest danger, then we're in safe hands IMO. Personally I think our red flag danger is defending dead ball situations with massive trees like 6'-7" Burn and 6'-3" Wood going up into the box for corners. That's why I want to see Mina and Keane in the middle instead of the smaller Holgate.

They may all have blinding debuts of course but that would seem unlikely. So, I think as long as we go at them from the off we will be okay. Need to really rattle them and quieten the support from the start.

There are no more excuses for Newcastle, they have spent big and are under a lot of pressure to deliver. We can take advantage of that.

The weird thing to me is that they've spent big but spent a lot on players who look like the types you'd expect to see in or around the relegation battle: Burns, Targett, Wood. If they survive I can't see these players cutting it if they're expecting to be actually competitive.

Seems very short-sighted spending to me. Get players who are marginally better than what we have or old (eg, Trippier), necessitating another huge spend next summer. So, in other words, they're following the Moshiri blueprint of how to not invest wisely.

Darren H has highlighted on another thread how poor Mina's position was when Brentford got their penalty, and people are now debating who was at fault between Holgate and Keane.

I thought all three of our central defenders looked composed when they had possession of the ball on Saturday, but it's obvious they don't talk enough between themselves. This is an absolutely massive part of defending, and is possibly the major reason why none of them have ever really built up a good partnership between themselves.

The only exception being Guimaraes who will likely take time to settle and get used to the Premier League.

They have cash to burn at the moment but, like us, may find it can run out much sooner than anticipated unless there is some sort of planned control.

I hope he's had his Weetabix!

According to Howe, Joelinton is fit to play.
,

Hopefully, we can get on the ball tomorrow and carry on from where we left off on Saturday afternoon.

I'd say it is pragmatic, not short-sighted spending. Only the likes of Burn, Targett and Wood were prepared to join Newcastle. They couldn't get anyone else. Pinching Wood was also deliberate sabotage of Burnley.

It has made them stronger and more solid.

It could be a really hard match.

However, another poster has highlighted that we win .8 more points per game with Mina in the starting 11 than without him. And just look at our record over the past two seasons to see that all our best stretches of performance were when Mina and Keane were playing together in the middle. I think their partnership works very well -- when they are both available.

No question for me.

Ray #51, thanks for the updated information. The way he has played this season (20 games, one goal), that's not necessarily bad news!

I really like Mina too. He has presence, doesn't take any shit, and is a leader. But his fitness is a concern and I find it very frustrating that, just as he gets a run of games, he always seems to pick up an injury.

Keep him fit and he is one of the first names on the team sheet for me.

Pickford
Holgate Keane Mina Mykolenko
Allan, Van de Beek, Gomes
Gordon or Gray Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

Gray or Gordon – I don't want to leave either out but the team has to have balance. One or the other will make a big impact from the bench if needed.

Coleman gives 100% but worries me now. Holgate, now he's been playing a bit better, only a fraction less so at right-back. I want to see Patterson start matches but I can't see him being blooded in this crunch match.

Saved me a long-winded post there.

Neil #57, no question that's his weakness. But it's not like he has a chronic bad knee or a recurrent hamstring or something -- it's a different injury every time -- so I think his problem is more about the overaggressive way he plays, especially with Colombia. I keep hoping every injury is the last one.

That said, Calvert-Lewin does seem to score against Newcastle.

Over to you, Frank.

Mike #60, yes, that is what I find so frustrating.

Ideally an early goal or two and turn the crowd.

A must win and put the pressure on the Skunks and a big boost for the rest of the season.

All being well Everton will turn up and every player will play for the Everton shirt.

UTFT!

I could see Eddie baby cozying up to Brenda's spot by full-time tomorrow. Frank has a chance to show his ruthless side and, if he shows up without shaving again, Eddie's in trouble.

We need to learn to control tempo and not to be hustled. Our fourth goal against Brentford is obviously an example of how we should be looking to play, keep possession (the besetting sin of the last 6 to 7 years has been a failure to retain the ball) and move to create options to facilitate that.

Calmness please.

The Geordies will know this is a must-win game too so they will be all out for goals and leave the defense exposed. We need a good leader tonight and I feel Anthony Gordon is showing that he's got it. Goal for him tonight.
COYB

I don't often disagree with your opinions but I am definitely of the opinion that Jordan was very shaky on Saturday. Yes, he did pull off a couple of really good saves... but I saw the nerves that he showed early last season. The penalty was harsh but he knew he caught him.

As regards Keane, I watched the replays and am still of the opinion he should have seen Toney's movement getting between him and Holgate and done a lot more.

As regards Newcastle, I think it will be tough to leave any of the front 3 out but, if Calvert-Lewin is back, I would say Richarlison's and Gray's goalscoring should give them the edge over Gordon and for me Donny van de Beek goes straight into our midfield and we revert to a back 4.

I would say Leeds, Watford and Brentford are more winnable given Newcastle's injection of funds and impetus but football never works that way – just look at our Arsenal result and then Brighton.

I would settle for a few draws given our need to get points on the table.

Putting aside that it was Tim Howard afflicted with Tourettes, I was curious to pay close attention to Jordan's performance thinking I must have missed multiple incidents of his 'shaky' play you and others claimed when I watched the full 90 minutes back as I always like to do.

He had no shaky or flappy moments in goal. None. Mostly because Brentford barely entered our half in the first 45 minutes, never mind our penalty area.

There were four moments which could be construed as 'shaky' or coming into conflict with the opposition players, as also claimed by some, if you really want to stretch things.

Early on, from a corner, he was fouled by their big centre back Jansson. Toney also got involved. The ref blew for the foul immediately. Jordan and Jansson could clearly be seen laughing with each other.

Then there was Coleman's dreadful and wreckless sideways back pass which Jordan had to be alert to, which he hacked away as best as he could given the Brentford forward closing in on him. Nothing shaky in that. He saved Coleman's neck.

Then Jordan and Toney came together with Jordan winning a goal kick. Toney was a right snide, holding Jordan's arm and preventing him from running back into position to take the goal kick. No great contretemps between them, just Jordan telling Toney to sod off and then getting on with the game.

Again on a corner, as he came for it, he was clearly pushed in the chest and again the ref immediately gave the free kick. Justifiable, but mild, protest by Jordan to the ref before simply getting on with the game.

Barely anything of note in the second half to justify your claim that he was 'shaky'. The penalty he had to come out for it. I maintain Toney milked it and was lucky to see the penalty given. Very mild handbags between Toney and Jordan after the penalty, with our man gathering up the ball and Toney wanting to grab it off him to restart the game quickly.

Then there was the strange hanging ball (an effect of the strong wind..?) that bounced between Mina and Jordan, allowing Toney a sniff. Cleaned up by Jordan. No histrionics.

As for you continuing to blame Keane, rather than Holgate, for Toney getting clear on goal, I'm frankly not surprised, Jay. I don't believe any fair and just person without preconceived notions about a player can watch that play back and absolve Holgate, but blame Keane.

Sorry Jay. But you are one of several TWers who are simply not fair and just in your assessment of Michael Keane. Your reading of that play confirms that suspicion.

COYB

We have to go about it in the old style European Away Tie manner. Expect the home crowd to be raucous and opposition likewise, ride it out sensibly for 25 minutes or so, win the 'fight ball', then start to play your 'football'. A goal before half-time is a bonus.

Start the 2nd half in a similar manner... why are we always surprised when a team comes out revved up after the half-time talk?

Win a bit more 'fight ball'...probably only 10 minutes worth... it's Eddie Howe, for fuck's sake, not Klopp or Pep.

Get a couple of goals, manage the game out – luverly jubberly, job's a good 'un.

Everybody clear on that?

Carry on.

I'm not sure that we do need a new centre-back (though I understand those who struggle with all of Keane, Mina and Holgate). I've always thought that the area of any team that can be most improved by proper coaching is the defence and I think that's what we'll be seeing over the rest of this season and beyond.

Not rushing Calvert-Lewin or Doucouré back too quickly, being able to shuffle the pack in games, should keep the competition for places high and allow us to stretch teams more in the second half.

Realistically there are strikers and midfielders that teams don't want to see entering the fray in the last 20-30 mins.

Back 3 with Mina captain, Jarrad and Mason either side, for my money.

Gordon must start.

Coleman must not.

Everton top half finish, price boost :16/1
Everton to win next three premier league games: 20/1
Everton to win FA Cup and top-half finish: 150/1

Everton are around 7/4 to beat Newcastle, go on the Lampard manager special and you get 2/1 under first league win.

You can also get 20/1 for Lampard to win Manager of the Month anytime this current season. Very tempting if they win the next three games.

For the doom-and-gloomers you can get 25/1 Everton to lose their next three Premier League games.

Mina gave a perfect example of what a player who has been dragged out of position and taken out of the game looks like. He is left in no-man's Land.

Keane should have been aware of what was going on behind him. But, if the big fella plays where he should have been playing and isn't caught in no-man's land, that penalty does not happen. The guy playing in the middle of a three simply mops that up.

The old me would have thought don't change a winning side after Saturday's performance but I think our new manager will change it for this one – Coleman missing out to young Patterson.

I do think he will go three at the back again though. Can't change the front three. I think he will save Calvert-Lewin for the Leeds game.

Pickford
Holgate, Mina, Keane
Patterson, Allan, Gomes, Mykolenko
Gordon, Richarlison, Gray.

Plenty of options from the bench after 65 minutes:-

Van de Beek for Gomes
Alli or Townsend for Gordon or Gray
Kenny for Patterson if things don't pan out for the lad on his debut.

I think the two new guys will get some minutes once we are comfortable.

When I've not even gone to bed yet, and in my world the game is tomorrow.

Anyhow,

Jay "Knock On" Wood, I think you're nuts, man!

Jordan got a penalty, went diving out at the fella and mis-timed it. He also was jibber-jabbing with the guy (their striker, think it's Teney or something like that) multiple times. He went ballistic on his defenders after the penalty when he was the one at fault (aided by the young Mykolenko kid who wasn't level with his backline partners), and I dunno, just random "other stuff" because I know how you love an argument not backed up by clear, hard evidence! I thought he looked a fucking drug addict teetering on doing the whole village for a fix!

Look, the kid is brilliant and I'm a fan. But he is a bit of a nutter, and I'd say he can get combative and dramatic at times, and we did see that on Saturday.

He's going back to play what is, for him, his biggest rival. The kid fucking hates Newcastle, and you and I have both seen him try to take on a whole stand of their fans!!!

He has to drink decaf tomorrow (this??) morning, and just keep his head about him. Because he's a great shot-stopper (sublime actually), but he's an emotional little cuss, and those Newcastle fans will make it their life's mission to get so far under his skin he won't be able to **insert intelligent and witty remark here**.

He's got to keep his head.

Rest of the team... I dunno!

COYB!

Anyway, I think you and others are wildly exaggerating on our friend Jordan. Tourette's? Ballistic? A "fucking drug addict teetering on doing the whole village for a fix"? Sorry, I know you love an argument too, but that's way far over the top.

Pickford ain't exactly Iceman Ederson, but he ain't the Tazmanian Devil either.

Personally, I thought Pickford had a mostly quiet game. The only drug addict looking for a fix that I saw was Toney, who looks like he could pick a fight with his own shadow if left alone long enough.

Enjoy the Roberta mate as there's likely a lot coming your way.

Pickford's come a long way since his melt down vs The Barcodes and is hardly the "freak-out".

But thanks for the chuckle when reading your #84.

Godfrey is a really good defender. But our best left-back? He can't cross a panel note, always turns back to pass. But he is a great defender.

Mykolenko is the future and needs to play every game. Zinchenko took a season to bed in properly at Man City, you would have him in our team in a heartbeat. Mykolenko needs time.

Pickford
Kenny
Mina
Keane
Mykolenko
Allan
Van de Beek
Gomes
Gordon
Richarlison
Gray.

The key now, and I'm sure Frank Lampard knows, is Gomes first on the team sheet.

Keane has a perennial problem on his right, getting exposed again with Brentford scoring a goal. Everton at last developed their final third play, engaging and harrying opposition defenders, creating space and using it with good true passes and players running into space to create options.

Hopefully, Dele Alli or Donny van de Beek will start. A Man Utd mate told me that Van de Beek never made an impression on starting a game, having to be subbed. Hopefully Lampard will be able to correctly fit him in, as he transformed Mykolenko with better positioning.

Dare I say it, Tosun is a lot better when functioning final-third play is part of the manager's tactics. Only Ancelotti made an attempt before, mainly due to the fact he had Rodriguez.

The intial battle will be between Newcastle trying to push their defensive line up to compact midfield and Everton pressing them back. We will know after the first 5 minutes, as the Brentford Manager did.

Keane needs to play on the left, with Mina on the right. Both Ancelotti and Benitez learnt this. Mina attempts to cover the space behind a slower Coleman; Keane isn't interested. Maybe Patterson may make his debut.

It will be interesting to see who Frank introduces from the four January signings and where. Glad we didn't get Zouma.

Hopefully Pickford will have settled a bit and avoid engagement with the Geordie fans.

You know very little of a goalie's mindset (I played in that position).

Rule 1. It's never the goalie's fault, it's always poor defending that has allowed the opposition to score.

Rule 2. Roast you players when the opposition score, tell them how useless they are in no uncertain terms.

Rule 3. See Rules 1 and 2.

I like your 'Frank in Hirsute Brute mode' but, he is not on the pitch, well, during the bit that matters anyway. I just hope we carry on from where we left off on Saturday, with not too many changes. It's early days for our squad getting used to the new style of play implemented (long overdue) by Frankie Goes to Hollywood!

So it will be "Two Tribes Go[ing] To War"!

Anyone advocating Gordon for the bench can't have watched the Brentford game. This lad has pace, loads of skill, fantastic workrate and fights like hell for the team. As a former defender myself, I would hate to face him because I wouldn't get a moment's peace.

I would play Mina and Keane as Newcastle will be a big threat from set-pieces and that is another reason to consider whether Gomes should play as he has that tendency to give away dangerous free-kicks.

No need to play Calvert-Lewin – better wait until their defenders tire a bit then bring him on if we need him.

I hope Coleman can make it but, if not, then Kenny or Holgate to replace him as Patterson deserves his debut to be at home rather than in front of 50,000 desperate Geordies.

My team? Same as Brentford after Mina came on but Van de Beek in for Gomes and right back depends on how fit Coleman is. Calvert-Lewin and Alli to come on if we need them. This will be a very tough game and Frank really has to send us out ready to scrap.

As Lampard said, "I cant guarantee we can win every game but I can demand that every player leaves the pitch having given everything," and as fans, that's what we want to hear.

I have no idea what the result will be tonight, but I think, given what Lampard has said and what we all saw on Saturday then this team will be trying to get on the front foot at every opportunity and attacking the opposition.

To me, there are three players at fault: Mykolenko for not stepping up in line; Holgate for assuming he had and leaving the player to run clean through (Toney was definitely Holgate's man); and Pickford for diving at the guy's feet.

Anyone who thinks Keane is at fault is either prejudiced or has issues with their eyesight. He's a human with front-facing eyes, not a bleeding lizard.

As for tonight, I have a disproportionate and unreasonable dislike of Newcastle (team, not city) and desperately want us to beat them. I can also then send a satisfyingly smug text to a Geordie 'mate' who stole my girlfriend 30 years ago. I would also love them to go down with their bastard owners.

I think the pressure will be more on them than us we need to see plenty of the ball early on and silence the crowd. A goal just before half-time and come out for the second half on the front foot.

I like the intensity from the Brentford game, press them hard and let Gordon and Gray feed Richarlison who tends to score in bursts. I think he might start with the same team and bring on Van de Beek or Alli and Calvert-Lewin in the second half. COYMB

Danny calls it anticipation, but it also doesn't look like our defenders actually communicate with each other very much.

I heard it on good authority that Benitez had began to play with a back three, hoping that they would all begin to compensate, and try to negate each other's weaknesses (this had apparently worked for him at Newcastle). Although I didn't agree with this decision, I could see where he was coming from.

My own view was that we needed a third body in the middle of the park, and we also needed Yerry Mina fit. I also now believe that, if Lampard can just sort out our defence, Everton will climb the table rapidly.

Keane was out of position too far to the left and was too far forward, in fact coming front. The Brentford attacker was able to run in behind him into the space Keane should have been in. Everton lost their shape as a result. In coming forward he was trying to mark a player who was covered by another Everton player, having lost the player who scored the goal.

For some reason Keane has done similar in a number of games, resulting in the opposition scoring. Normally the attacker is untracked, another problem, coming throught centre left, but in this game he came right to left across the goal, again showing that Keane was too far forward.

What is incontrovertible is that, when he does play, we concede less goals and gain more points by quite a margin.

I'm glad we didn't get Zouma too. So is the black cat that sometimes wanders across Goodison.

Anyway, Pickford shouldn't have dived at Toney's feet at that angle, strikers are always going to try to poke the ball past and leave their trailing foot in. It's easy to be critical though, these are split-second decisions!

On a separate note, What the fuck re Zouma. Utterly disgraceful.

Bournemouth under Eddie Howe were a bit of a bogey team for us and so I hope that curse will stop tonight. I see us edging it but I don't expect a lot of goals.

How he will set the team up is anyones' guess but do you change a winning team? I'd say stick with the team that started (other than Godfrey) and leave as is. Introduce Dele and or Donny as and when. I don't know what their current match fitness is like.

Win tonight, win Saturday and we can breathe easy. UTFT

If we can subdue the hysteria early on and somehow get to grips with the lively Saint-Maximin,, I don't believe they have much else.

As I say, we have much more threat than them. The last two managers failed hopelessly to get that balance right between being solid and creative.

All the top teams have at least two players for each position so that they can rotate, rest, and make substitutions when necessary. I am of the opinion that we are now only squad light in 2 maybe 3 areas, which are defensive midfield, left-back and possibly goalkeeper.

Priority for the summer for me is a younger upgrade or replacement for Allan, eg, Bissouma (Brighton) or Ndidi (Leicester) and another left-back starter or back-up, unless Nkounkou is considered ready after his season's loan.

Anyway, roll on tonight; we're I can see only one possibly two changes from the team that won the game on Saturday. I think the manager may rest Coleman with Leeds in mind, with Van de Beek in to reinforce midfield in a 4-4-3, Holgate at right-back, Calvert-Lewin, Alli and Townsend off the bench if required.

Your observation about Mina and Keane being our best partnership being unquestionable for you, is totally questionable for me.

What has happened over the last 2 years will be almost irrelevant under this regime. Being camped on the edge of our box and backs-to-the-wall defending will no doubt be a thing of the past under Lampard.

When we played Mina and Keane together under Silva, they were a total disaster and it took the introduction of Holgate to really help the defence. I think Mason will be a big player under Frank and noted he started Mason on the right of a three, which is perfect for him and not a role he has had a continuous run at.

Personally, I think Frank will be really happy with all the defenders he inherited. Keane for his experience, availability and quality on the ball, Mina for his leadership, aggression and physicality (both these two can score from set-pieces), Mason and Ben for their speed, ability to travel with the ball, and play through lines. Ben brings more athleticism while Mason at his best (under Silva) will hopefully bring more composure. Branthwaite will be very important to bring balance to the squad, he is arguably the most complete defender and seems the most natural partner for any of the others except possibly Godfrey.

My view on the goal on Saturday was that all weren't great positionally; however, full blame should only be attributed to Mykolenko. Keane guesses that the danger lies with the man, Holgate seeing Keane in front plays Toney offside but unfortunately the Ukrainian, who can see the whole picture in front of him, is in a terrible position deeper than the centre-halves and is caught ball-watching, playing everyone onside.

However, I hope they don't have a mindset from the off of just defending. Barcodes will be up for it and always have a boisterous noise behind them but an early Everton goal will silence that somewhat.

Here's hoping the new management and new guys have a lot more to offer than Rafa and his ideas.

Midfield is always the key and if they get a grip early and don't give away silly free-kicks and corners, then they can keep the Barcodes ''big guys'' in check. Burn and Wood will be very dangerous there.

I think youve nailed it there. If we stick with that 4-4-3 strategy, we'll definitely have them on the back foot. :-)

I think Branthwaite should come in for the injured Godfrey.
Patterson in for Coleman, who most have said is getting past it, 2 games in a few days may be a bit much

Pickford
Holgate, Mina, Branthwaute
Patterson, Allan, Gomes, Myko
Gordon, Richie, Gray

When the barcodes have the ball it can quickly go 4 at the back depending what side they're attacking and 4 in midfield

No defending from the first minute, start as Brentford and shut the crowd, who will be well up for it. Get that first goal and get them nervous!!

I think this game is too important to risk Séamus at right/wing back. He has a lot of minutes on the pitch this season and could probably do with giving someone else a chance, though I'd imagine he'd be honest with FL and the management team if he didn't think he'd be able for it. Would Holgate do a good job at right back?

Heading north later this afternoon. Not stopping over so it's going to be a late one. Make it worth it Everton.

Kurt Zouma apologies after former Everton loanee filmed kicking cat

Why not just call it the kopite Echo!

Sorry, I know it is off topic but I am so upset and angry at the same time.

Newcastle rely on the one forward, what's his name, my wife calls him the gladiator. This is supposed to be a must-win game but I think there is more pressure on Newcastle than Everton, just imagine their manager's feelings when waiting in the wings is Rafa.

Everton players are more excited about playing after the last game, and with the 2 new midfielders ready, everyone still wants to prove themselves, so the only change I can see is Van de Beek in for maybe Gomes as he is more of a goal threat.

“Communication is key”, everyone gets caught on the wrong side at times, because football isn't played out of a book, or on paper, and sometimes that little shout is all's a player needs, and it does seem to be something that's really lacking at times imo.

I'm feeling that derby tingle, this should be a decent punch up, marvellous!

The front 3 pick themselves at the moment. If we go with 5 at the back then it's hard to see where any of the new boys fit in.

I would go with DVB in a 3 man midfield with Allan and Gomes and go with a back 4 of Coleman, Mina, Holgate and Mykolenko.

It's hard to be over confident given the recent league performances but hopefully Saturday's win will have lifted morale and we can get the win.

Players like Gomes and Holdgate have proven to up their game for new managers but drop form alarmingly after the bounce.

Pickford
Coleman,mina,Keane,Mykolenko
Gordon Allan dvdb Ali, gray
Richy.

Bill #125, that'd be either Joelinton or Callum Wilson. The latter is injured and the former certainly has the scoring touch of a gladiator.

Conor #111, not sure why you consider the performance of our defenders more relevant from four years ago than the past two, and Silva seems totally irrelevant to me, but the simple fact is that under both Carlo and Rafa our purple-est patches came with Mina and Keane together at the back. Also one correction: Godfrey can and does travel with the ball, but Holgate cannot, doesn't even attempt to. Can't remember the last time he tried.

Agree with you on Branthwaite -- what little we've seen of him suggests that he might grow into the most complete CB in the club.

How ironic would it be though, that out of nowhere, El Ghazi turns out to be the pick of the bunch, when we are all expecting the two we got in on deadline Day to be be the ones.

We shouldn't require 2-3 goals per game to get 3 points.

Happily take a 1-0 today, but think 2-0 is very possible. Another goal for Richy who will end the season in excellent form I feel. And a debut goal fror Alli off the bench.

We were talking about Saint-Maximin, she reckons the name sounds like a Roman Gladiator, not sure if he is still injured.

I intially was going on what I remembered from the game and replay and zoned in on Keane achilles heal, but on looking at it again you are right, other players did not do as they should have.

Peter#106

It would have been really unwelcome publicity , which would run and run. You really wonder what he was thinking. Moyes has hit his glass ceiling at West Ham , but this Zouma /Cat controversy you wouldn't wish it on any team. or Manager.

Bonny (?) Did we get him from Rangers, hence the Clyde connection. I know it was a typo, but can never resist a play on words even misspelt ones !

Would you not agree as someone who obviously doesn't rate Holgate that this was easily his best performance for the last season and a half? I expected him to be better and he was. I will predict he will be a different player under Frank who will play to his strengths.

Tony I think Keane was in a poor position initially as Jerome outlined, then gambled that the ball was being played into the other striker. Toney was super clever and made a run into the area Keane vacated. I would only be critical of Mason for his body shape so he wasn't able to react quick enough.
Once Toney makes that run he is gone then Mason has to play him off as he won't be able to get back. The last thing he will be expecting is the young lad to be deeper as he can see everyone else from his view. Why would he?
Mykolenko should never be that deep to begin with as the ball is cleared to the half way line, is serving no function and only has eyes for the ball when he can see everything around him and the danger unfold. He is totally asleep.

Going all defensive against NCL will kill momentum and team spirit.

We are better than them. Wood is not Thierry Henry and Burn is not Rio Ferdinand. We should attack them.

'He looked like his hair was on fire'
'...went diving out at the fella and mis-timed it'
'...was jibber-jabbing with Toney multiple times'
'...went ballistic on his defenders after the penalty when he was the one at fault'
'...and I dunno, just random "other stuff" '...looked a fucking drug addict teetering on doing the whole village for a fix!'
'...he is a bit of a nutter'
'...can get combative and dramatic at times, and we did see that on Saturday.'

All very lurid, Jamie. Little or nothing of what you describe barely teeters on the truth.

The attempted save on the penalty call was not wreckless, or out of control. It was a play he had to make due to the failings of the defenders in front of him. I maintain it was an extremely marginal decision that went Toney's way.

He did not 'jibber-jabber' at Toney multiple times. Rather, it was Toney playing the nark all game with not just Jordan, but Mina and even Godfrey when he pulled up with his hamstring injury.

Jordan did not go 'ballistic' with anyone all game. He certainly didn't look like a drug addict looking for a fix.

There was no rage. No white spittle. No angry scarlet face. Just normal game communication with his team mates and the referee in different situations.

Jordan did nothing nutty. There was not one incident of him playing the drama queen.

TBH I've found some posts on this and other threads revelatory. On the match day thread I commented we would do well to adopt Frank Lampard's appeal for fans to get behind the team and players. That things will go wrong and mistakes will be made. But that there is a process he, his training staff and the team must go through to achieve better performances.

In this and other threads I consider some posters are seeking confirmation bias of their preconceived ideas about individual players, as you have applied here Jamie (unfairly, in my view) about Jordan Pickford's performance on Saturday, which bear no resemblance to the actual events.

We have different posters attributing blame to Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate for the goal, whilst others exonerate them. Mostly pre-determined IMO by their default opinions on all three, rather than fairly judge them on what actually occurred in this singular incident.

You have claims that Yerry Mina was well out of position as he was the central defender, not the flanking defender, of the three. Wrong.

Michael Keane played the central role of the three centre backs all game. At KO, Godfrey played on the left. Holgate the right. With the forced substitution, Keane remained central. Holgate switched to the left and Mina played right side for the entire time he was on the pitch.

For the play leading up to the penalty decision, the abridged highlights do not reveal the entire play. For that, for those who can access it, the full 90 minutes on the club site does. You can see the incident around the hour (1:00:00) mark here:

Everton v Brentford Full 90 Minutes

Brentford initially attack our penalty down the right flank when a first-time cross sails over everyone in the direction of the right corner of our penalty area. The 3 centre backs are all tucked in just beyond the 6-yard-box on this initial attack - Mina right, Keane central, Holgate left. Holgate is the deepest lying. Mykolenko is even further back on the left edge of the penalty area.

Coleman moves towards the Brentford player picking up the wayward cross. Mina has a forward directly in front of him who he correctly tracks, but then hands over to Coleman (pointing and shouting to him) as that forward moves wider as the player on the ball passes backwards. Mina tucks in more centrally, but still to the left.

In the meantime, Keane is central and takes 3-4 looks over his shoulder to check the position of Holgate and Mykolenko. When Brentford play the ball backwards, it is Keane who attempts to move the defensive line forward, waving his team mates to do likewise. Both Holgate, but Mykolenko in particular, are tardy in doing so.

Keane correctly keeps close to the forward immediately in front of him. Toney is 100% Holgate's man to mark. They are within touching distance. Both are behind Keane. Holgate (and Mykolenko) play Toney onside. Not Keane.

Toney is already on the move before the through ball is played. Holgate chose not to go with him, but took a step back to catch him offside. Mykolenko's poor position torpedoes that.

Holgate not once, but twice, looks across to the linesman appealing for offside with the ball still live, raising his arm once. Jordan Pickford has no option but to attempt a sprawling save.

Could the play that led to the penalty award been avoided? Yes.

What strikes me in the debate is the inconsistency of some posters. Historically, some claim that Everton sit too deep and the player to blame for that is Michael Keane. In this play you have clear evidence that Keane is the one trying to squeeze up on the opposition. Holgate and Mykolenko don't.

Those intent on blaming Keane say HE should have been aware of Toney behind him, which totally ignores that Toney was indisuptably Holgate's responsibility.

Keane is blamed for not being aware of events behind him. Holgate is exonerated for...not being aware of events behind him (Mykolenko sitting too deep) when he should have been better aware of the events he COULD see, directly under his nose.

Whatever. It was annoying to give up a goal, but it wasn't terminal. I would repeat Frank Lampard's clarion call. Don't get on the players' backs when mistakes are made. It's an inevitable consequence as they adapt to how Lampard wants them to play.

We really don't have to scapegoat our own players (or certain individuals in particular) every game for every failure.

Real, or imagined.

Tonight will be a very difficult match to get a result. 50k Barcodes bouncing after an away win and new signings to give them a further lift. Hope our away support can make themselves heard to our players on the distant postage stamp way down below and we all get something to cheer about.

A quick goal to settle us down and shut the Barcodes up is what's needed. Gordon is just the man to deliver it.

COYB.

Conor #142, I have blotted the Silva era from my memory. Nothing could be less important IMO than a failed manager... four managers ago. Re Holgate, no, I'd call Saturday a good performance but not as good as last season at Anfield or Arsenal. There's no question that when he's up for it and has his head screwed on properly, he's a very talented defender. It just doesn't happen often. And he has always been a zero contributor in attack.

'Maybe West Ham have now hit a glass ceiling and were looking to get a dead cat bounce?'

That's a real groaner, John.

But very droll!

He should try watching top of the pops with some dudes singing diamond lights.

https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2474683/in-form-mills-primed-for-united-youth-cup-showdown

Apologies, this match is tomorrow night 7pm.

Mullets, catkickers, Bonny and Clyde references...this is going to be a good day on the forum.

I had to make do with hand me downs from older siblings and believe me, standing in the Gwladys Street with your sisters hot pants and thigh high boots was a sight to behold, especially when the hot pants has a love heart picture of Donny Osmand, on the arse pocket.

Howe won't be there long and there is no reason why we can't beat them tonight.

More likely we'll see one start and the other sub on for him.

Would be my team
COYB!

Once got caught on the littlewoods clock, strutting my stuff to Lieutenant Pigeons, Mouldy old dough, sure Richarlison pinched his celebration dance from me.

Always thought the Gwladys street breaking into chorus of crazy horses was for Emlyn Hughes, how naive I was back then :-)

I think you're safe, that one is on Here Come the Warm Jets.