Brighton & Hove Albion vs Everton

07/05/2023 268comments  |  Jump to last
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Amadou Onana is fully recovered from the illness that meant he was only named on the bench at the King Power Stadium and he is available for selection in the starting XI.

Everton make the long trip to the south coast for a Monday evening kick-off against Europe-chasing Brighton needing to come away with a positive result to aid in their battle to avoid relegation this season.

Sean Dyche takes his charges to the Amex Community Stadium hoping to emulate what Rafael Benitez achieved on the Blues' last visit there in August 2021 when goals by Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured all three points in the latter's last game before a long lay-off with a serious quad injury.

Since then, Everton have won just twice more on the road and they have the fewest number of away wins of any side in the Premier League this season with their long-suffering away support having just that solitary victory down the road at Southampton to cheer so far.

Brighton were a difficult proposition 18 months ago so the Toffees' win there under Benitez was an impressive result but the Seagulls are even stronger now, taking further strides forward under Graham Potter and with their progress undiminished under the former Chelsea manager's successor, Roberto De Zerbi.

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They come into the game sitting in seventh place, two points behind Tottenham in sixth and seven adrift of Liverpool in fifth but with three games in hand on both clubs. Mathematically, they are in with a chance of claiming an automatic Europa League slot and De Zerbi will be pushing his players to put as much pressure on the teams above them as possible.

It means that Everton will be facing a highly motivated outfit and one that tore them to shreds in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park in early January in a game whose 4-1 scoreline flattered Everton who were truly abysmal on the night in what probably should have been Frank Lampard's swansong.

Indeed, Brighton's brand of slick passing, movement and incisiveness in attack is the kind of opposition that Dyche's team have struggled against since he took over, with many Evertonians uneasy that he will likely persist with the central-defensive partnership of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski that has been so susceptible against players like Kaoru Mitoma and Alexis Mac Allister.

The Everton boss has been stubborn in his persistence with that defensive duo as part of a general reluctance to make changes to his starting XI but he will be forced into at least one given that Seamus Coleman has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with the knee injury he sustained at Leicester last Monday.

Scans revealed no damage to his anterior cruciate ligament but he did injure the medial ligament and will need some time to recover. Dyche has confirmed that it is unlikely the Irishman will play in any of the four remaining fixtures.

Amadou Onana, however, is fully recovered from the illness that meant he was only named on the bench at the King Power Stadium and he is available for selection in the starting XI.

The Belgian international missed the draw at Crystal Palace with a minor groin strain but started the home defeat to Newcastle before coming down with an unspecified bug before the trip to Leicester where he was an unused substitute in the Blues' 2-2 draw.

However, he is now ready to vie with James Garner for a spot in the side but Ben Godrey has also been ruled out of the clash with Brighton due to a groin problem along with longer-term absentees, Andros Towsend and Ruben Vinagre.

The Seagulls, meanwhile, will be without Adam Lallana, Joel Veltman, Jacob Moder, Tariq Lamptey and Jeremy Sarmiento while Pascal Groß and talented young striker Evan Ferguson are only rated 50/50, with both set to undergo late fitness tests.

This feels like a daunting fixture, one made all the more unsettling by the fact that three of the other four teams down at the bottom with Everton are also in action on Monday, with Nottingham Forest hosting Southampton and Fulham travelling to Leicester.

Depending on how results elsewhere go, it could be imperative that the Toffees get something out of their game against Brighton. Dyche will no doubt be building his players up to continue the attacking form they showed at Leicester where they did more than enough to win and could, on balance, count themselves as unfortunate not to come away with all the points.

With Calvert-Lewin fit and mostly firing, Dwight McNeil in scoring form and the team generally looking more dangerous going forward, neither a draw nor a fantastic surprise win which would be fantastic are out of the question but it's going to take a highly disciplined and focused performance from the midfield and defensive standpoint.

Kick-off: 5:30 pm, Monday 8 May 2023
Referee: Simon Hooper
VAR: Darren England
Last Time: Brighton & Hove Albion 0 - 2 Everton

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Patterson, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Gueye, Onana, Iwobi, McNeil, Doucouré, Calvert-Lewin

 

Reader Comments (268)

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Raymond Fox
1 Posted 04/05/2023 at 16:40:11
If anybody's interested, the current odds suggest that Allardyche and us are going down and Forest and Leicester are going to survive. There's not much in us and Forest admittedly but that's the thinking at present.

The Brighton betting is 3/10 Brighton, 4/1 draw & 8/1 Everton. That's ridiculous, we are in with a much better chance than that for sure, I think that 6-0 win overrates them somewhat. They are a good side but their not that good!

Paul Kossoff
2 Posted 04/05/2023 at 19:22:52
Will Onana be gone seasons end, or will he get a chance to develop? Have we bought another to sell as soon as possible for profit?

We will never improve if we keep buying players to improve the bank balance and not the team.

Mark Murphy
3 Posted 04/05/2023 at 19:30:10
Vinagre will be a big loss…
Steve Shave
4 Posted 04/05/2023 at 19:32:04
Paul, this has to be the model for sustainability for the years to come. Give me an Everton that follows in the Dortmund, Brighton, Leipzig model any day of the week, pal.

Like a lads' holiday in Magaluf, we had our moment in the sun, got sunburnt, then shit-faced drunk, chatted up a porker and got an STD. Now we are back in the drizzly UK with nothing but a memory of the "good times" Bill told us all we'd had.

Bill Gall
5 Posted 04/05/2023 at 19:32:56
Paul,

The players hold all the cards now and he will decide if he wants to stay. As there are rumours of some of the Top 6 looking at him. it will be difficult to hold on to him.
Dale Self
6 Posted 04/05/2023 at 19:37:25
Good that he is back but he should not come in at Garner's expense. Perhaps illness makes him a sub in the second half which may work for him in possession. He tends to fade unless the advances are direct.

As for him possibly moving on, I'm not sure we would buy to build around him and we presently don't have compatible support for him so he could be going. I would think he could receive a decent offer and we would not have to deal him. He's one of the few tradeable assets we have.

Kunal Desai
7 Posted 04/05/2023 at 19:43:46
Onana and Pickford will be gone in the summer regardless of what league we are in.
Jay Harris
8 Posted 04/05/2023 at 19:47:48
For this game, I would play Onana and Garner in place of Iwobi.

Garner is safer on the ball and will enable Doucouré to get up in support of Calvert-Lewin.

Throw Demarai Gray on for the last 20 minutes to grab the winner.

Dale Self
9 Posted 04/05/2023 at 19:55:42
Fair enough Mark but he really hasn’t been worth his malt.
Mark Murphy
10 Posted 04/05/2023 at 19:58:40
Take the news with a pinch of salt Dale.
Trouble is, I think his pace condiments Mcneils.
Mark Murphy
11 Posted 04/05/2023 at 20:04:11
Ahhh Steve…. Magaluf 84…

I was an Intasun rep that summer. Ticked all those boxes and got the tee shirts, PLUS saw us beat Watford at Wembley in 30 odd degrees with a skinful of ice-coated bottles of San Miguel….

Those were the days my friend!

Dale Self
12 Posted 04/05/2023 at 20:07:47
Mark I would think his pace is batter than McNeil’s.
Jay Evans
13 Posted 04/05/2023 at 20:11:30
He is absolutely crud.

And I mean crap.

Plays within himself in games and is far to safe in possession. Rolls around the floor every time he's been tackled, yet somehow manages to pick himself up just long enough to wave his arms at us in the crowd to try and get us going.

Sorry, mate, but you need to give us something to cheer about, you proper fraud.

The size of him as well. He could have the lot this lad if he was arsed. He could be a world beater – and let's face it, once he's off in the summer, he probably will be knowing our luck – but virtually every game he offers nothing.

Dyche clearly loves strong strappin' lads and yet this joker is substituted most weeks. Why do you think that is ?

Bollocks to you mate. You should be taking games by the scruff of the neck, not hiding and playing the ball back straight away to whoever has just given it to you. Try getting on the half-turn and having a shot at goal. More interested in not getting injured then helping our cause I'm afraid.

Oh well at least he won't be with us in the Championship. This fella would be taking covid tests before games … “You know, just in case like.'

What a waste.
What a waster.

Dale Self
14 Posted 04/05/2023 at 20:14:54
Jay, I’m not entirely clear on what you’re getting at? Come again?
Mark Murphy
15 Posted 04/05/2023 at 20:16:06
Dale I think it’s only fair to judge him over a full sarsons

Dale Self
16 Posted 04/05/2023 at 20:26:57
If escargot back in time I bet he wishes he wasn’t an El Ghazi 2.0
Dave Abrahams
17 Posted 04/05/2023 at 20:31:08
Dale (14),

I think Jay is hyping Onana up a bit, I don't think Onana is anywhere near as good as Jay is making him out to be.

Lee Courtliff
19 Posted 04/05/2023 at 20:56:30
Has Dyche been questioned on his refusal to make subs yet? I'd love to know his reasoning.
Ben King
20 Posted 04/05/2023 at 21:00:56
Steve #14

Absolutely brilliant and absolutely true

Jerome Shields
21 Posted 04/05/2023 at 21:18:00
Dyche sticks with the same players. He has selected Onana when fit before Garner previously.

Surely Patterson will get a start if Coleman is not fit enough.

Jerome Shields
22 Posted 04/05/2023 at 21:18:00
Dych e sticks with the same players.He has selected Onano when fit before Garner previously.Surely Patersson will get a start, if Colman is notify enough.
Tony Abrahams
23 Posted 04/05/2023 at 21:21:56
I know it's a manager's job to give his players confidence but when I read about Dyche saying that Michael Keane is one of our better players, I can't wait to have a proper discussion with our manager!!
Tony Everan
24 Posted 04/05/2023 at 21:26:37
Against Leicester, one or two were saying that we would suffer because of Leicester's superior midfield. I thought we matched them for the most part and very nearly engineered a hard-fought win aided by the midfield graft.

Garner did well enough to retain his place, Onana will have to fight for his place now. Maybe that's a good thing and will get him focused and motivated to make a difference when he gets the chance.

Even better outcome is Garner Gana and Doucoure play very well and get us the win and Onana isn't needed.

Steve Shave
25 Posted 04/05/2023 at 21:29:34
And to those footballing geniuses on here who think Onana is garbage (instead of seeing that he is young, raw and with bags of potential) I wager that we almost double our money on him inside a year.

Imagine where we'd be as a club if we'd managed that a couple of times every year. Not staring down the barrel of relegation and contemplating if Cannon and Simms canl fire us into the Championship play offs next season.

I hope we stay up, I hope we keep Onana and Brainthwaite (who I'm much more attached to and have the highest of high hopes for this lad) and the like but the reality is we will need to keep selling to rebuild for quite sometime.

Dale Self
26 Posted 04/05/2023 at 22:06:02
Thanks for breaking that down for me Granps 17
Dave Abrahams
27 Posted 04/05/2023 at 22:17:21
Dale (26)You’re welcome kid, try Steve at (25), you might like his post, £70M in the next twelve months, can’t wait!!
Alec Gaston
28 Posted 04/05/2023 at 22:31:52
Tony 23 - what else can Dyche say - I agree Keane is a liability but he won’t publicly admit he is wrong or Keane isn’t the answer
Jerome Shields
29 Posted 04/05/2023 at 22:50:47
Tony#23

He is going to stick with Keane.Cody on loan must not have the right attitude and Mina definitely doesn't have it.Attitude to Dyche means alot.But I could not understand the return of Godfrey and I was so relieved that when Seamus got injured that Patterson came on instead.

Dyche's comment on Keane was a bit of Phycology, rather than practical deduction.

Gary Brown
30 Posted 04/05/2023 at 23:05:37
Alec, who is the answer?

Coady - can’t play in a flat 4, Wolves, and even Frank knew this. Part of reason we got in shit.

Holgate - let’s not even go here.

Mina - will go off half way through any game, leaving you with a pissed off keane only.

Get he’s a problem. But he’s the only real option.

Gary Brown
31 Posted 04/05/2023 at 23:08:29
On Onana. I’d drop Gana and leave Garner and Dukes in.
Tom Bowers
32 Posted 04/05/2023 at 23:19:10
No matter who starts we need a stalwart defensive showing to keep Brighton out.

They have some very quick and very skillful players most of whom nobody knew last season. No wonder they let Maupay and Trossard go. Pity they didn't keep Maupay.

That was a tough game today and hopefully they may be a little jaded when they play Everton (we wish).

Isn't that referee Andre Mariner crap !!!

Laurie Hartley
33 Posted 04/05/2023 at 23:44:08
Jay # 8 - I agree Garner needs to stay in the team along with Gueye. Onana gets Iwobi’s spot.

I watched Brighton’s games v Wolves and Forrest. They slaughtered Wolves who were woeful but Forrest won the physical battle. That is how we can win on Monday night.

It’s 4 3 2 1 for me.

Pickford,
Patterson, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko
Gueye, Garner, Onana
Doucoure, McNeill
DCL

Up the Blues!!

Lee Howard
34 Posted 05/05/2023 at 01:02:01
Just curious, I feel we lose the next 2 and win the last 2.
Do we think that will be enough points?
Phil Smith
35 Posted 05/05/2023 at 01:43:58
6 pts keeps is up, I think. 7 defo! 2 pts next 2 games, please.
David Currie
36 Posted 05/05/2023 at 02:44:29
Need 37 pts, Leicester to beat Fulham and West Ham gives them 36.
Forest to beat Soton and Chelsea and draw at Palace gives them 37.
Leeds to beat Spurs and draw at West Ham gives them 34.
We needed to beat Leicester, we will get nothing from Brighton and City as both teams will give our team major problems with their passing and movement. We have run out of games and the fact that we have to get above 2 teams is too much. We have to hope Fulham, Chelsea, Soton, Newcastle, Spurs and RS can all help us.
Kunal Desai
37 Posted 05/05/2023 at 05:30:51
Personally think 34 points keeps us up. It's pointing to us having to take maximum points from Wolves and Bournemouth.
It could even be decided by GD so lets hope we don't get hammered on that in the next two games.
Kim Vivian
38 Posted 05/05/2023 at 07:27:39
Using my prediction chart I'm seeing bottom 5 as follows:

16 - Forest 34 pts (win at So'ton, draw at Palace)

17 - EFC 33 pts (draw one of Brighton, City, Wolves,win home to B'mouth)

------------------------

18 - Leeds 32 pts (Home draw with Newcastle)

19 - Leics 31 pts (Home draw with W Ham)

20 - So'ton 24 pts (Draw with So'ton away)

If Forest fail to get anything at Palace that would leave us 16th on GD. So in theory, 33 might be enough. If we can get 3 pts from Wolves and one from City/Brighton I think we will be comfortably safe on 36.

Ridiculous situation we are in.

Colin Glassar
39 Posted 05/05/2023 at 07:45:34
Heart says 4 points from next four games (L, L, D, W) and possibly stay up with 33 points. Head says 2 points (L, L, D, D) and we go down with 31 points.

I think it’s down to Dyche and if he’s brave or not.

Anthony Murphy
40 Posted 05/05/2023 at 07:47:41
Kim, hard to predict, but if anything is certain it is that we will see at least one shock result somewhere in the battle for safety - let’s hope it’s us. I agree realistically we’ll finish on 33 but I don’t think Leicester and Leeds will only pick up a point each in their remaining games. I’m not sure 33 would be enough.
Jerome Shields
41 Posted 05/05/2023 at 07:54:37
Kim #38,

That is probably the most accurate of the predictions.They will survive on the last day by the skin of their teeth.

That will put the cat amongst the pigeons, since after seeing the Chairman of Aston Villa interviewed by Beth Rigby on Sky, I think there are a few Premier League clubs looking for a scapegoat to get them of the hung, with government regulation imminent. Everton's relegation would help a lot.

Eddie Dunn
42 Posted 05/05/2023 at 08:01:32
Garner deserves to keep his spot.

Sean is thinking long term about centre-halves. Mina has broken down so often, he would be a risk and Coady will return to Wolves

"Keano" till the end of the season, when Branthwaite hopefully returns.

Kim Vivian
43 Posted 05/05/2023 at 08:22:44
Edit to my post # 38 - That So'ton point should be draw at Forest (not against themselves... Although that may be their best chance of anything!).

Anthony - I agree but those shock results are the ones you can't predict of course so I tried to be as realistic as possible (without blue tint specs on). One could argue that all the teams might collect more than form dictate which would level things back again but what does seem clear to me is that of all the 5 teams, we have the best chance of avoiding the drop if we can just manage not to implode in the next three and a half weeks.

Like a few have said, the next two games are pretty much free hits so if we can pick up a point or two from those games we can go into the last two cup finals with confidence on the up. I genuinely think we will survive and the next couple of weeks will not leave me resigned to the drop if they go badly. I just hope we can somehow build some confidence from those two games.


The players seem pretty geed up so my glass remains half full.

Karl Meighan
44 Posted 05/05/2023 at 08:27:28
Tony@23 thats the big worry for me, I'm all for giving managers time and games to build but "Keane being one of are better players and Patterson not ready to be a Premier League player" yet plays and obviously rates Holgate and Godfrey.
Laurie Hartley
45 Posted 05/05/2023 at 08:54:07
Kim # 43 - we can be the shock result on Monday for starters - I hope Dyche has a go at them.
Bobby Mallon
46 Posted 05/05/2023 at 09:02:16
After watching Brighton last night I would dispense with Iwobi and stick Onana in midfield. This game on Monday, will be won or lost in midfield so my team in a 4-5-1 formation would be:

Pickford
Patterson Mina Tarkowski Mykolenko
Garner Gueye Doucouré Onana McNeil Calvert-Lewin.

Iwobi is to much of a risk.

Bobby Mallon
47 Posted 05/05/2023 at 09:03:24
David @36 that’s football.
Mark Murphy
49 Posted 05/05/2023 at 09:25:39
Over the years I’ve seen “shock results” like Brentford winning at City, Burnley (under Sean Dyche the season after they sold us Keane) winning 3-0 away at Utd. Palace at City and more..
I can’t remember the last time Everton produced a shock result.
And no, Brighton away would not be a shock result in my view.
Colin Glassar
50 Posted 05/05/2023 at 09:32:13
I agree Bobby. Iwobi out, Onana in. If we go all gung ho like we did against Leicester (except when it mattered) then Brighton will tear us apart. We need to still be in the game after 80 mins and a draw would be a decent result.

So, Mina or Coady in for Keane and a MF of five; Onana, Gueye, Doucoure, McNeil and Garner.

4-5-1

This is our Dunkirk!

Oliver Molloy
51 Posted 05/05/2023 at 09:40:51
Dyche isn't going to play Mina unless he has to.
His thinking that he will not be totally committed and he is probably right.
If we get a point at Brighton we will have done well - if we could produce a big performance and win, I think its fair to say that would be shock.
Matt Hayhurst
52 Posted 05/05/2023 at 09:50:49
Whoever comes in at right back (Patterson presumably) will have a difficult afternoon against Mitoma!
Tony Everan
53 Posted 05/05/2023 at 10:08:20
Onana for Iwobi for me too, strengthen the midfield to try and stifle Brighton. Whichever way we go it’s going to be a very tough game. Brighton are very fast on the break any turnovers from Iwobi , or anyone, will kill the game off, but would Onana be mistake free?

A point would be good a win dream land.

Denis Hignett
54 Posted 05/05/2023 at 10:09:58
Brighton like to play at a very fast pace.
Too fast for Onana.
Dave Abrahams
55 Posted 05/05/2023 at 10:24:33
It really shows how poor the midfield options are when some fans are choosing between Onana and Iwobi, for me it is a loss for Everton whoever of these two play, I’d pick Iwobi out of the two of them because he’s in the game more so he will make more mistakes but is capable of doing something useful as he showed in the second half versus Leicester, Onana is out of the game more than he is in it.

Neither of them would be in Everton’s team if we had someone remotely better than them, that’s the reason why they are in contention to play.

James Marshall
56 Posted 05/05/2023 at 10:24:41
Onana starting role in what? The arm waving competition? Or the 'getting the crowd involved because I don't really do much' contest?

Onana will get bypassed by Brighton - they're way too quick & technical in midfield. The best you'll see from him is one of those spider leg tackles that ends with the ball in the stand, and him fist pumping with excitement at making a tackle in the middle of the park that achieves very little.

Everton all over.

I watched the Brighton game last night, and if they play like that against us, we're toast. Mitoma, Mac Allister, Caicedo, Enciso, Buonanotte, Gilmour et all are all far superior to us and as a team they can be breathtaking.

I fear we'll be going home with nothing more than a worse goal difference and zero points.

Ajay Gopal
57 Posted 05/05/2023 at 10:28:25
Against both Brighton and Man City, Dyche will need to have the flanks better protected and force them to play through the middle. Brighton have Mitoma, Ciso, McAllister, March in their forward line, Man City have Grealish, Silva, Foden, Mahrez, etc. Our full backs will need support to double team their wingers. So McNeil and Garner for me on the wings, and pack the midfield with Gueye, Doucoure and Iwobi. Our only hope of scoring a goal would be to hit them on a breakaway, and Onana does not have that speed in him. In my opinion, Onana does not have a role in the Brighton & Man City games, maybe as a substitute only. To be honest, I would rather have Davies and Gray and Maupay as subs before Onana. We may see him truly shine only next season, whichever division that may be.
Dave Lynch
58 Posted 05/05/2023 at 10:55:44
Just keep the goal difference down ffs.

I fear Keane will get ruined if played.

John Chambers
59 Posted 05/05/2023 at 10:57:11
Matt, one thing I noticed last night was how right footed Mitoma was and Wan Bisaka was comfortable forcing him wide all the time so seems like the tactic to follow. Ajay myself and the guys at the game have all noted how narrow our fullbacks play.it means every opposition has an easy “out” ball by going wide. It also means our full backs are always scrambling to cover and are immediately on the back foot. Do that against City and I think we will be in real trouble
Eddie Dunn
60 Posted 05/05/2023 at 11:03:17
On the subject of Mina. I wonder if the club think that the football world will have forgotten how brittle he is?
Keeping him out of the spotlight might help get him off the books.
Chris Leyland
61 Posted 05/05/2023 at 11:08:41
Eddie, Mina’s contract expires at the end of the season so he’s off the books at that stage anyway
James Marshall
62 Posted 05/05/2023 at 11:11:53
I think it' safe to say, players like Mina & Coady are gone in the summer. Dyche is using players he wants to keep, whether we stay up or go down and that's being played out in public by him not using them even as subs.

Anyone calling for changes to the lineup are going to be routinely disappointed.

Lee Robinson
63 Posted 05/05/2023 at 11:23:23
@ Jay 13, my thoughts exactly. He has had one good game in my eyes (Arsenal home) but the rest has been a huge dissapointment. Even with his height he fails to dominate in the air, he should have had more goals from set pieces and his shooting/decision making is also poor.

We severly lack anyone with any technical ability and composure and I thought having Garner in midfield on Monday really gave us a bit of composure in there. It's chaos watching Onana, Iwobi, Doucoure and Gana.

Garner also gives us better options on set pieces and free kicks so I can't see how Onana walks back into that side.

Christopher Timmins
64 Posted 05/05/2023 at 11:29:44
Two exceptionally difficult games coming up where we will see very little of the ball and will need to be perfect without the ball in order to take anything from either game.

James Marshall
65 Posted 05/05/2023 at 12:12:34
If anyone is interested in stats, this makes damning reading. Of course stats only tell part of the story, but the table doesn't lie.

Link

Kevin Molloy
66 Posted 05/05/2023 at 12:13:40
The one thing I thought Dyche would do is get us tight at the back. I find it boggling that he insists every week in playing our worst centre-back, whilst our best hasn't been given 1 minute of playing time.

Who cares if he's brittle? Every minute he's on the pitch is a minute less of the other chap. At this point, I don't see how Keane doesn't have a hand in at least two goals on Monday. It's just bizarre.

Tony McNulty
67 Posted 05/05/2023 at 12:25:45
I presume some thought is going into the City game and how to cope with Haaland's speed. Keane is not going to cut it.

Oh for the return of pre-injury Kevin Ratcliffe. He had tremendous speed and his ability to recover was quite amazing.

James Marshall
68 Posted 05/05/2023 at 12:30:04
Maybe we could play Demarai Gray at centre half - he's about the only one who can keep up with Haaland. That said, and this just occurred to me as I write, but Godfrey is quick so Dyche will probably play him.

Despite him having the footballing ability of a banana.

Pete Clarke
69 Posted 05/05/2023 at 12:33:00
Those stats are shocking and let’s hope we can change them for the better starting Monday.
Calls for Mina are not going to help. That man is a total fraud and it would not surprise me if we have agreed a heavily reduced wage so he doesn’t have to play. He’s got mistakes in him, gives penalties away and is a coward so I think Dyche Sussed him out early and that’s why he won’t be playing unless we have no one else.
Cant wait to see the back of him along with quite a few others of course.
James Marshall
70 Posted 05/05/2023 at 12:37:51
Mina is a carthorse - he's probably our slowest defender and people want to put him in against Haaland! I don't rate Michael Keane either but he's a better bet than Mina.

What exactly has Mina ever done for Everton? Apart from those silly dances when other players score, missing headed goals and being injured.

Ernie Baywood
71 Posted 05/05/2023 at 12:38:23
James, Godfrey showed some potential when he arrived. He's now a young defender who has been played out of position more often than not. It's not surprising he looks rubbish.

He could be an option in the centre. Unfortunately we just don't know as we never play him in his actual position.

James Marshall
72 Posted 05/05/2023 at 12:46:06
Ernie - I live in Norwich, where Godders came from and the Norwich fans all rated him as a fullback in the Championship but not as a centre half. He's not strong enough to play in the middle, and his positioning is dreadful. He's often caught under the ball and lacks the heading ability to play centre half.

A lot of Evertonians bring this up, but Godfrey is only a centre half by name because it was mooted when we bought him - in reality he's a fullback and not a very good one. His pace is the only thing keeping him at the top level. Take away his pace and he'd be playing Sunday league.

Fran Mitchell
73 Posted 05/05/2023 at 13:21:57
Godfrey, for being English and young, is saleable asset and we should definitely be looking to sell him no matter our position.

He has attributes which will attract a number of lower table teams I believe, or possibly a move abroad.

But we should fight tooth and nail to keep Branthwaite and install him as first choice next to Tarkowski. Then Godfrey funds can go towards a couple of replacements, ideally with centre defenders with the ability to play wing back/midfield also.

When you see Brighton's first choice being Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster, you don't need glamorous players to have a functional and solid defence. The they have players like Gross who can play in both midfield and defence without much hassle.

Dave Abrahams
74 Posted 05/05/2023 at 13:49:24
James (65), James I am not interested in stats but from those games played between 9th Oct.- 21st Jan the last twelve games of Lampard’s management Everton gained five points, that’s fact and it indicates how poor he was and how poor Everton’s board and owner were in keeping him on so long. Unbelievable really that nobody but the fans wanted him replaced.
Graham Hammond
75 Posted 05/05/2023 at 13:54:55
I totally agree with Fran (#73) about fighting tooth and nail to keep Branthwaite at the club for next season, although I assume he will want Premier League football and that is currently in the balance with us sadly. Regarding Onana, I really feel he has done bugger all for us since the Southampton game, no way should he just walk back into the team. I felt Dyche got it wrong dropping James Garner after the Crystal Palace game, I thought he was one of our very best players on the day at Palace, yes he was flagging in the second half and tailed off towards the end but should not have been dropped for Newcastle. Doucoure was dead on his feet at Leicester the other night after about 65-70 minutes, for the life of me I have no idea why, it was worrying and slightly depressing to see, he didn't touch the ball very much through the game either. I think against Brighton we need to start Garner and Doucoure and have Onana as a substitute to give him a kick up the arse to raise his game for when he should come on for one of the two tiring players mentioned above who usually give it their best shot.
Kieran Kinsella
76 Posted 05/05/2023 at 14:12:55
I see a lot of positivity on ToffeeWeb about this scenario and an that but honestly I must be like that blind man in the gospel before Jesus puts mud on his eyes cause I don't see it. Brighton have risen from their slumber thrashing Wolves and doing well last night. Wolves we've been beaten by the last three times we met. City seem unstoppable and Bournemouth have thrashed us twice this season. I think we're toast fellows but getting back to the blind man analogy I guess "Blessed he believes yet he cannot see."
Ian Bennett
77 Posted 05/05/2023 at 14:40:47
Brighton will drop points between now and the end of the season.

They have something like 8 games in 30 days after an exhausting semi final that went to extra time. Injuries and fatigue will come into it.

Will that help Everton, probably a bit early, but beating United could be like after the Lord Mares show on Monday. A scruffy point would be welcomed, bit I am scratching to get to that view.

Kim Vivian
78 Posted 05/05/2023 at 14:45:42
Faith, Kieran - We must keep the Faith. I mean we are the faithful after all.

Aren't we?

Nicolas Piñon
79 Posted 05/05/2023 at 15:58:27
Kieran
You’ve said it all
This is the end, as Jim morrison said
Roger Helm
80 Posted 05/05/2023 at 16:09:24
If we do manage to stay up, against all the odds, no doubt Bill and his cronies would hail it as a great triumph and a vindication of his leadership - not withstanding next season would be even worse, with a poorer squad, no money to spend, fines and points deductions to come.

But if we go down, could we be sure that the board would do the honourable thing and slink away, to make way for people who actually know how to run a football club?

Mark Ryan
81 Posted 05/05/2023 at 16:13:45
Kiran @ 76, you are right of course. We can say a rosary or 2 and "believe" but we said all this before Fulham. There comes a point ( and it's usually at points like when Dyche can't see that putting Demari on for 20 mins in front of his old club, where clearly he would want to prove himself to the baying Leicester fans ) that I think, we've no chance with Mr Disc Beard in charge. He's better than Frank but only just
Ever the optimist but a pragmatist at heart. We are for the drop, 100%
Jay Harris
82 Posted 05/05/2023 at 16:25:31
We have four cup finals coming up so we must be in with a chance of getting something out of them.

I fear Brighton away more than City at home. The Goodison crowd can drive us on to points we wouldnt normally expect.

None of the fixtures can really be predicted with so many teams desperate for points and others with their flip flops on already or totally demotivated.

I think and hope that 34 might get safety which means we need two wins or two draws and a win.

The only thing that is certain is that NOTHING is certain. COYB

Martin Mason
83 Posted 05/05/2023 at 16:33:55
Onana back in contention? Shall I laugh or cry?
Martin Mason
84 Posted 05/05/2023 at 16:44:42
If we get enough points then we stay up, if we don't we go down. We fans have probably done all we can and are just bystanders now. We say anything can happen but the bookie's odds say that most things that can happen are not good. Sit back, relax and just accept what happens.
Raymond Fox
85 Posted 05/05/2023 at 17:00:13
We shouldnt be scared to death of Brighton, we have to try and win the game, Onana or not.
Sure they have had good results but we have to go for it.

Man City, well we got a unlikely draw last time, so we can only hope for the best.
Wolves away is winable and Bournemouth at Goodison certainly is.

All we can do is give it a go and hope for the right results from Leeds, Forest and Leicester.
We can do it, luck has not been kind to us, I think we are due some.

Jeff Armstrong
86 Posted 05/05/2023 at 17:24:08
I think we need a Saints win at Forest on Sunday.
Mark Murphy
87 Posted 05/05/2023 at 17:24:44
Martin I’m looking forward to Monday with the same old buzz that I’ve had for 50 years as a blue. Can’t wait. It’s illogical how we love this “team”, actually more the concept… the teams changed, the boards changed the managers have changed and the grounds about to. Everton is the name and the colour of the shirt and you, me and the thousands that irrationally proclaim US as the greatest team the world has ever seen are the only constants! It’s weird and makes no sense to be honest but I wouldn’t change it for the world. UTFT!
Mark Murphy
88 Posted 05/05/2023 at 17:27:34
And Onana will be that guy that in 3 years time we remember fondly and sadly as once playing for us while he rips up headlines and plaudits. He’s going to be huge!
Tony Everan
89 Posted 05/05/2023 at 17:38:37
With regards Onana, he’s not going to start on Monday. The game against Leicester was the best we have played for a while, so it won’t be changed. It’s very sad about Seamus but Patterson will just have to step up to the plate and produce the goods.

Like Mark, I’m looking forward to the game, we are ok with our 451 with DCL leading the line. We’re 8/1 to beat Brighton someone said, here goes we will beat them with a brave performance. We will take the confidence away and repeat it against a weakened Man City at Goodison.

Go into both games with pride and intention to battle like lions, strange things happen in sport, make it happen.

Peter Thistle
90 Posted 05/05/2023 at 17:47:48
Onana can sit on the bench, we're better without him.
Barry Hesketh
91 Posted 05/05/2023 at 17:48:58
We had a shed load of luck on Monday and we still only came away with a solitary point. A missed penalty, and a crossbar hit after we allowed the opponents to take the lead during the game in which we were doing well in.

Brighton, after beating United and with upcoming games against Arsenal and Newcastle will be thinking they have an outside chance of CL qualification, ordinarily I wouldn't begrudge them that if they managed it, but it means they'll probably have to beat Everton to do it, and I worry that might be enough to end our hopes of staying in the division.

Like every game it can be won by Everton, but not this season as every team that has been technically better than us, has shown us up, apart from maybe Man City at the Etihad, although that was a lucky point to get too.

Geoff Lambert
92 Posted 05/05/2023 at 18:13:45
Keep the faith thers still 10 games to go Err oh shit.
Mal van Schaick
93 Posted 05/05/2023 at 18:14:33
One man alone won't beat Brighton, bit it's good to have another squad member available.

I would like to see a 4-5-1 formation with players breaking from midfield to support Calvert-Lewin. We cannot play open formations against teams that are better than is, if we want to stay up.

Smash and grab against Brighton and take all the points by defending for our lives.

Geoff Lambert
94 Posted 05/05/2023 at 18:19:04
8 points from the last 33 and we are looking for 6 points at least from the next 12, including Brighton away and Man City.

We might scrape a draw against a team that has smashed us twice this season and that will be the only other point we get.

Ray Roche
95 Posted 05/05/2023 at 18:19:35
Barry, not a missed penalty but a saved one. Big difference. And their goalie was being hailed for a MOTM performance. Luck goes both ways.
Pete Clarke
96 Posted 05/05/2023 at 18:19:45
Barry. As much as we are crap, if it had not been for a brilliant save by the Leicester keeper, then we would be higher up the table right now. Small mercies I know but and I'm not an optimist by nature but I think we have a chance against the mighty Brighton.

We actually showed some intent to play it forward. I'm just concerned about the back four without Coleman.
Christine Foster
97 Posted 05/05/2023 at 18:26:19
Barry,

I cannot hold with your perspective that we were lucky against Leicester. On the balance of play, a draw was a fair result.

Both sides could or should have won it, chances for Calvert-Lewin and outstanding saves kept Leicester in it and we could have easily scored 4 goals or more. But so could they; if we had a shedful of luck, they had a busload of it too.

There was no way Leicester were technically better than us on the night and with a full first team on the pitch we are far better than the teams around us.

All season we have been trying to compensate for no first-pick striker, or any striker of quality. Now Calvert-Lewin is back, the team looks and performs better.

We still have big issues in the lack of creativity, with a defence prone to individual mistakes and an absence of sufficient quality in the squad over and above the first eleven, but I think the last 4 games of the season will see us perform much better than many expect.

Will it be enough? That depends on the clubs around us, not just those we play.

Barry Hesketh
98 Posted 05/05/2023 at 18:46:23
Didn't post that Leicester City were technically better than us and I'm only looking at what we ourselves did and whether we took advantage of the good fortune to not go 3-1 down, where a victory last Monday would have taken the pressure off our next two games.

I felt the same about Crystal Palace away too, both opportunities spurned, to get additional points, whereby now we're hoping for a couple of miracles to gain single points from our next two fixtures, because Man City and Brighton are very much technically better than Everton.

Danny Baily
99 Posted 05/05/2023 at 19:08:05
We needed Dyche to pick up 6-7 wins. He's on 3 with 4 games to go. On the balance probability, we're already down.

Credit to Dyche, he's made a fight of it. Wins against Spurs and Leicester would have made all the difference. Fine margins.

Mark Murphy
100 Posted 05/05/2023 at 19:23:46
Getting bored with people writing us off. There's no point going the game if you don't believe.

I walked home from games in the 70s and early 80s in despair but, by 8 pm Saturday night in the pub, we were the greatest and couldn't wait until next week. We feared no-one, teams nor fans, and swamped their towns and cities with the Blue Streak hoardes!

Tonight, I asked Alexa to play my favourite songs and got Psycho Killer, Walk On The Wild Side, Sympathy For The Devil, The Passenger etc, and I was nostalgic for those “crap” times in the 70s…

Keep the faith, Blues – greatness is more than than a five-year trough. We are fucking magic, koppites are gobshites and fuck the rest!

UTFT

Dennis Stevens
101 Posted 05/05/2023 at 19:24:49
The next three fixtures are all about trying to stay in the mix for the last match of the season, imo. If we can improve our position such that a win against Bournemouth would guarantee survival, I think that'll be a bonus. I just hope that we don't go into that game with the result irrelevant as we're already down by then.
Alec Gaston
102 Posted 05/05/2023 at 19:43:07
101 Dennis I hope it’s irrelevant because we are safe
Tony Abrahams
103 Posted 05/05/2023 at 19:53:52
Sugar plum fairy came and hit the streets

Looking for soul food and a place to eat

went to the Apollo

You should have seen them go go go

They said hey sugar

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE!!

What a tune Mark, and hopefully Mick Lyons has been in Sean Dyche’s ear telling him

WE SHALL NOT BE FUCKING MOVED!!

You’ve got me listening to music now Mark. Try the stranglers singing about the nastiest thing that came out of our childhood, and probably claimed more victims than anything else during th Thatcher Years.

Mark Murphy
104 Posted 05/05/2023 at 20:00:28
Hah - trying to compute Mick Lyons and Sugar Plum Fairy in the same sentence, Dave, but your right – what a tune (and what a blue)!

Another tune for you (B) All or nothing
Still makes me cry….

Tony Abrahams
105 Posted 05/05/2023 at 20:06:47
What Golden Brown did to so many young people from my neighbourhood still makes me shudder Mark, but my iPad has now moved on to Stairway to Heaven, so I'm going to see where this leads me.

I might even go and get myself a few cans of Guinness, and give my body a little bit of alcoholic poison, before it gets battered tomorrow, during a family party.

I think I'll stick to the edibles, much nicer and so much easier on my body!

Mark Murphy
106 Posted 05/05/2023 at 20:21:49
Travelling to Bristol tomorrow to see my eldest (25 years) play a gig. Born in Mallorca, raised in Sussex, but a Beatles fanatic.

He's going to dedicate Once In A Lifetime – Talking Heads, to me and he's promised to do Penny Lane – the ear worm of my childhood – later.

Nostalgia is a killer but it's a warm and friendly killer when you think of life without our happy years. I can't imagine my life without the Blues and I hope they'll give me more pleasure before I clock off! (I'm 64 so 20-plus years yet to win the fucking league!)

UTFT

David Currie
107 Posted 05/05/2023 at 20:23:45
Mark 100,

Psycho Killer great track from Talking Heads:

I can't seem to face up to the facts
I'm tense and nervous and I can't relax
I can't sleep cos my bed's on fire
Don't touch me I'm a real live wire.

Tony Abrahams
108 Posted 05/05/2023 at 20:31:29
Letting the days go by! Enjoy your day Mark, mate, I’m sure you will have a cracker🤞
Will Mabon
109 Posted 05/05/2023 at 20:32:46
Qu'est-ce que?
Dennis Stevens
110 Posted 05/05/2023 at 20:46:45
Well, Alec #102, that's mathematically possible too, but a tad less likely, sadly.
Dale Self
111 Posted 05/05/2023 at 20:48:27
Everton is waiting for a message of some sort or another.
Dave Abrahams
112 Posted 05/05/2023 at 21:18:21
Tony (105),

Yes, stick to the edibles. If I see you on bottles of Guinness, I'll be doing one when you are on your sixth!!

That tune Sugar Plum Fairy can't be the same as the one I loved when I was a kid The Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy – classical music. Although I did like The Whole Of The Moon and the way it was loved by those who liked a bit or a lot of cannabis while I was happy to stay and get carried away on pints of brown bitter.

Mark Murphy
113 Posted 05/05/2023 at 21:21:13
The Whole Of The Moon

While another very long story but that song saved my life.

UTFT

Jon Harding
114 Posted 05/05/2023 at 22:13:18
Where's the Bristol gig to, Mark?
Brendan McLaughlin
115 Posted 05/05/2023 at 23:41:18
Mark #113,

We have plenty of time.

Paul Birmingham
116 Posted 06/05/2023 at 08:58:49
Great spirit, Mark, enjoy the gig and this weekend, every day's a great day.

I reckon Everton can get a result v Brighton and will beat Wolves and Bournemouth. Man City ,with their Champions League campaign, could have an off day; as we all know, football is a funny old game.

Hopefully Southampton, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Spurs can do Everton a few favours over the next few weeks in their fixtures v Nottm Forest, Leeds Utd and Leicester City.

UTFTs!

Mark Murphy
117 Posted 06/05/2023 at 09:16:32
Jon it’s just a local thing in a social club in Wickwar. My son is studying music production at Uni and his girlfriend is in the Theatre. They did a duet and got asked back to do a set for the coronation celebrations.
Hardly Roxy Music at the empire but I’m looking forward to it.
Then on to Monday…..
UTFT
Dave Abrahams
118 Posted 06/05/2023 at 09:37:31
Mark (117), it’s a special day, something to be proud of watching your son making his way in life and music, forget about Everton today and enjoy watching someone you love providing the entertainment.
Martin Mason
119 Posted 06/05/2023 at 09:45:32
Mark, you and me could have done a duet like that.
Tony McNulty
120 Posted 06/05/2023 at 10:20:45
Mark,

I was in Wickwar five weeks or so ago doing some family history research (discovered some ancestors who were baptised in the local church in the 1500s).

My own favourite gig was going on a guitar course on Crete for a week with John Renbourn the year before he died.

Re, Everton, am I the only one who remembers that the last time we were in real relegation trouble, a certain party came out and said: "This must never be allowed to happen again"?

Jon Harding
121 Posted 06/05/2023 at 10:32:43
Cheers, Mark. I know Wickwar a little as I play golf nearby at Chipping Sodbury. Definitely not the Road to Nowhere! Have a great evening and hopefully long weekend.
Colin Malone
122 Posted 06/05/2023 at 12:58:52
Mark.

Man of the world, Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac.

Guess I've got everything I need,
I wouldn't ask for more,
And there's nowhere I'd rather be,
But I just wish I'd never been born.

COYBB.

Brian Wilkinson
123 Posted 06/05/2023 at 16:43:46
Tough game Monday but not impossible, if we can even come out with a minimum point, that will set us up nicely.

Keep Leeds and Forest close and the Wolves and Bournemouth games will give us more than a fighting chance.

What we need is City to be chasing a first-leg deficit before they play us, the second leg is a few days after our game so good chance Pep might rest De Bruyne and Haaland.

David Hallwood
124 Posted 06/05/2023 at 17:31:08
I sound like a scratched record but the team we're playing on Monday, who are in 7th position and playing great football, cost less than Alex Iwobi.

It isn't just the board who aren't fit for purpose, it's recruitment, scouting and DoF.

We need a complete reset.

Jerome Shields
125 Posted 06/05/2023 at 17:44:49
David #124,

That has been the case for years. But what happened was the Board was able to reinforce their uncompetitive structure. Even having the cheek to call it a Strategic Review recently.

I still think Everton will survive – the results went their way today. All to play for on Monday. Actually, Big Sam managed to curtail Man City today. Nottingham Forest against Southampton will be interesting.

Actually Barret-Baxendale got so carried away she backed independent regulation, when on the Premier League Advisory Committee.

Bobby Mallon
128 Posted 06/05/2023 at 18:51:19
I think we will beat Man City 1-0.

Oh, and Brighton.

Mark Ryan
129 Posted 06/05/2023 at 20:37:31
I'm personally glad to hear we could have Onana back. He's overdue a top-class performance and the fitter the squad, the better the chance of survival.

Brighton a massive ask but we need everyone fit.

Phillip Warrington
130 Posted 07/05/2023 at 04:43:27
I would play Onana and Garner in the midfield to start with feeding Sims and Calvert-Lewin. Play Mina instead of Keane in a old-fashioned 4-4-2. But shit, we cannot afford to loose any game from now on.
Bobby Mallon
131 Posted 06/05/2023 at 08:12:09
I hope we give it a go tomorrow. Please don't do another away day bottle job. There have been so many of them. We showed against Leicester that we can create chances and that's what I want more of.

Yes, we conceded but I was actually excited about it. 23 shots – what the fuck? – was it actually Everton. I'm going tomorrow and I'm going to make a day of it. I'm going for a double: Mawj in the 1000 Guineas 12/1 and an Everton away win. COYB

Colin Glassar
132 Posted 07/05/2023 at 08:32:33
Sounds like Dyche will start both Keane and Iwobi. I can't see us getting anything (maybe a point) from our remaining games with these two wasters in the team.

I know Iwobi scored in his last outing but his overall play, lack of courage, poor passing ability, pathetic decision making is killing us in the final third.

As for Keane, words fail me. Slow, indecisive, nervous, useless, clueless…….

I am desperate for Everton to stay up but with Dyche in charge and these two playing I can't realistically see it happening.

So if we do go down, to paraphrase a regular poster on here:

Regroup,
Rebuild,
Reform,
Revenge.

Danny Baily
133 Posted 07/05/2023 at 08:43:34
Colin 132, Iwobi is just about the only player we have who can play a forward pass.

There's not much in your characterisation of him that I agree with.

Colin Glassar
134 Posted 07/05/2023 at 08:58:08
Agree to disagree, Danny. 100%.
Trevor Peers
135 Posted 07/05/2023 at 09:05:49
We're stuck with Iwobi and to a lesser extent Keane both virtually pick themselves, this must be the thinnest squad of talent ever assembled in our history. We have the worst subs bench in the Premier League, thanks to our inept board.

Against Leicester, it was: Gray, Mina (can't be risked), Maupay, Davies, Coady, Simms. I don't see how any of these would improve us. They're all donkeys! No other Premier League team would want any of them.
Terry Farrell
136 Posted 07/05/2023 at 09:11:46
I thought the boys played well against Leicester apart from the mistake centre-mid. Garner did well and deserves his place. Jay, Onana is a top player and still young. You will have many occasions over the next 10 years to laugh at your post!

So pleased that Seamus will recover. One of my favs of all time and hard as nails. I was so frustrated at Goodison Park against Newcastle when it was crying out for changes and Sean Dyche didn't make them and then it was too late.

I think he could have made them at Leicester and fresh legs could have won the game. No point in having 5 subs and not using 3 of them every game!

Joe McMahon
137 Posted 07/05/2023 at 09:59:52
Mark@113, Great song and Band. Very underated!
Bill Piscass
138 Posted 07/05/2023 at 10:41:26
I think Dyche has realised that his usual 1 point per game stats is no longer going to work. Thats why he pushed Dacourt forward against Leicester. He will might want to keep it tight against Brighton, but I suspect that will be a big mistake. If they are allowed to constantly attack we are finished. I think we are now suffering from negative management tactics. When we signed Dyche this was inevitable from his defensive management record. I say you go 2 up top. Stick Dacourt Onana Gueye and Garner in Maybe drop Oneil. Play Dacourt higher up just behind Calvert.
Danny Baily
139 Posted 07/05/2023 at 11:01:29
Bill, Dyche always pushes Doucoure further forward towards the end of games. It's the same system he was playing before Doucoure was suspended.

There's been no sudden moment of realisation on his part. He'll have known that wins are the currency down at the bottom.

He needed 6 or 7 wins. He's had a good go, but he's on 3, with four games to go. We came close against Spurs and Leicester; wins in those matches would have given us a real chance.

Bill Piscass
140 Posted 07/05/2023 at 11:29:05
The way I see it, If Leicester get anything from Fulham, Forest beat Southampton. If we lose to Brighton its all over. Tomorrow I suspect will either seal our fate or We will move on to City. Someone from the bottom will start to win a few. Not sure but I am hoping it is us.

6 pointers

West Ham v Leeds

Forest v Southampton

Leicester v West ham

Leicester City: Fulham (A), Liverpool (H), Newcastle (A), West Ham (H)

West Ham: Man Utd (H), Brentford (A), Leeds (H), Leicester (A)

Nottingham Forest: Southampton (H), Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H), Palace (A)

Leeds: , Newcastle (H), West Ham (A), Spurs (H)

Everton: Brighton (A), Man City (H), Wolves (A), Bournemouth (H)

Mark Ryan
141 Posted 07/05/2023 at 11:30:22
What might just save our bacon is the fact that Wolves and Bournemouth don't need to win. Brighton and City are two massive asks to simply try to get a point. We ought to be able to get 6 points from Wolves and Bournemouth UTFT's
Colin Glassar
142 Posted 07/05/2023 at 11:45:39
Mark, after watching Wolves and Bournemouth (highlights) on motd, I hope to god their minds are on the beach otherwise they’ll murder us with their fast passing game.

Brighton is do or die. A point is an absolute minimum.

Robert Tressell
143 Posted 07/05/2023 at 11:57:23
Danny, I think the Newcastle result was close to a wim also but fine margins unfortinately. In some respects I think Dyche may have even tried to work too hard for the wins. I thought wed have played deeper, grittier etc to avoid defeat.

Fans would have been appalled doung that at hime to Fulham but wed provably be a point better off (with Dyche branded a coward and a dinosaur).

Hopefully we can sneak the win at Brighton - and if so Iwobi may be influential again as youre right he is one of the few with a forward pass in him (along with the frustrating play).

Bill Piscass
144 Posted 07/05/2023 at 12:03:17
Colin 142
A draw will not be enough unless we get a point against City. Goal difference. We had to win against Palace or Leicester, we didn't do it.

Yes we could win the last 2 games and stay up on 35 points. But pressure on and Winning away not confident.

Brighton, When Forest took the game to them they folded at the back. I don't think Dyche has it in him to motivate them to give there all. More likely Leeds will start to win under, whom we should have got Allardyce.

Tony Everan
145 Posted 07/05/2023 at 12:03:36
Bill, I agree, tomorrow is a huge day that will tip the balance one way or another. Simply we have to match or better the Leicester and Nottingham Forest results.

I think Forest and Leeds are the most vulnerable so the Forest v Southampton match in particular is a massive one. After this game tomorrow they have two nightmare games against Arsenal then Chelsea away. If they only get a draw tomorrow it will be a big result for Everton, as I think they will really struggle to stay up.

Leeds ‘Waterloo’ moment is the home game next week against Newcastle, lose that and they’re in big trouble too.

Whatever happens it will likely be going to the wire. I think the overwhelming likelihood is that we will have to beat Bournemouth on the last day to stand any sort of chance.

Will Mabon
146 Posted 07/05/2023 at 12:15:19
Only a win tomorrow is enough.
Bill Piscass
147 Posted 07/05/2023 at 12:38:14
Leicester City: Fulham (A) Draw, Liverpool (H) lose Newcastle (A)lose, West Ham (H) W 4 points

West Ham: Man Utd (H) D, Brentford (A) D, Leeds (H) W, Leicester (A) L
5 points

Nottingham Forest: Southampton (H) W Chelsea (A) D, Arsenal (H) W, Palace (A) D 8 points

Leeds:, Newcastle (H) L, West Ham (A) L, Spurs (H) W
3 points

Everton: Brighton (A)D Man City (H),L Wolves (A)D, Bournemouth (H) W
5 points
its going to be tight

Forest v Arsenal They would have given up by then. Forest might win this

Bill Piscass
148 Posted 07/05/2023 at 12:54:07
Leicester v fullham is key Leicester need to lose we need a point at least or we have to get a point a point against man city. Now if Arsenal lose against Newcastle which is likely. Man city might not be too interested in Winning and losing any players to injury. With Real Madrid coming up.
Gary Brown
149 Posted 07/05/2023 at 12:55:33
Hope you’re wrong about Forrest bill. If they pick up even a win or two, I fear it’s goal difference that’ll take us down.

Leicester City: Fulham (A) L, Liverpool (H) L Newcastle (A) L, West Ham (H) W - 3 point

Nottingham Forest: Southampton (H) D, Chelsea (A) L, Arsenal (H) L, Palace (A) L - 1 points

Leeds: Newcastle (H) L, West Ham (A) L, Spurs (H) D - 1 points

Everton: Brighton (A) L, Man City (H) L, Wolves (A) D, Bournemouth (H) W - 4 points

Bill Piscass
150 Posted 07/05/2023 at 13:01:05
https://sqaf.club/premier-league-relegation-points/

Cannot see us staying up with 33 points We need 5 points minimum

Bill Piscass
151 Posted 07/05/2023 at 13:11:39
Gary 149 I agree, if we go it will be goal difference. I am just hoping Leicester don't beat or draw with Fulham and actually lose. Southampton could get a draw against Forest or win. But I watched Forest against Brighton and it was total commitment to winning. Brighton were pushed back and the defense was in a total mess..
Colin Glassar
152 Posted 07/05/2023 at 13:21:58
Bill, I agree about a win being a must tomorrow but I just can’t trust these players or the manager.

I hope with all my might they prove me wrong. Heart says win/draw. Head says loss.

Chris Jenkins
153 Posted 07/05/2023 at 13:24:00
I'm very much an optimist but I really do think two wins and two draws for us is not an unrealistic outcome.

As for the teams around us, we must keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best, ie, that three, hopefully four of them have a very poor set of results in the final few games.

Getting behind the manager and players, regardless of what many perceive as their failings, is called for now.

Bill Piscass
154 Posted 07/05/2023 at 13:36:08
What is concerning is the substitutions? We don't make any to force a win. Dyche doesn't seem to know what to change, if he did, he would have done it.
Brian Wilkinson
155 Posted 07/05/2023 at 14:04:11
I do not care how well Brighton are playing, anything can happen in a game.

The 15/2 for an Everton win is overpriced for me, in a two horse race I think I might have a little tickle on that 15/2.

Dale Self
156 Posted 07/05/2023 at 14:22:46
Robert 143, we have moved on to donkey slurs now. It's hard to keep up admittedly.
Denis Richardson
157 Posted 07/05/2023 at 14:49:16
Going to go to the wire but some big games tomorrow. Form says Forest win and Leicester and us lose, which almost puts Forest safe.

Hopefully Fulham will do the job so anything taken against Brighton is a bonus. Whatever happens, we almost certainly need to beat Bournemouth, who'll be on the beach by then so there's still hope.

We're not down yet, even if we lose tomorrow and against Man City. Personally, I think Southampton and Leeds are gone and it's between us and Leicester City.

Kim Vivian
158 Posted 07/05/2023 at 15:06:35
If we collect 8 points or more before the end of the season I swear I will actually shit a live ostrich. Chris (153) - clearly you are very much an optimist. I think 4 or 5 at best but think that will keep us safe if other results fall okay.

Bill - 147 - you're way off beam if you think Forest are not going to lose again. I can see a win against Southampton, a draw away to Palace,and losing to Chelsea and Arsenal. We need the ex-Everton connections of Lampard and Arteta to do us favours in those two. I would prefer them to stay up than Leeds though.

Trevor Peers
159 Posted 07/05/2023 at 15:09:17
It's the herd mentality Dale#156.
James Marshall
160 Posted 07/05/2023 at 15:33:42
I don't buy into this notion of tens being 'on the beach' anymore. There are huge financial incentives for finishing positions, which is relevant to both Wolves and Bournemouth.

Both those teams are way better than us and will be difficult games.

I think we'll be lucky to get another point this season and could well lose all 4 remaining games.

If we stay up, I too will shit a live Ostrich and streak down the Goodison Road by way of celebration.

Kevin Molloy
161 Posted 07/05/2023 at 15:45:58
I think soton will whack forest, and Fulham will win. Normally looking at the remaining fixtures I'd be cautiously optimistic, but what has thrown everything is Chelsea and spurs. I think they are both a busted flush, and they play both forest and Leeds. the dead hand of Lampard may yet reach out to pull us down into hell.
Paul Kossoff
162 Posted 07/05/2023 at 15:50:43
Man city put out a team with seven changes against Leeds. Now Leeds could have capitalized on that by getting a point. Does anyone agree that teams outing out weakened sides especially against relegated threatened teams should be fined or have points deducted? Wasn't Everton fined for the same thing in the 70",s?
Kevin Molloy
163 Posted 07/05/2023 at 15:54:15
Paul if City want to field a weakened team against Everton at the weekend I for one will not stand in their way. This is still a free country,
Paul Kossoff
164 Posted 07/05/2023 at 15:59:54
Kevin, me too, a follow up on man city.
The Terriers are in a battle with Reading to stay up an cried foul when they saw six change to the Clarets’ side last Saturday.

Burnley had already won promotion and Vincent Kompany threw in a handful of fringe players for a match during their busy schedule.

The EFL have written to Burnley who may be fined or even hit with a points penalty if found guilty.

The Clarets are adamant that they made changes because they were using their squad to the full and some fringe men needed a game.
Apparently the rules are in place to punish teams for weakened sides.

Kevin Molloy
165 Posted 07/05/2023 at 16:05:20
of course we both know City will be full strength against Everton. It's the law.
Martin Mason
166 Posted 07/05/2023 at 16:23:26
Bookies seeming to just Favour Everton and Leeds for relegation with Forest to stay up. Very difficult to be logical in a situation that will be chaos but to be fair, we have had downward momentum for a long time and breaking that is difficult. We also had downward momentum with Onana in the side, can he make any real difference
Darryl Ritchie
167 Posted 07/05/2023 at 16:23:32
Weakened team? City’s bench can whip our starters, any day of the week.
Chris Jenkins
168 Posted 07/05/2023 at 16:29:35
Kim #158- despite my confidence that 8 points are still definitely achievable, I won't hold you to your undertaking to perform such a painful bowel movement if my prediction of yet another Great Escape proves correct !! I can remember a few similar precarious situations at Goodison over the years
Raymond Fox
169 Posted 07/05/2023 at 16:45:09
For those who keep slaging Keane off, don't forget he got us a point this season with a very good goal and he got the first goal against Palace which saved us last season. Ok you can slag him of in defence if you want but thats subjective also.

Its a big day tomorrow, we need something out of the Brighton game for starters and I think we may do. I certainly don't think we are a 7/1 shot to win, that may be through my blue glasses but I think it will be a close game.

We need to get lucky with the other results also, we have been ptetty fortunate up to now.

Tony Everan
170 Posted 07/05/2023 at 16:47:45
On the flip side, all the players in the supposedly weakened Man City team, will be trying their utmost to get into the reckoning for a start in the upcoming finals. It will still be very difficult, but not impossible by a long way. They were a bit ragged in the second half yesterday against Leeds.
Bobby Mallon
171 Posted 07/05/2023 at 17:18:06
I mentioned in my last post that Mawj would win the 1000 guineas and she did @9/1. I also said it would be in a double with Everton winning tomorrow COYB
Tony Everan
172 Posted 07/05/2023 at 17:33:59
Nice one Bobby, top tipping, I’d have preferred you had Everton up and were waiting on Mawj for your double though!
Brian Wilkinson
173 Posted 07/05/2023 at 17:58:34
Nice on Bobby missed the horse but could not resist a nibble on the 15/2 for an Everton win.
Roger Helm
174 Posted 07/05/2023 at 18:25:12
With our goal difference and having to play Man City, it seems we have to win two out of three games against sides who are better than us and who usually beat us. Well, I suppose it is theoretically possible, but I can’t see it happening myself.
Si Cooper
175 Posted 07/05/2023 at 23:17:24
Chris Jenkins wins this year's (and any other year's) award for most optimistic ‘not unrealistic' prediction!

“I don't buy into this notion of teams being 'on the beach' anymore. There are huge financial incentives for finishing positions, which is relevant to both Wolves and Bournemouth.”

Huge? Compared to the lottery-sized sums they will already be getting for retaining their status as Premier League players?

And it remains just an incentive, something that might get mental attention when inevitably all the emotions the players feel will massively wane if they feel they have done enough to beat the drop, which will have been haunting them for months.

I don't think the psychosomatic drive is that significant. Of course, players who are released from intense pressure may find they actually perform better when relaxed a bit.

Kevin Molloy
176 Posted 07/05/2023 at 23:24:25
Despite everything, I have this nagging feeling we'll just about stay up. No doubt in the least satisfying way possible.

So, if I had to bet, we'll get beat tomorrow and against Man City and Wolves, but then get a one-nil win against Bournemouth, with Leeds and Forest only getting a draw each.

Bill Piscass
177 Posted 07/05/2023 at 23:35:37
Just watched the Dyche press conference. I believe he is out of his depth and he knows it.

He hasn't a clue how to change a game and, if you compare this to Sam Allardyce and the subs made against Man City, it would be a big mistake to carry this on into the Championship.

Colin Glassar
178 Posted 08/05/2023 at 00:06:09
Kevin, do you really think we could stay up on 32 points? I think we are going to need 35 points at least.
Nick Page
179 Posted 08/05/2023 at 00:31:49
Now they're all wishing Allardyce was back instead of Dyche, after one game in charge which they lost. Utterly hopeless.
Barry Hesketh
180 Posted 08/05/2023 at 00:45:16
Sean Dyche has admitted livelihoods are at stake in Everton's final four matches and he intends to restore “core values” to the club irrespective of its Premier League fate.

“The next four games not only affect people's futures but people's lives and livelihoods,” he said. “That is football. That is the challenge. That is the reality. Our job is to create a new reality, but that is the current one.”

The Everton manager's sole focus is on the next four matches but he acknowledges rebuilding work must be done this summer that is not tied to which division the club finds itself in.

“There are certain core values about how a club should be operating and it is not about the plan of which division you are in. It should be operating that way, full stop. That is my opinion. That is what I am hoping to build over time. In the immediacy, we need to win enough games.

“The bigger picture has to shape the whole club to get it in the right direction. It can't just be: ‘Oh we have stayed up again.' That is not building anything. That is just surviving. We do not want to be just surviving. We want to be growing. That is a different ballgame.

“The job when I got here – and it was well documented before I got here – all the problems, the noise and negativity around the club has been there for a long time. You can't turn it around in one moment. There is loads to do and loads going on behind the results, but the results are still the key thing at the moment. We need to get the job done, get to the summer and then start all the big stuff. But the key at the minute is the games and that is the focus.”

Source: Andy Hunter via the Irish Times

Meanwhile at the Daily Mail via Dominic King:

The next four games not only affect people's futures but people's lives and livelihoods,' said Dyche. ‘That is football. That is the challenge. It is right there in front of your eyes.'

One of the things that gave Everton an identity was David Moyes referring to it as ‘The People's Club', where players knew the importance of who was backing them from the stands and who was working to help them behind the scenes. Would that motivate the current squad?

‘Motivation does not win games,' Dyche responded. ‘Performance wins games. Motivation adds to the performance, of course. We have shown enough that we can win games. It is piecing it together at the right times.

‘The key moments are in the games. Things around that in the departments still need to be done. Otherwise you are just putting a sticking plaster on something.'

Personally, I just wish we'd win a few games, it's of no use showing that we can win games if we continually fail to win games.

Paul Birmingham
181 Posted 08/05/2023 at 02:00:41
Well, in Bobby, a good nap, as you, said, and a good start to my win double.

UTFTs!

Pete Clarke
182 Posted 08/05/2023 at 02:47:46
Sean Dyche is basically calling for a culture change at Everton so that the club can finally move forward. For this to happen, of course he's gonna need to start by asking Kenwright when he's going to leave.

It could be of course that Sean has realized that the players' skill set and his own managerial acumen are not up to this challenge of keeping us up and he's making excuses.

I hope it's Coleman giving the team talk tonight.

Steve Byles
183 Posted 08/05/2023 at 03:43:55
If we sit back against Brighton, they'll rip us apart. We've got to take the game to them. I'd go for a 3-5-2:

Pickford
Godfrey Mina Tarkowski
Patterson Doucouré Gueye Garner McNiel
Calvert-Lewin Simms.

Iwobi and Onana to come on for Garner and Doucouré at 60 minutes. But we all know Dyche is too cautious and wouldn't consider this.

John Keating
184 Posted 08/05/2023 at 06:35:39
I disagree about “going for it” tonight.

These players have proved all season, regardless of tactics, manager etc, they can be opened up and make mistakes dead easy.

Goal difference may come into the equation come the end of the season.

Eddie Dunn
185 Posted 08/05/2023 at 07:52:54
I am worried that City did not rack-up five or six goals against Leeds. We needed to have a bit of leeway because City could put the last nail in our coffin if they put a few past us.
Goal difference could be key.
As for tonight...keep Garner in.
Sam Hoare
186 Posted 08/05/2023 at 07:55:16
I'd be pretty happy with a point tonight. It would move us level with Leeds and protect our goal difference.

The bigger match for us today might even be Forest vs Southampton! If they lose that, then they'll really be trouble. If they win, they'll be looking good to survive.

I'd expect another similar lineup with Patterson probably coming in for Coleman. He could get savaged against the tricky Mitoma but then Godfrey has struggled too.

Brighton are in form and pretty lethal. I don't think playing an open game against them will go well. Have a strange feeling we might do okay tonight but history suggests such feelings should not be trusted!!

Danny O’Neill
187 Posted 08/05/2023 at 07:55:47
I read through the posts.

I might disagree with some, but Onana has the potential to become a very good player. Only 21 years old and joined a disfunctional club and team in disarray having changed managers yet again. Senegalese origin, Belgium national having landed in to L4 – I'm not surprised he doesn't know his arse from his elbow.

He will become a good player, but I don't think with Everton.

Those words from Dyche are wise. Regardless of what happens, the club needs the long overdue reset, that we have all discussed at length. It can be done from lower starting points than Everton.

Tonight's opposition and Brentford are good examples of how well run clubs can rise from the ashes. Brighton in particular who at one point didn't even have a stadium and played on an athletics track.

I too would like to have a conversation with our current manager about Michael Keane's abilities.

Anyway, the debate can wait until the summer. Change is going to happen.

Right now, I don't care who plays later. Whoever they are, just perform.

And mind the flanks.

For those travelling, see you on the south coast. For those who can't or are thousands of miles away, be there.

Tony Everan
188 Posted 08/05/2023 at 08:00:08
John 184,

I think we have seen enough to know that the only way this team wins points is by a 4-5-1, keep it tight and grab a goal, from a set piece or take one of our chances from open play. With DCL back our chances of achieving that are improved a bit.

Two in midfield will be suicidal against Brighton, their midfielders Caicedo and Mac Allister need closing down and snuffing out as best we can.

Iwobi and McNeill will have to work their socks off today like never before, protecting their full backs as well as trying to get some crosses in to DCL. Mitoma is a tricky player, but March on the other side is equally if not more a dangerous player. Iwobi especially will have to step up to the plate with his defensive duties, it's now or never.

Colin 178, I think too that 35 points are needed as a minimum. The teams that stay up will be the ones who can pull a rabbit out of the hat in the next four games against a European challenging team. And there will be at least one club who pulls it off.

For us that means getting a win against Brighton or Man City, or just possibly a draw against both.

COYBLUES!

Frank Sheppard
189 Posted 08/05/2023 at 08:22:30
I can't help thinking that the De Gea howler last night almost guarantees that Pickford will be at Old Trafford next season.
Mark Murphy
190 Posted 08/05/2023 at 08:27:53
Dyches comments #180 make me feel optimistic that changes at the top are being made in the background. There's no way a manager would talk about long/standing problems and negativity that way unless changes were afoot.

Moshiri might not be a football man but he's not an idiot. He's a billionaire business man and I reckon he's negotiating terminations at the top.

Meanwhile, once again like the fool I am, I'm looking forward to the day ahead!

UTFT!!

Danny Baily
191 Posted 08/05/2023 at 08:39:49
It'll be same again from Dyche. It works well enough, and gives us about best chance. But I think today's the day our fate is sealed.
Neil Lawson
192 Posted 08/05/2023 at 08:41:07
Just had my day ruined already. There was I, relieved that we weren't on tele. Day mapped out. Watch 1917 at 9pm and have a sneaky regular look at BBC Sport website ( although it might be all done and dusted by the time the film starts). Now I discover from the Echo website that we are on BT Sport. Bollocks !
Si Cooper
193 Posted 08/05/2023 at 08:44:03
We’ve got to bottle them up somehow, not just attempt to soak up relentless pressure. If that can be achieved any other way than ‘going for it’ then that’s good, but I doubt it can.
Only a win would change my current view that we are meekly slipping out of the top division. I don’t think Brighton are unbeatable. Hopefully DCL is just hitting his stride. I’d still like to see Gray getting some playing time. The midfielders all have their merits / faults from what I can see and so it’s mainly about who complements each other.
On a side note, for the first time in a long time I was tempted to visit the Official site through their regular email. The ‘Everton Way’ was news to me and I was struck by the notion that some of our much missed former correspondents could be honoured in that manner. Do we have the numbers / willingness amongst Twebbers to possibly crowd fund a certain number of those commemorative stones that will become a permanent fixture at the new stadium? I’d like to think so.
We could even nominate a few from those who continue to inspire, educate and entertain us. How about one for Michael and Lyndon to show our gratitude for this site?
Back to the game. I’m ever hopeful but the faith has pretty much evaporated. COYB! Give us all a boost. I can’t stand the thought that Sam Allardyce could restore his standing in the game at our expense or that the Burnley fans will have no option but to smugly chuckle at the reversal of fortunes. UTFT! 4 games to show head and heart can come together to make these players praiseworthy.
Eddie Dunn
194 Posted 08/05/2023 at 08:46:32
Sam @186, I fancy Southampton to surprise everyone and get the win at Forest. Everyone in the media talk as if they are already down, so maybe they will play with less pressure than Forest.
A win for anyone down there is going to be huge.
Kevin Molloy
195 Posted 08/05/2023 at 08:53:01
Colin

yes, at the moment I think our greatest strength is the ineptitude of our rivals. They are all stinking the place out. I don't see them changing that over the next four games (hopefully) so yes, I think low though it is, 32 points may just be enough.

I didn't like those words of Dyche. I will try to be fair and acknowledge that he is under tremendous pressure, and that the continuing use of Keane is aggravating me. Nevertheless, I don't want to hear from him about the negativity around the club, and of what a mess he inherited. I don't think I'm being over harsh when I say a good manager would have righted the ship by now. I'm starting to think that one of the issues we have with him (and this is obv just pure speculation), is that he's not really fallen for the club. I don't think he feels that comfortable around the fans, perhaps he didn't like us when he was Burnley manager who knows. But I thought it was strange him not encouraging the fans to greet the bus until the last game, why not use something like that? Or maybe it's just that he's not an extrovert, but you've got to be wide open in the big jobs Sean, and at the moment I think he's hot fully engaged.

I also didn't like the bit about the job being about much more than the results on the pitch, and there being no point in just surviving. Hmmm, I'm not going to think it much consolation if next year when we're in the Dakota League that we've got the best marketing team out there.

And finally, if Everton get relegated Sean the least important thing is 'livelihoods'. Yes, Everton is an employer, but that's not really the key point here mate. Maybe at Burnley the loss of a hundred jobs would be felt keenly in a small town, but that doesn't quite capture the disaster it would be if you take us down.

Danny Baily
196 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:00:04
Kevin, needing 32 points to stay up would be a record. In fact, finishing 18th on 32 points is unprecedented. And the teams around us can win the occasional game.

We're going to need 35 points at least, and that's too big an ask from here I think.

Christopher Timmins
197 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:05:05
This is just going to be the longest day, from kick off at the Cottage to full time at the City Ground there are going to many highs and lows, hopefully, by 10.00pm tonight we will be out of the bottom three, however, to achieve that we need to take something from our game which won't be easy.

Defend well and be clinical with any opportunities that fall our way and with a bit of luck we will nick something.

Kevin Molloy
198 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:06:59
Danny
I'm certainly not ruling it out us surviving on more points. But if you look at the points gained by the teams around us in the last few games and extrapolate it to the next four it doesn't look like anyone is going to bust out into form. in hindsight that jammy win by forest was as a result of Brighton's fatigue.
Martin Mason
199 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:13:03
Will the can we kick down the road count as a trophy?
Jerome Shields
200 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:17:20
Hopefully the right Everton will turn up.It has been player errors that have cost Everton more than anything else, and discipline / concentration is needed in this game.

It is obvious that some players can only play in a particular formation that effectively protects them from their inadequacies. Once they are put under pressure they are exposed.

The biggest mistake that Moshiri made recently was not sacking the Board after the' Surprise' referral to the Independent Commission.It firstly would have helped appease the complete lack of confidence in the present Board that the Premier League has, and secondly such a momentum of change would have filtered down to motivate the Manager. Players and Fans.

Everton have simply been run into the ground by the directions of the Board.

Danny Baily
201 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:19:05
Kevin, my point was that teams will pick up points. There will be suprise results. There always are.
Danny O’Neill
202 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:20:43
Like Everton v Manchester City. Potential for a surprise result.

Twist and turns yet to come. Strap up and buckle in.

Neil Lawson
203 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:44:40
" Hopeful" or "deluded" ?
Cast your votes now !!
Mark Taylor
204 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:46:08
That it has come to this, that we approach a match with Brighton with what can only be described as trepidation, if not fear.

As others have pointed out, anyone can win in a two horse race. But we have been in a lot of two horse races in recent times, especially away from home and trailed home lame.

I understand why people fear playing Keane against a nimble Brighton attack. I feel that fear. But then you consider the alternatives and there aren't any. Mina is off at the end of the season and won't risk injuring himself. Holgate is a question that answers itself. At least Keane might stay on the pitch. Godfrey is injured but is he a better option than Keane, low though that bar is? Now is not the time to swap to a back 5 so that rules out Coady, in any case, you still need the extra CB. Branthwaite would be handy to have as an option.

Head and heart. My head says that a team that is useless away from home will be roadkill against a dynamic, form team like Brighton. My heart remembers some of the 'wins from nowhere' elsewhere this season and recalls we haven't really had one (the draw with City was not a win) and so this is our time.

Laurie Hartley
205 Posted 08/05/2023 at 09:59:31
We are not going to the Bernabeau tonight - come on Everton - 3 points!!!

Up the Blues

Brian Harrison
206 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:03:10
I think with West Ham winning its now any 3 from 5 to go down, and I am sure that Leicester, Southampton and Forest fans will all be going through the same agony tonight as ourselves. No doubt Leeds fans will be hoping Southampton win to stop Forest going above them, and hoping Everton and Leicester lose. I have no idea which clubs will be relegated just hoping and praying its not us. Brighton still have an outside chance of getting a Champions league spot although very unlikely but must fancy a Europa league place, so they have a lot to play for.

It would be great if our brilliant away support could witness only our 2nd away win of the season. They more than anybody connected with this club deserve Premier league football next season. While a draw wont be a disaster a win would be massive.

Mick O'Malley
207 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:08:49
Steve Shave @25 I couldn’t agree more, and Jay @14, with all due respect that is complete nonsense, Onana is developing, he is still growing and adapting to the physicality of this league, he is 21 ffs, we could always hound him out the club like Lookman who was also labelled “shite”, and who is now one of Atalanta’s star me, like the way McNiel was also abused, with the usual “He’s fucking shite”, when in reality he has been one of the teams best players this seaso, Myko is another one who gets dogs abuse without taking into consideration he might be struggling with his fist season abroad while his home country, family and friends are being bombed on a daily basis, Nunez for the RS has been underwhelming and he was scoring for fun with Benfica, Mudryk and several other Chelsea signings are struggling in their debut seasons in PL, so before we condemn every signing who doesn’t hit the ground running as “Fucking Shite” can we give these lads time to settle in first as it must be hard trying to settle in to a club as dysfunctional ours
Dave Abrahams
208 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:21:09
Fair play to the fans who are supporting Onana, none of us want him to fail we just want to see that potential provide something now, repeat now, if he becomes the great player in the future that you think he will be it will be of absolute no use to Everton today and the next three games, he has been very poor, imo, for most of the games up to now, do something today lad and the next three games and I for one will stand up and respond to your cheer leading, if you carry on like you have been playing whatever you do in the future I will always remember your form in the past, not a good memory, just another opinion by me to add to the others on Onana, but ——-,

Today it’s all about Everton getting at least one point, it won’t be easy but it’s possible and give us plenty to look forward to in the next three games.

Robert Tressell
209 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:25:00
DCL is now due some goals from open play after bad luck, VAR and a howler respectively. Tonight's the night.
Robert Tressell
210 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:25:00
DCL is now due some goals from open play after bad luck, VAR and a howler respectively. Tonight's the night.
Phil Wood
211 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:29:00
Any match can be won.
We need to take every chance/half chance we have and cut out the stupid mistakes (hand balls, loose passes) etc.
I don't know if we should keep it tight or just go for it. I don't get paid to make those decisions.
Every season has unpredictable results and Teams turn up when not expected to.
Let's just cut out the glaring mistakes and give ourselves a fighting chance because this is a street fight.
Discipline, aggression, precision and not missing anything we make or are given. Just don't fail to turn up. Not acceptable.
UTFT
Kevin Naylor
212 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:33:01
Desperately trying to see where we can win tonight and how Dyche sets up the team up and who he picks is paramount to that. However I don't believe he'll change much if anything and we'll be under the cosh from the start. If we concede early I think that will be that and yet another capitulation will be likely. Hope he gets it right tonight but Dyche is quickly turning into a Douche and I believe this is his last roll of the dice, I pray I am wrong.
Pat Kelly
213 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:38:07
3-0
James Marshall
214 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:38:22
To be fair, the only reason we're not already relegated (pretty much) is that there are 4 other teams who are almost as bad as we are.

I think it'll take a small miracle to stay up, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if we lose all 4 and go down with a whimper. My only tiny hope, is that with DCL back we might score a goal, but even that appears unlikely.

We won 6 of 34 games before today, that's a win ratio of 18% across the season. We might need to win 2 from our last 4 (you can work out the win ratio required) and apart from DCL being back, I can't see why our fortunes are suddenly going to change so radically.

Brighton are streets ahead of us, and firing on all cylinders at the moment - they have better players, a better manager, better everything. Brighton are one of the most stark contrasts to stuffy little Everton that exist in the Premier League today and good luck to them, they deserve it.

We also deserve what we're getting. Relegated.

Martin Mason
215 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:44:00
Very hard not to be negative, not just about today's game but about Everton's whole sorry situation. I'm still very happy to be going but it's with hope rather than expectation. Brighton can be exactly what we can't cope with, the rain may make it tricky. A draw would be two things, a very good result and not good enough.
Christopher Timmins
216 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:44:18
Onana is one for the future, however, given the scenario that we find ourselves in it's probably a safer bet to start with Garner and bring him on for the final twenty minutes when players start to tire. He should have got minutes last week at Leicester.

The kid will probably develop into a star, let's hope it's at BMD over the next 10 years.

Chris Leyland
217 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:45:38
It’s a football game and like any other football game anything can happen.

Did title chasing Arsenal with only one defeat all season up to that point come to Goodison expecting to lose?

It’s the business end of the season and year after year relegation threatened teams do win games to get themselves out of the mire. I for one will be watching tonight not thinking we are beaten before a ball has even been kicked.

Colin Glassar
218 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:49:16
Kevin 195, survive or sink I don’t think Dyche is the man who should be in charge next season. He offers nothing new in terms of tactics, style or ideas. We would just continue to stumble our way into oblivion.

Under this owner, board, manager and team we are going nowhere fast.

Ernie Baywood
219 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:56:02
Bookies might say we're favourite to drop... but that's just a point in time reflecting whoever is in the bottom three. If they're right now then they've been wrong for most of this season. I'll hope they're wrong now.

It just takes one unexpected result to change things.

I don't expect anything out of the next two matches, but live in hope.

I feel like we have to at least match Forest's result. If Forest win and we lose its hard to see how we stay up.

Raymond Fox
220 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:56:51
A the moment Einstein couldn't figure out who is going to stay in the Prem.
I think we have to face Brighton like we are as good as them and try to play with confidence and to win.

As far as Forest and Leicester are concerned, all we can do is to wish them all the worst luck in the world and hope they get beat.

Not very charitable I agree but it is what it is.

Garry Martin
221 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:57:05
I'm worn out saying 'this is a must win game', and, i'm resigned to the fact that EFC will get relegated.
The group of players we have lack skill, commitment, desire, ambition and tactical knowledge.
I also believe that the senior executives at EFC are now planning for life in the championship.
Sorry to be so negative but, all things Everton at the moment are in a bad state of affairs.
Danny Baily
222 Posted 08/05/2023 at 10:59:48
In a relegation battle, you need a win to take you to within a few points of safety ahead of the final few games. We got that last year at Leicester.

Other results going our way and a win tonight could put us close to that position.

Danny O’Neill
223 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:06:06
Neil. Add belief to that ballot.

Onana joined the right club at the wrong time. He won't stay long. He is one for the future. I don't disagree Christopher, Garner is a tidy footballer, but needs runners in front of him. There is our problem. Maybe Demarai Gray? Ironically, James Garner is only 5 months older that Onana. Both young with still a lot of development to do thrown into a relegation fight in a club that is dysfunctional club.

Right now I'm focussed on getting to Brighton on time and Everton's result today. The rest can wait.

Bill Fairfield
224 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:08:08
Feel we’ve got to play the perfect game,and Brighton fall below their usual standard to get anything from this game. Stranger things have happened I suppose. COYB.
John Hall
225 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:11:40
Kevin is that 3-0 or 0-3? I presume you were right with the home team winning. I'm struggling for optimism right now. We need a change of CB - no Keane please!
Pete Hughes
226 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:13:35
Laurie @205 And Brighton are not facing Barcelona!
Brian Harrison
227 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:18:32
I remember Brian Clough and Peter Taylor going to Brighton soon after they left Leeds, I bet even Cloughie wouldn't recognise that club now. Tony Bloom has ran the club with the help of Tony Barber to such an unbelievable position. They buy good players cheaply and sell at a very high price, but even selling their best players it doesnt seem to effect their results.
Even more remarkable is their manager is lured away to Chelsea who had to pay Brighton I believe about £14 million. Normally when a club is doing well and loses its manager it usually has an effect, but Barber said they knew the big clubs were circling for Potter some time back, so they spread their net looking for a replacement. They hired someone I doubt many had heard of in De Zerbi and yet he has made Brighton even better.
There is again speculation that the big clubs are after Mac Callister and Caciedo and even young Ferguson, but you know that they will already have replacements lined up, as well as their bank balance increasing.
To quote an often repeated saying maybe most clubs look at Brighton for their inspiration of how to do things well, rather than a club who has spent hundreds of millions to go backwards.
James Marshall
228 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:19:00
Pete@226

The Bernabeu is Real Madrid's stadium, but I take your point!

James Marshall
229 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:22:40
Brian@227

Exactly regarding Brighton - forward thinking, contingency planning at all times. Unlike Everton who seem to buy any old player for whatever sum, with zero factoring in of the variables that might go along with it, or what is likely to play out over the course of their contract.

We've bought countless players who are useless, injured, or barely play for whatever reason, and then let them go for bugger all or when their contracts are up. Then we fire a manager every 12 months without any idea who to bring in next - we're the absolute polar opposite of Brighton, and what should be done to run a club properly.

Christopher Timmins
230 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:23:14
Danny, safe travel and may your trip home be a happy one. Stating the obvious, but we need to take something from the game.

Garner has been playing in this country for a number of years, Onana has just arrived and his transition will take longer as a result. Not easy for him trying to adapt while playing in a struggling team. He has shown enough to suggest that he has a bright future.

We won't be stuck for offers if he has to be sold and that's something that cannot be said about a number of our playing staff.

One other sad reflection, the best run club in the division are playing the worst run club in the division this evening.

Neil Lawson
231 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:39:19
James 214. Keep your head down below the trench. You won't be smiling but you will be right.
Tony Everan
232 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:51:45
Raymond, I think Einstein would have worked it out, the key to survival is Everton need to beat Man City’s second string. E=MC2
Laurie Hartley
233 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:52:22
Pete # 226 - you burst my optimism bubble you did.

Tony # 232 - very clever!

Barry Rathbone
234 Posted 08/05/2023 at 11:56:35
The trouble is there's not a team in the division we "should" beat our crapness against every outfit in the division has been mind blowing if ever a team deserved relegation it's this one.

If the remaining games have opposition playing anywhere near their potential I doubt we'll get a point.

Gary Brown
235 Posted 08/05/2023 at 12:04:26
Massive day today. 3 points for us, Southampton and Fulham and I may start to believe again. 3 points for Leicester, Forrest and none for us, and it’s over now and time to start planning for coming back up.

Coyb.

Gary Brown
236 Posted 08/05/2023 at 12:07:38
Those shouting for Keane to be dropped still, who would you play instead?

Mina - be injured by half time.

Coady - so shite in a two he’s a big part of the reason we are in a fight to begin with.

Holgate? Having a laugh?

Stephen Davies
237 Posted 08/05/2023 at 12:10:55
Rumours that Mina has already signed a pre contract agreement elsewhere..if correct he won't be up for a fight
Dave Abrahams
238 Posted 08/05/2023 at 12:11:04
Barry (234), just to be different Crystal Pal,Brentford, Leeds and Man.City have failed to beat us this season!!
Eddie Dunn
239 Posted 08/05/2023 at 12:11:36
Like every week, I find some hope and optimism from somewhere. The performance at the King Power had elements of creativity and positivity that I found surprising. Of course we still had the ususal errors but with DCL up top we do have a threat.

Brighton are a good side but not unbeatable.

The question is Can this Everton side do something that they have failed to do since Saints away and win on the road?

It's unlikely but we really are in the last chance saloon and even a point from there will have us needing to win at Wolves and still need a point or three in our last game.

So the lads could make life for all of us a lot more bearable if they can actually win a game of football.

Matt Byrne
241 Posted 08/05/2023 at 12:38:14
Was Coady really that poor? A mistake at Anfield and against Villa for their second. Other than that I can only recall a solid leader who helped Tarkowski and Pickford both look calmer and more assured. He was also picked for the World Cup squad.
Pete Hughes
242 Posted 08/05/2023 at 12:39:15
Oops, my mistake James!!
Pete Hughes
243 Posted 08/05/2023 at 12:45:30
Laurie@203
Sorry mate!
Tom Bowers
244 Posted 08/05/2023 at 12:55:34
Sad to say this is another day when results going our way are so crucial, as winning any game especially at Brighton is a real problem for Everton.

If it is another lack luster performance coupled with Forest and Leicester getting points then it could be the end of the World as we know it.

We all hope for the best and will rely on a stalwart performance on defense and a possible late game-winning goal to put us in a upbeat position for the last two games. That may be just wee bit optimistic but the other clubs have the same pressure.

C.O.Y.B.

Danny O’Neill
245 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:11:47
At London Victoria and just been given platform 13.

That can be reverse lucky right?

Looking forward to it and meeting a few. Let's go and do this.

Christy Ring
246 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:26:47
We have to be on the front foot today. 433 is a must, play 2 in midfield and Brighton will destroy us. We can give out about Keane, but we have to forget about Mina, no match practice, the only other option is Holgate? Regarding midfield, Gomes scored twice last week for Lille, I know he was poor last season, but in my opinion, he was always more effective in a 3 man midfield. I'd play Gray instead of Iwobi, especially to provide crosses for Calvert-Lewin. Here's praying for 0-1!
Andy Crooks
247 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:30:04
Why would anyone come on and post 3-0? What do you get from it? It is a bit sad really.

Dave Lynch
248 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:37:53
Glass half full or half empty... it doesn't matter a fucking jot.
What matters is what 11 players do on the pitch later.
All this teeth gnashing about saying we will be beaten is pathetic.
We are shite end of.
Pat Kelly
249 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:39:00
Hi Andy, maybe you don't post here very often but it's quite common to post predictions on the match thread. Just so you know.
Brian Wilkinson
250 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:41:12
Chill out everyone, it’s Everton we are talking about, the team that never ceases to amaze and surprise us, expect the unexpected.

Get written off we seem to pull a rabbit out of the hat, this could be one of those Days, you just never know what to expect with Everton, years of that have taught me well.

Whatever happens today and Sunday, I will be happy if we have Forest, Leeds and Leicester within a point of us still at worst.

Wolves and Bournemouth are a little more favourable, whatever happens before that is a bonus.

That’s the two games I have down to giving us a chance, if the other teams around us fail to win their next two games.

We could win today, but so could the other teams, that’s why we have to hope the other teams do not pull a win out of the bag this week.

Anyway whatever happens, it will not be decided today, a win would be nice though.

Brent Stephens
251 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:43:47
Tony #232 - very good! powerful!
Raymond Fox
252 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:44:16
Tony 232, good one.
Brian Harrison
253 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:44:46
Obviously the TV companies had a big say in kick-off times for today's Premier League games. Fulham v Leicester kicks off at 3:00 pm, then Brighton v Everton at 5:30 pm and finishes with Forest v Southampton at 8:00 pm.

Guess these kick-off times have been devised to heighten the tension of all the relegated candidates. I guess Forest will know the results of us and Leicester which may give them a slight advantage but it just might put more pressure on them.

Bob Parrington
254 Posted 08/05/2023 at 13:54:10
Good Luck guys this evening!
Win, Win, Win

You can do it!

Colin Malone
255 Posted 08/05/2023 at 14:12:42
Iwobi. Don't think about it, just fucking hit it. Onana, in my opinion has to play in front of Dacourie. Any way, in time like these. I watch this Rocky clip.
Theres one thing I want you do for us.
WIN. WIN.
What are waiting for.
TAKE US.

It would be great if we could video clips / Gif on this site.
COYBB.

Bill Gall
256 Posted 08/05/2023 at 14:31:02
Brian 227
De Zerbi was well known in Europe as the manager of Shakhtar Donetsk, and Brighton got lucky as when they were looking for a manager the war in Ukraine had broken out and their league was more or less abandoned, and De Zerbi was looking for another club.
Pete Neilson
257 Posted 08/05/2023 at 14:40:07
Brighton’s technical director David Weir doing a good job.
Kim Vivian
258 Posted 08/05/2023 at 15:08:09
I think Gary's probably nailed it @235, but what will actually happen is something in between and we'll continue chewing at our nails.

It means nothing but strangely I'm getting a good feeling about this evening.

Mark Ryan
259 Posted 08/05/2023 at 15:08:35
We can't trust Dyche to make a decent telling substitution and so whoever starts, the best of luck.
Win it for us tired and wearisome Toffees, please. Make my year and win tonight
Shane Corcoran
260 Posted 08/05/2023 at 15:13:43
1-0 Fulham.
Tony Byrne
261 Posted 08/05/2023 at 15:26:09
Fulham 2:0 wow.
Benjamin Dyke
262 Posted 08/05/2023 at 15:46:23
I'm watching the Fulham - Leicester game and it has no commentary - it's refreshing! Fulham should be more than 2 up after 40 minutes played. Keep it up Fulham. Strange to watch a Silva side that could have been us if we'd kept the faith but I was certainly calling for his head when he got sacked! Hindsight!
Mark Taylor
263 Posted 08/05/2023 at 15:57:10
One cause for optimism is how rubbish the other teams are, who are also with us in the mire. Our most realistic hope is that we prove to be marginally less rubbish. I'm surprised about Leicester, they have some good players, or at least once were good. But I suspect Tielemans, Maddison, Barnes, Soyancu and maybe a couple of others have maybe already checked out mentally.

On balance, I guess we want a Saints win later on. Admittedly that drags them back into contention but sooner that, than risk Forest pulling away. Love him or loathe him, but it looks like Fat Sam has at least got Leeds motivated and just a bit more confident so Leicester and Forest look like the two we most need to stay mired...

Brian Wilkinson
264 Posted 08/05/2023 at 15:58:13
3 nil now

More than anything I want Leeds to go down, do not want the Manager taking all the credit for 4 games.

Andy Crooks
265 Posted 08/05/2023 at 16:02:54
I post often enough,Pat. In fact have done so for about 25 years. Rarely seen anyone put up a prediction without adding any comment. Hope you're wrong and I know that you do too.
Andy Crooks
266 Posted 08/05/2023 at 16:04:31
Just saw the Fulham score, you were right, Pat!!!
Christopher Timmins
267 Posted 08/05/2023 at 16:10:11
Marco is doing us a favour, fair play to the man, badly treated by Brands during the summer transfer window before his sacking.

Brian # 264 are you having a laugh, you would be happier with

Souhampton, Leeds and Everton gong down rather than a

Southampton, Forest and Leicester scenario?

Beggars can't be choosers, anyone but us for the drop!

Leicester will pick up a maximum of 3 points between now and the end of the season. We can catch them.

The one fly in the ointment is West Ham, they could donate some points to them but that's about the size of it.

Steve Brown
268 Posted 08/05/2023 at 16:14:07
Andy, unfortunately he got it wrong. It is 4-0.

Better luck next time Pat.

Nick Page
269 Posted 08/05/2023 at 16:14:28
Players need to see this as motivation. Bit of luck in front of goal and we can pinch something. Got to be on it 110% against quality outfit. COYB 🙏
Geoff Cadman
270 Posted 08/05/2023 at 16:18:45
Danny #245,

Last season, prior to the Palace game, one of your posts sub-subconsciously referenced Wimbledon and Coventry City, the teams we faced in previous great escapes.

Well, it certainly turned out to be a good omen. I hope your journey today via Platform 13 has the same effect, big Yerry to score the winner perhaps.

Pat Kelly
271 Posted 08/05/2023 at 16:20:53
Steve, I thought we were doing halftime predictions?
Craig Walker
272 Posted 08/05/2023 at 16:21:43
I can see our only points coming against Bournemouth. Hope I'm wrong. Would love a win today.

I've given Moyes a fair bit of stick down the years but we need West Ham to beat both Leeds and Leicester. One worry is that Forest have Southampton and Chelsea. The latter would be a hard game on paper but Chelsea have been dreadful for months.

Incredible how much our former managers could impact us. Really wish we had beaten Fulham at Goodison. That result felt like it would be significant.

Mike Corcoran
273 Posted 08/05/2023 at 16:25:33
34 pts will keep us up. Let’s get over half way tonight blues

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