Season › 2021-22 › News Everton vs Brentford Lyndon Lloyd Friday, 13 May, 2022 137comments | Jump to most recent Match Preview Fabian Delph is ruled out with a muscle injury Everton are back at Goodison Park this weekend for the penultimate home game of the season looking for a victory that could secure Premier League football for next season. The Blues face Brentford a match moved to 4:30pm on Sunday and, depending on how Leeds United fare at home to Brighton in a 2pm game, Frank Lampard and his players might know what is required to guarantee safety by the time they kick off. Leeds will have only one fixture left after this weekend, a trip to the Brentford Community Stadium so the Blues would need to better the Lilywhites' result by at least a point to effectively save themselves given the large disparity in goal difference. Everton will be without Fabian Delph after he was ruled out with a muscle injury. The midfielder returned from a long injury lay-off a month ago to bolster the midfield at an important time but three games in 11 days to start May have taken their toll and the 32-year-old won't be available this weekend. Article continues below video content That should mean an automatic return to central midfield for Allan who came on as substitute for Delph in the closing stages of Wednesday's goalless draw at Watford. The Brazilian has been among the subs in recent matches as Frank Lampard has kept faith with the Yorkshireman and Abdoulaye Doucouré in the middle. Lampard suggested in his press conference ahead of the game against the Bees that both Ben Godfrey and Donny van de Beek have been training and have a chance of being involved. Van de Beek hasn't featured for a number of games now due to illness and a groin injury picked up in training and is expected to be fit for the match against Crystal Palace on Thursday of he doesn't make it for Sunday while Godfrey has been out since tweaking a thigh muscle in the warm-up before the Anfield derby last month. The defender is rated by his manager as the more likely of the two be fit this weekend. It's likely that Lampard will keep faith with the bulk of the team that has done so well in recent games to return seven points from a possible nine but may take fatigue into account where someone like Demarai Gray or Anthony Gordon are concerned. Dominic Calvert-Lewin's cameo off the bench at Watford in midweek might indicate his readiness to finally start which would present Lampard with an opportunity to try two up top. Kick-off: 4:30 pm, Sunday 15 May 2022 on Sky SportsReferee: Michael OliverVAR: Darren England Last Time: Everton 6 - 1 Brentford (Division 2, February 1954) Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Mykolenko, Allan, Doucouré, Iwobi, Gordon, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin Reader Comments (137) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Michael Lynch 1 Posted 13/05/2022 at 14:57:55 Delph being out injured is a shame as I think he's been vital in our recent performances. Hopefully Allan will be on top form for Brentford. Martin Mason 2 Posted 13/05/2022 at 16:19:20 Very sorry to hear that, he is a good footballer when he's fit and has played the last couple of games well. Phil Malone Jnr 3 Posted 13/05/2022 at 16:28:58 It's a big loss, to be sure, he needed to play more penetrating passes from his position against Watford, but had a safe game. Tony Everan 4 Posted 13/05/2022 at 16:35:19 Disappointing for him and us, he's added a bit of composure to our midfield that we have been lacking. Allan needs to step in and be at his best. His form has dipped from what it can be, he has to keep it simple and make sure his passes get to a blue shirt. No giveaways tomorrow from any player with Eriksen lurking! The effectiveness of his game is going to be a crucial factor.It will be interesting to see whether Frank changes the front three tomorrow. They looked a bit jaded on Wednesday. I'd go with Richarlison on the left, Calvert-Lewin in the middle, and Gray or Gordon sharing the game on the right. Maybe Gray starting with Gordon on at 60 minutes. Paul Smith 5 Posted 13/05/2022 at 16:41:06 Really bad news. Allan has been poor lately. Hopefully we'll have enough to beat the Bees. Ashley Roberts 6 Posted 13/05/2022 at 17:00:52 It is clear that he has brought some calmness and solidity to the midfield since he has been back. There is no substitute for class even though we have barely had the opportunity to see it since he has been at the club. The fact he is made of glass is the problem. In addition to being a class act, and I don't think that is up for dispute, he is also a lefty which brings more of a balanced midfield. It looks like Allan will be his replacement. I would also like for us not to be so defensive against the Bees and bring Iwobi into a midfield trio. I also hope Calvert-Lewin is given a run out with Richarlison and Gray up front. I think the young Gordon while having been great might work best from the subs bench as it seems as though he has become a little jaded due to his high-octane performances. I also think this would be a good opportunity to use Dele from the subs bench. We know he scores goals and we have been lacking in that department in reality. Christopher Nicholls 7 Posted 13/05/2022 at 17:06:26 Agree with Ashley and Tony. Time to refresh the front 3 and have DCL on from the start. Gordon as a sub. The guy's been carrying a big weight on his shoulders. Allan the obvious replacement. Maybe revert to 4-3-3, Allan, Doucoure and Iwobi in midfield. My boy scored a ticket for the game. True Blue Cali lad who just finished his first season at an academy over there. He's been to Goodison half a dozen times over his childhood, but this will be a new experience for him.He just played a game at Bradford City's stadium, which was his first taste of playing in a ground. He's buzzing. Frank Crewe 8 Posted 13/05/2022 at 17:06:38 He's had some decent games for us in recent weeks but once again he's injured. There appears to be some speculation about extending his contract. Personally I hope they don't. His salary is high. He's just too injury prone and he isn't getting any younger. Tom Bowers 9 Posted 13/05/2022 at 17:14:20 Delph is a decent player and has started to show his mettle in recent games but he is rash in the tackle at times.Unfortunately, like a few others, his contribution to the squad overall is limited due to ongoing injuries and one asks the question: Is he and the others worth keeping around for the future?The chopping and changing, especially in the middle of the park, has prevented the development of any real rhythm in that area, although some may argue that some of those who have played are just not up to snuff.Oh, to have another Kendall, Ball and Harvey or Steven, Sheedy, Reid or Bracewell. David Currie 10 Posted 13/05/2022 at 17:22:57 Delph has been a key player in recent weeks and will be a big loss. Losing 2 key men like him and Mina for the last 3 games is not good. Christopher Nicholls 12 Posted 13/05/2022 at 17:30:55 No sentiment. Delph has contributed to the last few critical games but, like others, we need to rebuild.Delph, Mina, Townsend, Allan, Rondon, Lonergan, Tosun – all need to be moved on for me. No ill wishes, but I would like us to rebuild with a focus on younger players who will grow with the club. Brent Stephens 13 Posted 13/05/2022 at 17:37:48 I have every sentiment in his favour. No evidence he feigns injuries; no evidence he mistreats his body. Just bad luck. Tellingly, the sentiment on this thread is overwhelmingly positive towards the guy. Allan to step in and hopefully lead by example as he so often has done. Jerome Shields 14 Posted 13/05/2022 at 18:23:13 Delph has played well.Disappointed that he is injured.Hopefully Van de Beek is fit.It does allow Everton the advantage that Brentfords preparation expecting Delph to play is upset slightly.Van de Beek played well against them on the last outing.Brentford do play a more open style of football that should help Everton, but it will take a high tempo Everton to take advantage. Will Mabon 15 Posted 13/05/2022 at 19:14:27 Added a great air of calm and stability in recent games that will be missed. We were lucky he made almost three consecutive full appearances. The fact we got him at all from City meant we were never really getting the full player as he was... and his durability will only worsen now. Shame.Allan it is, then. I wouldn't have any confidence in van de Beek, from whom we've basically had one useful game. Michael Williams 16 Posted 13/05/2022 at 19:28:47 Delph is a true professional and I agree with all the positive comments above. That he was good enough to be signed by Man City and get playing time under Pep also speaks to his quality. If he and/or Mina were healthy all year we would be nowhere near relegation even with all the other injuries. Lee Courtliff 17 Posted 13/05/2022 at 19:33:22 He's definitely made a difference lately and is obviously a fine CDM but at 32 yrs old, these injuries aren't going to suddenly clear up. He must be released in the summer as we build a younger, hungrier team. Colin Malone 18 Posted 13/05/2022 at 19:37:41 That how bad we have become? We will miss Fabian Delph. Oh my gawd... Only for Jordan Pickford, we were down. Dave Abrahams 19 Posted 13/05/2022 at 19:47:08 Tom (9), yes it would be great to have any of those players today, top class, being honest I would love Mick Lyons,Terry Darracott, Roger Kenyon or any of the past players who battled like them for the last three games of the season knowing they would sweat blood for Everton FC give me plenty of reasons not to worry about the outcome of this terrible season. Rob Hooton 20 Posted 13/05/2022 at 19:48:34 He's played well the past few games and will be missed, but I never expected to see him play in this match and thought it would be too much. Hopefully just being rested for next week.If Leeds lose we only really need a point to guarantee safety? fingers crossed for 3 points. Peter Neilson 21 Posted 13/05/2022 at 20:06:01 I expect Allan to return as VDB hasn't played for 2 months and maybe he's also focussed on returning to United in a weeks time. Pretty sure VDB didn't play for us against Brentford as he was cup tied for the FA Cup game.Shame overall about Delph a quality player but too injury prone to rely on. Jeff Armstrong 22 Posted 13/05/2022 at 20:22:50 When Delph leaves us in the summer hopefully he will have contributed to an end of season revival from him and the rest of the squad that has kept the club in the premier league, he will leave with his head held high and will always receive a warm welcome wherever he may go from blues everywhere, it's a legacy that didn't look likely even this January, so fair play to him if that's how it works out. Anthony Murphy 23 Posted 13/05/2022 at 20:31:16 Whoever plays in midfield, someone needs to deal with Eriksen. They offer very little without him. Jay Harris 24 Posted 13/05/2022 at 21:56:50 Brentford have become a different proposition since Ericson came in. They have won 4 and drawn 1 of their last 6 and are 4th in the form table.This will not be an easy game especially with us missing so many of the squad with injury and having already played 2 games this week.Richy DCL and Gordon up front for me and Tom Davies to give us some energy in MF and mark Ericson out of the game?????? Paul Birmingham 25 Posted 13/05/2022 at 22:48:25 Unlucky and perhaps the rigours of the last few games have caught up with Delph, but he has played and led by example and if only he could have shown this commitment from the start of his Everton career.Arguably he's kept the midfield together, but Allan can step up and lead by example.Should be a cracking game and I hope Everton keep the focus and belief shown in the last match at a Goodison.UTFT! Tony Abrahams 26 Posted 13/05/2022 at 22:54:47 His longer passes are constantly getting intercepted because he's lost that power in his legs, and his lack of any type of recovery is completely shocking for a midfielder, playing in the Premier League. But he's calmed us down, has kept trying to take the ball off his defenders, and might even be missed – which personally tells me how much Lampard has had his work cut out with this current Everton squad. Derek Knox 27 Posted 13/05/2022 at 22:58:41 Must admit that Delph is a bit of an enigma. When fit, he adds a dimension to the team in midfield; trouble is, he is rarely fit enough to feature, which is a pity really. A bit like Mina to a degree, albeit in a different position, but when he does play, it gives us a presence and improves the overall make up.Being brutally analytical, can we afford at our stage at the moment, to have players who make a significant difference but, rarely appear due to injuries? Christopher Nicholls 28 Posted 13/05/2022 at 23:05:15 One of the intangibles of teams is the fluency that stems from consistency. We absolutely need to remove players who are not able to be consistently available.This manager has enough issues to address, moving on those players who seem to often be unavailable, helps reduce that number, therefore improving his focus. Denis Richardson 29 Posted 13/05/2022 at 00:05:39 Certainly helped the cause lately when fit but for me was just a matter of time before he was out again - surprised he managed the games he did. He's a decent pro but just like Mina, is made out of glass - both should be moved on in the summer as can't have players on massive wages that can't be relied on to be fit. There will be a massive clear out I imagine in the summer, can see at least 7 to 8 of the senior squad gone.Allen needs to plug the gap Sunday and I'm just glad we're at home. Will need to put a muzzle on Eriksen. Brentford won't have anything to play for so I'm hopeful the crowd will help the players get the 3 points. Mike Gaynes 30 Posted 14/05/2022 at 00:27:47 Allan just needed a few games off... he'll be fine for Brentford. This is the story of Delph's career... he has missed nearly as many games to injury as he has started in the Prem. Derek Moore 31 Posted 14/05/2022 at 04:45:21 I fear we will miss him. His composure in the middle of the park has been vital lately, and it isn't easily replaced in this threadbare squad either. Lampard must put Allan in a protective bubble until the match. It would be so "Everton that" for him to pull up lame in the warm up, that you can almost predict it. Jimmy Salt 32 Posted 14/05/2022 at 07:34:16 We're at home and need the points so Iwobi back in the middle for me. We need someone to open the doors and speed up the transitions, he's very good at that. Danny O’Neill 33 Posted 14/05/2022 at 07:43:39 I gave Delph man of the match on Wednesday, but let's be clear, there wasn't much competition.He clearly had potential but failed to live up to it and is legs are gone and have been for some time. A tidy player without being spectacular in my opinion. Slows the game down and will mostly go sideways. Allan will look to go forward.I really don't care who is playing tomorrow and if we are relying on Fabian Delph, then it portrays where we are. Whoever walks on that field tomorrow, want it as much as me. Get this over the line. Mark Andersson 34 Posted 14/05/2022 at 07:52:55 If we win and secure safety, the same shit will happen next season... Danny O’Neill 35 Posted 14/05/2022 at 08:06:34 That's the spirit Mark.Alternatively, we win, stay up, reset in the summer with the new management team being allowed to do so, qualify for Europe next season and I get to join Rob Halligan and the crew for a continental tour.Come on Everton. Let's do this. Derek Knox 36 Posted 14/05/2022 at 08:17:08 I watched the whole of the Watford match. Considering they were both already relegated and had a depleted team, why did we make such hard work of it? From my viewpoint, we were too predictable, there was no variation in the play. Of the few crosses into their box, there was no-one there to profit from them, plus they had some big units in there so it was easy for them to defend against.After pulling off an important and workmanlike display against Chelsea, we again struggle against lesser opposition… why? I wish they would be more consistent, especially while mathematically we could still get sucked in, though it looks less likely now. Christine Foster 37 Posted 14/05/2022 at 08:20:34 I watched Delph against Watford and thought the brain was in the right place but the execution was poor. Going forward, I cannot see the possibility of a contract renewal, but then I thought Iwobi was history too... perhaps Frank is good at getting a tune out an old fiddle but not for me, I am afraid. Is he the best we have in that position currently? He is more creative than Allan but against good teams he would struggle I think, as Allan does admittedly. Best of a poor lot at the moment. That said, I think Allan and Doucouré play better together. Doucouré looks poorer alongside Delph than alongside Allan. Maybe Tom Davies gets a shoo-in? But for who? Gary Jones 38 Posted 14/05/2022 at 08:28:55 I'd much rather Delph be fit for this. His tackling, and his willingness to take the ball off the rabbits in defence, has made a difference in recent weeks. However, hopefully Allan and Iwobi can combine to plug those gaps respectively. VDB may be another option to take the ball, giving the option of leaving Iwobi at RWB….but for me this would be a big risk as I believe his minds now on Ten Haag. Hopefully in the summer, younger, fitter, better versions of Mina, Delph and Allan can be found. Still believe Branthwaite can cover the Mina angle, so whatever money we get needs to first be spent in engine room. Especially if Dobbin, Simms, and Patterson can finally make the jump too. For now tho, just Beat Leeds result. Pleaaaase! David Bromwell 39 Posted 14/05/2022 at 08:29:01 Well cannot say I am surprised that Delph is injured obviously it's a shame as I expect he would have been one of the first names on the team sheet. But for Sunday I hope that Frank plays a more attack-minded team with three in midfield and Calvert Lewin in attack. And I would like to see him use all three of his substitutes to freshen things up if particular players get tired.We clearly should have beaten Watford, where I think our conservative game plan was wrong and didn't work. So please let's try and end the heartache and go for the win from the off. And if things are not working make the changes at half-time and not wait until 70+ minutes have passed. Let's hope we are singing in the streets after the match; if nothing else, we deserve that. Steve Shave 40 Posted 14/05/2022 at 08:34:36 I agree, Christine, that Doucouré looks poorer alongside Delph than Allan but I can't agree that Delph showed poor execution against Watford – alongside Iwobi, he was our best player IMO. I have been really impressed with his composure these past 3 games and he has played such a positive role in our resurgence. Delph's latest injury, however, hammers a final nail in the coffin for me (just when I was thinking we should consider a 2-year deal on reduced wages with performance-related bonuses) and it has reminded me he just can't be relied upon, like our Yerry (who is one of my favourite players). We should let Delph go and sell Yerry in the summer. I am pleased that Delph has managed to change a few opinions from us blues and maybe shows he has more about him than we thought.4 points from the next 2 games should be enough, I don't see us beating a good Palace side next week but think we will edge Brentford if we can shackle Eriksen. I keep thinking that if we survive, the heroes of this great escape will have been Iwobi, Delph, Pickford and Gordon. Who would have predicted that last summer! Strange world. COYB. Danny O’Neill 41 Posted 14/05/2022 at 08:44:00 Derek, I think I watched all of the match at Watford, but in honesty I was also watching the clock at the other end as it made its very slow count down.And I was also watching the guy in front of me who was our equivalent to an Italian Ultra galvanising the support and spurring the fans on to keep the noise going.The poor lad probably still hasn't got his vocal cords back. I say 'lad', he was at least competing with my 50 years. Barry Cowling 42 Posted 14/05/2022 at 08:53:05 I think the most surprising thing about Delph is that he managed to play 2 games in a week, I don't think it's any loss as Allan is better at breaking up play and much more often looking for a forward pass. I would be very surprised if we kept him for next season, let's face it, he has been here a few years now and you can count on one hand how many decent games he's had. I would not be surprised if Davies got a run out for this. Hoping for a win but a draw should be okay, so another must-not-lose… Paul Smith 43 Posted 14/05/2022 at 09:02:09 Allan has been poor lately (2 touches all game v Liverpool). I'm not sure he broke up play well on that day, Barry @42, compared to Delph who, along with Pickford, has been the quality that has been the difference. A big loss for me. Terry Downes 44 Posted 14/05/2022 at 09:07:50 Said it before: Delph as been excellent these last few games but the most he could expect is a 1-year rolling contract? Dave Abrahams 45 Posted 14/05/2022 at 09:16:10 Barry (42), I hope you are right about Allan because he is due a good game. He was poor against Liverpool, very poor to be honest. He came on for about 20 minutes against Chelsea and was poor again, blowing for tugs, and this was him fresh trying to get tackles in, and failing, against players who had been playing the whole game.Yes, Delph will be gone at the end of the season, his contract is up, but he has held this team up, along with Pickford, for the few games he has played in lately. He will be a big loss tomorrow but hopefully we will get the points that should have been gathered at Watford… but it's no use crying over spilt milk. Barry Cowling 47 Posted 14/05/2022 at 09:30:44 I am not disputing that Delph has been excellent lately, but we knew it wouldn't be long before he was out again. Also, I think Allan's sometimes over-zealous in his willingness to win the ball back and has certainly been off the pace in his last couple of outings, but he is a winner and drives others on, you often see him barracking others when they aren't at the races. That's why I am not too concerned about losing Delph. There were times under Carlo that Davies and Allan had a good understanding together, so I would like to see Davies get some game time as we may still need him this season. It's another game I will be watching from behind the sofa… Tony Abrahams 48 Posted 14/05/2022 at 09:34:22 I can bet who gave you the most fun, out of Everton, the clock and the middle-aged ultra, the other night Danny! Alan McGuffog 49 Posted 14/05/2022 at 09:34:40 Stop the press! Hold the front page! Everton player suffers muscle injury / hamstring/ knock / haemorrhoids/ galloping paraka. Take yer pick. Robert Tressell 50 Posted 14/05/2022 at 09:43:28 There's absolutely no way Delph deserves a new contract. Good or not, he's permanently injured.The whole midfield needs revamping. The contracts of Davies, Allan and Doucouré expire next summer too. Not sure any of them merit a contract extension (Allan in particular is now really on the wane). We need to invest in younger, fitter players who can occupy their positions for 5 years or more and develop with us over that time.Really need to avoid buying these older, deteriorating players who will see out a 3-year contract and then leave for nothing. Christopher Timmins 51 Posted 14/05/2022 at 09:57:24 It goes to show how low we have sunk when the loss of Delph for a game against Brentford is considered a problem, let's get a grip!Allan or Van de Beek will come in, we need to start on the front foot and get the job done. Rob Hooton 52 Posted 14/05/2022 at 10:16:39 The one thing we patently need this summer is pace in the middle! Delph and Allan are so slow it's unreal, if their man gets past them they either scythe them down or are left running in treacle with no chance of catching whoever it is.Think we might have the slowest team in the league overall, it often looks that way. Think this might be why Iwobi has shone with his newfound aggression, he was my MotM again midweek. Peter Neilson 53 Posted 14/05/2022 at 10:21:31 Robert (50), I agree. Hopefully we can also shift Gomes. I think he has two more years on his contract. I can't imagine there will be a queue for him offering similar terms. Mal van Schaick 55 Posted 14/05/2022 at 11:45:56 I also agree with Robert #50.We could improve our FFP situation by moving the dross on and giving Lampard a good opportunity to build his own team. I trust him more than other recent managers to bring about massive improvement in our squad and build around Richarlison, Gordon and a few others. He's proven with his man-management that he and his backroom team can motivate players.Delph doesn't do it for me. Okay, he has done a job recently making the numbers up but, for me, he should be moved on along with Coleman (thanks for his service), Davies, Holgate, Allan, and Kenny. Bring back Godfrey and Van de Beek tomorrow and give a couple a rest. Sam Hoare 56 Posted 14/05/2022 at 11:56:53 Definite rebuild this summer. Will depend on which deadwood we can shift and which sellable assets agitate to leave. Imagine we'll sell 1 or 2 out of Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and Pickford.Hopefully Allan as well. Possibly Mina if a bid comes in.Building a new squad will include finding reliable squad players and though not glamorous the likes of Davies, Kenny and Holgate are relatively experienced players on low wages.Very likely we are looking for a whole new spine with a new centre-back, central midfielder, and striker needed. Nigel Munford 57 Posted 14/05/2022 at 12:59:08 A win for us tomorrow and a loss for Leeds will keep us up. Then start the rebuild. Colin Malone 58 Posted 14/05/2022 at 13:30:29 Allan, for his leadership on the field alone, is a plus. Without him and recently Delph, we are all over the place, we cannot keep possession for more than 5 seconds.4-4-2? I would go 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1. Not enough guile in midfield to have two up front.COYBB. Mark Andersson 59 Posted 14/05/2022 at 14:00:14 The table don't lie we have been shite for years slowly going backwards...A win on Sunday is unlikely these players are not good enough...Everton are still reliant on Leeds loosing more games than us...Frankie boys blue bottlers didnt have what it takes to beat a relegated Watford B team... enough said...BMD is looking good though... Ernie Baywood 60 Posted 14/05/2022 at 14:02:25 Delph would have to be truly exceptional to be worth another contract. And he isn't. He's just better suited to what we're doing of late than some of the others. That said, he's been caught out for pace regularly. He's past it regardless of injuries. I suspect people are overlooking Brentford. They're a good side. The sort of good but not elite side that we've struggled with in recent years.Hopefully it will be another raucous atmosphere to get the players having a real go. I really fear that this lot will drop their standards as soon as they think they're safe. The fans need to keep them honest, as they have over the last few weeks. I'll predict a 1-1 draw. And that might be enough. Fran Mitchell 61 Posted 14/05/2022 at 14:33:22 It's good that Delph has redeemed himself, and when he leaves the club, will go with the good graces of the fans for playing an important role (touch wood), in getting us out of the very awful situation.But no way should he get a new contract. A big clearout hopefully in the summer, Allan, Gomes, Delph, Mina, Doucouré, Keane, Kenny, Coleman, Tosun, Rondon, Calvert-Lewin and more maybe. Free up wages, trim the squad, focus on youth and vibrancy. Target top-10 finish with a youthful and exciting squad.Kalvin Phillips may be a decent shout for midfield, or someone of that ilk from Europe. We need aggressive and hard-working midfielders, but also ones who can pass a ball.And maybe see if Gana Gueye, after Pochettino gets sacked and PSG no doubt sign Pogba and a couple others, could come back. He could be the experienced pro midfielder to come in for a couple of years and work alongside some younger lads. Raymond Fox 62 Posted 14/05/2022 at 14:33:46 We can't be confident of beating anyone, we did the same last season: We play well against the better teams but not the likes of Brentford – not that they're a bad side. I just hope we get some lucky breaks. Gary Jones 63 Posted 14/05/2022 at 14:53:29 Can't disagree with the suggested 11, but hopefully in a positive 4-5-1 or 4-3-3. We've got to beat Leeds's result, full stop. Even if Burnley get mashed enough by Spurs to alter the goal difference, it simply won't be enough to be confident of finishing above them. If Leeds are getting beat, we can play safe and make sure we get a draw. If Leeds are getting a result, we've got to go for all 3 points. Palace have “our number†and Arsenal are desperate for 4th. We can't drag the agony out. COYBs. Jamie Crowley 64 Posted 14/05/2022 at 14:55:59 The last thing we need right now is Delph's contract extended. He's not reliable, hurt too often. Harsh, sad, and true.For those saying we'll really miss Delph, I disagree. How many games has he actually played in? How can you miss something that really was never there in the first place?I dunno. I just want 3 points. Peter Carpenter 65 Posted 14/05/2022 at 14:57:19 Be bold, Everton. Keeping it tight is fine but spot the moment to strike and go for it. The moment was probably against Watford, but never mind. Win tomorrow instead and put us out of this misery. Jay Harris 66 Posted 14/05/2022 at 15:05:03 Looking at this one game alone and not planning for the future we need to nullify Eriksen with either Iwobi or Davies and get at their defence. They are strong going forward but not so good at the back. This is definitely a game for Calvert-Lewin with Richarlison in his best position on the left flank.This is our cup final this year, so let's be at it, Blues.COYB Ian Riley 67 Posted 14/05/2022 at 15:14:02 No-one should presume anything for tomorrow. This squad have given the fans no belief they can win, whoever we play!! If they can win tomorrow, great… but Brentford will have a free run with no pressure. Nick White 68 Posted 14/05/2022 at 15:31:28 Mark #59, if you get any more optimistic, a funeral may break out!I think we will win tomorrow by 1 goal and be safe for another season by tomorrow night. COYB! Jay Harris 69 Posted 14/05/2022 at 15:51:12 Well said, Nick.The doom-mongers will hold us back.Let's have faith and belief.We are Everton. Alan J Thompson 70 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:23:06 Delph's out injured, Davies hasn't played due to long term injury, Allan and Gomes are slow and Gomes has little to offer defensively. I suppose Iwobi has to move into midfield with Doucouré and, if we intend to play as per the last few games, then I suppose Coleman goes to right back and Branthwaite comes into the back five.Is there anybody else to pick from other than Allan, Richarlison, Gordon, Alli and Gray to fill the last positions? It all makes the midfield look weak and the long ball or playing down the wings more likely but who will we be putting crosses in to? Or are Iwobi and Doucoré to play through the middle? Or it has to be a back four and/or better use of substitutions.I suppose this is what's called, "in our own hands"… Will Mabon 71 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:34:59 Jamie, I think the miss Delph thing refers to the last three games, where he undoubtedly made a positive impact. The rest of his time has of course been a generally unfortunate experience all around. Will Mabon 72 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:36:35 Alan, I think tomorrow will be "Interesting". Eddie Dunn 73 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:42:29 Jamie @64, unfortunately in his presser, Frank seemed to intimate that he had already asked Delph to stay on. A mistake if he has because the feller has clearly got a body that is giving up on him. We need fit players who can be trusted to play twice a week.I would also sell Mina, who is only going to get more injuries and, despite him being our best centre-back, his regular absences cause the defence to be reshuffled and we lack continuity.As for Sunday, I expect that Calvert-Lewin will start. Lord knows who else Frank will pick, but I think Gordon is only good for half a game and Gray has been disappointing. I would like Richarlison on the left and perhaps El Gazi on the right. The lad can score goals, and boy are we lacking them. Jerome Shields 74 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:42:40 This team may survive in the Premier League. The squad does have sufficient ability to achieve this. But they have slipped down the Premier League table over the seasons. Age, not realising sufficient potential, dated preparation, under-performance in the management of the club in both the backroom and the club administration, have all helped Everton to get to their rightful level. Having a young manager may be the start of rebuilding the club. But players like Delph and Mina are definitely not the future. Unfortunately there are quite a few others in the same boat as far as challenging in the Premier League is concerned. But, as stated above, this is only part of the package. There are other changes needed higher up in the club as well. If all these areas are not up to the standards to challenge in the Premier League, Everton won't progress beyond their current low Premier League position. Andrew Clare 75 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:46:33 If the players are lifted by and respond accordingly to the crowd, we will do it.We cannot play an open game against Brentford, we have to keep it tight with 100% concentration for 95 minutes or so. We need a big performance from our players. Come on, Everton!! John Raftery 76 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:49:24 I was surprised Lampard risked Delph at Watford. Two games in four days was always likely to result in a calf strain. Brentford were a very poor team until they signed Eriksen. We need someone to nullify him tomorrow. Denis Richardson 77 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:49:58 A ‘reducer' tackle on Eriksen at the start may be the best way forward. He's not going to risk an injury this close to season end, away from home, when Brentford are already safe.Or maybe I'm just old school… Kevin Prytherch 78 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:55:01 Let's see how Leeds get on. If they lose - keep it tight as a draw will do. If they win, go for the victory. Mike Gaynes 79 Posted 14/05/2022 at 16:57:51 Denis #78, could not disagree more, both on Eriksen's level of commitment and on the proposed tactic. Not going to risk injury? He risked his life coming back to football. He will give his all no matter what.My respect for that man is off the charts, and I could never support cutting him down like that.We are Everton, not Dirty Leeds or those Man Utd scumbags. We will win tomorrow, and we will do it right. Denis Richardson 80 Posted 14/05/2022 at 17:02:21 Mike, I see where you're coming from but I disagree. He's a pro and knows Brentford are safe. He will save his best for their last home game. Also, I can remember people disagreeing with the Neville tackle on Ronaldo back in the day. Not advocating injury, obviously – just a welcome to the bear pit. Mike Gaynes 81 Posted 14/05/2022 at 17:13:03 Denis, aside from the principle of the thing -- and we'll just have to disagree on that -- it would be foolish from a practical perspective. Anybody putting in a Pip-style tackle on a player as revered as Eriksen will be instantly red-carded, and likely cost us the game. No way we beat Brentford with 10. No. Just no. Martin Mason 82 Posted 14/05/2022 at 19:26:06 Just remember that this summer we basically have no funds and what we have will be restricted by our excesses under FFP. Now we need management and financial prudence – two things that we've shown a total lack of. Jim Bennings 83 Posted 14/05/2022 at 19:48:50 Martin 83Be sell to buy I'm sure.I'd expect Calvert-Lewin to leave probably to Newcastle once they offer him a wedge of cash (as long as they offer us a half-decent one for him too).Richarlison could also go depending on serious interest from potential suitors but we'd need more than the £50 million we paid Watford for him.I don't see Pickford going, but likely small fees and a removal from the wage bill of Andre Gomes, Cenk Tosun and others like Gbamin and Moise Kean is also imminent.It also would not surprise me in the least if we move Dele Alli on for a decent fee over £10-15 million as I can't see Everton paying out that £40 million clause for him.We need more attacking threat so a creative goal scoring midfielder is priority and a capable striker that will be mobile and score a reasonable tally. Bernie Quinn 84 Posted 14/05/2022 at 20:16:04 Hey - I saw that game in 1954 when we romped past Brentford 6-1. Ah yes - those were the days! But we don't have Hickson or Parker now and Brentford will be a more difficult team to score against with the strikers we've got now. Brian Wilkinson 85 Posted 14/05/2022 at 20:32:45 Draw or defeat for Leeds before our game, will dictate how we go into the game, even the Burnley result.Either way, we will know what we have to do – and yes, I know: win, but Leeds losing and suddenly a draw is good enough.Certainly need a couple of fresh legs to get us over the line, especially with another two games coming up next week. I would even think about giving Alli a start, and resting either Gordon or Gray, not sure these players have 3 games in a week in them, some running on half-empty. Pat Kelly 86 Posted 14/05/2022 at 20:36:22 We have probably seen the last of Delph. If we give him another contract, it's money down the drain and a wasted opportunity to get someone else in. Yes, he can be great on his day but he's a perennial sick note, like Mina. Time to move on and stop trying to patch up the squad. Joe McMahon 87 Posted 14/05/2022 at 20:39:27 Brian, it's been a shit season, so yes, let the "good times" continue and please let us win. Jason Hewly 88 Posted 14/05/2022 at 20:59:56 Delph is a big miss. He always makes himself available for a pass and he brings extra intelligence to the team.I'd pack midfield for this game, put Calvert-Lewin up front with Richarlison roaming. The most important thing is to not give away silly free-kicks on the edge of the box. Eriksen is real quality and, given enough chances, he'll punish us.Having said all that, the crowd is the key. The atmosphere at home has been electric in recent weeks and you can clearly see a response in the players. Fingers crossed, Leeds lose and take a bit of pressure off us.UTFT. Andrew Bentley 89 Posted 14/05/2022 at 21:06:56 Based on this year's spend, Martin @83, we actually should be in a good position and a number of high earners coming off the wage bill should actually free us up to get the right players in that Frank wants. Granted, we all think that at least one of Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison will go for big money in the summer, which should give us some additional funds.When you think that Delph, Tosun and Sigurdsson will all be off the wage bill in the summer, as well as the likes of Kean, Gbamin more than likely along with I'm sure 1 or 2 others, and we should have room to manoeuvre in the transfer market.Remember that FFP is a rolling 3-year view and this last 12 months we've not spent much, got some big earners off the wage bill and so there should be room to play with. Steve Carse 90 Posted 14/05/2022 at 21:35:47 It seems the majority of our support feels confident about tomorrow, even though quality-wise there is minimal difference between the teams, and Brentford have a far superior Premier League record. You can forget their languid performance in the FA Cup at Goodison Park as being representative of what they usually offer. What's keeping me awake at nights is the prospect of something I don't think has even been raised in this thread – a Leeds victory tomorrow alongside a defeat for us. Even were we to then get all 3 points from the Palace game, this would still mean our season going to the last day, where we are up against an Arsenal side that will be fighting for a Champions League place. And how many of us could be sure of our then getting the point from the game and so ensuring safety?All these worries means my continually returning to questioning Lampard's approach to the Watford game. The opposition last Wednesday was by some distance the weakest of the season. But Lampard went all Benitez. Clearly he was or is confident that we'll get 4 points from our remaining games. Let's hope he's right. Kevin Molloy 91 Posted 14/05/2022 at 22:01:15 Having calmed down a little, Watford was a useful reminder that, with this team, you can assume nothing. From where we were a couple of weeks ago, we are still in a fantastic position. If we are totally on it, we should have enough to get the win tomorrow, but it's gonna take everything we've got. Leeds have been dreadful, but they will have got a massive shot in the arm from our failure to beat Watford. They'll be thinking, "Christ, this lot couldn't even beat relegated Watford's deadbeat reserves" – and they'd be right! But equally, Leeds are also shockingly bad. I just hope Brighton mean business tomorrow. They feel like the sort of team that could be affected by a super hostile environment. They won't have experienced Elland Road at full shriek, I would imagine. Neil Copeland 92 Posted 14/05/2022 at 22:33:29 We just need to concentrate on tomorrow and winning the game. Our fantastic support can lift the players again.We can do this blues, we may be safe tomorrow night.UTFT Bill Gall 93 Posted 14/05/2022 at 22:39:50 I hope we don't take a conservative approach like we did against Watford. Brentford have more dangerous forwards than Watford had and break out quickly. This is another midfield battle that, being at home, we have to win. We are not out of danger yet, and until we are 4 points ahead with 1 game left, that will be the time to relax. Supporting Everton has not been easy, and this season, it has been hard to watch. So far, my hair has gone from dark to gray to white and there is still time to pull it out. I wish someone in 1954 had told me the perils of life that would happen supporting Everton.I was once told that an Everton supporter had to go and see a psychiatrist once over his supporting them; after he had seen him, the psychiatrist had to go and see one himself – he was that traumatized. So I guess there is chance for me yet.Please 3 points tomorrow so I can start to enjoy the rest of spring and summer. Paul Kernot 94 Posted 14/05/2022 at 23:41:56 Steve #89. Good point there. Even against a decidedly average Watford,I counted 5 stupid free-kicks we gave away, all close enough for a good dead-ball striker to have scored from. Paul Birmingham 95 Posted 15/05/2022 at 00:30:48 Neil, great spirit. “Whats Our Nameâ€?UTFT! Si Cooper 96 Posted 15/05/2022 at 00:31:05 Not too bothered about Fabian Delph as I don't think this game would suit him anyway and he isn't the future. Chelsea and Leicester were all about holding the structure and Watford were never going to really push us in the centre, but this will be a more even contest where we will need to cover some ground.More bothered that Jarrad Branthwaite appears to be out of everyone's thinking when he should represent our hopes for the very near future. Can't find any reports of him getting injured so is he just that far down the pecking order that he doesn't warrant thinking about? Pete Clarke 97 Posted 15/05/2022 at 00:44:27 Like ourselves, Frank Lampard is very much wary of how these players can switch off and let us down with silly mistakes. It has been a helter-skelter of a ride lately where every result went for us, then against us and this scenario has repeated itself so we've all been tormented by this. Jordan Pickford's heroics lately have hidden the true facts that we give too many opportunities to the opposition and that kind of fear is what held us back against Watford. Having said that,t and as critical as I was about that game, if we had a bit more composure when in the opposition area, then we would have won comfortably. Today's game will require us to be compact and defensive again and just get the ball up to Calvert-Lewin to hopefully hold onto and bring others into play. It's about time we scored from a corner too as that was poor against Watford. If we go a goal down, then that plan might change and we don't really have game changing players in our squad, so we have to be cautious. Not much fun being a blue in these times and even my white hairs are diminishing rapidly. Let's get a win today and then hopefully Frank can offload all of the deadwood and start the rebuild. Kieran Kinsella 98 Posted 15/05/2022 at 05:06:39 Bernie Quinn,Funny you should mention Dave Hickson as you don't hear a lot about him on here but I was just reading about him. My old Everton-mad parish priest, born 1919, was a regular at Goodison from birth and he would always go on about two players: Dixie Dean and Dave Hickson. Not to say he was a fan of the 60s team but those two individuals seemed to make the greatest impact on him to the extent that, as chaplain, he'd host assemblies at school in the 1980s and regail us all with tales of Dean and Hickson — then throw in a few prayers for Everton. Danny O’Neill 99 Posted 15/05/2022 at 06:57:42 If we are reliant on Leeds and Burnley losing more games than us, then they are both more reliant on us losing more than them.We are in the driving seat. Confident? Not with this squad, but we can get this done. Then do the post mortem. But that for today.Today is about a point or 3. I don't care who plays, just get those points. Sam Hoare 100 Posted 15/05/2022 at 07:34:26 I wonder if Lampard's approach will be influenced by the Leeds result?If Leeds lose then 1 point will effectively see us safe (due to goal difference) and perhaps Frank will opt for the same formation that has seen us concede only 1 goal in last 3 matches. Safety first and grind out that point.If Leeds win then we are under more pressure to pick up more points and need a win, which may see a somewhat braver approach.I'd like to see a return to 3 in the middle though the 3 up front is hard to pick with Gordon and Gray both looking a bit jaded last time out. Time to give Alli a go? Or perhaps Lampard will go leftfield and give El Ghazi a start (spoiler: he won't)?No idea what's going on with Calvert-Lewin both physically and mentally but it would be beneficial for all parties if he could show a little bit of last season's form in these last 3 games (3 goals this year compared to 21 last season).PickfordColeman Holgate Keane Mykolenko Doucouré Allan IwobiGray Calvert-Lewin Richarlison Arguments to start Rondon over Calvert-Lewin or even Alli; whoever gets the nod needs to work extremely hard against an in form Brentford. Fingers crossed it's a win for Brighton and Everton and we can all sleep a bit easier; but somehow it feels the fates would not let us off that easy. Bernie Quinn 101 Posted 15/05/2022 at 07:52:56 Kieron @ 99 - Never saw Dixie in action, but did see Tommy Lawton in a blue shirt. I would definitely prefer Dave to Tommy as a striker. I too had a parish priest who thought Dave Hickson was one of God's Chosen – and nobody dared to argue with him ('cos he was right!). Trevor Peers 102 Posted 15/05/2022 at 08:25:19 Is it worth even having Calvert-Lewin in the squad? As he's reportedly seeking a move, and boy does it show in his attitude – his priority is simply to avoid injury, not Everton. Unlike Richarlison, who gives it his all. I'd give Rondon the nod, at least he'll run himself into the ground, trying to score a goal. Hopefully we'll get the win, I'm sure our great supporters will play their part and lift us over this final hurdle. Rob Halligan 103 Posted 15/05/2022 at 08:30:49 Today is 15 May. 37 years ago today, we won our only (to date) European trophy. 37 years ago, where has that time gone? Anyway, using that as an omen, I'm going for a 3-1 win. COYB FTRS. Robert Tressell 104 Posted 15/05/2022 at 08:35:25 Sam @101, the Leeds result absolutely will determine the tactics and approach. I'm sure it did midweek, too. With the early goal and sending off, it was obvious within 10 minutes of the start that Leeds would lose that game. Had it been different, I'm sure we'd have attacked Watford much harder.Come on, Brighton.ps: Trevor, when has Calvert-Lewin ever shown a poor attitude on the pitch? Rob Halligan 105 Posted 15/05/2022 at 08:45:46 Sam #101, and Robert #105. The actual starting eleven Frank puts out cannot be determined by the Leeds result. We have to put the team sheet in at 15:30, probably a good 20 minutes or so before the Leeds game finishes, unless of course, Leeds are either getting thrashed or coasting to victory at 15:25! Tactics, formation and approach can be altered during the game, as indeed can the team by means of substitutions, but the actual starting eleven put out should be a team that needs to win, not draw. Eddie Dunn 106 Posted 15/05/2022 at 08:50:23 Rob, I can't believe it was that long ago! Oh to relive an hour of that amazing day.I just hope that we secure our Premier League status and our fans continue this fabulous noisy communal festival right through next season. And that Frank can build on what he has learnt about this group of lads.This needs to be the beginning of a new era where we put ourselves back in contention for honours, with hungry, talented and committed players and staff.COYBs! Dave Abrahams 107 Posted 15/05/2022 at 09:01:29 Bernie (@102), I idolised Dave Hickson, the only idol I ever had in football, but to say you'd prefer Dave to Tommy Lawton is stretching it too far.I only saw Tommy playing in his later years for Notts County but his record speaks for itself, many of his contemporaries rated him better than Dixie as an all-round footballer.I don't think many Everton players loved Everton as much as Dixie. Jim Lloyd 108 Posted 15/05/2022 at 09:02:37 I agree with Rob, we need to go for a win today, to allow us some headroom, if the worst happens. We at least need to be making chances and pushing Brentford back. We're one of the worst defences in the league, for those teams that matter. Mind you, our goals for are pretty awful as well! All we can do for those of us going the match, is just do what we have been the last month or two... be the 12th man! Come on, you Blues! ps: Rob, what a date!!! Jerome Shields 109 Posted 15/05/2022 at 09:13:53 Everton have to maintain a high tempo game against Brentford, like the last time. Hopefully they give Everton the space in midfield they did the last time they played each other. Though I doubt they will with Eriksen playing. I remember Gomes being the star of that game, though basically he was not tackled. It's going to take a dominant Everton midfield to win the game. Paul Hewitt 110 Posted 15/05/2022 at 09:16:01 If we can't get 4 points from home games against Brentford and Palace, then we don't deserve to stay up. Mark Ryan 111 Posted 15/05/2022 at 09:43:18 A monumental game in our season. I hope we can win handsomely and not scrape a draw, whatever Leeds and Burnley do. Some goals would be good. Survival is everything right now but a good win would very great to see. UTT's... no F! Brian Williams 112 Posted 15/05/2022 at 09:55:29 Paul #116.Depending on the Leeds result prior to our game, we may not even need 4 points. If Leeds lose and we draw against Brentford, we're safe. And that'll do me. I don't really care if we go on to get humiliated by Palace and Arsenal as long as we're already safe and we can get this horrendous season over with and out of the way and let Lampard (hopefully) start the rebuilding process.And allow me a good night's sleep for the first time in months.UTFT. Mike Lawson 113 Posted 15/05/2022 at 10:00:13 Getting ready to leave Wolverhampton for the game. Extremely nervous but very excited. Emotional already, a tear in the eye thinking about Z-Cars playing at 4:25 pm and in hopeful anticipation of a thunderous singing of Grand Old Team and Spirit of the Blues at about 6:25 pm!What this club does to you – a 70-year-old just like an excited little boy. COYB – make my day, please!!! Bill Griffiths 114 Posted 15/05/2022 at 10:09:43 Jim, are you calling at The Oak before the game? Jonathan Tasker 115 Posted 15/05/2022 at 10:25:18 Three matches to go and we could still get relegated. What concerns me is that Everton will stay up, nothing will change, and the Moshiri and Billy show will just carry on. What an utter embarrassment the club has become. But don't worry – let's celebrate potentially staying up. Brian Harrison 116 Posted 15/05/2022 at 10:26:10 I am sure that Leeds know anything other than a win for them today and they will probably be relegated, so I think they will probably beat Brighton today. Which means we need a win and a draw from our last 3 games to ensure Premier League football next season. Obviously Burnley are still very much in the equation and will have a very tough game at Spurs today. I know our fans will be at their brilliant best again today and let's hope the players can bring their A-game also. I would love us to be 3 up with 20 minutes to go but matches of this nature quite often come down to tighter margins. But, however worried we are, I would rather be in our position than Leeds or Burnley. And for Leeds, even if they win their last home game today, they still know that might not be enough and could be relegated before they play next week. Brent Stephens 117 Posted 15/05/2022 at 10:31:43 Jonathan "But don't worry let's celebrate potentially staying up."You'd prefer to go down?!Celebrating staying up doesn't imply supporting Bill or anybody else. Christy Ring 118 Posted 15/05/2022 at 10:36:38 James @54, Hope that's not the new jersey, absolutely shocking if there's a touch of red on it.Delph has shown his experience in the last couple of games, but his constant injuries mean he should gone in the summer, as well as Tosun, Sigurdsson, Allan and Mina. Hopefully Leeds go down today, and we try and get Phillips. I hope Frank freshens the team up today. Gordon, who has been a revelation, looks tired, so put him on the bench and start Calvert-Lewin, with Richarlison on the left. I saw an article in the Express today, where Lampard said that Calvert-Lewin wants to stay next season. Danny O’Neill 119 Posted 15/05/2022 at 10:36:46 Sometimes it's about the here and now.I'll be celebrating staying up. Just as I did in 1994 and 1998. The memory fades but I don't think we were too far off in one of the Gordon Lee years.The post mortem can start soon but, right now, I want to celebrate staying up. This evening. I've taken a day off tomorrow so I can. Kunal Desai 120 Posted 15/05/2022 at 10:57:50 I agree with Danny, the focus for now is Premier League safety, let's get that out the way, but by no means do we bypass a post mortem. We have seen the influence of our fanbase in recent months which can play an integral role both on and off the pitch. Now is the time to focus on the field. Once complete, then it will and must shift off-field. George McKane 121 Posted 15/05/2022 at 11:04:21 Sunday morning - - around 9.am - - been up very early - - thinking about “yesterday/today and tomorrow†- - I am sitting in my writing room - - surrounded by images that lift me from the mundane of daily life - - raise my spirits - - Into The Mystic - - posters/photos/words fill the walls of my room - Family/VanGogh/Goya/Chagall/Giotto/Rapahael/Michaeangelo/Leonardo/Klimt/Wordsworth/Nijinsky/Isadora/The Fab Four - - and of course, lots of The Boys in Blue - - Goodison Park Snow Bubble - -my room clock - - a copy of The Littlewoods Clock from Gwladys Street - - programmes/books and signed Bob Latchford Shirt - - photos of me and my friends at Goodison and in The Dark House - - I walk to the corridor between the top rooms and I can see the top of Goodison over The River - - and seemingly just at the bottom of the Road - - Bramley Moor - - going into the front room I can see the whole City before me - - still asleep - - eating Sunday morning breakfast together - - getting ready for Mass - - grey still but beginning to Turn Blue - - I can feel You - - I Promise You All I Can - - I Hear You - - - I Hear your Silence for now - - later The Blue Roar:“Can you feel the silence?On Great Mersey Street where you could feel the silenceAt half past eleven on long summer nightsAs the wireless played Radio LuxembourgAnd the voices whispered across The RiverAnd in the quietness we sank into restful slumber in silenceAnd carried on dreaming in God And the music on the radio, and the music on the radioHas so much soul, has so much soulAnd you listen, in the night timeWhile we're still and quietAnd you look out on the waterAnd the big ships, and the big boatsCame on sailing by, by, by, byAnd you felt so good, and I felt so goodI felt I want to blow my harmonicaâ€This is how I prepare myself for the Game - - no “neggo waves†- - just simple and plain “possos†- - I sit and I think - - like The Buddha under a Blue Tree - - on match day I think only of Everton and my True Blue Friends - - The Dark House - - Ahhhhhhh - - just the thought that I will be there in a few hours time fills me with absolute joy - - lifts me - - makes me pick up my harmonica and give it a blow - - there you go - - just for you - - “In The Golden Afternoons when We watched the Golden Vision Play†- - right now at 10.15am BST - - all of you take a moment - - just put some music on wherever you are - - I am right now playing “Good Vibrations “ - - Brian Wilson ( A Great Evertonian) - - Turn Up Your Radio - - Float on The Musical Astral and Catch The Waves Man - - - this is Big Blue Day - - no room today for negativity we can sort everything out later - - just getting myself “Zoomed†Up for the game - - I recall for a moment my youth in Smith Street/Great Mersey Street - - walking around to friends with my latest vinyl to play over and over again - - The Paul Simon Songbook - - “Doh-n-doh-de-doh-n-dohAnd here I amThe only living boy in New BrightonI get the news I need on the weather reportOh, I can gather all the news I need on the weather reportHey, I've got nothing to do today but smileDe-doh-n-doh-de-dohAnd here I amThe only living boy in New BrightonHalf of the time we're goneBut we don't know whereAnd we don't know where–We have a loudspeaker here, and when we go into battle we play music, very loud. It kind of… calms us down.â€Pretty soon I have to go - - got to get ready - - Full Service - - have to wash behind my ears and my neck - - no tidemarks today - - clean undies - - full set - - just in case I get run over on the way - - thanks for reminding me Ma - - don't worry mam I have tidied my bedroom so you don't have to let my friends in to see it - - honest - - Big Day - - Big Match - - Big Atmosphere - - A Day For Big Fans“Everybody had a hard yearEverybody had a good timeEverybody had a wet dreamEverybody saw the sunshineOh yeah (oh yeah)Oh yeah, oh yeah (yeah)Everybody had a good yearEverybody let their hair downEverybody pulled their socks up (yeah)Everybody put their foot downOh yeahYeahWooI've got a feeling (everybody had a good year)A feeling deep inside (everybody had a hard time)Oh yeah (everybody had a wet dream)Oh yeah (everybody saw the sunshine)I've got a feeling (everybody had a good year)A feeling I can't hide (everybody let their hair down)Oh no (everybody pulled their socks up)Oh no, no (everybody put their foot down, oh yeah)Yeah, yeahâ€I will journey from New Brighton - - up Wirral Way to Thingwall for my mate Dave Owen -- under The River like Captain Nemo - - along those Memory Lane Cake Streets of Scotty - - quick nod to Father Winder - - St Ollies - - Daisy Street - - Brian Brady - - The Grosvenor - - The Astoria - - Wessie Road - - and there it is - - shimmering and shining like an Oasis - -The Dark house - - a pint of Golden on the bar - - dripping and shining - - the light shining through it like Golden Nectar - -The Drink Of The Gods - - Ice Cold In Alex - - here's to you John Mills ( A Great Evertonian) - - remember The Everton Quote in Dunkirk - - You and I have memoriesLonger than the roadThat stretches out ahead“Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?†- - I'm with you Oddball a Truly Wonderful Evertonian.And so my dear friends - - I am just going to great ready - - BVD's clean and ironed - - I am sending “posso waves†out on The Astral to All Blues everywhere - - catch them - - Cosmic Grooves All The Way†- - finally can I ask you to look at this and see if you would like to help - - please - - your friend - - George(ous).Link Tony Abrahams 122 Posted 15/05/2022 at 11:16:38 Brilliant that George-eous. A big day for big fans - singing “WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED†Derek Thomas 123 Posted 15/05/2022 at 11:24:04 Donated George McKane 124 Posted 15/05/2022 at 11:25:04 Thank you Tony and Derek. Danny O’Neill 125 Posted 15/05/2022 at 11:25:51 Let's go and do this George. I will donate. Close to the heart.Do this Everton. Just do it. George McKane 126 Posted 15/05/2022 at 11:34:27 Danny - - and there is only NOW - - Can You feel The Oneness - - Float Into The Mystic Man (and then go for a beer) - - did you know The Sumerians loved beer - - they had about 150 types of beer and even had a Beer God - - what a life - - they must have been Blues. Laurie Hartley 127 Posted 15/05/2022 at 11:58:14 George - after reading that all I can say is if I had a mouth organ I would blow it - very loudly. Up the Blues!! Stephen Williams 128 Posted 15/05/2022 at 11:58:37 I've become accustomed to reading the usual negativity on here, but still can't understand it.We are playing Brentford, not Man City. Man for man we are better than them and anyone who doubts that knows the square root of zero about football. The only thing they have that we might be lacking at the moment is confidence. But to counter that we will have another terrific home support. What we can't have is a repeat of the terrible support down at their place - that was truly bad. Although that was primarily aimed at the previous manager, the players suffered and even brought Anthony Gordon to tears.So to borrow a line or two from our current anthem:'there's no way we're gonna fail''we don't know the meaning of losin''No doubt we'll win today.On the Delph debate, if he can persuaded to sign on a pay as you play deal, I could be persuaded of the benefit of another year. If not, then thank you and goodbye. Martin Faulkner 129 Posted 15/05/2022 at 11:59:13 Nice cause that GeorgeDonation from down under Andy Crooks 130 Posted 15/05/2022 at 12:05:27 Good post, Stephen Williams. I am as guilty as anyone of bigging up our opponents but, what ever twists and turns are to come, we are playing Brentford and we should beat them. Stephen Vincent 131 Posted 15/05/2022 at 12:22:04 Stephen #129, I admire your optimisim my friend I really do, but last Wednesday we weren't playing Man City either, we were playing Watford reserves who had zero confidence and the away support made it seem like a home game so nothing is a given.The away support at Brentford was hostile and rightly so, they had just forked out £150ish of their hard earned to watch their team amble around a football pitch for 90 mins without an apparent care.For once I am with Jonathan Tasker, all this blue smoke is exactly that, a smoke screen to divert us from the fact that the club is an utter embarrassment and if we stay up BPB will claim the credit and tell us what a great time we have had. Stephen Vincent 132 Posted 15/05/2022 at 12:31:28 Bill, Jim, I will be in the Oak from about 2.30. Jim Lloyd 133 Posted 15/05/2022 at 12:32:11 Bill (115) I hope to, Bill. If I can make it I'll see you there. Derek Knox 134 Posted 15/05/2022 at 12:55:51 George @ 122, Not going today, (no Ticket) hope you can give an almighty cheer after a well earned victory today on my behalf. Enjoyed your pre-match prose/poem that has certainly lifted me, hope you sent one to the players. Mind you they probably wouldn't understand or appreciate it, or am I being too harsh ?A rousing and wholehearted wish to all Blues attending today, you have been a revelation the past few weeks, it's a pity it didn't motivate the players (Watford Match), as much as it did to us fellow fans. You couldn't give any more than you have, to a man, let's hope it works again today. God Bless You All.COYB ðŸ™ðŸ™ Mick O'Malley 135 Posted 15/05/2022 at 12:57:42 Rob @104 I was thinking the same about the time as well, 37 years since that fantastic season. I was buzzing after beating Rapid Vienna and went to Wembley thinking we were unbeatable. It was a roasting hot cup final day and the players gave it their all but just ran out of gas. Where does the time go? Fantastic memories. Tom Bowers 136 Posted 15/05/2022 at 12:59:52 Leeds were playing some nice stuff early on in the season until they lost Bamford. Admittedly Bamford is no worldbeater but a similar thing happened when we lost Calvert-Lewin.Adjustments have to be made but if the replacements cannot play with the same effectiveness then the side can become disjointed and one thing leads to another when injuries occur and the chopping and changing happens.Yes, I concede that it shouldn't happen and it doesn't to wealthy clubs like Man City and Liverpool because they have the resources to keep class players sitting on the sidelines but when all you have is less than average players to turn to you will not get results.Everton have become a club in disarray with players being brought in who are obviously lacking in what is needed to keep this club competitive.There has to be a big clearance sale after next Sunday and if not many of us agree we will be in the same boat next season. Jamie Crowley 137 Posted 15/05/2022 at 13:26:30 There were no games yesterday of consequence, so the boy and I took to Youtube to watch highlights of old games.Based upon our trip down Blue Memory Lane, we need to set up as such:HowardColeman Jags Distin BainesBarryMirallas McCarthy DelBoyBarkleyLukakuThat'll get us three points ^^.And as the boy and I were speaking, we think Frank could be the manager to play the kind of Martinez football we crave to see again, with an actual eye towards defensive duties. Today is all that matters for now, but we dreamed the dream yesterday. Let's stay up so we can see what Frank's Everton will be about. Jim Lloyd 138 Posted 15/05/2022 at 14:01:45 Ok Bill, Stephen, see you both at the Oak. Christy Ring 139 Posted 15/05/2022 at 14:48:22 Jonathan #116, Two weeks ago, we were 5 points from safety, I'll be thrilled if we stay up, let's worry about the inquest when the season ends. John Cartwright 140 Posted 15/05/2022 at 15:00:41 Tottenham have beaten Burnley, Leeds trailing Brighton at half time, so far looking good Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. About these ads