30/08/2024 56comments  |  Jump to last
Match Preview

Blues fans are hoping that Iliman Ndiaye did enough to play his way into Sean Dyche's side with his impressive display against Doncaster

Everton hope to build on their Cup win over Doncaster when their Premier League campaign resumes this weekend against Bournemouth at Goodison Park.

The Blues have made an awful start to their League season with back-to-back defeats, seven goals conceded, and none scored, but even though it was against League Two opposition, they showed some encouraging signs in the Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday evening.

One of the most prominent aspects of the win over Rovers was the performance of Iliman Ndiaye, particularly in the second half where he scored an excellent solo goal and made his strongest case yet for his first start in the Premier League.

The consensus among supporters appears to be that he should come into the side for Abdoulaye Doucouré, who has struggled to make an impact thus far, but with Dyche indicating a preference to deploy the Senegalese out wide, it may well be that if he plays, Jack Harrison or Dwight McNeil would be the player to make way.

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Meanwhile, James Garner’s return from injury could see him keep his place in the starting XI, perhaps resuming his partnership with Idrissa Gueye at the expense of Tim Iroegbunam who could count himself hugely unfortunate to lose his spot having made such a strong start to life as an Everton player.

In defence, Seamus Coleman came through an hour on Tuesday and could start again, alleviating the selection crisis at right back, but it remains to be seen if Jake O’Brien did enough to displace Michael Keane at centre-half alongside James Tarkowski.

Up front, Dominic Calvert Lewin is expected to lead the line once more given that it is unlikely he will have left the club before the transfer deadline. The striker has yet to agree a new contract at Everton and now finds himself in the position of needing to perform well for the Toffees in order to earn a move away, either in January or as a free agent next summer.

Regardless of who is selected, Everton will need to perform significantly better than they did in their home opener against Brighton. Just like last season, fans will be hoping that a cup of victory over Doncaster can be the catalyst that ignites the team’s home form.

With two 1-1 draws form their first two games, Bournemouth come to Merseyside unbeaten so far, although manager Andoni Iraola was hugely aggrieved that a late winner against Newcastle last week was wiped out by a controversial VAR call.

The Cherries no longer have Dominic Solanke spearheading their attack but in Antoine Semenyo and Luis Sinisterra they have dangerous players capable of causing the Blues problems. They could also hand a debut to on-loan goalkeeper Kepa who has just arrived from Chelsea.

While Everton have looked unconvincing so far in the League, they do have a good record over Bournemouth at Goodison Park, having won six of seven since the south coast club were first promoted to the top flight in 2015.

A victory would send Dyche and his squad into the international break in a much more upbeat state of mind, with the additional potential fillip of a fit Jarrad Branthwaite by the time the season resumes against Aston Villa on 14 September.

Kick-off: 3pm, Saturday 31 August, 2024
Referee: Stuart Attwell
VAR: Graham Scott
Last Time: Everton 3 - 0 Bournemouth

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, McNeil, Ndiaye, Doucouré, Calvert-Lewin

 

Reader Comments (56)

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Martin Farrington
1 Posted 30/08/2024 at 06:51:24
Let us hope (beyond hope) that Dyche does not fall back and start with the line up that has failed so miserably thus far.
Liven the XI and drop Keane, Doucoure, DCL and Gueye. Start with O'Brien, Lindstrom, Beto and Tim.
Anything other than a good shake up will cement Dyche's tenure as a stubborn mule resistant to change.
Danny O’Neill
2 Posted 30/08/2024 at 07:33:52
Go into this with confidence blues. Respect the opponents but play on the front foot and take the game to them..

Manager; be bold with your team selection.

Paul Ferry
3 Posted 30/08/2024 at 07:38:32
First time in ages that I disagree with Lyndon's XI. I'm excited:

Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Gueye, Tim, McNeil, Ndiaye, Harrison/Lindstrom, Calvert-Lewin

2-1

COYB!

Dean Williams
4 Posted 30/08/2024 at 07:47:16
It's a no brainer really. Even stubborn arse dyche has to realise, his team jusint cutting it.

Wickford
Coleman
Tarkowski
Obrien
Myko
Tim
Garner
Lindstrom
Mcneil
Ndiaye
Dlc.

Utft

Danny O’Neill
5 Posted 30/08/2024 at 07:51:58
Paul, I would also have Tim the Iron man in I know I can look it up, but I wish I could remember how to spell his surname!!
Martin Farrington
6 Posted 30/08/2024 at 07:55:37
New goalie for Dean. Did we sign him on deadline day lol
Mike Hayes
7 Posted 30/08/2024 at 08:06:29
Martin,

So as not to be confused with George Pickford, let's see if Dyche reverts to type and plays those that have let him down week in week out.

Fingers crossed for a win and clean sheet.

Si Pulford
8 Posted 30/08/2024 at 08:07:30
Martin Beto isn't good enough to start at this level. He should have had 3 against Donny. But it's not just his finishing. His touch is woeful. He can't control a ball against League One defenders. The ball pings off him. Classic ‘second touch is a tackle…' merchant.

That's my main worry going into the season. Our options at number 9 are the worst in the division for the 3rd year running. And guess what happened in them 3 seasons.

I'd start Iroegbunam and Ndiaye but maybe leave Lindstrøm on the bench

Derek Knox
9 Posted 30/08/2024 at 08:09:32
How can Tim Iroegbunam not be included in the proposed line up? He has virtually been MotM in all our games including pre-season with the exception of Spurs last week, where none of ours stood out!

He is fast becoming a fan favourite. Why? Because he epitomises what every genuine Evertonian wants to see, commitment for 90 minutes, with a seemingly genuine desire to do his best for the shirt.

He has a lot of deft touches, a bit of trickery, ability to win the ball, eye for a forward movement, or even to drop back and defend if need be. He has to be first name on the sheet surely!

Rob Dolby
10 Posted 30/08/2024 at 08:41:30
I wouldn't be surprised to see Young at full-back as Coleman is still making his way back from injury; same for Garner.

Tarkowski will come in for O'Brien who, despite some opinions, didn't look as composed as Keane did against Doncaster. Lindstrøm also didn't do enough to earn a place.

Ndiaye has to start so that leaves two from Doucouré, Harrison and McNeil.

My predicted line-up, even if I don't want to see Young ever play again, is:

Pickford
Young Tarkowski Keane Mykolenko
Iroegbunam Gana
Harrison McNeil Ndiaye
Calvert-Lewin

Paul Hewitt
11 Posted 30/08/2024 at 09:05:31
Reports that Friedkin is back in the game.
Derek Knox
12 Posted 30/08/2024 at 09:07:30
Paul @ 11, what position do you think he will play ? :-)
John Raftery
13 Posted 30/08/2024 at 09:22:33
While not every fan favourite makes a good team player, I think Tim Iroegbunam has made a strong case for keeping his place. Garner's return can compensate for Tim's lack of defensive awareness.

Of our centre-backs, Keane has surprisingly been the most effective in the three matches. While Tarkowski is struggling with his supposedly minor hamstring issue we remain heavily dependent on him talking his colleagues through games.

O'Brien would probably look more comfortable on the right but he has yet to stamp his authority in the team in the way Branthwaite did 12 months ago.

Steve Cotton
14 Posted 30/08/2024 at 09:27:52
Paul #11 hopefully he will replace one of our keepers on the bench
Lewis Barclay
15 Posted 30/08/2024 at 10:20:11
Could Iroegbunam play just behind Calvert-Lewin? If so, I'd like to see:

Pickford
Dixon Tarkowski O'Brien Mykolenko
Garner Gana
Harrison Iroegbunam Ndiaye
Calvert-Lewin

Neil Lawson
16 Posted 30/08/2024 at 11:39:38
If he does leave out Tim and start with Doucoure, then absolutely and unequivocally he has to go.
Rob Dolby
17 Posted 30/08/2024 at 11:51:49
Neil 16, What happens is we win without Tim and Douces gets the winner? Does he still have to go or does he get a week off.
Robert Leigh
18 Posted 30/08/2024 at 11:55:42
Hopefully as follows:

Pickford
Garner - Tarkowski - O'Brien - Mykolenko
Gana - Iroegbunam
Harrison - McNeil - Ndiaye
Calvert-Lewin

But, I imagine we'll see Young in for Garner at right-back, and Doucouré in for Harrison.

Christy Ring
19 Posted 30/08/2024 at 13:02:41
Lyndon,

I'd swap Keane and Doucoure for O'Brien who's left-sided and Garner in a 4-3-3, an attacking lineup and stop us being overrun in midfield, which happened in the first two games.

Two wingers who spend more time in our half and an isolated striker is a disaster.

Dave Cashen
20 Posted 30/08/2024 at 13:23:25
The career long habit Tarkowski has of ignoring immediate danger of a counter attack and running towards his own goalkeeper with his back to the ball seemed to have been ironed out with the reassurance of Branthwaite's pace. Unfortunately its back...Its like a nervous twitch.

I would not start him tomorrow. He does have a great partnership with Branthwaite, but without him he is having a nightmare. The ease with which he was out-muscled from the Spurs corner. The repeated switching off...and that excruciating attempt at a Cruyff turn would have seen most players benched.

Of course I do realise that these aberrations are all Keane and Holgate`s fault

Neil Lawson
21 Posted 30/08/2024 at 14:26:54
Rob. He goes.

Not going to happen.

Rob Dolby
22 Posted 30/08/2024 at 14:29:13
Christy, O'Brien is right footed.
Christy Ring
23 Posted 30/08/2024 at 16:08:03
Rob I know that, but he still plays on the left.
Raymond Fox
24 Posted 30/08/2024 at 17:29:09
The betting has Bournemouth slight favs, looks about right.
Frank Sheppard
25 Posted 30/08/2024 at 18:05:21
Dixon or Garner at right back for me.

Also give Lindstrøm a start rather than Harrison.

Derek Taylor
26 Posted 30/08/2024 at 18:59:46
I think Dyche is trying to be loyal to the lads who saved his skin last season.

Having said that apart from Tim Iroegbunam, I don't see any of the signings as improvements on what we had.

'Numbers,' I think they call it!

John Chambers
27 Posted 30/08/2024 at 19:48:25
My team for tomorrow:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Tarkowski Mykolenko
Garner Gana Gueye. Iroegbunam McNeil
Ndiaye
Calvert-Lewin

Derek Powell
28 Posted 30/08/2024 at 20:54:45
Bet ya bottom dollar he reverts back to:

Pickford
Young or Coleman
Tarkowski
Keane
Mykolenko
Gana
Garner
Harrison
McNeil
Doucouré
Calvert-Lewin


Anthony Flack
29 Posted 30/08/2024 at 22:17:22
Sadly I think Derek is right

It will kill the atmosphere before the game even starts if he picks any of 4 or all 4 Young, Harrison, Doucoure, Keane or

Unless we get an early goal it might be a long afternoon

I thought Young would be suspended with a 3 game ban for his straight red, maybe Premier League decided to punish us by making it just one game ….

John Chambers
30 Posted 30/08/2024 at 22:20:34
Anthony it is only 3 game for a red card if it is violent conduct, unfortunately stupidity is only 1.
Jack Convery
31 Posted 31/08/2024 at 00:28:46
Don't go as per normal Sean.

4 3 2 1

Pickford
Coleman, Tarks, O'Brien. Mykolenko
Mangala, Garner, Gueye
Harrison and Ndiaye ( Interchanging ).
DCL

Keane plays if Tarkowski injured.
Dixon for Coleman after an hour.
Iroegbunam for Garner after an hour.
Lindstrom for Harrison last 20 minutes.

COYBs. 3 points please.

Dale Self
32 Posted 31/08/2024 at 01:18:11
This is on USAUSAUSA channel.

And for those of you giving 'The Gaffer' a difficult time over selections and tactics, it is Mr. Dyche to you. Smell that!

Frank Wolfe
33 Posted 31/08/2024 at 01:56:12
Fyi folks, Bournemouth are shorter odds than us. That should be a reality check for fans. They've had the wood on us recently, so this is going to be a tough game, make no mistake. Whatever team starts, we need to support and have patience. Undermining the team, even if you don't agree with the team selection, is just playing into the oppositions hands.
Si Cooper
34 Posted 31/08/2024 at 02:31:23
Young can’t start if Dixon and Coleman are fit. Like to see Ndiaye start with DCL, and Linstrom get some decent minutes.

Not an easy game. Have to avoid coughing up possession, stupid mistakes at back.

Proper ‘start’ of the season from here hopefully.

Frank Wolfe
35 Posted 31/08/2024 at 08:00:04
Random fact and hopefully a good luck charm, Aussie tennis player Alexei Popyrin, who just beat Djokovic (hate him) in the US Open, is a massive Everton fan apparently. UTFT.
Kevin Edward
36 Posted 31/08/2024 at 09:13:22
The recent history we’ve had with Bournemouth is crazy, all credit to them really as they are punching above expectations as an unlikely club comfortable in the EPL.

It’s going to be a hard watch with the huff and puff of Dyches selection today, but the midweek win will have helped.
Fingers crossed they can pull something off, Spurs was highly predictable, this one less so.

It’s the end of summer, so 2:1 to the Toffees with a 96 min winner from one of the new boys. UTFT!

Paul Hewitt
37 Posted 31/08/2024 at 09:21:50
Might be early in the season, but this is a must win for me. Come on Dyche let's pick a team to win, not hang on a nick it. Start all the new guys and let's have a go. 3-1 blues.👍
Dave Abrahams
38 Posted 31/08/2024 at 09:37:05
Jack (31), I don’t think Mangala is legible for this game but when he is Gana,Garner and Mangala is good enough for me as the song nearly says with Tim at the ready to step in for any of them!
Robert Tressell
39 Posted 31/08/2024 at 09:46:29
Hopefully the recruitment business from yesterday gives the club and Dyche a lift. We are probably only 1 or 2 points down from where we might have expected to be after the first couple of games.

108 points left to play for.

Let's get 3 today. COYB

Ashley Roberts
40 Posted 31/08/2024 at 09:47:39
Deane # 4

That would be my starting 11 as well. Just cannot see it happening. I reckon only 5 of these players will start. If Duche reverts back to the team that has been hammered in the first 2 games then we really do have a problem for the rest of the season.

Derek Knox
41 Posted 31/08/2024 at 09:48:24
Dave A, how are you mate ? The way Tim has been playing he should be the first midfield name on he Team-sheet, then pick from the others.

Went to the Doncaster match on Tuesday and Garner was pretty crap to be honest, he is a player I like by the way. Whether he was rusty after a bit of a lay off, I don't know, but his all round play and passing were woeful, hence why he was subbed probably.

Danny O’Neill
42 Posted 31/08/2024 at 09:53:35
Well I'm on my way up and looking forward to it who ever is playing. I can't influence that.

At least it's an afternoon kick off so I'll be back in a reasonable time for the hounds!!

George McKane
43 Posted 31/08/2024 at 09:56:21
It’s Saturday morning - - the sun is shining Bright - - I am sitting in The Light of a new New Brighton Morning - - and it’s 3.0’clock Matchday - - what more can we ask for: I am sitting listening to music - - reading some poetry - - done early morning Medication and Meditation - - let’s go: starting with a bit of Emily Dickinson - - with thanks to Paul Simon for getting me interested in her all those 60 years ago: how did we know then that she fully understood to know what it means to be an Evertonian
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all “

Just listening to The YoungBloods in the background:

“Some may come and some may go
We shall surely pass
When the one that left us here
Returns for us at last
We are but a moment's sunlight
Fading in the grass
Come on people now
Smile on your brother
Everybody get together
Try to love one another
Right now”

I am on my 3rd Chance of Living, and I am not going to waste it - - I have lots of organising this morning to be ready to visit The Dark House - - friends - - Blues - - I fully understand what a tremendous effort Danny and many other Blues make to watch their Team - - can hardly wait - - love 3.00.KO’s - - Wowww Garden Party Rick Nelson:
“When I got to the garden party
They all knew my name
But no one recognized me
I didn't look the same
But it's all right now
I learned my lesson well
You see, you can't please everyone
So you got to please yourself”
My Daughter Julie (Jules) will pick me up and take me under The River - - coming out into the Sunshine of Scottie - - childhood memories flooding through my whole Being - - passing Whittle Street on the way to TDH - - 33 Bus to School each morning - - The Dockers Bus - -upstairs full of Night Shift Dockers - - coughing their lungs out - - the Bus full of smoke - - beautiful how those that look after us gave us the 33 Bus - - the Magic Number that protected me the whole of my life:
“If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me
And maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow, sort of late at night
And we'll go dancing, baby, then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me”

Always went dancing when I was young - - somewhere to go every night - - if you could - - my Sisters would dance with me on Friday Nights as they listened to Radio Luxembourg - - before The Beatles - - Bobby Vee - - Buddy Holly - - Elvis - - getting ready for Saturday Nights out - - Friday Night is Amarmie Night - - Joan with her 10 Foot Tall Beehive - - her and Colette backcombing each others hair and dancing with me - - so when I was a teenager - - wow Reece’s Monday Night for soul Music - - The Babalou - - The Mardi - - The Sink - - trying to look cool - - you see we don’t just go the the game take ‘selfies” and then go home - - Everton - - it’s in our Soul - - our Blood - - We Are the Spirit of the Game:
“You got soul, and everybody knows
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right
When you wake up early in the morning
Feeling sad like so many of us do
Hum a little soul
Make life your goal
And surely something's got to come to you
And say it's all right
(It's all right)
Say it's all right
(It's all right)
It's all right, have a good time”

The Impressions - - with Curtis Mayfield - - Mmmmm - - all part for me of the whole Package of Being a Blue: these are the things that saved me:

Can hardly wait to go along Scottie into Smith Street and Westminster Road - - if you are in TDH - - I will see you then - - if - - for any reason, you are not - - I will see you in my Heart - -in my Blue Soul - - you are all there - - we are The People - - maybe we should finish here with Ma Joad: she knew everything and was right - - always:
"Why, Tom us people will go on livin’ when all them people is gone. Why, Tom, we’re the people that live. They ain’t gonna wipe us out. Why, we’re the people - we go on."
"We take a beatin’ all the time."
"I know." Ma chuckled. "Maybe that makes us tough. Rich fellas come up an’ they die, an’ their kids ain’t no good, an’ they die out. But, Tom, we keep a-comin’. Don’ you fret none, Tom. A different time’s comin’."
Send with a firm handshake and an open heart your friend - - George


Danny Baily
44 Posted 31/08/2024 at 09:57:48
A must, must win.
Danny O’Neill
45 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:06:42
Well I'm on my way up and looking forward to it who ever is playing. I can't influence that.

At least it's an afternoon kick off so I'll be back in a reasonable time for the hounds!!

Brian Harrison
46 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:26:02
I cant quite believe how many posters havent got Tim Iroegbunam starting, he played well in the friendly against Roma and against Brighton and Doncaster. Clearly Garner looked way off the pace against Doncaster and I would be very surprised to see him start. I hope Ndaiye gets a start, maybe out wide to start and McNeil play in the 10 role were he is way more effective than playing wide. Those including Mangala as far as I understand it he is ineligible for this game. I know Dyche is cautious by nature but I would like Gana in the holding role and have Iroegbunam and Doucoure either side of him with instructions to get forward at every opportunity.

I know Doucoure has come in for some stick in his last 7or8 games but he was press ganged into playing the 10 role which I don't think he is equipped for, so lets see if he can turn his form round as what he was originally bought for an attacking midfield player.
I would also play Keane and O, Brien they did well against Doncaster yes I know there a division 2 side, but I don't think Tarkowski is 100% fit so I would leave him on the bench. Coleman to start at right back and maybe Dixon can come on later if needed.

Dave Abrahams
47 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:26:25
George (43), Well George you had plenty of problems the last couple of years but it looks like you are rearing to go now, you’re on your third go of life hopefully you’ve got six more to go, those brilliant memories will help you with that.

Very best wishes George I think you are in the mood for a 4-0 win bet!

George McKane
48 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:29:05
Thank you Dave - - Up The Blues.
Jim Wilson
49 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:31:35
I would stick with Dixon at right back. He did well last week and in my opinion he will be up for today and will only get better.

Why rush Coleman back? Let's see how good Dixon could become but if he runs out of steam and loses his way we can then play a fit Coleman.

Derek Knox
50 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:33:41
Hi George, great to see you back in fine fettle, and waxing lyrically, with your words of joy and positivity, a refreshing change, from some of the harbingers of doom.

Not going today, but will watch somehow by hook or by crook (I don't know any crooks by the way) pleading the 5th Amendment on that one ! Hoping as always for a win, and a kick start to our disappointing start thus far.

Would imagine it will be pretty much a packed G P again as it was Tuesday, against Doncaster. Take care mate and see you soon.

Liam Mogan
51 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:39:18
James Garner has come in for some stick after Weds.

Whilst not brilliant I thought he added a bit of energy and game management we'd lacked. He broke up play and made a couple of tactical fouls which we'd been missing in first 2 games.

I know it was only Doncaster but he's definitely one of those players who does the unseen stuff and leaves a hole when not playing.

Jay Evans
52 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:40:30
Love it George just love it. Hope the recovery continues to go well.

Can I ask seriously on what planet is there absolutely any justification for not starting Tim Ironman ?

Play the actual footballers please Mr Dyche. God knows we don’t have many of them.

Garner. Ironman. Ndiaye. O’Brien. Dixon. These players are the future.

Onward Evertonians. 💙

Alan J Thompson
53 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:54:35
Seamus comes through an hour against lower division team in the League Cup and he's to replace the kid who competently saw out the whole game v.Spurs?
Not for mine.
Kevin Naylor
54 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:58:12
Lets hope Dyche doesn't piss on the flickering flames of optimism from the transfer window by picking the usual suspects for todays game.
Dave Cashen
55 Posted 31/08/2024 at 10:58:13
Paul Hewitt.

Must win ?

I think you're being a little premature with the panic button there mate. What if we draw ? Do we render the remaining 35 games academic ?

Steve Brown
56 Posted 31/08/2024 at 11:13:54
Surely not a must win - we lost 4 out of the first 5 games last season.

Think we need an extra man in midfield, so I would consider 4-3-3 (though Mr Dyche won’t agree).


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