Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

I would like to see 4-3-3 with a midfield of Allan, Doucouré and Van de Beek, with Gordon, Richarlison and Gray as the front 3.

Holgate and Branthwaite for this one? I'm still not over Holgate being one step away from a cock-up, even though Lampard and his coaching team seem to have his confidence coming back but what else do you do?

It's weird with Kane and Son. Pochettino had them firing as cogs in a well-oiled machine. Jose put out nine defenders and left those two to be the midfield and attack by themselves. Conte so far doesn't seem to have figured out how to get the best out of them — especially Son. Hopefully he won't crack it for Monday.

I think the team picks itself (4-3-3):

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Kenny
Doucoure Allan Van de Beek
Gordon Richarlison Gray

With Alli, Iwobi, Rondon, Calvert-Lewin as possible subs.

If Everton are up for it and they can take their chances, then it's winnable, like any game, but which Everton will turn up?

Højberg is as you say, and Kane is a sly fox, and knows all the shit tricks, on how to con officials for fouls and penalties.

As long as Everton show the conviction they had vs Man City, and manage the game for 96 minutes, which is the minimal ask for every game, then they've got a chance.

Time to heal the away-day blues and pressure Spurs defence and their keeper, who increasingly seems error-prone this season.

But which Everton will turn up?

If Mykolenko is fit, he should be ahead of Kenny at left-back. Other than that, Ajay's team and formation all day, please.

Rondon's version of fighting fit is still way too slow and he can't join in the press. If Calvert-Lewin can't start, then it's Richarlison and Gray or Alli.

Flood the midfield and start with Richarlison as a floating striker, use Calvert-Lewin as sub.

The front 3 if fit should be Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, and Gray or Gordon. Swap one for the other when or if needed.

Midfield: Doucouré, Van de Beek, Allan

Defence: Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Kenny (my most improved player). Stop with the Rondon love-in.

Calvert-Lewin can come on for the last 30 minutes if something needs to change.

Quite what the club had in mind when signing Dele Alli, I'm not sure. But at the moment he doesn't get in the first XI either. Hopefully he can start to make an impact though. We will need a few moments of class / skill and he is capable of them.

Pickford,
Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Kenny
Doucoure, Allan, Van de Beek
Gordon, Richarlison, Gray.

I was disappointed in his lack of acknowledgement of Ancelotti's contribution to his improvement, at the end of last season. But this season, he hasn't really played and it shows when he does, being well below the standard of last season.

There is no way he is currently worth the transfer values being bandied about and he will have difficulty making an impact in the remaining fixtures, if selected. The injuries must be frustrating for him, since he did work very hard to keep himself in contention for his position.

Deny Kane getting on the ball and Son space to run into.

Not conceding first would be a good start. Not getting turned over is the minimum. I'd happily get a 0-0 just to keep a clean sheet and point in most always games.

Do not lose and I'll be happy!

Everton IMO have not been 'set up to frustrate and not concede' – either under Benitez or Lampard.

Both have tried to play open attacking football and have been frustrated by teams who are set up not to concede. Everton p!ayers are then exposed under targeted marking and wilt, conceding the midfield and being forced deep, only to be overwhelmed.

Ancelotti away from home, Big Sam likewise, frustated and denied the opposition, trying to nick a goal, and did give Everton the best away record for years.

Against Man City, a Top 6 side, Everton players were not targeted and were given space, but there was a failure to take advantage of Man City's high defensive line, like Spurs did. The necessary players to do so were not put on early enough to do so.

Spurs play a more open style, like a Top 6 side, but you can bet the farm that Son, the dirty bastard, will be targeting Doucouré.

Over to you, Frank. What have learn't so far?

Sorry, to clear up my earlier message. I did mean that we have been poor away this season. Therefore, Frank needs to learn how to shut up shop. Frustrate Kane and Co and be delighted with an away clean sheet. Rafa did it against most teams looking to counter attack them.

We just didn't get the balance right and stood off the opponents too much in our own half. Chelsea worked out well but against Newcastle, Palace etc we stood and watched rather than engage and tackle.

I hope Gray is 110% fit, his pace and ability could really help us get something from the game.

This season, he has only been on the pitch for 682 minutes and scored 3 goals, one every 227 minutes.

So he ain't doing so bad (last season was a goal every 180 minutes before someone has a moan).

Two paragraph's really stood out and tell me he doesn't want to move anywhere else.

"The club means so much to me. I am really settled in the city and it feels like being at home in Brazil."

And
"I have said for a long time I want to make history in an Everton shirt and score lots of goals here. I believe I can have a wonderful career at this club."

I like Calvert-Lewin, don't get me wrong, but he does not have the consistency in comparison to Richarlison. All players have the odd off-day but Richarlison probably has the fewest of any of them. Like you alluded to, he gets the club, doesn't want to go anywhere else, apart from playing for Brazil.

I know you can never believe the gossip columns but it has been mooted a few times that Calvert-Lewin would move 'down sarf' if the chance arose, no smoke without fire and all that!

Meeting at Liverpool Street with my brother and friends before heading to Tottenham.

Can't wait and we're bringing at least a point home.

Question asked in the hope of some friendly football banter.

You control games by controlling the midfield. Not by virtue of having 2 players up front if they are not supplied.

3 at the back cover and 3 in midfield have to cover an extra 6 sq yards. May not sound a lot, but over 90 minutes+ can be the difference of winning, drawing or losing a match.

No reason why we can take something from the game.

Gordon, Calvert-Lewin and Gray should be our front 3 imo, with Allan, Doucouré and Van de Beek as the midfield.

Calvert-Lewin and Alli offer alternatives on the bench.

For a start, I do believe the last transfer window was not as good as Everton fans believe to the contrary. Benitez spent £30 million on unproven full-backs from lower leagues, who can't establish themselves in the first team, at a time when Everton are desperate for quality defenders. Benitez also loaned a player from Aston Villa 2 months ago who can hardly get a game.

Then there is Dele Alli, who has been written off by Spurs fans, who once worshipped him as a goalscoring maestro, who is not chosen to start a game even though Everton are committed to spending £40 million on him.

That leaves Van de Beek, who has been promising at home, when he has played in the last 2 Premier League home games. But at Southampton, away from home, he flopped like the rest of the team.

I do believe Kenny has been a revelation at left-back, and should start there tomorrow. At right-back, Coleman is not as good as defending anymore, and has been caught out quite a few times all season. Once Ben Godfrey is fit, he could solve the right-back problem. Holgate and Keane should continue at the centre of defence, because Mina is usually injured.

Against Spurs in midfield, I would have Gordon, Allan, Doucouré and Van de Beek. Upfront: Richarlison and Gray. I wouldn't choose Calvert-Lewinto start because basically lacks match fitness. Pickford as usual in goal.

Successful sides don't use it – and certainly don't play with 2 orthodox strikers. Burnley use it because it suits a very limited playing staff.

It causes us difficulties because Van de Beek and Alli are 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 specialists – as are Gray and Richarlison.

If teams had 13 players instead of 11 then maybe teams would be tempted to play more attacking football. In five-a-side football, football is played at a higher tempo, because there is far less space to cover.

That's why today's Premier League footballers have had to become efficient athletes to cover more space on the football pitch. But as players become more like athletes, and become highly tuned and stretched, then they get more injured with hamstring, groin, thigh and calf injuries.

I haven't checked but I am pretty sure we must have gone the longest without an away win of all the Bottom 6 clubs. We need to start picking up points away otherwise every home game becomes a must-win just to stay out of the relegation zone, and that puts real pressure on the players.

I think most of us are pleased with the improvements that Frank and his coaches have achieved in such a short space of time, and I am confident that he will steer us clear of relegation.

We have seen what happens when sides at the bottom pick up back-to-back victories, it has a big effect as most teams are down there because they rarely put back-to-back wins together.

The big plus is we have games in hand on all the other clubs in the relegation zone. I don't rule Newcastle out of that battle either. Yes, they have been on a good run, but their next 4 games are away with one of them being us.

The only slight concern I have is Frank was full of praise when we signed Dele Alli but, so far, he has only come on for 15 or 20 minutes, yet Donny van de Beek has started games.

Both had about the same game time for their previous teams before joining us, and that's why I am slightly concerned that our loan player is getting more game time than our permanent signing.

Although wouldn't it be great for Dele Alli to score the winner tomorrow.

Gordon, Richarlison, Gray – that should be our front three for now.

In fairness to the Fat Spanish knobhead dinosaur tit, he started out wanting to play 4-4-2 with Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin taking crosses from Gray and Townsend. Unfortunately, he was too stupid, and stubborn, to see that Rondon was simply no replacement for the front two.

So, whilst I admire his desire to embed a system (and really wish we can get back to a consistent one soon), I think for now the formation is based on getting the best training and performing players on the pitch and finding a suitable system to suit them.

For Monday, I'd suggest that's maybe:

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Branthwaite Mykolenko
Allan Doucouré
Gordon Van de Beek Gray
Richarlison.

Calvert-Lewin and Rondon off the bench if we're chasing it. Dele Alli on at some stage for Van de Beek.

I agree with Fran and like the look of Gary's starting XI. I suspect Lampard will go for the experience of Keane and Coleman for this though.

A decent away display bringing at least a point but preferably all 3 is now needed. COYBs.

Then adding home defeats by Watford and Brighton, and away at Norwich... it's all a bit pathetic.

Lampard should have been appointed in the Summer.

I'll take whatever team and formation Frank Lampard picks as he seems to know what he's doing. No more injuries please. It's about time that our luck changed.

COYB. Give our magnificent away support something to savour.

I fear the worst as our record down in "The Smoke" ain't so good (unless we're playing Charlton). I will have to listen instead of watch it (no bad thing, sadly), as it seems Hesgoal has now pulled the plug on all Premier League games.

A comfy 3-1 win for Spurs is all I can see with this game, as we're still so sloppy, slow and negative for my liking, I'm afraid.

Please prove me wrong, eh, Blues!.

Be braver, eh, Blues, we need three points badly... NOW.

I think we'll need to dig out 4 more wins. Wolves and Newcastle are the games we really must at least pick up 4 points from next week.

We have to start getting away points and as a lot of the sides around us are picking up the gap has narrowed to scary proportions. Come on boys make us proud in front of the Cameras.

COYB 💙

Tomorrow would be a good start to pick up points with some players back in the squad but it hasn't paid off in the past to get too hopeful about any Everton performance. We are due a league win but any reward tomorrow would be good with Wolves visiting Goodison next week.

The Soton game was a let-down so let's hope this time Lampard has the starting eleven up for the task from the off.

We have had some decent results over the years at Spurs including the first game of last season.

The back 4 may also pretty much pick themselves given Mina, Godfrey and apparently Myko are out, and our Rangers reserve full back was pulled after his first 45 mins for the club so is clearly not displacing Seamus any time soon. But as usual, that is where the weaknesses are which is a concern, given that is where Spurs strengths are.

I'd take a point and regroup for the real relegation battles coming up.

I was going through some old programmes and found one from Tottenham v Everton at White Hart Lane on Wednesday 11 March 1970. Price 6d.

The team was, looks like 2-3-2-3 line up: West, Newton, Wright, Harvey, Labone, Kendall, Hurst, Ball, Morrissey, Royle and Husband.

I remember we won 0-1 with Wittle scoring. I have Labone's name crossed out but can't remember who replaced him. I think it may have been Kenyon.

Everton were 1 point behind Leeds for the title at that time. Time flies when you are having fun!

So your comments about how much area of the pitch midfielders have to cover and not being able to change the size of the pitch got me thinking.

I did a bit of research (Google) and came across this site which shows that pitch sizes / dimensions actually vary quite a bit.

Premier League Pitch Sizes

I was surprised to discover that Goodison was the widest pitch and third largest in the Premier League.

For anyone who is interested I, have provided a couple of download links below showing the implications of pitch size for a 3, 4, or 5 man midfield.

PDF

Spreadsheet

You change the percentage of the pitch area that the midfield covers (Royal Blue Box).

If it is true that "fine margins make a difference" it becomes quite interesting.

About the game – I do think we can get something out of this one.

I worry about Keane and Holgate every game but Frank and his boys must be working on them (??).

Up front, I like the variation and running that Gray, Gordon and Richarlison create so Calvert-Lewin has to work to get his place back, for me.

Bill Gall – I think you are correct with the Kenyon sub. My memory is not what it was but that team was unforgettable – best all-English midfield you'll ever see.

In the words of Lampard after the City game – ''Don't expect too much out of the next three games''

Thank god we're not in a relegation battle.

You're both correct: Roger Kenyon replaced Labone that night.

Lyndon's line-up makes sense with what's available. Holgate continues to concern me, but then so do all of our centre-backs.

In a 4-3-3, that's our strongest midfield in my opinion. I wouldn't argue with the 3 forward players either. It gives us pace and there are goals in that. Although, I always feel Richarlison is more effective from wider positions or as a Number 10, I would imagine he will be the central player in that suggested team.

Whetherspoons at Liverpool Street station around 6 pm then onto the Lane for a point or 3. The last time I was there was for a business meeting. The meeting "room" was actually on the roof top garden of their offices, which are connected by a bridge to the stadium. It was a week before their test run of an U23s game and we got shown around. Superb stadium. If we even get close to delivering something of that standard at Bramley-Moore Dock, we'll have done more than well.

If Whittle scored, then there must have been another change in the starting line-up. I'm guessing he played instead of Jimmy Husband.

The defence midfield cannot be giving away possession and good quality ball has to be played into the forward.Playing Calvert Lewin straight off would be risky, since if he is not on the ball and helping Everton keep a pressing shape the Spurs defensive line will push up in support of midfield.

The second half will be critical and this Everton team will not turn around an inept first half.Lampard has to make changes early in the second half to seize the initiative, otherwise Spurs will comfortably apply pressure.

Conte against City was more tactically astute that Lampard was in the second half.

The good thing is that Spurs play well against top six sides and struggle against lower table sides that are set up to defend and frustrate.Hopefully Frank has learn't something on his travels with Everton.

Doucoure will be targeted by Son, for sure.I would play Rondon to give Spurs something to think about from the start .Keep the Spurs defensive line deep.

I just hope that fella who was shouting the wrong name when criticizing the referee, telling Atwell to put a white shirt on, isn't a clairvoyant!

I'd rest Allen, and play Deli Ali tonight. He's been here five weeks now and if he still isn't ready, then something must be wrong with the lad, who should now be wanting to get back and prove people wrong?

Spurs away 1970

Random point. I always remember discussing Tottenham in the early '80s with my cousin. Even back then, we commented on how much more business-like they were than Everton.

I'm sure we'll get there, but we have wasted decades whilst others have stolen a march.

Heading in soon. wish me and us luck.

If they look closely they'll see we have won 2 in 19 matches.

It's an abysmal return for this group of players it really is, that should be quite embarrassed by it really.

Two solitary away points since we won at Brighton in sunny days of August.

For me like Bobby Mallon @17, it's a definite no to Rondon. Did anyone who is arguing for the big Venezuelan actually attend the cup game last Thursday? Surely not!

Good luck tonight Danny O, Rob H et al. I shall be watching from behind my sofa.

Holgate and Kenny. You just don't know what you'll get in each game from these two.

Not confident going in to this as our away form is nothing short of tragic.

Branthwaite has his brain fart moments.

Mykolenko is pretty raw, but admittedly gives balance.

Coleman has had quite a few moments too this season.

Everton have to pay £10M if Alli makes 20 appearances. This won't happen. I'm so sure it won't that, if it does happen, I'll never post again on this site. Can't say fairer than that!

Who knows, maybe a glorious stoppage-time winner from the bench? I can dream I suppose.

Onward Evertonians. Full support 💙

I didn't even know you had been in the nick ! What was it, time off for good behaviour ? :-)

Seriously, give a shout for all of us who are watching it on the TV, and all fellow Blues who have religiously made the pilgrimage.

COYB 💙

Substitutions were first allowed by the FA in the 1965-66 season but only to replace an injured player.

The FA changed the rule to allow substitution of a player for tactical reasons after they found out that Don Revie was telling his players to feign injuries so they could make a tactical change; this came into effect in the 1967-68 season.

The first player to be used as a sub was Kieth Peacock for Charlton v Bolton in August 1965.

The programme I have Labone must have not been fit to start, and Whittle came on as a sub.

Just passing Wembley. I always give it a nod as I know I'll be back here next month.

Everton forever.

Fitness (and club finances!) allowing I'm expecting Alli to have comfortably clocked up 20 club appearances by the start of September 2022.

Your general positivity and geniality will be much missed.

Thank you for that information, on my post at #92 I explained why I thought he may have been a sub, apologies to Michael #72 who had it right as well.

Reading the programme had ruled out Labone as it was most probably been printed before the team was announced, don't know why never ruled Husband out.

Chaps. You won't miss me because I'll still be around because Dele Alli won't play 20 games.

ps: I have said on here several times that Everton will win the FA Cup this season. Overall, I'd be more positive about the club if they gave me something to be positive about. The club is run by total charlatans. The players are shite, and I was never convinced by Lampard.

I was the idiot suggesting the club employ Chris Wilder, Steve Cooper or Graham Potter. And I said that before Benitez

We need to stop hyping up a respectable showing against Man City. Brentford and others have run them close by that standard, it means very little.

However, he is slow on the turn which doesn't help the defence
and of course Holgate is quicker but rather erratic.

A fully fit Mina with talented and improving Branthwaite could be a strong combination but we need two competent fullbacks.

Until Lampard get's the defence sorted Everton will be an easy mark.