05/10/2023 80comments  |  Jump to last
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Jack Harrison could be in line to make his full debut but who makes way would be a selection dilemma for Sean Dyche

Everton head into the second international break of the season needing a tonic to settle the mounting anxiety over their Premier League form which has them level on points with Burnley, the highest placed club in the bottom three in 18th, after seven games.

This weekend sees fellow strugglers Bournemouth come to Goodison Park for the first time since the drama of the final day of last season when Abdoulaye Doucouré's solitary goal kept the Blues in the top flight.

Everton's continuingly poor results mean that it's also the latest home game to have taken on outsized significance, with last Saturday's unfortgivable home defeat to Luton Town ratcheting up the pressure on Sean Dyche to finally oversee a win on home soil in 2023-24.

When asked about the importance of this clash with the Cherries, Dyche insisted that every game in must-win but with difficult trips to Anfield and the London Stadium on the other side of the break, the manager cannot escape the imperative to start picking up victories.

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With Seamus Coleman and Dele Alli still a way away from being able to return and André Gomes close but unlikely to be fit for this weekend, Dyche will have the same squad from which to select a line-up capable of not only fashioning chances — that hasn't been the big issue this season — but, more importantly, converting them.

Everton spurned some gilt-edged chances to take the lead against Luton before the Hatters scored twice at the other end but though Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled one back shortly before half-time, the hosts failed to find the net again in the second period.

Just as he did at Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup and last time out in the Premier League, Calvert-Lewin is likely to start against Bournemouth, with Beto likely to be on the bench again. Dyche's experiment with both strikers on the field at once was not a successful one against Luton so it's doubtful he'll try it from the off.

"He's getting there, to true total fitness" Dyche said of Calvert-Lewin who appears to be reaping the benefits of his patient rehabilitation over the past few months. "The closest and best I've seen him was arguably at Brighton last season, in terms of his all-round game. It was excellent. He is showing signs of that recently, scoring goals is obviously a good habit.

"I think he is getting to the endpoint in terms of being totally fit, clear of mind, clear of body and doing what he does best which is creating and scoring goals. He is showing really strong signs of that."

What changes, if any, he does elect to make remain to be seen. Nathan Patterson is pressing his case for a starting berth in place of Ashley Cole at right back and Jack Harrison has made two encouraging cameos off the bench in the last two games, suggesting that he could be due a full debut wide in right midfield.

That could come at the expense of James Garner, however, who has been deployed in that wide right role up to now and been one of Everton's most influential players so far. Moving the 22-year-old into the middle would require one of Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye to step aside, however.

Rather ominously, given how accommodating Everton can be to visiting teams who haven't won for a while, Bournemouth are winless so far this season, having drawn three and lost four of their opening seven League games.

Andoni Iraola looks set to be without six players for this one, with new signing Tyler Adams likely ruled out until late November with a thigh injury and Ryan Fredericks, Lloyd Kelly, Chris Mepham, Emiliano Marcondes and Alex Scott all expected to be sidelined until the other side of the international break.

Like the Toffees, the Cherries have found goals difficult to come by but they are a capable side with players, some of them tall and physical which will make them a threat from set-pieces, a new Achilles heel of Everton's that Luton exploited last weekend.

Dyche will feel that as long as his team keep creating chances, they must surely start going in and if his side can get off to another fast start and grab an early goal, it should settle things down and hopefully breed some confidence. 

Kick-off: 3pm, Saturday 7 October 2023
Referee: David Coote
VAR:
Simon Hooper
Last time:  
Everton 1 - 0 Bournemouth 

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Onana, Harrison, McNeil, Doucouré, Calvert-Lewin

 

Reader Comments (80)

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Dean Williams
1 Posted 05/10/2023 at 23:16:10
I think it's time to go all out for Potter. Dyche and his perenial loser backroom staff, will surely take is down this season. Not a winner between the lot of them
Paul Kossoff
2 Posted 05/10/2023 at 23:51:59
Dean agree 100%. I've never rated Dyche at all. Very old school in every aspect of managing and coaching.

But we really have to get it right next manager if as I feel, he will be gone soon enough. Not sure about Potter and I wanted Emery in, look what he's done at Villa with as bad a set up as we have.

If we don't beat Bournemouth and get thrashed by the Red Shite, he'll be gone. Next!!

Jay Harris
3 Posted 05/10/2023 at 00:04:52
Dean and Paul if someone told you to build a brick house but only gave you straw what can you do.

Iwobi, Gordon and Gray were sold under Dyche's feet because of the incompetence in the boardroom.

We have been shorn of creativity and goalscoring MF players for years but with Mcneill and Harrison making their way back to full fitness I would hope to see improvements soon.

We've been shopping at Poundland in the last few years and as Ancelotti reminded us we need a magician.

It would do more good to get behind the players and Sd at least until January. Now is not the time to panic.

Phil Smith
4 Posted 06/10/2023 at 02:10:47
“ Nathan Patterson is pressing his case for a starting berth in place of Ashley Cole”

I think mhe might have a good chance, Lyndon! Hahaha

Nick Riddle
5 Posted 06/10/2023 at 02:20:40
Playing Ashley Cole at right back leaves room for Leighton Baines on the left. Works for me.
Arnez Desmond
6 Posted 06/10/2023 at 04:57:00
Potter is a novel idea but we do not have the team that can play his style of football. I think we need to give SD time at least till end of Nov. His selection is hamstrung by finances and options so far as Jay rightly pointed out. That said let's hope he replaces Gueye with Garner and Young with Patterson moving forward. SD requires another box to box player Gravesen type midfielder to support Onana to win battles in the middle of the park and drive the team forward. We certainly need 2 full backs; RB & LB. We need to get in another 2 CBs and dispose of Keane and Holgate maybe even Godfrey. Let's hope that Gomez and Alli come good after the internationals. There is a lot of work to be done.
Terry Farrell
7 Posted 06/10/2023 at 06:35:29
Arnez that player is Garner. Play him in the middle! Dyche and Thelwall are gradually improving our squad and getting rid of dead wood. I also think we play some decent football. Could do with Onana being a bit more positive with the ball at his feet and driving forward. I despair when I hear people calling for another change of manager. Have they learnt nothing? Also despair when the GP negative squad are out in force when a few things go wrong on yhe pitch. Support the team your team!
Bob Parrington
8 Posted 06/10/2023 at 07:05:21
Jay @ 3 I agree with you. It's so easy to lay blame on a manager/coach after a few set backs. We've been in such a bad cash flow position that players had to be sold. Hopefully, this won't go on for much longer and, come the January window, we will be able to strengthen again. Meanwhile, I believe we have a stronger squad than the previous 2 seasons, regardless of that player sales.

Some of Sean's decisions do make some of us question "why" but I reckon this would happen with any coach. Why should Potter be any different. It is the mental capacity of the players that is now most important. How many managers in the past 7 years and still no real consistency?

Jerome Shields
9 Posted 06/10/2023 at 07:38:55

Dyche isn't going anywhere, though he is in danger of losing the fans, and once that is sensed in the dressing room he will have real problems. Blaming the players was never a good idea.

i expect a better performance from the players after they have rested and recovered. Dyche has to get the tactics and selection right. Beto should start, and hopefully, some work was put into defending set pieces during the week. Good luck, Everton.

Danny Baily
10 Posted 06/10/2023 at 08:16:01
This squad isn't among the three worst squads in the league. So, if the bookies have us going down after the next three or so games, I'd support another managerial change if it's affordable.

We should pull any available levers as necessary to avoid relegation.

Having said all that, I like Dyche and would be prepared to give him as much time as possible. We did this for Lampard which was a mistake, but I think Dyches pedigree warrants it.

Sean O’Hanlon
11 Posted 06/10/2023 at 08:22:59
Terry @7, you state:

"Also despair when the Goodison Park negative squad are out in force when a few things go wrong on the pitch."

So, losing 7 out of the last 8 at home, are just a few things going wrong? In your opinion, what is it when lots of things go wrong?

Paul Hewitt
12 Posted 06/10/2023 at 09:13:41
Terry, I did chuckle at your post. But seeing we have lost 13 out of the last 18 home games, I think fans are allowed to be a bit negative.
Kevin Edward
13 Posted 06/10/2023 at 09:24:42
Bournemouth will be up for this one.
So it's hard to be optimistic that our bunch will be able to match them.
It's just hope at this point in time, recent results at Goodison say that it's another game that can be easily lost.
If that happens then sadly Dyche will probably lose any last pieces of goodwill that he earned last season.
Get behind the team again, but it's getting weary and it's only just October.
Mike Price
14 Posted 06/10/2023 at 09:35:19
As with previous managers you get a sense that they almost deliberately keep making the same mistakes in order to get the enormous payoff. If he keeps picking the same dysfunctional midfield and persists with his ridiculous zonal marking at corners, whilst playing defence first football at home against relegation favourites, then he is either very stupid or wants to check out.
Kim Vivian
15 Posted 06/10/2023 at 09:50:42
I think 'negative' is the wrong adjective to be using. For sure there are negative voices but critical or pessimistic would be better adjectives.

Is it possible to be pessimistically positive? Because that's how I'm feeling. Positive because we do have the semblance of a decent, but misfiring, squad - pessimistic that SD will get it in tune and firing on all cylinders.

As to is this a game that Dyche will set the team up not to lose or to try and win is anybody's guess. I fear the former and we will see a reversal of the May result or perhaps a draw.

We should be going all out for the win and I'd like to see Calvert-Lewin and one of Beto or Chermiti sharing the duties with him for a fair portion of the game. Beto has been a bit wasteful in what we have seen so far so maybe I'd favour Chermiti. However, I'm not watching these guys in training and I'm sure we will probably see more of the same.

Let's just start and continue on the front foot, get a confidence boosting result and prepare for the trip across the park ready to return with some spoils.

Pat Kelly
16 Posted 06/10/2023 at 10:07:21
A game at home where we our recent record would suggest yet another defeat. An international break coming up, dangerous time for lame ducks. Unless Dyche can fashion some sort of result he's a dead man walking.
Andrew Clare
17 Posted 06/10/2023 at 10:28:07
I know the club is broken and the last thing it needs is another change of manager but really if we lose again this time Dyche has to go. Apart from keeping us up last year his record is dire.
I really don't know where we go from here.With the exception of one or two players we have a very poor squad.
Our peers- i.e. the other members of the tradional big five (Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal and Spurs) are now light years ahead of us and have been for decades.Chelsea, Man City and of late Newcastle can also be added to that group.
We have all been let down big time by totally incompetent people running the club for decades.
Clive Rogers
18 Posted 06/10/2023 at 10:43:28
Our biggest problems now are the two dodgy fullbacks and centre midfield. Teams seem to be targeting Young's lack of pace and Mykolenko always has a mistake in him. The options are few for centre mid, but Garner has to be given a run there. A difficult run of games after this one so it's a must win for Dyche I feel.
Terry Farrell
19 Posted 06/10/2023 at 10:48:23
Sean and Kev I am old school and never boo during the game. I might moan like hell once I get out. I strongly believe that we can turn games around when we go behind when the fans are behind us. Some players cant handle the crowd on their backs. My brother in the park end has a guy near by who goes home mist weeks early in the 2nd half!
Jim Bennings
20 Posted 06/10/2023 at 10:50:47
Probably Dyche's make or break game and arguably even ours for the season.

The run of fixtures before Christmas now is absolutely horrendous, we could be cut well adrift by New Year again.

Midfield has to include Harrison, Garner and Danjuma for me and get straight at them from the word go.

Richard Lyons
21 Posted 06/10/2023 at 11:18:35
Not sure whether the fitness of Dele Alli and André Gomes is relevant. I very much doubt Dyche would pick either of them.

Also not sure that the "threat from set-pieces" really is "a new Achilles heel of Everton's" - hasn't it been an Achilles heel for about 10 years or more?

Mal van Schaick
22 Posted 06/10/2023 at 11:24:22
Can't wait for Jackanory at 5pm on Saturday.
Tony Everan
23 Posted 06/10/2023 at 11:35:35
We will win tomorrow if we can unlock Bournemouth. They will be sitting back and be waiting to turn us over with rapid counter-attacks. The team set-up has to change to get the best out of our midfield, and this means bringing Garner into a central position.

He's more careful in possession than Doucoure and also is a more creative player around the box. He is also not shy in attacking the box and grabbing a goal. I think the key to the match is using Garner as an advanced central midfielder/no10. This will allow us to play with more natural width with Danjuma or McNeil on the left and Harrison on the right. It creates a strong team but with essential attacking threat. Above all players playing in more natural positions.

A 4-2-3-1 formation:

Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Gana Onana
Harrison Garner Danjuma
Calvert-Lewin

COYBLUES!

Sam Hoare
24 Posted 06/10/2023 at 11:41:40
I maintain that we have been a bit unlucky and that the performances have deserved more. But all managers live and die by their results and ultimately they have to make their own luck. The home form has been unforgivable and another loss here would put huge pressure on Dyche, though Lord knows who would be making the decisions.

The good news is we now have a fuller squad, and especially better options in attacking areas. We have been creating far more chances than last season but just struggling to convert them.

I think broadly speaking Dyche needs to be braver in games where we would expect to have more of the ball. In such games we need the energy of Doucoure and Gueye a bit less. I don't think Garner is quite as good in the middle as everyone here seems to think (watch the Doncaster match again perhaps) buthe does offer a bit more precision and creativity than Doucoure.

So at home to the weaker teams I'd be looking to play:

Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Onana Garner
Harrison Danjuma McNeil
Calvert-Lewin

Whilst away or against tougher opposition I'd probably bring Gueye and Doucoure and Young or Coleman in. Possibly even Beto who is really able to hold the ball up well when starting. Basically there has to be a slightly different team and setup in the maches where we expect to have more ball and territory and matches where we don't. Dyche has looked more comfortable in matches where we can sit back and counter (Brighton away last season) and less so when our opponents do that and we are expected to make the play.

Last season Dyche got 3 points at home to Bournemouth when it mattered the most. Let's hope he can repeat the trick tomorrow.

Eddie Dunn
25 Posted 06/10/2023 at 11:53:00
Dyche is on thin ice. In his last presser he was going on about how good the fans are. They were very quiet against Luton. He has started criticising the players trying to keep the Goodison faithfull onside. So it's not his fault!

His loyalty to Young is costing us and his reluctance to break up his midfield.
The Bournemouth game will show whether he rates Garner highly enough to drop Gana or Onana.I fear he will keep all of his favourites in place, put Harrison on the right with McNeil on the left.

I think the Cherries are better than Luton and we will have to find a clinical edge to win it. Defeat would be unthinkable and with the fixtures ahead looking intimidating, Dyche will be under huge pressure.

Neil Lawson
26 Posted 06/10/2023 at 12:05:32
Dyche is increasingly under the microscope. If he starts again with Gana, Onana, Doucoure and Garner, then he deserves to be dissected.
Anthony A Hughes
27 Posted 06/10/2023 at 12:06:03
Ours and Bournemouth's squad's are pretty evenly matched so the other remaining factors are which team has more desire to win or which manager can make the desired tactical analysis and affect the out come of the game.
John Kavanagh
28 Posted 06/10/2023 at 12:15:08
Here we go. Everton That II - the relegation nightmare strikes back. Winless Bournemouth. At home. What could possibly go wrong? We all know the answer after last week's debacle.

I have a bad feeling about this and, like Luton, Bournemouth have targeted this as their most winnable match this season.

We simply have to go all out for the win. I hope Dyche drops Gana (or Onana) and Young and gives Garner and Patterson a start, with Harrison operating on the right. DCL has to start with three goals in as many games. We depend on crosses and Beto looked like he's never headed a ball in his life last week.

The thought of getting beat at home and then having to go to that awful place with VAR, PGMOL and the FA desperate to compensate Klopp for their gross mismanagement is too awful to contemplate.

Tim Greeley
29 Posted 06/10/2023 at 12:23:29
Last weekend drained me - the conditions made it a whole mess and it was flukey but we have now thrown away at least 7 maybe 9 crucial points at home that you can't get back. You can't lose to Luton at home even during the Apocalypse you just can't!!! Bournemouth will have the final day still in their heads, no wins yet this season… it writes itself sadly.

Also - moderators please pleae revoke the privilege for that “Farkhov Redz” dickhead on the Live Forum, its either a disgruntled former TWer living in their moms basement or RS espionage but either way we don't need it. Thanks!

Christine Foster
30 Posted 06/10/2023 at 12:52:25
Bracing myself for another 3am kick off.. bottle of Guiness if we are winning, whiskey if not.. heart medication standard.. close windows and doors..shouting like a loon at 4am attracts the other boys in blue..
Just focus, win.
Frank Crewe
31 Posted 06/10/2023 at 13:04:23
So it's Groundhog Day already. Only eight games in and another must win match is looming. Sometimes it's better to just stay in bed.
Jack Convery
33 Posted 06/10/2023 at 13:34:27
I named this team on another thread earlier in the week but I think it's worth repeating.

Pickford
Keane, Tarkowski, Branthwaite
Patterson, Garner, Gueye, Onana, Mykolenko
Harrison, Calvert-Lewin, McNeil.

Not a fan of Keane but Bournemouth have a tall team and given how crap we were at defending corners, another centre-back would be handy. Also, this is the formation that did for Villa in the League Cup.

We must win this and get the monkey off our back – for not taking our chances and letting teams on dreadful runs get a win.

Both managers face awkward questions if they lose.

Duncan McDine
34 Posted 06/10/2023 at 13:38:08
Nice try Jack, but the ref might catch onto the 12 players. Perhaps your lineup was better left unrepeated.
Jack Convery
35 Posted 06/10/2023 at 13:55:22
Oops - too many carbs !!!!! Still, if we could get away with it !!!!!!!
John Keating
36 Posted 06/10/2023 at 14:01:15
This time last week me and my younger brother were sitting in the Bramley Moore pub having a few pints and discussing how many we'd knock in against Luton. Losing the game was never mentioned.

There was nothing negative in our conversation apart from the points that would - should - have had us in mid table had we beaten Fulham and Wolves.

I always thought I was a realist. How could I not be from the time seeing our 1963 team until today and the ups and downs, more downs?

Last week, my realism was out and optimism at full blast. This week… well, this week we're not going to the Bramley Moore. Realism, well that's long gone. I now join the ranks of our supporters who are out-and-out pessimists!

Dave Lynch
37 Posted 06/10/2023 at 15:18:23
Short and to the point.

If we get beat tomorrow then he needs sacking... and I don't give 2 toots on a ragman's trumpet who replaces him either.

For some reason, I'm still angry about last week.

Dave Abrahams
38 Posted 06/10/2023 at 15:28:45
Dave (37),

Well, I think you have every right to be angry about last week's performance Dave and even three points tomorrow won't obliterate it.

Liked your “I don't give 2 hoots on a rag man's trumpet” showing your age there Dave, haven't heard that for a long time. One of my favourites was “There's more life on a nit nurse's comb” — that could apply to one or two Everton players at the moment.

Derek Knox
39 Posted 06/10/2023 at 15:41:43
Hello All,

Coming into Liverpool tomorrow, Andy Crooks is staying over at my place from Belfast. We are all hoping to meet pre-match at the Harlech Castle, and hoping to see Mike Gaynes again. After, it is hoped that a few will go to the Bramley Moore (opposite our new home next year). I'm sure there will be a few to give a lift down there if needed.

Hoping as always for a win, but I also thought, that was a 'nailed on' against Luton last week, so not getting over enthusiastic, about the mighty Bournemouth. Hope James Garner plays from the start, and everyone reads from the same hymn sheet. Hopefully see some old and some new faces tomorrow.

COYB 💙💙💙👍

Bill Griffiths
40 Posted 06/10/2023 at 16:01:31
See you and Andy in the Harlech Derek, be good to catch up.
Dave Lynch
41 Posted 06/10/2023 at 16:15:08
Dave @38.

What's bothering me is I usually get over a defeat by Sunday evening but, for some reason, I can't shake this one off.

I've tried talking myself out of it and the usual alcohol-induced apathy trick but it won't go away for some reason.

Dave Abrahams
42 Posted 06/10/2023 at 16:25:26
Dave (41),

The performance certainly didn't help and lots of us thought we had turned a corner after two good away wins and after starting so well we just folded in that second half and never really like getting a grip on the game.

A mixture of poor play by the players and wrong substitutions by the manager. I hope they all get it right tomorrow because Everton's results do have a bearing on your moods, they do with mine.

Roger Helm
43 Posted 06/10/2023 at 17:42:58
After a truly horrible day last week - stuck in the A1(M) and M62 traffic jams, getting wet twice, my Apple wallet expiring my season card (why?), frustration and anger during the game - I decided to give it a swerve tomorrow. I have other things I have to do anyway.

Still, good luck to all you die-hards going to the game. Hopefully I'll be able to watch Match of the Day this time.

James Carroll
44 Posted 06/10/2023 at 17:45:49
Raymond Fox
46 Posted 06/10/2023 at 18:19:57
Although Bournemouth at home is the type game we usually lose, I think and hope that we will win this time. We have the players to score now, we just need them to bloody well do so.

I think the problem is they are all a bag of nerves when they play at Goodison due to the sequence of bad results that has occured before. Thats my take on the reason for the terrible home form, we play much better away from home.

We need to take this game by the scruff of the neck and go all out for the win.

Kunal Desai
47 Posted 06/10/2023 at 18:33:16
We seem to be at crossroads when playing Bournemouth recently.

Last season the away fixture was when many felt Lampard should have been sacked prior to the World Cup break. The reverse fixture we win to keep us in the league.

I wonder if tomorrow is another defining afternoon.

1-0 either way. Hopefully it's Danjuma's winner against his former club.

Craig Walker
49 Posted 06/10/2023 at 19:07:36
Bournemouth are winless. I know how this usually ends.

Is there a more charitable team than us for teams who haven't won or players who cannot score?

Phil Smith
52 Posted 06/10/2023 at 19:47:25
Everyone who is missing Doucouré out of the starting line-up clearly hasn't been watching us much lately. Hopefully he goes 4-1-3-1-1:

Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Branthwaite MykMykolenko
Gana
McNeil Garner Harrison (or Danjuma)
Doucouré
Calvert-Lewin

Dale Self
53 Posted 06/10/2023 at 19:56:17
Phil 52, I agree.

Is this stuff about an out of contract alter-Jota from Al-Shittihad believable?

Billy Shears
55 Posted 06/10/2023 at 20:39:16
Defeat in this one would be simply unacceptable, we have to find a way to win this game with really tough fixtures after the International break looming.

A draw... maybe, unless Dyche has a new master plan!?

Jay Evans
56 Posted 06/10/2023 at 20:51:06
Graham Potter, ha ha ha.

Love that me.

Barry Rathbone
58 Posted 06/10/2023 at 21:59:56
Paul 54

Many thanks

Dave Lynch
59 Posted 06/10/2023 at 22:01:49
Danny @50.

I would never call you a fool mate, I'm a "glass half-full" man myself and have a positive attitude on everything in life except our football team.

Somebody once said "It's the hope that kills you"... I can't for the life of me find any hope at the minute, I am truly drained by this team.

I've never felt as angry for as long as I have after that Luton defeat, it honestly flicked a switch that I didn't know existed in my brain.

Paul Birmingham
61 Posted 06/10/2023 at 22:43:05
The next game and so Everton must prove a point to themselves and all Evertonians. A must-win and then to face even tougher fixtures.

But Everton did show glimpses in the last 2 weeks that they can play without fear. Tomorrow, they must turn up and get 3 points, by hook or crook.

UTFTs!

Paul Ferry
67 Posted 07/10/2023 at 04:18:12
My team for today:

Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, Harrison, Danjuma, McNeil (in the 10), Calvert-Lewin

Bill Fairfield
70 Posted 07/10/2023 at 08:12:53
After yet another kick in the teeth last week, who knows what to expect today?

But I'am hoping the team turn up this time. We're at home let's just go for it.

COYB.

Danny O’Neill
71 Posted 07/10/2023 at 08:23:10
But the 81D eventually comes Jim! As does the train from Hunts Cross to Kirkdale, or these days for me, the train from Euston to Lime Street.

If there are no strikes!!

Kim Vivian
72 Posted 07/10/2023 at 08:26:31
It's a weird feeling this morning. I'm not confident at all (although we should be) but, at the same time, I'm pretty damn sure, reading the runes, that we're going to win today.

Jonathan Tasker
73 Posted 07/10/2023 at 08:42:54
Potter won't consider Everton
Colin Glassar
75 Posted 07/10/2023 at 09:41:09
It's one step forward, two steps back for us in recent years. I'm slightly optimistic we'll win today but then…..

Kim, Everton have left me with a feeling of emptiness and despondency over recent years. I no longer look at fixtures and think of probable/possible outcomes. We can overrun in-form teams like Brighton and Brentford away from home then, pathetically, struggle at home to teams like Luton.

Jimmy Carr
76 Posted 07/10/2023 at 09:53:20
We need a win today. So does Dyche.

Good luck to those going the game.

ps: Graham Potter? Get a grip.

Barry Hesketh
77 Posted 07/10/2023 at 09:54:49
I can only believe that Sean Dyche's latest thoughts on Everton, via the Mail, are an appeal to those in power to reset the club and start to help him change the 'narrative'. The only noise emanating from those in power at the club is silence, for this past year or so.

Sean Dyche believes things have gone so badly for Everton in the last few years everyone within the club now accepts much lower standards.

After narrowly escaping relegation in the last two seasons the Toffees have begun this campaign with just four points from seven matches and defeat to newcomers Luton last weekend was their fourth successive home defeat.

The assumption is they will be in another battle against the drop but, based on recent history, will probably survive and that is the thinking Everton boss Dyche is trying to change.

'It is a fine line. You can call it low-level norms. The whole club has adapted to low-level norms and the team can get trapped into that,' he said.

'We have to break through these barriers of low-level norms where it just becomes 'alrightness'.

'Oh it will be alright because it is kind of what Everton do, we kind of fight, we do a bit, we have a hot bit, then we drop back down, and it just becomes a new norm.

'I must make clear I don't mean the fans. The club and the way it is and the team and the delivery has all been a bit 'We are a big club' without big delivery.

'I have been talking to the players about breaking through these barriers.

'I got promoted four times with teams not with the grandeur of this club and when you get that winning feeling it becomes a constant and becomes a high-level norm. It is amazing how much you will fight for that high-level norm.

'The model, the team, it has become a bit 'Oh it will work.' No, it only works when we make it work. I reaffirm that to the team all the time.'

Christopher Timmins
78 Posted 07/10/2023 at 10:12:48
Surely it not asking too much to expect 3 points today by playing energetic and joint up football.

We are the school of science and nobody is going to take that away from me, not now, not ever.

Tony Abrahams
79 Posted 07/10/2023 at 10:18:56
Thank you Dychey, for spelling out the whole truth about the current state of Everton football club, mate.

You have got people who can't stand you, but this is just the nature of being In professional football, and having to speak to the media on a regular basis, although others will disagree and say it's because your teams play dinosaur football.

You said it yourself the day you was appointed manager of “our once great club” that under any other circumstances you would never have been given the chance to manage Everton, but you did a great (incredible,imo) job, in keeping us up, because of the incredibly poor surroundings that you came into.

Yesterday has gone, but the problems that surround you and the players, are absolutely deafening, but in spite of this you have managed to find the nucleus of a decent team, (again imo) so results must begin to improve.

I haven't read this thread, but my experience of the pre match ToffeeWeb threads down the years, is that to much positivity brings about an awful performance, whilst loads of negativity often brings out a much better performance. Get out of our club Dyche, because you can't have been Kenwright's choice, you fucking dinosaur!

Brian Harrison
80 Posted 07/10/2023 at 10:27:55
I actually think we will win today, mainly because the prospect of defeat is to awful to contemplate, especially with a 2-week break before our next game.

We have lost 7 of our last 8 home games and they have been mainly against teams who frequent the lower echelons of the league. So surely by the law of averages, we are due a win at home.

The good thing is the weather looks fair which means I won't get a soaking walking up City Road this week.

Duncan McDine
83 Posted 07/10/2023 at 10:46:47
Tony (79 and 81)... I often find myself nodding in agreement when reading your comments. Same again today. Level headed and balanced regarding the shitshow of a situation the club is in.

Come on Blue Boys, get out there and bag us the 3 points today (don't care how you do it).

Grigoris Teras
84 Posted 07/10/2023 at 10:57:15
Comments on here asking for the sacking of a manager must be further proof that I live in an alternate reality.
Of course as Evertonians we want to see fast paced, free flowing attacking football that brings us oodles of success! But when was the last time we got even close to that under ANY manager? Sack Dyche? So we can add his name to the list of former managers that includes champion league winners, young up and coming progressive coaches, direct dinosaurs, tippy tappy specialists - NONE of whom have managed to consistently get a tune out of us! We have tried them all! Bring in a new manager? What's the pitch? “Hey we have a misjointed squad, no money, an awol owner looking to sell us to asset strippers, but the fans will be expecting 1970s Brazil style play… up for it?”.
Ridiculous!
People calling for potter?!?!? Potter was successful at Brighton because the club is well run! They have an obvious culture! An obvious blueprint! An obvious plan! None of which is dependant on an individual manager or specific player. We are not even close to that! Potter would at best achieve no more than any of the other incumbents.
Stick with Dyche, allow him and thelwell time under very difficult circumstances to keep addressing the culture of the club and creating a blue print for the future.
So many here STILL seem to not realise how screwed up we currently are! And one of the biggest reasons for that has been the scattershot and erratic approach of Moshiri in how money was spent, players bought and sold and managers hired and fired. The answer therefore is certainly not yet more instability! Yet more half arsed unfinished projects! You don't like Dyches football? Was any of his predecessors quality consistently better? Did any of us actually watch what Ancelotti served up towards the end of his tenure? Do I admire dyche greatly? No. Do I think he is the long term answer (under better circumstances)? No. But for now I think he has the squad and a plan that has agonisingly close to the best we can hope for right now … which is a bit of stability and relative safety whilst the other chips regarding new stadiums, new owners etc fall where they will.
Dave Abrahams
85 Posted 07/10/2023 at 11:00:12
Yes let's be positive, I can't see Everton losing today, sixty two years ago today ( yes I know that's fuck all to do with today) we beat Notts Forest 6-0, Alex Young had a stormer,I believe, I missed that game because I had an appointment elsewhere.

I think the Blues will reward me today for missing that game, doubt it will be 6-0 though, I'm going for a George McCabe special 4-0. Hope you are improving George, the best of cosmic waves to you George.

David West
86 Posted 07/10/2023 at 11:05:25
Tony 79 Good post !! Some people need perspective. Some people were never happy when Dyche was appointed. They will never be happy with him. If he gets us solidly in mid table I'd say he's done a great job again.

The season is long, and teams have good and bad spells. Admittedly, we are waiting for our good spell, but I believe its coming.

Anthony Jones
87 Posted 07/10/2023 at 11:28:46
What are you on about Potter for in the comments?

He did okay with a great squad at Brighton and was nothing special at a dysfunctional Chelsea.

Dyche isn't necessarily the best coach but he isn't a bad one. The same clowns who want him gone whine about how football is a simple game: win your battles, find space, run hard, be brave and so on.

Our squad has improved under Dyche and Thelwell and we have very little room to maneuver in the market.

Give him to the new year before judging.


Kevin Naylor
88 Posted 07/10/2023 at 11:50:06
Bournemouth 3/1 with 365 (who pay out if your selection goes 2 goals up), Everton odds on, not sure how they've worked that out.
David West
89 Posted 07/10/2023 at 12:08:54
Pickford
Garner
Branthwaite
Tarks
Myko
Gana
Doucouré
Mcneil
Harrison
Danjuma
Dcl

I'd play Mcneil in the Doucouré role pushed up supporting dcl.
Positive, with pace and some threat.

But I suspect dyche will go with onana for Danjuma or Harrison.

Dave Abrahams
90 Posted 07/10/2023 at 12:11:51
Grigoris / Gregory (84), vigilant and watchful is what your name means and that is what your post is about, you've certainly got Everton FC as we stand today, in the worse state I've ever seen them in my lifetime, I think your post tells it's it is and no manager would do any better at the moment, no top manager would even contemplate taking the job on.

Amen to your post Grigoris I'm sticking with Sean Dyche as well.

Ged Simpson
91 Posted 07/10/2023 at 12:13:03
Dave 89.

I would go with similar choices.

Let's start confident and attacking for once.

Who knows. We could spook them!

Laurie Hartley
92 Posted 07/10/2023 at 12:22:32
I just hope we win. I don't care what the score is. As Dave says @ 42 it affects my mood. That's what being a football fan is all about though isn't it?

You've gotta pay your dues if you wanna sing the Blues!!!

But anyway - we shall not be moved!!!

Barry Rathbone
93 Posted 07/10/2023 at 12:28:33
Grigoris 84

Martinez gave us attacking successful football which only came to an end because he lacked the funds to totally rinse the club of Moyes mediocrity with decent players rather than bargain basement chimps.

Sorry, I need to rephrase that - his success was built on Moyes mediocrity as per rewritten history vol 3a expunging all twattings from top teams and lower league jonnies. Never let facts get in the way of a good old history rewrite.

Ernie Baywood
94 Posted 07/10/2023 at 12:50:22
Grigoris, I don't think anyone is expecting 70s Brazil football.

Personally, I don't really care what style we play. As long as we actually play a style of football. For me, that's what is missing right now. The Luton game was a team selection to sit in your own defensive third in a game where we weren't going to be doing that. I couldn't tell you what the plan was - and I don't believe there really was one.

Dyche needs to very quickly figure out what we're about and then pick a team to deliver it. I'm not seeing that kind of clarity at the moment.

I see a few posts saying that Dyche is on the right track, or is close to something, or is better than what we can get... with 4 home defeats out of 4 I can't agree.

If that becomes 5 today, well, I don't know what happens then. It would be catastrophic.

James Hughes
95 Posted 07/10/2023 at 13:00:43
We can get the win today and relieve some presuure

2-1 with DCL to score again

COYB

Martin Farrington
96 Posted 07/10/2023 at 13:10:17
Think we might win today.
My dogs behaved well on their walk 👍
Andrew Cunningham
97 Posted 07/10/2023 at 13:45:41
These pricks tried their best to relegate us last year. Let's return the favour and hit them for 4 or 5. Although at this time I'd take a 1-0.
Mark Ryan
98 Posted 07/10/2023 at 13:47:45
Would love to see Beto get 1

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