Everton vs Burnley

The more instant reward or jeopardy of a home cup game, under the lights, against possibly distracted opposition. Feels a bit like a slight throwback to my youth, when cup games often evoked the greatest excitement (and biggest gates), as the possibility of glory grew with every round.

Been a while since a League Cup game raised my heart rate or indeed since belief threatened to surpass hope.

Their fans are rapidly losing patience with Vincent Kompany and his insistence on playing all his new signings at the expense of the players who got them promoted last season.

They're crying out for Muric to replace Trafford in goal and to bring back experienced players like Jack Cork as they're far too easily bullied off the ball with set pieces being a major weakness.

And they've lost 3 on the bounce... you know what we're like against teams on a losing run!

And just a thought, do we have any faith at all in our second-choice goalkeeper? I know Pickford's availability and playing record is excellent, but is it a gamble to expect him to play every single game?

We rested players that night and saw probably the worst football player by an Everton side in my life, despite heavy competition for that title.

A proper side against Villa played them off the park and deserved a win by a clearer margin.

So I'd steer clear of tinkering too much, despite the obvious temptation. Maybe rest only DCL and Branthwaite.

Pickford

Patterson Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko

Gana Onana

Harrison Danjuma McNeil

Beto

Should be confident against a changed Burnley side.

I would love us to be leading by two or three goals at the 60th.minute mark then start making some suitable substitutions, but otherwise we will just have to get on with it, with the squad we have beggars can't be choosers.

Beto, Danjuma and if fit Coleman should start.

Danny, when travelling back home on the train after the game I hope you will still be dreaming of Wembley!

Simply put-with Xmas coming up we can't play the same 11 for 90 mins each week. Dyche is loathe to make subs so the players are getting a lot of minutes and little rest.

However, injuries and suspensions are inevitable so some will get enforced rest as the season goes on.

And you only have to look over the park to see a core of players who play three times a week (Salah especially) and never get tired to see that perhaps our players, with no European football, can accommodate the odd cup game without many complaints.

So I'd say we're lucky ish that we can rest a few and still field a side that should be able to get a result. However I expect Dyche to go strongest 11.

DCL and Harrison are the obvious candidates for a rest as both are coming back from long injuries. The rest will be determined by who the coaches feel would benefit most physically from a break. Onana has played more minutes than anyone (bar Pickford and Tarkowski who don't run as much) so could be in line for a rest.

I'd love to see Chermitti and Dobbin given minutes but not as starters.

I'd go:

Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Garner Gueye
Danjuma Doucoure Mcneill
Beto

I think that's our strongest back 4 and should be given time to gel. Neither Mykolenko or Patterson have played a huge amount of minutes so far.

I would also endorse not making too many changes, as we seem to have found a formula and formation that is working well. There obviously will be a few changes but think the likes of Beto, Danjuma and also Gueye are all able to deputise without weakening us too much.

Hoping for a comfortable win as always, but will settle for anything, as long as we get into the hat, and the next round. Would also like to see Chermiti and Dobbin get minutes, if we seem fairly comfortable and have a decent lead.

COYB 💙💙👍

There are players who need some time on the turf.

Burnley will look at this as a no pressure game.
Expected to lose.
They will bring in the players they have dropped since promotion was gained and will be a strong impressive unit.

My side:-

Virginia
Patterson Tarks Branno Myko
Harrison Garner Gaye Chermiti
Danjuma Beto

That gives us some consistency with the same back 4.
Gueye giving what he can for 45/60 mins before being hooked.
Seeing how Jimmy G can command with having a workhorse alongside him
As we need to know what can be done up front (should The Fragile One shatter again) and I don't believe Doucoure is the answer, give Beto, Danj and Chims a blast.

COYB

It has some value however with players out of favor and youngsters getting a chance of a game if nothing else.

Yes, it is a game one wants to win but with Everton wanting to get into some kind of a run in the league it is important to rest a few ahead of the next game.

Burnley are in the same boat and need league points so it will be a game of benchwarmers on show which could mean a drab match for the fans.

Hopefully those who do play don't get injured in any way.

After tonight, we could be three games away from Wembley. After Saturday we could potentially leapfrog Chelsea and be close to Manchester United.

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

If (big IF, don't want to jinx it), we are leading by a couple of goals, I would like to see Dyche give the likes of Virginia, maybe Coleman, Danjuma, Dobbin, Beto a runout.

I would definitely give Beto, Dobbin and Danjuma a game this evening. Also Gueye if fit.

Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Garner, Gueye, Doucoure, Danjuma, Beto and Dobbin. 4 4 1 1

Then when we are 5 nil up and not before, bring off Tarks and Branthwaite and put on Godfrey and Keane, plus replace Garner with Onana and Mykolenko with Young.

Start strong then rest players. Get the game won.

Not the other way around and be chasing the result.

There will be changes tonight but I don't this they'll be wholesale, In fact I think Burnley will leave more players out than Everton.

Hoping to be proved resoundingly wrong, however. Will be watching on a stream with luck. COYB

Bit of an odd request...

My 16 year old son is going to the game tonight [he has use of an uncles' season ticket]. He is on his own. He grew up here in Japan with an Evertonian dad from Maghull.

If anyone feels up to letting him join you for pre- match festivities [ he only drinks cokes ] we would be made up. He will be in the Glwadys st.

Please pm me daveandamy2000@gmail.com

I remember doing it years ago, when we had already won our European group, and my two oldest kids were fuming, but I'm praying we go through to the last eight tonight, and then we can hopefully get drawn out of the hat to play Liverpool at Goodison Pk🤞

I'm not counting my chickens, but a win tonight would be brilliant for Everton, and our very long suffering fans, so hopefully the players don't let the fans down later on tonight.

Mcneill hasnt looked 100% since coming back from injury and HArrison has worked hard nut still finding his way.

Patto needs more minutes in the team but Seamus also needs some match fitness, Maybe give them both some time on the pitch.

So my game plan would be give Danjuma and Cermiti a start with Gueye giving Doucs Harrison and McNeill a rest and the assuming we are winning bring Beto, Harrison and Dobbin on after 60 minutes. Otherwise leave the team alone.

I recall a long ways back when the RS put out a reserve side, got away with it after producing sick notes for the whole first team and then low and behold Everton did it at a later date and got fined, now it's usually accepted.

Gana won't be wandering around. He will be in the pivot looking for the linkup not the pass forward. Given how effective the runs were at taking pressure off Onana I would expect some slight change that suits Gana on the ball. It won't be like Sunday but it might be functional which is all we need.

The other concern is Keane. This guy while causing some of his own luck is surely due for a universe blessing for one half of football, hopefully the first. If he can just not allow the full disaster everyone knows he slips and maybe we avoid full implosion after a mistake.

I think Garner and Doucoure will show some desire and leadership that helps the second team. This will also advance their confidence in how to run a game against lesser competition. All that would be needed from there is a moment from either Danjuma or Beto that fires up the team. I didn't say it was likely just overdue. UTFT!

With an eye on Saturday and aware that Brighton have a full week to prepare I would expect Dyche to make at least four changes tonight with Keane, Gana, Danjuma and Beto likely to start.

straight to pens. Extra time only in the final.

you could be right - I wrote that from memory of what I last read, and can't say I know for sure about the semis, now I think about it.

No E/T tonight though.

* Dave, checked it, you're right.

You will aware that many fans are just a teeny bit desperate for some fresh silverware. You know 1995 was a fair time back.

So as part of those three books you could write about your time at this (once) grand club. Would it be possible, that you field a stong team and give us some hope that we make the next round.

Just asking for a friend or two. Cheers!

Do you think Mr Dyche might rest himself for tonight's game? He has been working very hard lately.

Hopefully if I manage to catch the game I won't bring us bad luck.

I know you like a bet. I was reading today that a few of the top bookies are offering 33/1 for Moyes to be the first Premier League manager to get his comics this season; would you recommend a dabble at that?

Feeling a bit nervous about this match tbh, but hoping my gut's got it wrong.

I'll be shocked if Moyes goes before Ten Haag or the guy at Bournemouth.

Yes,I think you are right but the 33/1 might draw a few in to have a go though!

1-0 Everton...69th minute.

His usual MO will see WHU muddle through avoiding relegation with him getting about 70% from the team compared to a more dynamic coach. But they'll save a fortune letting his contract run down whilst having Potter or similar in the wings.

He may have lost 3 on the bounce but he'll survive based on harking back to his conference league trophy in Europe.

He has what, 2 games now where he has been better than his usual absenteeism.

And on Saturday it was a very drab performance by all.
I want him to be ace. He has all the makings and talent there.
Bench him tonight so that he comes back with a vengeance vs Brighton.

We need to win this win so badly, a good draw in the quarter finals and who knows?

COYB

Need to start with a strong line up get the job done, then think about making the changes later on.

The only exception I would make is Beto and Danjuma if push comes to shove. Other than that, we need not need to tinker too much.

Don't know where you are in the world, I'm in the US and use this one:

https://cricfree.live/watch/everton-vs-burnley

Scroll down to find the game.

Bloody hell though Barry! Moyes ‘harking back to his Europa conference trophy….'

Harking back? It was last season!!! About ten games ago. And they're top of their group in Europe this season and top half of the premier league. And they've just battered Arsenal to go into the quarter finals of the Coca Cola cup or whatever it's called nowadays.

Reports of his death seem greatly exaggerated 😂

He's literally their most successful manager of the last 50 years. Based on last season.