Calvert-Lewin and Patterson to miss Bournemouth clash

Whether we stay up or not, he has to go because he's just too fragile for Premier League football. Constantly sweating on whether he will make it through the next game. It's just ridiculous. Face facts. He's simply not up to the task.

Breaking news: "He won't score!"

I feel sorry for Calvert-Lewin, must be gutted. Both he and Patterson are big losses. Doucoure, Iwobi or Gray will need to get their scoring boots on because our striker is poor.

The injury situation at this club has been terrible for too long, for too many varied players. It's beyond bad luck.

I see that it's being reported that Mykolenko has started light training today. I think him playing, which would release McNeil to play in his more natural attacking role, will be very important.

Dyche has been left in an awful predicament because Lampard has left us bereft of any strikers. Calvert-Lewin missed most of last season so, when we had to sell Richarlison, it was key we brought in a couple of forwards. Lampard instead chose to spend what money we had on 4 midfield players and a full-back who hasn't had more than 15 minutes on the pitch.

So, because Calvert-Lewin has again fallen foul to hamstring problems, Dyche either picks Simms, who Lampard sent on loan, or Maupay, who Lampard thought was a good replacement for Richarlison.

Dyche took over with us 2nd bottom and we are now 4th from bottom with a 2-point advantage. Not brilliant but if we hadn't brought him in I think we would be contemplating life in the Championship.

The script is being written for it to be Leicester on goal difference.

Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin
Coleman
Gordon

And perhaps, Mykolenko. In addition, we don't have our back up full backs also (Patterson, Godfrey).

Whatever you say about them, these guys are battlers. Who are the leaders on the pitch now? Maybe Mina, Tarks and Pickford?

I fully expect Dyche to revert to a 3-5-2:

Back 3 of Tarkowski, Mina, Keane with McNeil and Iwobi played as wing-backs.

Gana, Onana and Garner in midfield.

Doucoure would be pushed up to play alongside Gray to provide the physicality.

While this is a solid formation, I don't like that it would blunt our only reliable goal threat in McNeil. Tough decisions for Dyche - I don't envy him.

The formation looked okay-ish for a while at the start of the 2nd half of the Man City game. So 3 centre-backs: Mina, Tarkowski, and Coady.

I am a messenger – not a creator of precedent.

Not everyone feels compelled to ignore such facts, no matter how indignant the echo chamber.

Still, hopefully an atmosphere at Goodison Park as it was this time last year will help us get over the line. I can see Keane playing centre-forward for the last 20 minutes, it may be that desperate.

We might need 3 points more than a back 3. Okay, not clever, it's early, but the theory is cover the holes (at left-back and right-back) without reducing our offence going forward.

The counter is the big exposure admittedly but some controlled possession is possible and we should max that to reduce pressure on our back line. No fullbacks barreling forward so Iwobi and McNeil have to find forward space not go wide and backpass. Maybe Doucoure comes deep to help Garner or Onana but Gana protects.

Early thoughts. Robert or Sam will post something more sensible.

We know we just don't have the personnel now for a back 4 because we have no full-backs. So it has to be a back 3.

Normally that doesn't work so well for us but the shape looked okay at the end of the Man City game, albeit they'd taken their foot off the gas. And Keane, Mina and Tarkowski on the pitch together pose a serious threat at set-pieces – possibly our likeliest source of a goal. McNeil and Iwobi have to play as wing-backs. There's no other option.

However, I'd be reluctant to break up the trio of Doucoure, Gueye and Garner in midfield. Onana just isn't contributing and seems to disrupt Doucoure's game too. So I'd leave him out.

Which leaves us with the two forward spots to fill from Gray, Maupay and Simms. Of this, I'd probably go Maupay and Gray up top together because, whilst I've been rooting for Simms for years, I don't think he's a starter. But he could be a very useful sub later in the game.

However, I will push it to the back of my mind until 3:15 am Sunday, at which time it can join the other morbid thoughts that will keep me wide awake!

He made 6 changes on Sunday, three days after their semi-final, and they looked pretty good to me in the second half.

I listened and took your message in but who sent you on the message?

This has been going on for years now. It's about time some of them were told to man up and suffer an hour or so for the cause. Look at Gomes (not a great example, I know) but he suffered a terrible injury but was back within a few weeks. Why? Because he wanted to and forced himself to do so.

If we survive this campaign I'd love to get rid of 90% of this squad.

Christopher, has Moyes discovered time travel?

I'm not liking this game one little bit. Yes, the gang up top have messed up in a big way but we have not had much good fortune. Missing the Icelandic fella has been a big loss that could end up being the difference.

The relegation odds have stayed the same up to now, I thought this news might have altered them.

I would now like to think that, due to his horrendous injury problems, Calvert-Lewin has made his last bow.

Whatever happens on Sunday, there are only 3 players I would keep as first-teamers going forward: My player of our woeful season, Jordan Pickford, plus James Garner and Dwight McNeil.

I would keep the following, on reduced wages (if they don't like it, they can leave). As bench warming squad players:-
Onana, Gueye, Iwobi, Gray, Patterson.

The rest, get rid… although easier said than done.

Get rid of our U21s, all of whom have failed to muster a start in the worst team in living memory. That includes all the staff involved.

Sweep the club from top to bottom. None are good enough.

The one scout I'd keep is Bryan King who tried and tried to get Everton to sign Haaland when Haaland had months of trials with us but we fucked the prolific goalscorer off (he was smashing them in for us then as well) for Sandro Ramirez.

Anyway, when I woke up from the above dream nothing had changed...

If Dyche is going to play him, he has to have someone up with him. Calvert-Lewin is out so it needs Simms

Fight and believe.

It's ours to take.

I couldn't agree more. Reading the BBC earlier, it said that Ryan Kent was being let go by Rangers. They bought him from the Reds in 2019 for ٥ million.

Where do we do our recruiting, for fuck's sake?

Ellis Simms will have to play; we can't play Maupay, he's useless and would be prone to a sending-off. Put McNeil off Simms's shoulder and Doucouré in an advanced centre-midfield role.

Get two early goals and shut the game down in midfield. We must win.

Colin (23) A hamstring strain is not a knock. There is no way you can run it off. Depending on the severity of the strain, the recovery takes a minimum of two weeks and can be up to three months. Every club has had players breaking down with hamstring and calf strains this season, some more than others.

It seems to me Calvert-Lewin might have a biomechanical gait fault which is causing these recurring hamstring, groin, hip etc issues. Until the medical staff identify the root cause and find a solution, they are very likely to continue.

I have more hope Mykolenko will be fit, which means we can avoid neutering McNeil but also means we will need a right-back to allow Neil his usual position in left midfield. That has to be Holgate. Yes, I know… but beggars can't be choosers and at least he's played there before.

On the same principle, it has to be Gray up front ahead of Maupay and Simms as first sub if we need him. Gana and Garner in midfield, a toss-up between Doucouré and Onana, probably the former given he has a goal in him.

I think we'll probably do it but not without heart palpitations. I think Leicester will pull out a win. As we all know, things must change; if not, we'll get the same next season, but possibly a worse outcome.

Sell him. Who knows, he might pass a medical. I'd be the first to admit he is a far better centre-forward than anything else we have but that's no use if he barely ever plays. He might be useful as a back up striker for somebody but we don't have that luxury.

We need to find someone a lot more robust, and as a minimum, they just have to better what we have, which is not a high bar.

He never had a problem until Benitez kept playing him with a broken toe. I wonder if compensating for that has caused a cascade of problems, ie, protecting toe causes groin problems, protecting groin causes thigh problem, protecting thigh causes hamstring.

John #33,

I asked this a couple of days ago but apparently once they were loaned in January it meant they couldn't appear for us again this season, regardless of the fact that Derby's and Preston's seasons are over.

Also, it's an urban myth anyway. Remember when we played Coventry, who had nothing to play for. They still tried to spoil the party big time. The crowd are just going to have to beef it up to the absolute max, and then we hope for the best.

Let's not big up Bournemouth too much, if we beat them, we finish just 3 points behind them. They ain't that great.

This fucking season though. Not bringing in a striker, the sheer ineptitude of it. Once it's done, I don't want any statements from our dickhead owner about how he's learnt important lessons, I just want him to Foxtrot Oscar.

So where the fuck is he?

Completely on the board, director of football and managers that this situation has occurred.

Neil Maupay one goal all season in 27 appearances. Its just piss poor, no wonder we are in the shit.

Bring Gray on in the second half as one of the few who knows where the net is. Maupay should be nowhere near this side if we intend to stay up.

Bournemouth are a big side with plenty of goalscoring power and a very leaky defence. Trust Everton to get an injury to our only real forward but needs must.

We must beef midfield up and rely on turnovers (how I hate using these modern idioms).

To your point: In 2005, Norwich were a few points above the drop zone going into the last match against “on the beach” 13th-placed Fulham. They lost 6-0 and got relegated.

The big dilemma is what to do centrally, Maupay cannot realistically play the role. Simms has been continually overlooked and is not dominant in the air for a big man, Gray has the technical ability but will not win headers, hold up or shield any forward balls.

Then we get to the more left field option, Michael Keane.

If you were an average Bournemouth defender, who would cause you more problems out of those four?

It seems very strange saying it but I would keep the 451 shape and system that the players know , that has been working , and replace DCL with Keane. Using him as the ball winner creating knock-ons and headers that we could feed off. Or passing it wide, or to a running on Doucoure if he has shielded a long ball.

It's sounds so strange I will happily listen to any better alternatives!

Quoting precedent is simply a recall of history as ably demonstrated by Andy Crooks and his memory of us benefitting twice from such.

If it's to happen and the withdrawal of DCL suggests the stars aligning that way it's likely to be Leicester. Crap as they've been this season in my opinion their "maximum" performance is still miles better than ours.

As with any game involving this crew our hope lies with the opposition doing a Brighton and turning up half arsed. We are too shite to match any opposition up for it and If Bournemouth make a match of it to get a draw, never mind a win, we're sunk. The Foxes will beat the Hammers by between 3 and 6 clear goals.

It all looks pretty grim viewed through the perspective of historical precedent.

Best not do it.

The players I mean.

About 37,000 will be there in person. Many more will be in the streets and bars around Goodison without a ticket.

Some will have walked. Some will have taken the bus. Others the train, be that that locally or nationally. Some will be on long coach journeys. Others watching on the tele either here or at ridiculous hours across the globe. Some may even have flown.

Whoever you are crossing that white line, just remember who you are representing.

Forget the club. Forget the board who have abandoned us and left us on our own.

You are fighting for each other and for the people who have known this club from the cradle and won't stop until the grave.

Win a home game. That's all we are asking.

Then we have the fight in the summer.

I think it's still only Tuesday.

Albion won, went to 34 and saved themselves
Palace drew but it was not enough
Norwich and Saints lost and went down

That year was pretty similar to this season with Everton in the Norwich position
But we are at home and Norwich were away to Fulham and had not won an away match all season

Which leaves us with what? Untried and unknowns, Coady has the bottle and would be a great disrupter, a left field choice but we have few options and gambling on midgets leading the attack will doom us.

Dyche needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat for this one, a draw is not enough, like it or lump it but we really have no choice but Simms to start. I might add, if Simms does start it will be a career defining game for him, play well and he can show he has what it takes to be in the team, fail to impress and it will never work for him at the club.

Iwobe WB - McNeil WB

Garner - Gueye - Onana

Duke - Gray

I'd bring Keane in off the bench up top if we need a goal.

I don't see any other option to be honest. Has to be the 3/5 - 3 - 2 formation.

I try and apply logic.

For the City game when I correctly predicted a loss by three I figured out these points of logic.

#1 We can't play football

#2 City can.

#3 City will ease from double figures for upcoming cup finals hence 3 would be enough.

In this case Moyes caution will filter through to whatever team he sends out so they won't bother and get a good hiding. It will be Leicester's easiest game of the year.

Of course it's guesswork but it's educated guesswork

The more I look at this game the less I like it.

Has it ever been stated if he keeps injuring the same hamstring?

[puff puff]

It's a bit early for drinking out here. I hope that will do.

The culture at Finch farm, Unsworth and Ferguson there for years (look where they are now), little nice Everton, Sharp on the Board and a CEO with no experiance in sport whatsoever but in Charity work (you couldn't make it up).

I could scream this is supposed to be a Premier league Football club in the 21st century, (but not for much longer). Any club without proven strikers/goalscorers does not belong in the premier league, it's supposed to be entertaining, not negative goal difference season after season.

And Finally, special thanks Bill Kenwright, whose self indulgence and narcissism has slowly killed the once "Giant" Everton FC, and the hope of it's supporters. Some of them even clapped and cheered him (but many didn't for a good reason).

They have only 1 win in 13 games or something like that. Why would anyone suddenly believe because they got lucky last night and scraped a nil nil that they can go out and beat someone, and comfortably at that? Doesn't make any sense.

They wont beat West Ham. I don't think any of us will win a game on Sunday.

“beginning to think this is going to end the way we don't want it to. If we are being honest, it's been on the cards for years “

The two things I am pointing out are 1) this isn't the start of your pessimism and 2) ‘we' isn't appropriate if you can't find some some inclusive language but only a shitty foregone conclusion.

I'm not asking for censorship or demanding people talk a certain way. Just asking that some thought, compassionate thought, be made about the phrasing. It's okay to say you feel like you have been put in a hole somehow. It isn't okay to tell others they are in that hole with you.

Sorry but it has turned into a small communication cottage industry and needed to be called out. Especially since some would not take obvious hints.

As for Sunday, who knows, but I can't see Leeds beating Spurs, particularly If it's to be Harry Kanes last game for them, so no doubt he will want to go out with a couple of goals, and Richarlison will be begging to play so he can help his old teammates out. As for Leicester, will they park their London buses again, and hope to hit West Ham on the break and take a 1-0 win, hoping Bournemouth do them a favour, or will they go all out attack from the off, but leaving themselves open at the back? Looking at their defensive record, and it's nearly up there with Bournemouth and Leeds, ie, shit!

All irrelevant though, because our one goal will send them down.

I'll shut up until Sunday now, as nowt we can do.

We were a totally different club when we got hammered by Bournemouth and if the powers that be had any balls or acumen they would have got rid of Lampard much sooner.

We have gone from certs to be in the drop to favourites to avoid the drop.

Please have some faith and belief and leave your pessimism at home.

Roar the lads on for 90 minutes plus and I'm sure we will prevail.

Doesn't matter what others do as long as we win.

COYB.

We all hang together Joe. I'm obviously going with the interpretation without the rope

Pack it in with the personal stuff you wouldn't say stuff like that face to face it's hardly my fault you can't handle contrary opinion. The phrase you're looking for is "I hear what you're saying but I don't think it will happen"
Easy isn't it.

Sean Kelly 81

Lottery jackpot win precedents are statistically off the scale compared to prem relegation battles. Not so much "get a grip" as do some research.

I genuinely don't understand the logic of anyone coming onto an Everton forum, telling us we are going to get relegated because, if the unthinkable does happen, surely they won't want to come on this website next week, telling everyone they told us they were right?

The minute you stop believing is the minute you should just turn off, imo, especially right now when we need as much positivity as humanly possible. If you don't believe, please use some logic, and take your educated negativity somewhere else for a few days, and at least whilst we still have survival in our own hands.

Not that it matters a jot but "non existent" doesn't figure if you use facts.

Oh! I see

We are playing Bournemouth ffs not Barcelona or Real Madrid or Brazil.

This is a very winnable game, a fantastic opportunity brought about by a mix of luck, sweat, tears and belief and even a bit of skill now and again.

We can do this as long as we stick together and stay positive.

UTFT!

I don't see value in any of the bets offered. It's about right.

Personally I think any of these teams in trouble are capable of any result. But the odds still play very much in our favour.

Just go and get the win that they should get and finish this horrible season.

Well, I suppose educated guesswork is better than your ordinary every day guesswork.

Barry,t ry and get your educated guesswork to get an Everton win!!

Fan positivity, negativity, guesswork none of it matters.

It's down to 11 players in blue and their attitude, ability and maybe a few prayers.

Everyone hopes it's alright on the night but not everyone wants to ignore the elephant in the room.

Yes, it's definitely down to the players and how they perform on the day and sometimes the elephant in the room is harmless.

When I was young it seemed that life was so wonderful, a miracle oh it was beautiful- magical - but then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible- and I said fuck off, I'd sooner learn the hard way out in the street!! I'm just not sure if this logic actually worked for me

Goodison will be loud! No negative chanting, moaning, remarks and keep it loud! We will make the difference! Win, lose or draw, we must keep our dignity! This is about us and our club! The issues around the boardroom must wait! Sunday is about the players.

Sean Dyche has put us in a position to stay in this league. A further 90 minutes to give all and to every player, we are with you. Do your best is all we ask.

However, I offer

Crisis, what crisis
😀

We're all different all we can do is voice honest opinions results will decide who is head boy at clairvoyant school.

But in all seriousness bragging about predictions is a nonsense all that matters is a winning team. My issue has long been about the impact unquestioning support provides ie does it tacitly prop up failure by giving those in charge a free pass?

The events surrounding Moyes departure were the ultimate example in my opinion. Instead of being shown the door he was left to tap up our best players and given a standing ovation.

When I proffer views contrary to the TW consensus it is with that type of alternative perspective in mind. It might not be popular but I know I won't be alone in such thoughts.

Have to play Holgate at the back.Definiely not MCNeill.

When this over and we begin our 70th consecutive season in the top flight things will change for the better, the board will be gone.

One thing I would like to know who thought buying Maupay was the answer?
Also what was the question and were they pissed

It's purely psychological but fans make a difference. I'm not sure what line of work you're in but let's imagine you're plumber bent over under the sink with your jeans sliding down. If 40,000 fans of another plumber started singing “Who ate all the pies?” Wouldn't that put you off? On the other hand if you're an accountant feeling fed up with sifting through papers if 40,000 started singing “There's only one Baz accountant” wouldn't that perk you up?

I'd kill for Farhad to wake up in Baz's shoes and realise it was all a bad fucking dream.

A nervy afternoon, panic stricken and finger nails to the bone, all seems lost as we battle, now Everton never do anything the easy way and for 75 mins, all looks lost, then news filters through that the other two teams are also drawing, mr radio man has long since retired, replaced by Mr mobile phone man who passes on the news to an almighty roar from the stadium that Leicester are now losing.

Still holding out at nil nil, an anxious look at the big screen shows 78 Mins played, as Everton launch an attack, a couple of people a row in front decide to leave and block your view at the exact wrong moment, a groan from the crowd tells you we stuffed it up, Simms is warming up and the crowd are screaming for Maupay to be hooked off.

Bournemouth take a quick throw to delay our sub, a momentary slip hands Everton a counter attack, Maupay is one on one with the keeper, it's now ultra slow motion, the crowd hold their breath, Maupay hits the sweetest shot and it rattles in the back of the net, with Maupay sinking to his knees, both fists raised, Bob Latchford style and any thought of a fine for pitch invasion falls on deaf ears, as Goodison is swamped, with the extra stewards swallowed up.

8 mins go up on the board due to the stoppage, but Everton hold out and Maupay follows in the footsteps of Horne and Farrelley, and becomes a hero.

So there you have it Danny, I'm calling Maupay to pull us out of the brown stuff, just this one time.

I can honestly say neither would impact me I guess because whatever I have done I've always made sure I'm good at it or don't bother

I've experienced both (not 40k but large enough crowds to make your point) and follow the Billy Kipling mantra from Wavertree "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same".

But that's just me.

Last November, is history, so 100%, focus and belief, desire to win plus the Everton supporters, will be an unstoppable force, of nature, on 28/05/2023.

Hearts and Minds, and belief.

UTFTs!,

In answer to your wittering.

I offer an opinion contrary to the consensus.

Asking for solutions from someone you reckon has no influence is bizarre.

The alternative perspective is recognising no club without mega billions reaches and stays in the challenging elite.

The consensus will change depending on the topic - surely you understand that

Moyes and Kenwright prospered as we vanished from the top table providing the seed of the plant shoved up our arse today consolidating the Kenwright crown.

You said everyone judges themselves according to the best of their ability as I do ….. Then you ask how do I judge myself?

You alluded recently to an illness I do hope you're not having a relapse.

Everton 3 the other team1..

Happy 😊 on Sunday all is good in the land of hope..

So here goes nothing! Starting In a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Pickford.
Holgate. Coady. Mina. Tarkowski.
Garner. Gueye.
Iwobi. Doucoure. McNeil.
Gray.

I've deliberately selected players with pace to start the match in the hope of running at Bournemouth and opening up any weaknesses. They have a dreadful goals against record. We need to attack them at speed, in the same manner that we did early on against Brighton. Hence no starting role for Onana.

Hopefully Iwobi and McNeil would marshall the flanks in both attack and defence, their contributions crucial to this particular plan's effectiveness. If Gray can stretch them up front, then perhaps we can capitalise on Doucoure coming through.

I believe that I've selected the strongest and safest available back four.

Keane, Onana, Maupay and Simms make the bench. If we are not in front by half-time and results elsewhere are unfavourable, then obviously substitutions and desperate measures are an option.

COYB!! I'm predicting my starting eleven being 2-0 up by half-time and the second half a case of consolidating our lead.

Pickford
Holgate, Tark, Mina, Mykolenko
Iwobi, gana, Doucoure, Garner McNeil
Simms

Bournemouth Away Record = 17 Points

Everton at Goodison = 18 Points

This didn't really help.

I see that Leicester have a worse home record than us though, so this gave me a sliver of hope.

I remember singing the name of Gianluca Vialli on the streets around Goodison after the Coventry game in 1998. I just wonder if it's our old buddy Davey Moyes who is receiving our adulation on Sunday?

Stranger things have happened!

It won't be pretty, but Sean Dyche will keep the lads' heads on straight for 90+ nail-biting minutes and we'll get it done.

I can believe it. I'm not sure why people are getting so upset with you on here mate. I highly doubt any Everton players will stumble across this thread and let your comments negatively impact their performance Sunday. And if they do, more fool them for ignoring the vast majority of “get behind the team” posts.

1. Individual motivation, if you are relegated you are either being sold or will end up playing in the Championship if you are lucky.

2. Attitude. Aggression, fight and don't let them have the time and space to play. Review why they hammered us so it doesn't happen again.

3. Team selection. We have to play to our strengths (that we have available) and build tactics around them. Above all else have a plan be and be flexible on the pitch to change it at a moments notice.

4. Give them nothing. Harass them with the ball. knock them off the game. Want it more.

5. Substitutions. If its not working change it. No matter who or where, no one can have an off game. If a player is subbed then they better pray they have given everything.

Can we win? Damn right we can, no faint hearts, give it everything, nothing left in the changing room... Stand up.

Do all of the above and there will be no complaints, well, not many..

Right now, we need to believe and frankly some of the posters here just don't. Can't say I blame them, for too long we have been subjected to utter crap at times. Blame the club, the manager or the players – it doesn't matter a jot at the moment, it all comes down to Sunday.

We all fear the worst but don't all say it out loud. Because admitting it feels like giving up. There are doom merchants who predict the worst, but football has the uncanny knack of biting you in the backside.

So, I ask politely, keep your fears and predictions of failure under wraps... be positive and pray to god we will do it. Let the season review begin after this most important of games. We are Everton. We can do this. No head dropping this week.

I totally agree about the need for positivity this Sunday. Yes, key players will be missing, we need to accept that and select the best from who is available. That is why the team I suggested in an earlier post, gives us the pace and bite, needed for victory. Obviously, if any of the doutfuls I mentioned are fit, then they play. However, as you pointed out, whoever is chosen to pull on the Royal Blue Jersey in this do or die encounter, they need to be at the very peak of their game.

I wouldn't focus on the two recent defeats against Bournemouth too much. Having watched YouTube videos of all the goals, they were the result of both goalkeeping and outfield errors which we gifted them. Not from any quality build ups on their part. Notably, I'd say we've tightened up considerably since then and are not such a soft touch.

Instead, I'm hoping that Sean Dyche is replaying the Brighton victory to the players and impressing upon them the importance of attacking Bournemouth with the same attitude and game plan.

God willing, all will be well.

Dyche has to get the selection and tactics right.He didn't the last game.Actually in his selection of the left back, he panicked.You might even think he followed selected ToffeeWeb advice.Just hope he follows your advice Christine this week.

As for Calvert Lewin his situation is the result of a failed Medical Services at Finch Farm.

On some of the other debate. We are all in this and all feeling a range of emotions.

Sometimes we see things similarly. Others, we disagree.

That's healthy, otherwise we would all have the same view and be part of some weird hypnotised cult.

We all have our own approach to matches, both as players and supporters. I like different views and learn off people.

Idiots like me are overly optimistic. I don't mind admitting that. I always go in with belief.

Some are what they consider to be realists.

Others pessimistic bordering on those blokes who used to walk around with "the end is nigh" placards.

It doesn't matter. Deep down, we all want the same.

With respect, blaming the Finch Farm medical team for DCL's recurring injury is naive and lacks any real evidence.

A grade 3 abductor tear such as Dom experienced is an extremely difficult injury to fully recover from. Especially for a footballer playing at the highest level. Even when recovered, it leaves a legacy which renders the patient susceptible to further muscle and groin strain. All symptoms which DCL has experienced with alarming regularity.

My brother, admittedly a much older, none sporting man, endured a very similar injury some years ago. When DCL suffered his abductor, 'our kid' commented to me, "He'll never be the same player again".

Even with the assistance of the best surgeons and physios in the world, I fear my brother's assessment may prove correct.

In the end, when 40,000 Blues get in the ground, nervous energy will become the twelfth man and we'll support our team like Evertonians do. The players will do their utmost, we'll support them to our utmost and let's see what happens.

Truth be told however, I'm a nervous mess and I can tell that we are all the same. I didn't sleep the night before both the last Leeds and Leicester games, worrying about outcomes that might take our fate out of our hands. And last night I dreamt that we came from behind against Bournemouth to win 4-3 with Maupay scoring all 4! Yes I am that fecked up!

However, come Sunday I will be at Goodison and totally focused on doing what little I can to help the team. I know all of you will too whether you are in the ground or at home. For those 90 mins we will be as one setting aside all the disagreements we have fermented on this forum. And I expect that the team themselves will be similarly focused. I believe they will leave all of their doubts and disappointments behind them because they are now irrelevant, there is nothing else left to do but for them and us to give everything they/we have got. That will, I am sure, be enough to polish off the blossoming Cherries

Respecting your experience and opinion.My observation are based on other player rehabilitations over years,regarding recurring hamstring injuries.

Finch Farms rehabitation regime is based on rest and recover. No other Premier League side follows this dated practise They all follow the modern High performance methods, which is based on building resilence.

In Calvin Lewin's case he was pushed into playing relatively young, mainly because of ineffective Club recruitment. Granted the injury you describe did not help.He is not playing because if a hamstring injury.

The player that Calvin Lewin was for me had always been a myth.He was a good player on occasions, particularly under the simplified tactics of Anchelotti.His performance against Brighton was outstanding, but he did not score.

Calvin Lewin's biggest problem was the unrealistic expectations Evertonians have traditionally placed on the Centre Forward role. In his case playing in a very poor team, which he was expected to turn into a good one.

It's toss of a coin, for me.

My concern is if we go a goal down and other games aren't going our way. Goodison might become over anxious and the players don't often perform when it's like that. It's ridiculous that we've won 7 matches all season. Even under the days of Moyes, where I was really dissatisified, I wouldn't be nervous for a home game versus someone like Bournemouth.

I've gone from being a nervous wreck for cup finals to being a nervous wreck for home games vs Brentford, Fulham, Leeds, Bournemouth...

I would even think that he will give Antonio a start and maybe take him off in the second half. He, Moyes, won't want Antonio going 3 weeks without game time.

I will be surprised it either Leeds or Leicester pick up a win.

If the final was on this day week, it would be a totally different story, he might start playing the kids in such an event but not with a 10 day gap.

Leics also make me nervous. TBH I cant quite reconcile how they are where they are. I would swap over half their squad for ours - with Castagne, Maddison, Barnes, Tielemens, Vardy, Ihaneacho in our squad I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be where we are.

Basically we just need to match or beat the better performance of Leeds/Leics respectively on Sunday. Any advantage may be questionable but at least both of them know they MUST win.

In our hands? Out of our hands?...I can't quite make my mind up.

We knew DCL and Patterson would be out so the above news not a surprise. Slightly good news is that Myko could be fit so we may have at least one FB in the starting 11. We really need McNeil further up the pitch imo, he's wasted at LB. Think he's our top scorer.

Not much point predicting the line up with 4 days to go but my view is we 100% need a win. The result on Monday was crap as I can see Leicester winning on Saturday. They've got nothing to lose, are at home and West Ham have nothing to play for. Don't think Moyes is going to risk injury to key players with a European final 10 days later, which would I think be Moyes' first ever trophy.

Doesn't really matter what Leeds do as I cannot see a scenario where we don't get at least 1 point and Leicester don't win.

Stranger things have happened but I'd rather be in our position this Sunday than Leeds or Leicester. Going to be nerve wracking, and early Everton goal would be massive to calm the nerves...

Won't happen of course but I won't be staying to clap a bunch of losers.

Fair comment.

We're in agreement really. A fit DCL is a force to be reckoned with. But one which has never fully developed because of recurring injury.

My real fear is that because of the severity of his initial injury, he many never fully recover enough to enjoy long term fitness, regardless of treatment or specialist programmes.

I sincerely hope for both his sake and that of EFC, I am completely wrong.

Out of our hands in the sense that if both Everton and Bournemouth play with the same desire and intensity... Then they're the better side. They just are.

But they probably won't match our desire and intensity... if we set a high enough bar.

Can't figure out if I'm excited. I'm hating this week more than I've hated any of the rest of the season. And I've really hated the rest of the season. I just want this over. I don't even know if I'll be happy staying up.

It pains me to see so many just writing players off when they get injured - discarding them like a piece of rubbish without knowing what's going on in that person life. They're human beings like the rest of if, despite the obvious disconnect.

We all love them when they're fit & firing, then some people want them out of the club when they can't play because of injury. He isn't getting injured deliberately to somehow get out of playing!

Despite all the bravado people are massively fearful hence the frothing.

The mere mention of distinctly possible doom scenarios translates as "uttering those words means it will happen". it's a re-run of the Fawlty Towers sketch "don't mention the war"

Hopefully it comes to nothing and we win 15 nil

Destiny already knows. We know nothing.

As you know good football never regain there promise after such a injury, and re plagued ever afterwards.🩸.In Calvert Lewin case he worked particularly hard in the first Summer of Silva Management to get himself ahead of Niasse and Tosun in the pecking order for the Centre Forward role getting to the required standard under Ancelotti in the following season.The following Saha transfer Summer left him unsupported in that role and at the end of the Ancelotti spell he got caught up of the politics of Finch Farm and the Manager, which was exasperated by the Benitez. So prior to his injury and recovery his coaching and training was not ideal.To push on after his top scoring year would take alot of focus from him, but those around him.That did not happen so the opportunity was missed. A consistent relegation threaten Everton is not a good place to regain much.

Finch Farm still has a rest and recovery regime, dressed up as looking like the School of Science.It is more a bureaucracy than based on effectiveness.

As you know good football never regain there promise after such a injury, and re plagued ever afterwards.🩸.In Calvert Lewin case he worked particularly hard in the first Summer of Silva Management to get himself ahead of Niasse and Tosun in the pecking order for the Centre Forward role getting to the required standard under Ancelotti in the following season.The following Saha transfer Summer left him unsupported in that role and at the end of the Ancelotti spell he got caught up of the politics of Finch Farm and the Manager, which was exasperated by the Benitez. So prior to his injury and recovery his coaching and training was not ideal.To push on after his top scoring year would take alot of focus from him, but those around him.That did not happen so the opportunity was missed. A consistent relegation threaten Everton is not a good place to regain much.

Finch Farm still has a rest and recovery regime, dressed up as looking like the School of Science.It is more a bureaucracy than based on effectiveness.

As you know good football never regain there promise after such a injury, and re plagued ever afterwards.🩸.In Calvert Lewin case he worked particularly hard in the first Summer of Silva Management to get himself ahead of Niasse and Tosun in the pecking order for the Centre Forward role getting to the required standard under Ancelotti in the following season.The following Saha transfer Summer left him unsupported in that role and at the end of the Ancelotti spell he got caught up of the politics of Finch Farm and the Manager, which was exasperated by the Benitez. So prior to his injury and recovery his coaching and training was not ideal.To push on after his top scoring year would take alot of focus from him, but those around him.That did not happen so the opportunity was missed. A consistent relegation threaten Everton is not a good place to regain much.

Finch Farm still has a rest and recovery regime, dressed up as looking like the School of Science.It is more a bureaucracy than based on effectiveness.

As you know good football never regain there promise after such a injury, and re plagued ever afterwards.🩸.In Calvert Lewin case he worked particularly hard in the first Summer of Silva Management to get himself ahead of Niasse and Tosun in the pecking order for the Centre Forward role getting to the required standard under Ancelotti in the following season.The following Saha transfer Summer left him unsupported in that role and at the end of the Ancelotti spell he got caught up of the politics of Finch Farm and the Manager, which was exasperated by the Benitez. So prior to his injury and recovery his coaching and training was not ideal.To push on after his top scoring year would take alot of focus from him, but those around him.That did not happen so the opportunity was missed. A consistent relegation threaten Everton is not a good place to regain much.

Finch Farm still has a rest and recovery regime, dressed up as looking like the School of Science.It is more a bureaucracy than based on effectiveness.

As you know good football never regain there promise after such a injury, and re plagued ever afterwards.🩸.In Calvert Lewin case he worked particularly hard in the first Summer of Silva Management to get himself ahead of Niasse and Tosun in the pecking order for the Centre Forward role getting to the required standard under Ancelotti in the following season.The following Saha transfer Summer left him unsupported in that role and at the end of the Ancelotti spell he got caught up of the politics of Finch Farm and the Manager, which was exasperated by the Benitez. So prior to his injury and recovery his coaching and training was not ideal.To push on after his top scoring year would take alot of focus from him, but those around him.That did not happen so the opportunity was missed. A consistent relegation threaten Everton is not a good place to regain much.

Finch Farm still has a rest and recovery regime, dressed up as looking like the School of Science.It is more a bureaucracy than based on effectiveness.

As you know good football never regain there promise after such a injury, and re plagued ever afterwards.🩸.In Calvert Lewin case he worked particularly hard in the first Summer of Silva Management to get himself ahead of Niasse and Tosun in the pecking order for the Centre Forward role getting to the required standard under Ancelotti in the following season.The following Saha transfer Summer left him unsupported in that role and at the end of the Ancelotti spell he got caught up of the politics of Finch Farm and the Manager, which was exasperated by the Benitez. So prior to his injury and recovery his coaching and training was not ideal.To push on after his top scoring year would take alot of focus from him, but those around him.That did not happen so the opportunity was missed. A consistent relegation threaten Everton is not a good place to regain much.

Finch Farm still has a rest and recovery regime, dressed up as looking like the School of Science.It is more a bureaucracy than based on effectiveness.

As you know good football never regain there promise after such a injury, and re plagued ever afterwards.🩸.In Calvert Lewin case he worked particularly hard in the first Summer of Silva Management to get himself ahead of Niasse and Tosun in the pecking order for the Centre Forward role getting to the required standard under Ancelotti in the following season.The following Saha transfer Summer left him unsupported in that role and at the end of the Ancelotti spell he got caught up of the politics of Finch Farm and the Manager, which was exasperated by the Benitez. So prior to his injury and recovery his coaching and training was not ideal.To push on after his top scoring year would take alot of focus from him, but those around him.That did not happen so the opportunity was missed. A consistent relegation threaten Everton is not a good place to regain much.

Finch Farm still has a rest and recovery regime, dressed up as looking like the School of Science.It is more a bureaucracy than based on effectiveness.

As you know good football never regain there promise after such a injury, and re plagued ever afterwards.🩸.In Calvert Lewin case he worked particularly hard in the first Summer of Silva Management to get himself ahead of Niasse and Tosun in the pecking order for the Centre Forward role getting to the required standard under Ancelotti in the following season.The following Saha transfer Summer left him unsupported in that role and at the end of the Ancelotti spell he got caught up of the politics of Finch Farm and the Manager, which was exasperated by the Benitez. So prior to his injury and recovery his coaching and training was not ideal.To push on after his top scoring year would take alot of focus from him, but those around him.That did not happen so the opportunity was missed. A consistent relegation threaten Everton is not a good place to regain much.

Finch Farm still has a rest and recovery regime, dressed up as looking like the School of Science.It is more a bureaucracy than based on effectiveness.

We should be all grown up enough to accept someone elses genuine opinion.

It is an especially fraught situation at the moment and I've no doubt that the outcome will mean more to some than others that post on here.

I agree we need mcneil up the pitch as he's probably the one who can win it for us.

Will 174. I don't believe in destiny! Destiny implies you have no say in how things turn out. Whereas I believe you make your own destiny with the decisions and actions you take.
We can do it !!!!!

I have wrote a piece called A Rallying Call, because of this, and although I don't think any match going Evertonian, will need any type of rallying call on Sunday, I do believe we have got to find the positivity to try and help our team from somewhere, simply because of what is at stake.

My own thoughts are also that a lot of Evertonians, have contributed to our downfall, and I think you picked a perfect example when you brought up how Moyes was clapped out of Goodison Pk, with the contradiction being, we need to unite in a similar way on Sunday!

(I had stopped going to Goodison, after we lost to Wigan in the cup, because I believed David & William, were in bed together and were only really interested in themselves, and I will stop going to Goodison again, if there is any way back for Bill The Bastard)

One thing I'm sure you will agree with me on Barry, is that nobody gets far on nervous energy, and this is the only reason, I decided to reply to you in the first place, mate.

It will all be worth it, come this Sunday and I wanted to doff my cap to each and every one of you as a thank you, not just for your support, but the great posts you all contributed over the years.

Everton always find a way, I have every faith we will get the job done this Sunday, would not be suprised if Neither Leicester or Leeds manage a win Sunday.

So enjoy Sunday mate.

Jim will see you Sunday mate, I am not the least bit nervous mate, the chances we have been given over the weeks, I can see both Leeds and Leicester failing to pick up 3 points, the main thing is it is in our own hands.

We have key players out, but the one thing we have to do is like the Palace game, even 2 nil down the fans were more vocal for the entire 90 mins, if we go a goal down we have to make Goodison rock and get the players fighting and believing, we cannot switch off or see fans leaving, we are all in this together, we have to bring the bear pit to Goodison, for the entire 90 mins and beyond.

Blame should imo be levelled at the club. If Calvert-Lewin had proper competition and/or back-up, he'd have needed to play less, been dropped when off form, and not been rushed back too early from injury. All the above would no doubt have had him a lot less injured and hence more overall minutes on the pitch.

I have to go as far back as the Campbell and Radzinsky days to remember the last time we had two (decentish) senior strikers in the squad. Ones that didn't cause embarrassment when you saw the prematch team sheet (ie, Niasse, Tosun, Stracqualursi etc).

For the last 20-odd years, we seem have had an allergy to having more than one decent senior striker in the squad. It's no wonder we've regularly been one of the lowest goal-scorers in the league.

Simple answer to the Calvert-Lewin question is buy another decent striker to have more options. Whatever the question is, Maupay ain't the answer.

You can say what you like about Moyes, he spent 11 years at Everton; he will do everything he can to stop Leicester getting all 3 points.

He knows a Leicester win could sink Everton. That's why, I think, regardless of our result, the other two teams will help us out and it might even come down to our result not even mattering.

Spurs in turmoil with Kane almost certain to leave. Slot, Nagelsman et al all dithering about taking that job. Leeds to win.

Leicester to rally and will beat a West Ham who are now totally safe and will have their thoughts firmly set on a European Trophy. Forget the Moyes factor. None of those players want to miss their chance of a European Cup Final night by getting injured against Leicester.

Leeds and Leicester both win. We simply need to win.

You have to disregard what they are both doing in their games. If we play for a draw, we are doomed. Do I think we will win? Yes, but we have to go for all 3 points. Nothing less will do – but it is only MHO

actions taken, decisions made - or not; Perhaps the decisions themselves are part of the destiny?

Potentially, we can do it. Sunday will reveal.

that's a left-field one!

We will win.

UTFT

Moyes will do us no favours, remember his return to Goodison with Man U. And Spurs are in freefall. Expect both Leeds & Leicester to win.

We have to push for a win from the off. Start with Simms & Kegger up top. Two wingers from McNeil, Gray & Iwobi.

Sit back at 3-0.

COYB UTFT

You do talk some rite mate: why won't Moyes do us a favour: he literally just has by beating Leeds 3-1!!!

At least look at the recent evidence please mate

I agree with Brian @190. We have to assume both Leicester and Leeds will win – forget they're playing and go and win the game.

Simms has to start for me, we are not playing Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool, like he's played against in his few games. I'm not saying it will be easy but Bournemouth are not at that level. Simms should be up for it, ready to show his worth.

I tend not to post a great deal due to responses like yours.

West Ham were still in a relegation battle last Sunday, hence beating a Leeds team who can't win away from home.

How many times have we overlooked Moyes when we needed a Manager since he left us? Again...how much abuse has he taken when he has returned to Goodison. Expect Zero loyalty from him come Sunday!

COYB UTFT

As soon as there is any type of pressure, this squad folds.

Logically, our only hope rests with how Spurs and West Ham perform, as I expect our players to follow their ever-present pattern of bottling an opportunity to pick up the most vital of three points.

If I was a betting man, I'd bet on a Leicester win and losses for Leeds and Everton.

I'll cheers us on madly, I'd give my right arm for a win, but I cannot blindly hope this team of losers win a game of such magnitude. Our only hope is us, the fans, repeating the Palace game of last season, without three of the attackers who made it possible!!

I disagree with the view our players are bottlers. They undoubtedly lack quality but there has never been a lack of effort.

They showed that on Saturday and never gave in until beyond the very end.

Just beat Bournemouth. 1-0 in the last minute will do.

Then whatever the rest do doesn't matter.

I'm just playing really - but the future already knows! I hope we like that future.

Isn't that why we sing about if you know your history, come on lads have some faith.

A win for us is good enough, but apart from Everton, those other two simply have to win, whereas we can win, draw or even lose and still be safe, I know which position I would rather be in.

We have 3 bites at the cherries, while it is out of the hands of the other two teams.

Come Sunday, we'll be human volcanoes exploding with blue lava flowing.

true, and often forgotten. Maybe the team for their last game will go back to a "safety" version.

Still up to us, but seeing Leeds and Leicester 0-2 down at half time will do wonders for my sanity in second half…..ok, maybe not wonders, but something.

Arreola; Johnson, Coufal, Zouma, Cresswell; Fornals, Downes, Lanzini; Bowen, Benrahma, Ings.

With Rice coming off the bench as his last game for them.

The whole squad should be made to watch this before the game on Sunday!!!

What has happened to our club is not nothing short of shameful. Horrible times…

Simms and Iwobi up front Sunday, Gray one side, McNeil the other; Gana and Garner centre midfield. Back 4: Coady (right-back), Mina, Tarkowski, and Godfrey (left-back).

Pickford in goal. All sorted 3-1 to us.

Frankly, I'd play Simms from the start and have Keane wired up to sub him if required. If there's no other choice I'd have Holgate in MF and certainly not FB. Juggle Cody in there somewhere to add Character/fight to the squad.

Here we go COYFB!

I think I'd stick.

Not quite in the same league as Everton's situation at this time. I just hate playing Bournemouth…

In the 4 months since he's been here, Dyche has not managed to build any sort of credible threat going forward with Simms, Maupay or Gray. I think this is a real failing; a more astute coach would have figured out by now how to get the ball forwards with a goal threat.

You can say, 'they're just not good enough' but I don't buy that. Maupay was an outstanding player in the Championship, and a regular for Brighton for 3 seasons; we should have been able to get some sort of tune out of him. Similarly, Gray has been almost discarded. Ditto Simms, despite clearly being able to finish.

I am just not confident we get this over the line on Sunday. If we do, I suspect that, like with our other wins against Brentford and Leeds, it's going to be as tight as hell and involve a big slice of luck.

So for me, the big game at the weekend isn't our one. It's Leicester City v West Ham Utd. If the Moyesiah can get his players fully up for it, he may be able to save us all an awful lot of stress. Cos we are on a knife edge (as if it needed saying).

I have real concerns that, when that Leicester team finally absolutely need to get a result, they will. Notwithstanding our two-point advantage, I would say our chances of survival are no more than 50/50.

Leicester and Leeds have to win. There's no other option for them. Everton at minimum have to draw but a win will see us safe within our own control - but that means scoring goals.

Again, over the summer, there needs to be a realistic review of the squad and how they're going to play next season as the repeat of the last couple of seasons cannot happen.

The reality is you should replace the word 'has' for 'had' in your first paragraph.

And Maupay was worth 㾻M just months ago. He's scored one goal all season. I'm not asking for miracles, just a reasonable rate of return.

Its been a stressful week. And still another couple days plus the 90+ minutes.

Enough to make us question our sanity.

Not quite sure Mykolenko will start though. Tough risking a change by bringing a player from injury with only 5 days of training under his belt to such a decisive game.

After 4 years, I'm in Europe finally now (Paris now) and I don't think I'll make it to the game. I was in London the weekend. Beautiful… but nothing as to Liverpool the city.

All who go, please (it's not a word I use often), if you're mad, direct your anger towards the board. Players are just victims of them, as the crowd is. Every single argument, or the majority of them, regarding our club and the energy they may drain is their inoperatives' fault. Take notice at least.

McNeil, Iwobi and Doucoure are my favourite players for Sunday.

Wést Ham will play hard, you can bet on that. There's no better feeling for a player than embracing a confident streak before a final.

COYB!

Now, here we are, the last game of the season, risking relegation, with a probable starting striker who can't hit a barndoor from 5 meters, let alone has the ability to get into scoring positions to be able to finish anyway.

Dyche should have played Simms every time he didn't have Calvert-Lewin available or he was substituted. That would have given the lad loads of confidence and a chance to build his match fitness, and help in gradually adapting to the Premier League.

We all have seen what he can do (the Chelsea goal) and we all know that that kind of play is missing in Maupay. We could have had Simms all ready and firing by now, full of confidence, having the trust of the manager, but he has opted for the lesser player, resulting in a worryingly toothless attack.

If he starts Maupay on Sunday, I'll be really, really worried. I think Dyche maybe also is contemplating using Gray up top, but that would also be a recipe for disaster, as that also has failed miserably, although not as hard as Maupay.

We are playing Bournemouth on Sunday although West Ham may play hard against Leicester – or is that what you meant? 🤷💙

A certain lack of coherence in my paragraphs maybe I recognize.