Burnley vs Everton

I don't have a preference who replaces Jarrad; but, I am interested in who Dyche picks. Keane who could be got at by the Burnley fans, or Godfrey whose confidence, apparently, seems shot at the moment.

A big question for someone being paid big bucks.

Here's a meaningless but fun statistic: Of the last nine goals Keane has scored, seven have either won or tied the game for us. And the 8th was Palace, which may have been the most critical of all. He only scores important goals.

Just thought I would slip that in before the inevitable slagging begins! ;-))

Jeff #1, agreed. Keane can head the ball and pass. Godfrey can tackle. We need what Keane brings more. But I'm sure Dyche will get it right.

Simon #2, Keane has played against Burnley at least eight times since the transfer 6 years ago. I strongly doubt he can be "got at" by their fans anymore, even if they were so inclined.

UTFT's

I'll never forget that goal he scored against Palace, or my post goal reaction!

Without slagging Keane, I'd be interested to know how many own-goals he's scored or has been involved in error with goals scored by the opposition?

I'm not having a go, I'm genuinely interested.

I've just looked on Transfrmrkt, these are his EFC stats;

206 games, 12 goals and 9 assists. He's never had a red card, but he has had two yellows once.

I just wish he could return to his form he had under Ancelotti.

If we are looking to press hard and attack fast, Godfrey will be better suited.

I just hope Burnley is not a banana skin now things are looking up.

It's not going to be an easy game – they seem to be showing improved form.

Is there not a thread about what happened outside the Premier League headquarters in London today?

Some people are questioning the wisdom, but for me, I'm just delighted that they have genuinely united both a football club and a fan base for the first time since 1995.

We should have enough strength in depth to get a win at Burnley, but they do have a decent record at home against us. So, I'm hopeful of a win.

Keane has reached his peak, Godfrey is still looking for his and has potential but did Covid and the injury take his mojo away?

I can see McNeil and Harrison creating many chances on Saturday against this weaker team and us bringing home another 3 points.

I'm guessing he'll start, even though Godfrey has been on the bench. I'd prefer Godfrey because Burnley have more pace than height. If he does start Keane, Godfrey is definitely on his way next month.

Them stupid gammy hands that he always seems to stick out wind me up – a penalty waiting to happen. As for his form under Ancelotti – just shows you how much easier it is to play in an empty stadium.

Not sure about Godfrey either though.

God, I sound miserable.

Then again, if we score first …,💪🏼

The suspensions and injuries are making this a bit tricky, and we all knew how thin the sqaud is, now we will find out just how hard a few missing bodies will hit us.

But, if we had to choose one of our upcoming matches to have a couple suspended, it would be this one. COYB!!!!

I think Michael has had two red cards, one versus Brighton, I think, a very controversial sending-off which was a VAR decision, say no more. The other one was a two yellow cards sending off versus West Ham.

Really down to the bare bones and it's not much of a choice between the two CBS. I'd go for Keane as he did play well alongside Tarkowsli for a while. I can't see another clean sheet but if Sean gets them fired up and no complacency then we should have enough attacking threat to win.

Win this and we could overtake Forest and Palace.

It was obvious to all of us for years.

No problem, I'm your stats guy. As an Everton player, Keane has had three own goals and four errors leading to goals.

Agreed, he was at his best under Carlo. The season after that was when the wheels came off for Keane, and he hasn't regained the faith of the fans since then -- despite the Palace and Chelsea goals.

This is massive; win this and our confidence will be sky-high.

And the first Black ref since Uriah Rennie 15 years ago, Sam Allison, will run the Boxing Day match between Luton and the Blades.

RB we'll be fine with Patterson and Onana coming in for Gueye is back to the norm CM.

All big games but this obviously takes on that little bit more given we can put 8 points between us and them with a win, and maybe Luton and Sheff Utd as well. Right now all I care about is getting as much daylight between us and the drop zone as quickly as possible. We're going to get more injuries so get the points in asap.

They've lost 12 out of 16 so let's not see the Christmas charity Everton for a change. With quite a few of our team being prior Burnley boys I think we'll do ok.

Not going to predict results anymore after I thought we'd beat Man Utd!

Dave [17] Go-go Patto, I hope he has a great game. Both for himself and staking his claim, but more importantly, for the team.

Dave A [18] I'm sorry mon ami, I'm going to have to play a 'link' card. Here are his career stats according to TransfrMrkt;

Michael Keane playing stats

Just the WHU double Yellow; not a Red in sight. I'm sorry to do that to an ardent Blue! Apologies Dave... UTFTs!! ;/) Hehe

Mike G [22] You are a true statto Sirrah! Take a bow... If, and I can hardly doubt you, it is only seven occasions whereby M. Keane has been involved in costing us a goal, it just seems more than that..?

As Jay @16 said, Keane plays better when he doesn't have fan involvement. Which was what I was alluding to when I posted about the Burnley fans getting at him. They know better than anyone how much his confidence can be affected by barracking, and 'noisy' fans.

Never mind Tyler Onyango, or Mason Holgate; why don't we ask Sean to recall Reece Welch, as he isn't getting playing time at Forest Green Rovers either?

He hasn't let us down in his few appearances he's made for us so far, and he can only learn from Tarks and Jarrad.

21 games for FGR so far, RW was in the squad 17 times 12 starts, 3 subbed on, 5 times subbed off. Twice rode the pine for 90.

2 assists, and four yellows.

I genuinely doubt Michael Keane's agent would try and get away with those stats Mike G!

I think we'd better get Mike G on a lie-detector! As only 7 times seems a little 'light' to me..? Mind you, you only tend to remember the bad stuff usually I guess.

Apart from outstanding goals and that long-range lobbed pass for DCL to score. Wasn't that in the NUFC 2-2 game? I can't remember?

This is the Red Echo's take on the protest. (Obviously inspired by Banksy I'd say)

Everton 1878 Group, protest outside the EPL offices

Tyler Onyango appears to have been swallowed up in the little reported deluge of injuries to our younger players.

Onyango was on the first-team bench for the first 6 games of the season, Dyche giving him a short runout at Villa Park. Then he went back to the U21s for a couple of games.

Then nothing … He last played at the end of September. So in the treatment room for the last 2½ months? Maybe.

He did suffer a pretty bad hamstring injury back in March while on loan at Forest Green Rovers, so hopefully it's not that troubling him again.

Sean 'Leonidas' Dyche and the BFC vs EFC pre-match presser.

Again, courtesy of BeanymanSports2 (EFC please employ him, he makes your Official presentations v poor indeed - He has better sound quality and he cuts all the waiting and guff from his videos) IMHO of course.

Burnley vs Everton Pre-match presser

PS Can I have a job for match days please and do the post-match Interview and pressers please. I mean post the links... Hehe

PPS Just seen this;

Pinned by BeanymanSports2

@warriorj9392

6 hours ago (edited)

0:00 Intro

0:26 Team News | Young, Coleman, Keane, Mykolenko, Calvert Lewin, Dele, Andre Gomes

1:12 3 wins

1:30 3 Clean Sheet

1:54 Burnley

4:29 Appeal for Point Deduction

5:48 Complacency

6:56 Lewis Dobbin

7:52 Younger Players

8:57 Atmosphere

10:16 Away Form

11:04 Burnley

12:12 Doucoure's Form

13:08 Lewis Dobbin

13:54 Everton's Centre Back Options

14:18 Ben Godfrey

15:00 Danjuma

Seen Delli Alli amongst the squad preparing for the Burnley match.It occured to me that Dyche sees him as a worthy challenge and may want him to play in the team in future fixtures, not seeing it as unfeasible as I do. Delli Alli on the bench would create quite a stir.

He's played both CB positions and both left and right in a Back 3. So, he's coming right along.

For me it was a disappointment that with 24 Tier-3 teams to talk to, Thelwell couldn't find a single one could use a fucking SIX FOOT FIVE INCH center-back.

But there you go. As it is, young Reece is clocking lots of minutes and has been in FG's First-11 rotation since he got there.

Hopefully, it stays that way the rest of the season.

You realize FG are 4 levels below Everton? Assuming you do, I concur I was a bit surprised we sent him out on loan at such a low level given he'd been a sub for our first team. I'd love the lad to return and do what Gibson, Pennington etc failed to do. But I guess we will see what happens. I'm still scarred by the meteoric rise and descent of Galloway.

In fairness Ashley Young (38) has generally done well. Yes he get's targeted, and by that I mean by opposition tactics. He recently been better in a more forward position. But to still be at the top level tells me he's looked after his body and fitness.

Seamus has been struggling with injuries for some time. Maybe the legs have gone? I hope not. Let's not forget that horrific leg break he had, which could have an eventual affect.

As I said earlier, time for the youngsters to step up.

"Travelling Evertonians should be aware that Burnley Football Club have informed us that no flags or A4 sized cards will be allowed inside their stadium.

Burnley FC have specifically asked us to to pass on this information, adding that any flags or A4 cards attempted to be taken into Turf Moor will be confiscated"

Well if true, talk about Stalinism. Muting the crowd and now this if true. Silence the masses. It's increasingly becoming a vendetta and a process of suppression.

Lewis Warrington has only managed 2 appearances all season for Plymouth - which shows just what a big step up even the Championship is.

Interesting Robert. I really like what I've seen from Lewis Warrington and Stanley Mills.

I'm not suggesting they are first team ready. Far from it. But I'd like to see them closer to the first team. Again, not getting carried away, but Lewis Dobbin is a good example.

Just get them close to the first team and introduce them gradually.

Although Mills, Warrington and a host of others have looked good (but not great like Branthwaite or Samuels-Smith) in youth football the standard is very, very low.

Oh, and hand them out to Burnley fans.

Being a born and bred Burnley resident this represents my only 'home' game of the season! Can't wait to just casually walk down the road from my house to go and watch the Blues play, and I've got a ticket for the Everton end. Normally I'm sat with the Burnley fans...biting my lip!

I'm worried about tomorrow as every time we start to build something and we're expected to win, we find a way to mess it up. As we did against Luton a a couple of months ago.

I'm just glad Burnley finally picked up some home points against Sheffield United 2 weeks ago. You know what we're like...

Imagine the scene somewhere, nobodies in suits:- “I know, let's stop them taking those horrible flags and cards into the match”. “Great idea”.

Good luck with that one.

On a lighter note, like that sign in the chip shop that said hot do not touch. What was the first thing you did?

Tell people they can't do something and they will do it

Keep fighting blues. On and off the pitch.

Boys from the Blue Stuff.

Those who know.

I've apologised @ (56) for my mistake in thinking he was sent off v Brighton.

They can't.

History has demonstrated that dictatorship and censorship never works.

I am 250 miles away and will not be there but my response is " challenge accepted". Are they seriously going to search every away fan and every orifice or hiding place ? You may question the legality of their actions. Are they going to clamber into the crowd to forcibly remove any offending posters. Have they been got at by the PL?. Their comments are ill-judged and a blue ( can't be red) rag to a bull. Have Sky put their two penneth in also ? So, to all of you attending. Redouble your efforts on Saturday and get our voice seen and heard. Good luck on the terraces and for the team on the pitch. Our feeling of real grievance increases from week to week.

Loved that.

It is like pouring petrol on a fire

On a lighter note 🤣🤣

Presumably that was what was used to start the original fire

But against Chelsea he was caught predictably out of position a couple of times though nothing came of it, I sense this is what bothers Dyche. Let's see how he goes, fingers crossed.

Keane or Godfrey?? I've been 'waiting for Goddo' to get his chance as I expect Burnley to attack us on the deck and his pace will be more useful than Keane's slower mobility and tanker-like turning speed.

I still think Godfrey could succeed at Everton, he's young, fast and committed, we'd be fools to sell him to Spurs in January, wouldn't we? Unless of course it's financially imperative or his form has truly gone off a cliff. But if that was the case, why are Spurs willing to buy him? And isn't our squad thin enough as it is?

However, I have a feeling Dyche might opt for Keane in this game. Tarkowski is used to looking after him during games and Dyche might feel that their previous partnership and understanding is a Beto bet. I'd be disappointed if this was the case but I'm learning to trust Dyche's judgement and will make more of an effort to avoid terrible puns next time.

COYB!!

He did well last week when he came on but these are the games, away from home, where we need to see him getting a grip on the game, and not letting it pass him by.

We will miss Gueye's constant covering, harrying and tackling and we need Onana's game to compensate for that. And of course Garner needs to step up again and play his part.

Onana has not won me over yet; please let this be the game which leaves me in no doubt that we have the player some people say we have!

And no bad ref or VAR decisions!

COYB
WSNBM!

So isn't that the same bloke? I just assumed as we'd had so many comedians playing for, managing and running us in the past few years, that we would have comedians as fans.

Illusion shattered.

As Lee 51 mentions, I would guard against thinking that this game is a walk in the park, these are the ones that we usually cock up.

We don't like being favourites.

The answer to your question regarding Michael Keane is:

Own goals: 3
Errors leading to goal: 4

Source: Link

Victory could put another couple of teams below us and more importantly give the team increased confidence.

Let Burnley play their poor man's Man City footy and as usual hit them hard when we get a break.

A win will be even better as they've banned flags and cards.

When other clubs who are marginalised by the Sly 6 conspire in this way to silence a peaceful protest, it will come back to haunt them!!!

I don't remember Burnley's statement about the Sly 6 breaking away and ruining the football landscape in this country, leaving clubs like Burnley in the wilderness... We stood up; we are now standing up to the greed and corruption so that clubs like Burnley get treated equally...
Shame on them!!!!!

This Burnley statement is like a red rag to a blue bull!!!

Do Burnley know cards come in all shapes and sizes??
A3 Ccards, anyone?

Midfield picks itself and it's a toss-up between Calvert-Lewin and Beto.

After Forest losing, 3 points would be major for us.

COYB

Says it all.

I suppose it would be fluid, reverting to 5 at the back when possession is in their favour?

Who knows? Go and get the points, Everton.

Oh hang on, I actually live in another country altogether.

No, wait, I actually live in a different hemisphere.

But if any of those Burnley stewards try and interfere with my god-given right to carry an A4 piece of card into the game and make my protest heard then we'll be taking them down, won't we boys?

Well, not quite 'we'. I'll be in my front room watching the game with a nice cup of tea while I implore you to take the good fight to the Stalinist regime of Turf Moor!! But I'll be there with you in spirit, I will, like the brave, indefatigable keyboard warrior that I am.

Corrupt bastards. We Shall Not Be Moved.

We really have no reason to think that this is going to be anything but another 3 points on the road.

Recent performances have been great and you can see that this team has a level of belief and confidence that is right up there with the best.

So we have some changes, but it's a squad game and those coming in should be able to step up. Our travelling fans will carry them along.

As for banning cards and banners. Who the f@ck do they think they are? They're not dangerous, this ‘big brother' approach by Burnley and the EPL stinks and we must rebel.

So 0-1 away win for the Blues, and a raucous Everton following, with cards and (improvised) banners aplenty.

UTFT!

Up the Blues!!!

A win today would be a real cherry on top of a few good weeks but I'd probably take a draw. Crucial thing is to not let Burnley win. We've benefited from a very settled team of late but I'm excited to see Patterson get a start and think DCL is due a goal.

That's what it will be like today at Burnley, the 3,000 fans there will outshout the rest of the crowd and lift the team, no matter who plays.

It's now definitely “ We shall not be moved” no matter what gets thrown at us.

Good comments, but I trust in Dyche to make the right call, after all he sees the players in training, and he knows what tactics he wants the players to employ.

Just as big a loss as Jarrad is Gana We could have done with him breaking up plays and being a nuisance again.

The big question is if Keane or Gibson, sorry, Godfrey aren't playing well, and causing us problems at the back, will he have the [insert adjective of choice here] to sub them off?

Regards the result, I feel it is a must-win game for us. As the next four Premier League games are Spurs (A) and they've hit form, Man City (H)… 'Nuff said, Wolves (A), they're better than their results show, and Villa (H), who again have hit a sweet spot.

And in amongst that is Fulham (H) in the League Cup and Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.

A lot of games in a short space of time and Gana is away from about 10 January for the Afcon isn't he?

I've faith in the team, and the backroom staff to keep us going, but for the next 4 weeks and two days, it's a lot of football, and family commitments to take on...

By the way, Sam, will you be doing a January Window, State of the Squad piece this year? I know Rob T has done one already, but it would be nice, if you've time, to see your thoughts.

Though I'm guessing, until the Moshiri and 777 Partners situation is resolved, we're all pretty much in the dark. Including Thelwell and Dyche.

For those of you going today, the Cricket Club right next to the ground welcomes both home and away fans before a game.

The Royal Dyche is strictly home fans so steer clear of there.

Today's school lesson: no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

Use square brackets if you want to add something that is more than parenthetical, as with [insert adjective here].

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

no angle brackets in posts, please. They are reserved for coding, formating, links, etc.

Hehe ;-)

By the way Michael, you weren't being brutal yesterday, and it is right to question me regards the Clear and Present danger thread... (Or any other thread)

Assumptions make an ass out of you and me; and presumptions, is something done before you sue me!

Good wishes Michael, and THIS... IS... EVERTON..!!

COYB UTFT WSNBM

PS I typed those lines, and did not Cut&Paste - Honest Sir!! ;-)

No it is just from Dyche's presser.

From the BBC website;

"Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko has had a minor niggle but is expected to play."

What's the defence now ? Back three ? Young or Godfrey at LB in a back four?

Vitaliy Mykolenko injury latest

Dyche also confirmed during his press conference ahead of visiting Burnley that Everton feel Vitaliy Mykolenko has avoided an injury. The 24-year-old suffered a ‘niggle' against Chelsea on Sunday. But the left-back has not shown signs that the problem will tempt any absences.

It's all a mountain out of a molehill after Dyche said he had a niggle after the Chelsea game in the presser.

He's (Myko) playing.

Thanks for the heads up though. I've checked on the EFC website, the Beeb, Everton News and News Now.

There's nothing saying that Myko isn't playing, but every site is saying that he is carrying a niggle as per the prematch presser.

Talk about trying to start a fire out of smoke!

Pickford,

Godfrey, Keane, Tarkowski

Patterson, McNeill

Onana, Garner, Harrison

Doucoure

Calvert Lewin.

The bench will be interesting today. Virginia, Danjuma, Beto, Chermitti, Dobbin, Lonergan and Gomes ???

Injuries and suspensions begin to bite.

I hope we have some dosh to spend or at least a couple of loans or even a free transfer lined up, by Mr Thelwell come January 1st.

From the Official Team Match Blog; (Live updates)

[Note rounded brackets Michael! Hehe]

Official Everton Live Match Day Blog

Absolutely no mention of Mykolenko being out, with just 29 minutes before the squad has to be announced...

Not even an injury worry..?

So they say!

We really do need Calvert-lewin to start taking chances. Christ, I remember Darren Hind stating he was gonna push Kane to be England's main striker! 🤣