Newcastle United vs Everton

Have to disagree with you Lyndon. He will ring the changes by finding a place for Ashley Young somewhere. Intransigence? Not our Sean.

I've looked at the fixtures we have left and given how shockingly poor our form at Goodison Park has been all season, I still can't see more than 7 or 8 points tops left from the likes of Burnley, Sheffield Utd, Forest and Brentford.

In my own mind rightly or wrongly I've written off the games against the Shite at home and Arsenal away because this Everton side ain't troubling those two.

Newcastle, Chelsea and Luton away are games we must pick up a bare minimum of 3 or 4 points from arguably even more depending on the likelihood of another point deduction.

Right now I'm not even convinced we'll see off Burnley this Saturday such is the lack of nous when playing games against sides we should be beating at home.

No doubt we'll see just the same inept performance.
Best forget the away games and just hope to God this lot can perk up at home.

We seem to have gone back in time to those dark days... what did we do to deserve this? Feckin Kenwright, I hope you are burning in Hell. 👹

I'd try Patterson there in the absence of Danjuma and Dobbin or even move Garner over but I'd bet money Dyche opts for the veteran

Loose, and the pressure will mount on a squad already drained on confidence. And with the impending points deduction, it could become a hill too steep to climb.

Newcastle are heavily depleted, I say go for the throat from the off...

The Barcode Skunks will waste no time in reminding us of our position for sure.

I'm an atheist so don't believe in Hell, but if by chance it exists, I'm with you all the way. Hated the man always, I certainly wasn't one of the "at least he's a blue" shit.

Pickford cannot start at Newcastle, they will rip him to shreds.

Bring Gana back in and move Garner to the right flank in front of Seamus.

That gives us defensive solidity and with Garner's crossing ability and Semus breaking down the right flank also means we are more likely to carry an attacking threat too.

Hopefully Mykolenko is back which should free up McNeil and, if Danjuma is fit, I would consider him in place of Doucoure and put McNeil in Doucoure's role.

4-4-2 or 4-3-3:

Pickford
Coleman Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Garner Onana Gueye Danjuma
Beto McNeil

They'll be pumped up after their last game and the emotion coupled with the baying Sid the Sexist mob should lead to them making mistakes.

We just need to capitalise.

I expect we might get thumped tonight. I expect Dyche to be in charge again against Burnley. They could turn us over too and then it's too late. He should have been sacked 5 or 6 games ago. He cannot be gifted another life simply because we have had the points sanction.

I fully get the whole "he had done well with limited funds and the sanction and Bill passing away and the board being sacked etc". I get it. I fully get it. I know we don't have a pot to piss in, I get it.

He still needs to be given his cards. If we don't act after tonight's loss, then he will be with us next season. If you think we can trust to luck again, you're wrong. Our chance to stay in the Premier League is hanging by a thread.

The difference is getting a new manager in before it's too late. If we lose tonight, and I expect we will fold, then he has to go before it's simply too late

This has been years in the making – how anyone can claim to be the greatest Evertonian and watch the club burn is beyond me, out-and-out red shite. Boys Pen? My arse – red shite pen more like.

If I wasn't an atheist, I'd be on my knees for a quick prayer for a win tomorrow. Then again, I've more chance coming up on the lottery… fingers crossed for a fight and a win! 💙

Blanket defence and play on the break is our only hope, because they will play on the front foot most of the game.

Give the fringe players a run out, and give Dyche's regulars a rest in preparation for some home games. In doing that, we might scrape a few wins to get us the points we need to stay up……depending on the outcome of our pending points deduction decision.

We are not as bad as our results and Newcastle will suit us. We are in the shit in so many ways but it will pass. This run will end and I will be backing us to end it.

What I can say without a doubt is that, if I thought we were in for a thumping, I would see no point in coming on here and gleefully predicting it. They'll be here though, not the Blues who will be going to the match with hope, guts and belief. Just the usual "Told you so" regulars.

I am absolutely delighted to say that there is not a chance in hell that we will lose tonight.

And to make things even better we will win tomorrow!

With all their injuries and Gordon's suspension, this just might be the right time to face Newcastle.

The options in wide positions are severely limited. I would play Garner on the right of midfield with Gana in the middle. Garner is one of many whose impact has slipped in the last few matches. A break from the central midfield slog might re-energise him. There are no guarantees but it might just freshen up our approach and improve the quality of crossing and passing from the right.

In spite of some calls for all-out attack, the lack of natural goalscorers means we must retain a solid shape defensively. The return of Mykolenko will help in that respect.

Not for the first time, Pickford returned from international duty with a scatty display. Apart from the ridiculous second goal, his kicking was erratic and his inclination to wind up opposition fans was unhelpful. We need him to get his act together tomorrow and focus on the job in hand.

It will be good to meet you on your next trip over.

We'll get this lot over the line.

Yes, Jordan needs to keep his head as he tends to rise to the bait with the Newcastle fans.

I'm still having flashbacks with the second goal at Bournemouth!!

Might as well get it out of your system now!!

Checking the result in the morning will mean less stress, anguish, heartbreak, frustration, bewilderment……

I agree with what the poster said but I think this is the wrong way to go about it, bad for our nerves and possibly for the outcome of us staying up.

He must go with a more positive outlook from the start of the game and insert a more stance with the selection of different players and different system. I'd start with Garner at right back and McNeil in the centre of midfield directing the attacks, let Dyche fill the other positions with Harrison on the bench, Danjuma, if he is fit, starting and instructed to get some centres in.

Newcastle picked up on Saturday after getting one debatable penalty and then another later in the game and Moyes taking Antonio and bring a midfield defender on.

Defend by all means but attack with conviction as well along with some shots from around the edge of the box instead of passing to the nearest player, play like we can win the game.

I'm still a broken man mind you... just please Everton get a win and Dyche, do not play Young, under any circumstances.

I'll be watching and a few mates will be in attendance, I honestly don't think I could take another piss-poor clueless performance, I'll be a frickin' alcoholic come May.

We go to win tomorrow night. And we can.

Any game of football can be won.

I would be quite happy to see Virginia in goal tomorrow night, even if only for this one game.

An actual 'footballing' thread! Yee-hhaaa!! 🧐🥳

As those above have said, I expect no changes to the line-up, I don't know if Mykolenko has recovered from the flu. If not, expect Godfrey to play there, despite being absolutely crud since the Burnley game.

The same over-played, under-motivated and disenchanted players will get selected with Divvy Dyche ranting about xG in the team talk. "Hurt yourselves, boys, and score a goal!"

Since the Wolves game, he and his tactics, game management and substitutions have left me cold.

I honestly think he's 'lost the dressing room' since the Patterson head-slap. (What a grotesque excuse for it in the pre-match Bournemouth presser.)

What did they actually do in Portugal? "We only had one day to prep for the game." (vs Bournemouth!!?)

The club should start to press disciplinary proceedings against him and get shut for gross misconduct, ergo no compo for Dyche.

Then get in somebody to keep us up on a 3-month contract – with a guaranteed 1-year extension if we stay up, and a £1.5M bonus for doing so.

Before anybody says we can't afford to get shut of Dyche – we can't afford to get relegated, else the club will have to go into administration, unless we have new 'resource-rich' owners at that point.

Before anybody tries to defend Dyche, we are on the worst run in our Premier League history since Mike Walker. No win tonight means that Dyche is our worst Premier League manager ever!!!!

Just to annoy Danny O' 😜, because I know he doesn't do line-up predictions:

Virginia
Coleman Tarkowski Branthwaite
Patterson Garner Gana Onana Harrison
Gomes
Beto

Subs: Pickford (bench him because of the Toons getting at him), Godfrey, Keane, McNeil, Young, Doucoure, plus 3 from whoever else is fit... (No Dobbin, no Danjuma unforunately!)

And stop playing so bloody narrow all the time, and push up!!

Rant over, sort of...

All the media hype about the “Toon Army's” remarkable comeback certainly doesn't mention the two very debatable penalties. Without them, they would have lost.

Is it just me but is anyone else sick the back teeth of the constant media mantra that their loyal fans “deserve” success?

I don't know about the baying Sid the Sexist mob should lead to them making mistakes, how any Newcastle player can look into that crowd and see a bunch of topless, knuckle dragging Neanderthals would put anyone off!

Cut the individual mistakes out! Stop them playing! Earn the right to win! Time to stop making excuses. Beto must start!

Safe journey all.

If there's to be a fightback, it begins on Saturday.

For this fixture, I'd go with you on Virginia.

It wouldn't be a bad shout on playing Virginia, after all, he acquitted himself very well in those cup games he played. Plus the Neanderthals won't have anything to grunt and growl at, so maybe it will keep them quiet.

Won't happen though.

I'm packing in advance of moving here and just found a few old programs and such, including Man Utd away, 23 March 1978. We beat them 2-1 thanks to a pair from Super Latch. Maybe it's a sign? Everton side that day:

1 Wood
2 Jones
3 Pejic
4 Lyons
5 Darracott
6 Ross
7 King
8 Dobson
9 Latchford
10 McKenzie
11 Thomas

Anyone guess the price on a 1978 program?

According to The Echo, "Sean Dyche says record-breaking Everton winless run 'doesn't mean anything'."!!!

Expect more bizarre tactics and endless hoof balls. We eventually win, either this season or next, in the Championship.

I'm more confident of getting 3 points away than at home. Burnley will come with a nothing-to-lose mentality on Saturday.

Tomorrow is our nothing-to-lose game. Get at them lads!!!

They've just had 3 weeks off and a jolly in Portugal!!

I'd be very okay with this line-up as it gets Gomes, who has some creativity, in an advanced position with Gana & Onana covering behind him. Good shout with Virginia too.

I would love to see it but it doesn't fit the manager's pragmatism.

Can I assume that you selected Harrison purely on the basis that you share the same surname?

We are getting nothing there tomorrow, end of, so tell them two idiots to stop chatting nonsense.

I'll climb them steps tomorrow but I won't brag about being there… oh no, I'll be on here moaning about another Dyche defeat.
.

Patterson
Coleman
Tarkowski
Branthwaite
McNeil

Onana
Gana
Doucoure

Calvert-Lewin
Beto

Make it physical, and go down fighting.

Look at their body language – it's one which they have all given up on. There isn't anything left in these players after being dragged through the mire for three seasons now.

Not me. I'm not climbing those stairs expecting to lose.

I'm still hurting from Bournemouth. Like thousands of Blues, this will be a hell of a trip. One end of the country to the other and home in-between in the space of a few days.

Respect to the travelling blue army. We will be there. Hopefully the team will be.

We desperately need points. I fear we will be deducted more this week. We have to win them on the pitch.

I've been watching Ipswich v Southampton, Leeds v Hull today – our current team would struggle at that level.

12p

A bit odd.

I don't think anyone is bragging but simply trying to stay positive and have belief that we may just get something.

This run of form has to end at some point so why not tomorrow?

Mike @48, nailed it!

"End of" doesn't bother me near as much as "IMO". Its a post on an internet forum, kind of a given that it's the poster's opinion, isn't it? IMO, anyway.

We'll beat the Saudi skunks against all odds tomorrow IMO, end of.

COYB

Also, Calvert-Lewin closes people down well. Doucoure as the No 8 as he can break into the box with an instinct for a goal. 3 goal threats on the pitch. Go for broke. If it's about stats, then these are the best permutations for the probability of more than one goal in a match.

He wants Onana as the No 8 so let Doucoure break in the box à la prime Lampard and get on a goal run again. Having Doucoure as the No 8 means legs to get in the box and get back, something Harrison and McNeil are not doing much. Two up top also means the wingers have more to hit when throwing in an early ball.

Calvert-Lewin and Doucoure are disciplined enough to get back into formation when going defensive too. With the wingers hardly pushing up, there's 3 or 4 in midfield already in defensive positions when we're on the attack anyways!

"O'Neil" (sic) and "Halligan" are not "idiots". They are diehard blues who have belief and hope in even dire situations.

You are not in any way smart because you travel to Newcastle knowing that we will lose. That sounds a little idiotic to me, to be honest.

That's a wise decision from him as it's not a good idea to use your head as a hammer to hit any object repeatedly. It will cause damage.

But, he is still paid handsomely for his efforts to do that so I don't think he is complaining. We, the fans are. The thing is, I don't understand people who say he is a center-back when he clearly does not know how to defend any balls higher than 2 feet.

He used to be a great athlete, winning most of the opposite wingers by speed. Nowadays, it's too easy for them to go around him.

The trouble with this Everton team is that we have 3 soft ones: Ben, Dwight and Dom. They have gone AWOL too many times and too early.

In the last eight games we need stronger persons. Maybe we don't have them.

If we get a win in the next 2 or 3 games, we'll be okay, I believe. If not, I think the dice will need to be rolled, and Dyche removed, in order to try and force a couple of wins.

Hopefully Mykolenko is back.

I would swap Virginia as Pickford's head falls off every time against the Geordies.

I would play Garner right-midfield with the instruction to cross at every opportunity; likewise McNeil on the left.

I would bring Gana back in the centre and play Calvert-Lewin where Doucoure has been playing, leaving Beto up top.

Virginia
Coleman Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Garner Gana Onana McNeil
Calvert-Lewin
Beto

Newcastle have some decent players and quite a few injured. They are mid-table – not world beaters. We can get something out of this if the attitude is right.

Let's go with Pickford.

Why do you think I shouldn't be?

What a team that was. I probably went to that game and bought (always did) a programme. Those were the days when you'd find out what the team was.

Despite losing all faith in the Kettering koppite, I wouldn't be surprised if we pull off a miracle win tomorrow. Well, I would… but you know what I mean.

Then marched us down pitchside and around the corner flag to the Everton end. As a 10-year-old kid,I couldn't believe the abuse we took on that walk, but fuck those Mancs...I got to walk on the Old Trafford turf and they didn't.

My uncle Tony sat me up on the railing in the away end and each time Latchford scored, I got pitched forward about 20 rows! It was frightening but also as exhilarating as you can get,

I was already Blue but that day solidified it like no other. The scene on the way out was terrifying at that age, walking a gauntlet of abusive Man Utd fans. Latchford is my football hero to this day.

Hopefully coming across that 12p program brings us a bit of good luck tomorrow.

Virginia over Pickford. What a load of bollocks.

Unless it's Virginia Wade — she was good at directing a ball and known to win stuff.

Personally I would transfer at close season all of our most sellable assets, aside from Branthwaite, who we need to hold onto for at least another season if possible. That would include Pickford, Onana, Doucoure and perhaps Calvert-Lewin.

The money brought in would hopefully be used wisely on experienced signings capable of rejuvenating the club alongside young players promoted through the ranks.

The high earners, such as Gomes and others, need to be encouraged to either take a pay cut or move on. Harrison should return to Leeds. The lad for all of his endeavour, simply hasn't got it.

Teams such as Leicester are currently giving their fans something to cheer about in the Championship, with a return to the top flight seemingly imminent. If the worst case scenario transpires come May, then we can follow a similar path.

My team to face the Magpies and go at them for victory is a 4-4-2 formation (if all fit):

Virginia,
Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko.
Garner, Gueye, Gomes, McNeil,
Calvert-Lewin, Beto.

(Pickford and other underperformers need to be shown that they are not automatic choices.)

Dyche needs to be brave and show adventure. He knows all about a 4-4-2 system as he operated it often enough in his Burnley days.

It is good Mykolemko is back and I am hoping Danjuma can make the bench at least. It is a definite no to Gana for me. Given our squad, I just don't see how Dyche can change the team that started against Bournemouth.

Maybe the only change would be to start Gomes for Harrison and move Garner wide. However, I am not sure this is a big enough change to have any impact. Sorry, it is pretty much status quo for me.

So this is as good a time as any to play them. They have some very dangerous players though in Isak, Barnes, and Guimaraes.

Even so, I am still one who thinks we should have a go at them. The time for caution has long gone. Besides, it really got West Ham unstuck when Moyes took Antonio off. That played right into Eddie Howe's hands.

I posted this team on the Bournemouth catastrophe thread but here it is again. I think he should go 3-5-2 with both Beto and Calvert-Lewin starting:

Virginia
Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko,
Garner, Gueye, Gomes, Doucoure, McNeil
Beto, Calvert-Lewin.

Have a go Mr Dyche.

We need to find a way for Onana to do his stuff in a more forward position because Harrison, Doucoure and McNeil are creating very little.

As Paul Ferry says, we are all die-hard Evertonians. I'd like you to meet Rob (his name) and call him an idiot to his face. My name is Danny. You can meet me if you want. And if you are going to refer to me by my surname, O'Neill with two Ls please.

What is this use of surnames in posts? We all have first names.

There is no need to have a pop at fellow supporters. I hope you have a good evening in the North East like the thousands travelling.

Peter Mills. Exactly. Win games and then it will not matter whatever the grey suits throw at us.

Virginia,
Garner, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko.
Harrison, Onana, Gueye, McNeil.
Gomes.
Beto.

If Mykolenko is not fit to play, put McNeil at lef-back and Harrison in front of him.

Lose this one and lose against Burnley then Dyche is toast. I suspect then, that Coleman and Baines will be put in charge until the end of the season.

Onana has the passing ability to use Dobbin's pace and the boy can finish. Also, a bit of pace might increase the tempo of the team, which is sadly lacking.

I personally don't think it's time to change, but something isn't right. You can see it in the players. Dyche wasn't my choice, but in his defence, he's been dealing with a very difficult situation at a dysfunctional club.

Let's get over the line. Again.

5 EPL games this season. One of which involved Everton.

Brighton 1 - 1 Everton. He was also in charge when we won 2 - 1 at Villa in the League Cup.

In those 3 games he issued 12 yellows and 1 red.

Dyche has been playing poker with a deck stacked against him. His total of 35 points before deductions is to be admired. The fact we only have 25 is not his fault. However the fact remains he's stopped getting a tune out of the squad and the Patterson incident seems to me, to be resented by members of the squad. The face on Patterson when Beto scored said it all. No joy just sat stony-faced, on the bench. Wolves away was also a sign things weren't right either. Last Saturday was awful.

No doubt you are going tonight. I wish you well and bring 3 points back with the rest of our amazing away support.

Nothing, needless to say, like you who will get home at dawn and Rob, Neil, and all the other "idiots" who head to the north-east with Andy Meighan's sin thinking we might win.

May Sheedy bless you all on your trip up north-east and up those countless stairs and we will hear you loud and proud on our streams and tvs from that perch up there where they break PL rules and thank you from our parts of the world.

No way are we going down.

Harrington, whose grandfather played for North East counterparts Hartlepool United, is officiating his first Magpies fixture since overseeing their 1-0 win over Everton in October 2022 when Miguel Almiron scored.

In January, Harrington officiated Crystal Palace's 3-2 win over Sheffield United, where Blades manager Chris Wilder labelled his performance as 'ridiculous' and accused a linesman of a 'complete lack of respect' for eating a sandwich in a post-match meeting.

"It's yet again another ridiculous performance from the referee," said Wilder. "I was told by a Premier League referee, who I've known for a long time and who's as honest as the day is long. He said every 50-50 decision will go against you.

"We had two bookings in the first half of the game but they weren't bookings. They were just a coming together.

"Their boy absolutely takes our goalkeeper out, we have to change goalkeepers and the boy doesn't get booked. He says it was an accident, he clashed, it makes no odds if it's an accident or it's not an accident. It's a yellow card.

"We pick up four yellow cards, they pick up one at the death for time wasting."

Let's hope he's not like this tonight.

Plus this group of players are not working for the manager. Do something different before it is too late.

For example, 4-4-2: whenever we have tried this late in games we have looked awful. Calvert-Lewin and Beto look terrible as a pair and it leaves us totally open through the middle. Never say never but I can't see why this would suddenly help us.

Andre Gomes, again I think people are forgetting how ineffective he has been for large swathes of his Everton career. Perhaps he has his uses with the ball (though very few goals or assists etc) but without the ball (which is us most of the time) he is a liability and the thought of Harvey Barnes running at him gives me nightmares. Could maybe come on for Doucoure if he's playing poorly again but not as a deeper midfielder.

Mykolenko should come back in and Gueye should start if fit, I'm not adverse to trying Garner at right back as he has some qualities that would suit the role but it seems unlikely.

Calvert-Lewin vs Beto is a bit of a coin toss but Beto seems to be finding ways to score or have opportunities at least.

Danjuma is one player I'd like to see fit again as he seemed to make things happen even if he missed his chances, hope he gets fit soon.

Pickford
Coleman Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Onana Gueye
Harrison Doucoure McNeil
Beto

It's grim but I think it's the best we have. Missing player syndrome might fool us into thinking that some kid from the academy could do better but he almost definitely couldn't.

On the bright side, we have been overrun in very few games. Nearly every game has been a relatively close affair and at some point we must surely start putting away a few more of those half chances!

In 3 of the last 4 games, we have given away equalizing/winning goals in extra time so let's at least stop that habit. A draw tonight would not be too bad.

Between the bottom 6's last 30 games - only 1 win has been recorded, or 3 wins in 36 games - that is astonishing!

I know it's “if my auntie had balls” stuff but I don't think either of those Bournemouth goals would have gone in with Virginia in goal. But anyway – Pickford is still our Number One.

For this game, however, I would play Virginia. Jordan is going to receive relentless abuse that will also drive the Geordie bastards' support. Leaving him out takes away that angle.

It also removes the possibility that they get in his head, as has been known. He's out of form and is subject to being dropped as is anyone and should experience this and realise he's not untouchable. It may do him good to refocus.

Virginia has looked good in both games he played recently and commanded his 6-yard box better than Jordan does. He's a capable deputy and worthy of a go. Also, and I know it's “only” the U21s, he's actually won stuff at both Everton and in Portugal. He's not a poor keeper.

Maybe, just maybe, Pickford will play the game of his life to deny the horse punchers but I will be watching through my fingers (as I don't think Dyche will drop him anyway).
I don't see how that's bollocks?

ps: Virginia Wade? Really???

It's not a question of picking Virginia over Pickford because he is better than Pickford, it's just a matter of taking Pickford out of the firing line for a game where the hostilities towards him are immense.

We have all seen Pickford get easily wound up, though to be fair, he does seem to have got himself under control in the last couple of years, but St James's Park is a place where he can easily let the crowd get to him.

I remember a game a few years back when he had a rush of blood and gave away a needless penalty. Okay, he saved the penalty, yet I'm sure there were other incidents in that game when he let the crowd affect him, culminating in their winning goal which I'm pretty sure he was at fault for.

If there's one player the Skunks love to hate, it's Jordan Pickford, and they always give him dog's abuse. So simply remove him from the firing line, just for the one game, no more. Virginia is a more than reliable goalkeeper and will not let us down.

See you later, Danny and Neil, as we climb those 140 steps!

Also, Doucoure can't run around anymore chasing behind Calvert-Lewin, he's yards too slow. The result is teams get at our back four far too often, putting us under big pressure.
We get caught in our own midfield too much, hence the Pickford hoof-and-hope tactic that hasn't worked.

We need faster players, which we don't seem to have or don't get a chance and/or and different tactics to salvage the season.

Did Newcastle drop Gordon from the game at Goodison because he was likely to receive dog's abuse?

It's up to Pickford to concentrate solely on his game, not on Dyche to drop him.

We don't have anyone who will make a significant difference. We just need better execution...

If we don't improve in this regard, we will justifiably be relegated.

I think what Rob says.

In my experience of watching Jordan against Newcastle, he does rise to the bait and loses his head.

It's not a slight on his ability, he just tends to get caught up in the emotion and the baying crowd.

Or:

Pickford
Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Garner McNeil
Gana Onana Doucoure
Gomes
Calvert-Lewin

My other concern is that Virginia is still a relatively unknown, inexperienced goalie. Impressively though he played in both cup matches at Goodison, he too might be affected by the hostile atmosphere at Newcastle.

The manager will hopefully have Mykolenko back and goes with Gana in midfield.

We are playing a team in the middle of an injury crisis, particularly at the back; let's take advantage of same and end our winless run.

Gordon is a cooler character than Pickford who has a mob baying behind him at both ends of the ground.

Gordon could easily run away from our baying mob, although I don't think there is so much vitriol towards Anthony as there is from the horse punchers towards Jordan due to his Mackem status and the fact he's easily distracted.

I guess what we know of Sean Dyche is he has mainly selected the same team right through this winless run, so I don't expect any dramatic changes tonight. I just wish we would be more positive in our approach, we just don't look like a side that will score 2 or 3 goals, even Luton and Burnley look like they have more goals in them, than we have.

We have played with 2 holding midfield players and that seems to limit the number of players we get into the opponent's box. I can well understand where some are calling for Virginia to start but, in all honesty, if Dyche dropped Pickford for this game he would get slaughtered.

I would play Gueye in the centre of midfield and have Doucoure on one side and either Garner or Onana on the other. I would have McNeil playing centrally just behind Beto and if fit Danjuma. I wouldn't go with Beto and Calvert-Lewin up top as I think Newcastle defenders would be happier dealing with 2 big men than a pacy player up top.

Jordan is a natural hothead, especially when he plays Newcastle. He rises to the bait of the crowd. We've all seen it several times.

As always, I don't care who is playing tonight as long as those on the pitch show up and perform.

They probably will get a two-point deduction from the second commission, since they don't need the Premier League to inflict harm on them. They are well up to doing it themselves.

The thing about Everton is that we know what the tactics will be in the first 10 minutes, passive and we're set up not to lose and hope to nick one, and that means a long evening and a hard watch.

For me, his favoured formation, 4-4-1-1, doesn't work because he hasn't got the players, end of; and surely he can see that. 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 can only work if you've got overlapping full-backs and quickish wide players that can chip in 12-15 goals a season.

He must realise that Harrison and McNeil are bang out of form and, as there's no alternatives, to my mind, he needs to change the formation to get Beto and Calvert-Lewin upfront. I'd go 3-5-2:

Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Mykolenko
Patterson Gana Garner Onana McNeil
Beto Calvert-Lewin.

People might point out the performance vs Wolves but I'd counter that with the Villa performance where we looked really comfortable against a really good side.

But I know the chances of Dyche changing track is nil, so I'm expecting Groundhog Day at the Barcodes…

I hardly think Dyche will be looking on TW around 6pm tonight and be thinking "Yeah, that's a good idea, I'll put Virginia in goal purely to take Pickford out the firing line and away from the baying mobs all round the stadium smelling blood!"

It's just an opinion of some, including me. We all know Pickford will be in goal tonight. Don't let those skunk maggots get into his head and he will be just fine.

Pickford didn't put the ball in the net at Bournemouth, he's probably our best player so must start. I'd rather see a wound-up Pickford than some of our other dummies, at least he looks like he cares.

So Beto with a brace, and 2-1 to the (UTF) Toffees!

Safe travels. On my way.

We have to get something from this game. Burnley on the horizon, in good form, and at Goodison, where the natives are restless. A good result tonight will calm the nerves and give our players a bit of confidence.

We also need to change the team dynamic, so a new formation and personnel are needed;

Virginia
Keane Tarkowski Branthwaite
Coleman Onana Gueye Doucoure Mykolenko
Calvert-Lewin Beto

A solid 28% possession and a goal by Calvert-Lewin from a corner to win. End of.

Just like us to get a storming win tonight and then a drab draw with Burnley.

But at least that's 4 points.

Bringing in Gueye and dropping Onana would also help the team.

The Skunks can be beaten and their crowd can turn against them.

Everton will turn up tonight and can beat the Skunks. This season has many more twists.

If you think Anthony Gordon is a cool character, then I don't know what to do with you. He's a lightweight winger who chirps just as much as he contributes and loves playing the "wind-up" character. Although I believe it's less intentional than Jordan, Anthony is just a nerd.

Ray, you know the game, don't bother arguing with people who put in our backup because they don't trust our Number 1's psyche.

You think putting Pickford on the bench will make the Toon quieter?? You're giving them a feather in their cap without even kicking the ball. Our morale goes down instantly and theirs skyrockets. It's obvious, Mr Ferry.

Love your optimism, Danny, keep it up. We need your kind at games.

If he starts pratting about, maybe time for a change between the sticks.

Also, Virginia did well earlier in season.

Godfrey plays, we lose.
Godfrey doesn't play, we have a fighting chance.

Ever since Godfrey found his way back into the team, it's been like the Holgate, Keane, Godfrey glory days of old.

Ben Godfrey should be nowhere near a back 4 ever.

After creating situations that just needed a good final ball, the final ball never ever quite got there. When you keep wasting good possession in a game of football, the good possession eventually dries up.

Watching Newcastle v West Ham, they stepped up the gears and overan West Ham in midfield. We aren't fast enough to sit deep and hit on the break but alternatively, unless we can cross early, Calvert-Lewin won't get a look-in chasing shadows and winning headers with no-one to support.

Corners: I have noticed teams getting turned over from their attacking corners. Liverpool hit it to runners in the middle of the park and end up 3 on 2 every time... We have been caught like this several times now. We need to do the same to opposition... fast break out, not a hoof ball.

Can we be as bad as a few days ago? Surely not. But I concur that both Godfrey and Harrison need dropping, Patterson Mykolenko and Coleman, Beto upfront, Gomes in the hole.

I had a mad moment and actually perused train times this morning to see if it could be done but, without sleeping rough on York station, I can't get home.

How are you doing it??

I would like to see Pickford dropped (never going to happen);
Young not selected (he'll be selected); Calvert-Lewin dropped (possibly?); Harrison dropped (never going t happen).

Where does that leave us? Virginia would be the only player ´d have confidence in.

BTW - I think the slurs on Kenwright are OTT. The man's dead for God's sake. Let's leave it at that.

Prediction: Newcastle 2 Everton 4.

Sorry to leave you, but the nurse is calling - my lobotomy surgery is due.

Prayer mats at the ready for Newcastle (well, every game from now on) and hope for the best but expect the worst. A dour 1-0 to the stripey characters as a minimum with us blaming VAR for not getting a throw-in immediately before their goal.

I think Mark is worth at least a medium-priced hotel, with his choice of eggs in the morning.

And to echo some previous posters, if Godfrey is on the pitch, then it likely won't matter how well Lady Luck is playing.

4-4-2 is a disaster, play 4-3-3, with no Harrison or Godfrey:

Pickford
Coleman Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Gueye Onana Gomes
Garner Calvert-Lewin McNeil

There are not really any good refs around (it's a very hard and thankless job, I know) but sometimes I get the feeling that it's not just a lack of talent, but it's also personal?

Newcastle score for fun, but they also concede - our trouble, as we all know, is putting the small round white thing in the big rectangular white thing. I can honestly see us getting turned over 3 or 4 nil.

The corruption is now blatant and yet there are some people still saying it is nonsense.

The Premier League are clearly targeting Everton with unjust points deductions whle hitting us with ref and VAR match decisions at the same time. The knock on is that these decisions have started to affect our performances.

Many of the younger people on this site maybe surprised to hear this, but I have seen worse Everton teams in my time. Can you imagine just how shit they must have been kids? However, I can't think of another time when it's just been so miserable being an Blues supporter. The whole place just stinks, from the players, the manager, the way we play, the club, the finances, the sanctions etc etc.

I still believe we'll stay up, god knows we don't deserve to, and I'll still be there week in-week out, but this club is seriously trying our patience now.

First time I went to Newcastle was the last. A hard fought game on the pitch and the terraces. Nil Nil and in the last minute a penalty against us as the ref sussed out Gordon West who occasionally threw the ball out and accidently on purpose clouted whoever was bothering him. It worked memorably on St John. This time on Albert Bennet it didn't and Gordon was sent off. Sandy Brown went in goal and Bennet took the pen and missed. Jubilation from us until that bastard ref disallowed it and Jim Iley took a second pen and scored.
Back to our Hardings coach and the Skunks started throwing half bricks at our coach although one young lad ran out and drop kicked one of them. Suffice to say it was a drafty journey back to Liverpool.

Unless they make a lot of changes (which is unlikely given their options are limited) I think the best we can hope for is to stay in the game up to the hour mark.

PS - Don't forget to take your binoculars for a better view of the green postage stamp in the distance and if possible avoid the rip-off charges for sherpa hire and oxygen bottles on the way up to your seats.

Surely law of averages say we have to have one Day of good news, lets hope it is tonight.

Of course Pickford will start. And so he should. If he falls apart, as some seem to think he might, then that would be Virginia time. But I don't see that happening and love to think what a clean sheet there would do for his spirits and the defenders around him after that second Saturday goal.

We have to win sometime but a game against the Ladies has not been scheduled yet.

All joking aside these are dire times and even against a Barcode team missing a few it will be difficult to get a point.

Throwing away games when we would be thankful of a point is becoming a disease so expecting anything today or any day is something only a supreme optimist would hope for given this awful run.

Sadly it does now seem to fall on other teams to crumble in order to survive the drop.

However there is always a glimmer of hope in every game and if they really get lucky in more ways than one who knows what will happen.

Every dog has it's day and Everton have been dogs all season.

UTFT!!!!!

Let's not start flapping before a ball is kicked.

With the Sword of Damocles (possibly more points deducted) this is yet another must-win game! Again, hoping that no more points are deducted, but they probably will be, making a result tonight all the more a 'must'!