Everton vs Crystal Palace

But as for those fecking full-backs ... Garner is not the answer. The number of times he has lost his winger this season and was responsible for crosses that then caused mistakes in the middle of the box can be counted on the fingers of my third hand. Garner is first cause too many times for comfort.

What struck me most was the very awkward position Dyche finds himself in. Sure he is paid well for it but asking to comment on the feel-good aspect of new owners when he knows they might very well give him the flick is not easy. Nor can he entirely diss the present owner because as he says, this deal isn't done.

But I think above all else was the impression that he feels only he speaks for the club, not just about football, but everything else, because of the power vacuum that we have endured since the owner checked out. I thought he looked a bit punch drunk and I don't blame him for that.

You can see by the way he seems to have all the time in the world, that he is quality.

However the players can concentrate on impressing one and all, current manager and future owners. And Dyche needs to up his game.

As far as I am concerned, he did his best and that all we can ask for at this moment in time

In the current environment it wouldn’t surprise me to find that as well as choosing the starting 11, he is also working on the wage structure for the kitchen staff and buying the Happy Meal vouchers for the U-8s? Maybe he occasionally sits in the Board Room and talks to himself?

Given the circus going on in the background, we are somehow still in the Premier League. They have an expression over here about ‘not knowing if you are Arthur or Martha’. Dyche must wake up most days wondering which one he is and how to respond to the asinine questions in the latest presser.

It's my birthday tomorrow and with near enough a fully fit squad playing at Goodison there is no reason not to deliver me a nice 3 points as part of my birthday pressie.

The last time I got 3 points was when we beat WBA away 3-2 in 2015. Same again please.

I do think he occasionally makes it harder than it has to be, such as the continued resistance towards playing young players and sticking with his favourites.

I've always remembered when Leeds were doing well and O'Leary would constantly remind EVERYONE that were a "young team, who were learning as they go". I think if Dyche had played the likes of Patterson/Dobbin more last season and Dixon this season, then more people would have sympathy for him. It would change the narrative and give people, like me, one less stick to beat him with.

But it's just so tiresome to see the same old mistakes from Young and know full well He'll be in the team next week. SD also firm didn't help himself with some of comments about the fans after the Brighton game. Things like this add up to create an even more difficult environment for the manager.

Anyway, last season we dropped points in "winnable games" then picked up wins against teams most people thought would beat us, like Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle (home and away). Our season starts tomorrow, again, and I'm pretty sure we'll pick the 3 points.

But I am concerned about our great record against Palace, only 2 defeats to them in the last 10 years, as every run comes to an end eventually. Hopefully it will go on a bit longer.

Dyches team probably
Picko
Young Tarks Keano Myko
Mangala Timbo
Harrison Doucoure McNeil
Dom
Either way a win is vital
UTFT

My predicted starting XI:

Calvert-Lewin
Ndiaye McNeil Lindstrom
Mangala Gueye
Mykolenko Branthwaite Tarkowski Garner
Pickford

SUBS: Beto, Harrison, Iroegbunam, Doucoure, Young, Keane, Armstrong, Dixon, Virginia

He has previously done well at RB especially in the England setup under Carsley.

Can you imagine Young against Eze. Penalty and red card waiting to happen.

Let's get the first 3 points on the board.

Regardless of who plays or how we play there can be no excuses now, we desperately need 3 points on the board

Ok he's well paid and all that, but I'm a bag of nerves just thinking about tomorrows game, I don't know how he will be feeling.

I'm just hoping for the best, am I confident, no because we seem to be on a never ending kick in the you know where.

The bits in between, or the bits we probably disagree on? I'd prefer Dixon at right back but it will probably be Young unless Mykolenko is unfit.

Central defence, Tarkowski with Branthwaite if fully fit otherwise the manager will start Keane before O'Brien, although I do wonder how the latter two may go playing together and especially if Tarkowski is also carrying an injury.

Midfield, I'd start Managala and Iroegbunam as the defensive element with McNeil, Lindstrom and Ndiaye and DC-L upfront although given Doucoure's efforts early in the last game, he must come into consideration but not as a No.10.

However, if Mr Dyche was to start Dixon then I would think he'll start Harrison just to stress his doubts on Dixon.

And never would I have two keepers on the bench or name less than the permitted maximum as anyone who has done it will tell you, there is a world of difference playing in front of a large crowd, let those who haven't hear it as you won't hear the bloke on the far wing screaming for it.

I'm quietly confident we'll win tomorrow. The news of the takeover would also have settled some nerves.

Tired of complaining about the full-back positions, so I won't.

Hopefully, we win tomorrow and again next weekend and all talk of managerial change will be put on the back burner.

Young Keane Tarkowski Mykolenko.

And with Eze on the wing, Dixon has to start ahead of Young.

Young and Doucoure are nowhere near, unless dire emergency, although to be fair, Young was okay against Leicester at left-back. However I wouldn't have him as first choice for any position. All very well having 'experience', but lack of pace these days results in rash tackles, Yellows and Reds!

Not an easy game by any means – none are in the Premier League, regardless of the opposition – but hoping as always for a win. It will be good to see, since the takeover news, if it has had an effect on the players in giving them a lift!

Regarding Young, the fact that there are five subs makes it even harder for the old boys like him. The pace just doesn't drop-off like it used to.

Young came on as a late sub in one game and was booked within seconds. It really is too quick for him.

As a matter of interest, what is the point of view on Pickford between the five or eight of you and your mates?

I'm not a supporter of our revolving door manager policy but if we lose – or even draw – the manager's future must surely be very much in doubt.

Totally agree and we desperately need a win tomorrow and can't afford another Young sending off and mountain to climb!

Dixon needs to start and let them worry about his forward runs and pace.

If Young plays then Dyche is a stubborn fool and I hope to see him gone with the new ownership coming in.

Young is absolutely done at PL level.

"Young is absolutely done at Premier League level."

Yet most seemed to think he played reasonably well in his last Premier League game and put in a decent performance against Leicester City, including a killer pass that released Iliman Ndiaye to score Everton's only goal of the game.

But you must be one of those who posts saying that the world will end if Young appears again in an Everton shirt, and that this must never, ever happen again. Isn't that just a little bit over the top?

There are plenty of other clubs playing teenagers regularly, this excuse of him being too young is bullshit.

Kobbie Mainoo, Evan Ferguson, Rico Lewis, Lewis Miley are all teenagers to name but a few. Also Foden, Saka, Garnacho, Gilmour were all playing as teenagers. Dyche needs to be braver and just play him.

If you are an opposing manager and spot Young in the line-up, you know when and whom to attack.

Age helps neither your pace nor your stamina in a fast-paced Premier League.

There is a balance between experience and peak performance, the latter drops naturally with age, irrespective of fitness.

Reaction times, speed, strength and resilience all drop off, the older we get. No matter how much experience a player such as Young or Coleman has, opponents who are younger, and fast will leave both players in their wake. It's life.

All too often, they are found out and the team is exposed by their inclusion. They may be smarter, more experienced and game savvy than the likes of Dixon, but that's no consolation when a younger speedy winger gets the drop on them. They become a liability to be called on in times of need rather than as first choice.

The Premier League is about getting players performing at their peak; experience and quality may stave off father time initially, but persistent targeting of them by managers using younger, faster players is inevitable and no matter how great their status and commitment is, it's a losing battle.

Horses for courses, perhaps, but there are times when it's painful to watch and stupid not to acknowledge, for a manager must balance the greater threat to the team, exposure or lack of experience. Get it wrong, as we have done and continue to do so, is disrespectful to all concerned, the player himself, the fans and the team.

It's all very well to state the obvious above, but when a manager has no other option due to injury or lack of personnel but to play older players, then a cover has to be in the tactical box, players or formations used to cover to enable a team to benefit from a certain player's ability but also cover for their inadequacies.

Good teams and managers do this, quality can be of exceptional worth, but it's a team game used to cover, protect and allow the quality to blossom or excel. The players form a unit to best use individual skills for the benefit of the team; we used to use a phrase: players you can build a team around.

My iPad lies on the bed beside me, a companion that steals my sleep! Am I the only one?

No surprises. No invention. No idea how to win.

Fingers crossed for our first win.

It's 0400 here in New South Wales and I'm doing the same and also planning my day around a midnight kick-off. Seems to get worse as I get older!

What would be the predictable line-up? Young, at full-back; Keane, still in the team; Harrison on the right and Doucoure playing everywhere the ball has just been, just behind Calvert-Lewin?

I watched the highlights, Michael, and didn't think it was a killer pass that led to our first goal last week. I thought it was a sensible pass, made by an experienced player, in the sense of knowing who to give the ball to, and a player who was prepared to run without the ball. How refreshing to see a player running without the ball.

So, it is not "fair" criticism to point out that Garner was consistently out of position giving his winger criminal space and time and, in the case of two goals at least, this led to two goals scored against us?

And it is not "fair" criticism to point out that Garner is not a right-back, is not the answer to our issues in that position, and will in all likelihood continue to be too far up the pitch on too many occasions for comfort putting pressure on our central defenders and keeper.

Everton… the things we do.

Garner seemed to do okay playing right-back when England won the U21 Euros in 2023. Of course, that may have been more of a back 5 but Lee Carsley was comfortable with him being there.

However, I often feel 'sick' and feel I have a weekend ruined by a poor result oer performance. I wouldn't mind betting that the players don't feel as bad and just get on with their sometimes luxury lifestyle!

Hoping tomorrow is the start of a much-awaited revival.

Why is he so untouchable? I'm done with him.

Playing at right-back for Everton, I imagine, is a lot different to playing at right-back for say Arsenal or Man City. It's got to be much easier being right-back in one of the better sides.

Garner simply isn't a right-back and is wasted if played there. He should be in midfield. We have Dixon fit and he needs time on the pitch to learn and improve. If Branthwaite is in the side, I would have Dixon in the team and Young on the bench – I'm not convinced Mykolenko is 100% fit.

Palace could be a real handful and I hope Everton are tuned in, clinical and professional tomorrow.

3-1 to Everton.

As "luck' would have it, I was back in the UK from Australia for the Bournemouth match. I was in the Park End, close to the goal, and I am now haunted that those last minutes might be my last experience of Goodison.

Looks like I will now have to try and do it again next year!

Tomorrow is a winnable game. Palace are dangerous but have not started the season that well. Contain Eze and we'll have a decent chance. Excited to see Ndiaye and Lindstrøm add pace and flair to the attack.

A united, passionate Goodison feeding off the energy of a powerful front-foot performance and the energy being reciprocated back from stands to team, is what I am praying for.

Palace can be swept away if the pieces fall into place.
COYB.

I doubt Branthwaite will start but, if he does, I hope he is 100%. Young is 100% but I hope he is late for the team bus.

With some others getting back to fitness, it would be nice to have a few points in the bag by the time they can appear.

Every game is a tough one and Palace have some decent players so it won't be easy.

Dyche needs to get the attitude right on the defensive side of things and that means everyone pulling their tripe out to hold on to anything they have – which just hasn't happened yet.

Sorry to hear that but, if it's any consolation if you're home for the last game of the season you can gladly have my ticket free of charge.

You see, although I've loved Goodison, it's a curse, mate, given the odd season or four!

I'll be glad to see the back of it if I'm being perfectly honest, the only thing I probably will miss is the post-mortem, ie, the Harlech, the Cheppy, JT's, Bernie May's where the lads relax and dissect over a few pints.

Seriously, Paul, if you are home and would like my ticket, my number is 07565453490. Feel free to call me.

A great shot-stopper captures the headlines but a great keeper protects the 6-yard areas which Jordan does not. Also, his long punts do nothing for our football.

I can't believe that a large proportion of our support think they're decent; they're absolutely rubbish, complete liabilities.

I'd start with selecting Tarkowski, Branthwite, Gana, Irooegbunam and Mangala and then wonder how creative you could be with how you complete the defensive positions.

Play proper attack-oriented wing-backs with reduced defensive duties and have a couple of the defensively astute midfielders covering and one with license to gallop all over the central bit?

Dixon and Mykolenko will be fine if they have someone like Gana keeping a close eye on Eze and friends.

The Blues to hang on with a valuable point methinks... 1-1.

The right-back position is a worry. I doubt Dyche will play Dixon, he is seen as too green. Whether or not we agree with that, the real problem is no decent options, relying on oldies, given Dyche is no fan of Patterson.

Did Dyche say he was okay with his options here? Did Thelwell fail to sign someone? Did the club run out of money?

I know one thing, I wish we'd spent £25M on a right-back, preferably one who could cover left-back, than waste it on Beto.

Imagine him on one flank and Ndiaye on the other? Not that we can afford him of course.

They (most of them) do not have the depth of squads that City have. Do they get the same coverage? Of course not. Would we if Jarrad was ruled out for the season? Of course not.

The inequality of sensible and balanced reporting is appalling. For Rodri, disappointing, but at least he won't now have to play twice a week (poor love) whilst counting his £250k per week. Perhaps we could loan them Ashley Young as cover.

Fingers crossed for later.

Harrison is Championship at best. Chuffed Jarrad is back and hope he starts but don't think he will.

It's a struggle for any of our full-backs when teams inevitably use that space.

I don't want to hear about Friedkins billions. We don't have it yet.

Just 3 points and then we start climbing the table.

On today's game, I'm not feeling quite as confident as I was yesterday – maybe it's nerves – but I do think we will scrape a non-too-pretty win. Maybe 1-0.

A few nice selection dilemmas for Dyche.

Does Branthwaite, myko and gana come straight back in, Lindstrom over Harrison? What's happened to Tim?

I would go for
Pickford
Garner tarks Branthwaite myko
Lindstom Mangala Gana Ndiaye
McNeil
DCL.

Not sure Dyche will start all 3 that have been injured maybe it's too much of a risk.

Feels harsh dropping Keane as I don't think he has done anything wrong, a modern Mike Lyons.

So come on Dyche, get your act together.

I fully expect the team to be up for this one, no clangers please. A bit of pressure on Jarrad, but he is so good that it should give the others a bit of a lift.

Our season can really get under way today. UTFC!

No. You assume too much.

Young could absolutely have a decent game here and there but he is "done" at this level because of his weaknesses that clearly make him a risk not worth taking.

Whoever, however, a much-needed win will keep us all sane. Fans, encourage, support, be positive and make some fucking noise!
NSNO!

Hmm... so 'clearly' this is either true. Or 'clearly' it's not true.

The evidence suggesting that an element of doubt could be impacting the clarity of your assertion, Anthony, is that a certain fellow entrusted with picking the team must 'clearly' make key choices based on risk and reward.

Given your assertion, it would be inconceivable for that person to continue to select said player. And yet he does. I think it's probably because he clearly values experience very highly. Possibly to the detriment of the team and results – Bournemouth (h) being the case in point.

Will he continue to be picked? Or is he now "done" at this level? I think I know the answer already…

If Dyche selects him then his decision-making is dubious at best.

If he plays Young, watch them put Eze on his side. He's (Dyche) toast already imo, I'm bricking it tbf.