03/12/2024 122comments  |  Jump to last
Match Preview

Armando Broja is expected to be included in the squad for this one as Everton seek an answer to their goal drought

Everton gear up for another hugely important game under the lights at Goodison Park as they welcome fellow strugglers Wolves.

The Blues’ 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday ensured that they come into this clash sitting just two points above the Midlanders who currently occupy the uppermost slot in the relegation zone.

Indeed, that sloppy defeat at Old Trafford, Everton’s sixth of the campaign so far, means that a four-point gap persists between the bottom six and mid-table comfort.

Sean Dyche may be able to call on Armando Broja at some stage for this one, however. A late decision was made at the weekend to withhold the on-loan forward from the matchday squad that travelled to Manchester as he didn’t feel quite ready but he is expected to be on the team sheet to face Wolves.

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Youssef Chermiti, meanwhile, is “training well and training hard” in the manager’s words but is “not ready yet” because he will need “an extended games programme” to get him up to full fitness.

Seamus Coleman, an unused substitute on Sunday, has had the benefit of a few more days and could be considered at right back along with Nathan Patterson, either as a replacement for Ashley Young in the side or to accommodate the 39-year-old switching to left-back where Vitalii Mykolenko has been struggling for form.

A knock to the knee that kept Michael Keane out of the squad to play United is expected to sideline him again but Dyche has no new injury concerns as he plots a way to get his under-performing team scoring again having now gone four matches without finding the net.

Beto started at the weekend and had a lively quarter-hour in the first half where he went close to opening the scoring with a shot that ultimately found the side-netting but the Portuguese striker otherwise struggled to make an impact.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin came off the bench and forced a reaction save from Andre Onana with a diving header off Patterson’s late cross and Dyche may feel that overall, the more experienced and reliable starter will be the one to go for.

Behind the striker, the manager is still searching for consistent answers to the problem of creating chances and it remains to be seen if he persists with Jesper Lindstrøm over Jack Harrison, Dwight McNeil in the nominal No 10 role and Abdoulaye Doucouré as a deeper lying central midfielder.

Wolves endured a similarly dreadful start to the season as Everton and picked up just two points from their first 27 available. However, seven points in November has lifted them off the foot of the table and indicated that they might have enough to eventually pull clear of the drop zone under Gary O’Neil.

In Matheus Cunha, they have a potentially lethal striker if they can generate chances for him while Jorgen Strand Larsen scored twice on his last outing, a 4-2 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

For Everton, it will be a case of focusing on the positive parts of the first half at Old Trafford where they were the better side for a period before mistakes condemned them to a heavy defeat.

If they can get amongst the visitors early, get the Goodison crowd involved and grab an early goal, they could establish a platform on which to start building a recovery in their form.

Kick-off: 7:30pm, Wednesday 4 December, 2024
Referee: Michael Salisbury
VAR: Darren England
Last Time: Everton 0 - 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Doucouré, Harrison, Ndiaye, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin

 

Reader Comments (122)

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Paul Hewitt
1 Posted 03/12/2024 at 07:19:40
26 games left, we need to win at least 10, that would put us on 41 points.

Surely a new manager with half a footballing brain could do that?

Nigel Scowen
2 Posted 03/12/2024 at 07:52:47
I don't think we will need anywhere near 41 points Paul, probably closer to 35. I think 8 more wins and a few more draws should see us right.

If we beat Wolves, then we have all the fellow strugglers to play at Goodison. This is in no way a justification for keeping Dyche but I think the crowd and the Old Lady will do the job again. When the going gets tough, the Old Lady delivers.

Dyche is a very very lucky man to have her in his bed, that's why he is making such an effort to applaud the fans, in a vain attempt to keep us onside. Too late, we are not stupid.

Sam Hoare
3 Posted 03/12/2024 at 07:58:35
Paul, why would we need 41 points when for the last 3 seasons 27, 35 and 36 points would have been enough to survive?

All the bottom 6 are currently getting less than a point per game so it would be strange if 3 of them now managed 30+ points from the remaining 25 games.

Mark Murphy
4 Posted 03/12/2024 at 08:17:17
Nigel, the problem is, “she” has left the bed. The football is so dire and the start of home games so slow that the crowd goes quiet early.

We've never been a crowd for singing anthems and flag-waving once the game gets going – we react to the flow and roar them on when they attack – but we're not attacking and the crowd quietens.

He's lost the crowd with his negative football.

Nigel Scowen
5 Posted 03/12/2024 at 08:29:57
Definitely has Mark, though my point is, as it becomes more and more imperative and relegation becomes a very real possibility, the crowd will get behind the team.

We've seen it before under Lampard and Dyche himself, the club is bigger than any one man. It's a real shame that we have to rely on the fans in this way as some sort of 12th man home and away, in fact I would say it's negligent.

A new manager bounce would help enormously.

Ken Kneale
6 Posted 03/12/2024 at 08:30:28
Mark.

It amazes me the manager has not cottoned onto that. Sadly the opposition managers have and they realise, if they can keep the crowd quiet, they are neutralising a potent threat.

As you say, meaningless anthems and chat have never been the way to secure the Goodison Park crowd – attacking football does the job far better.

Ernie Baywood
7 Posted 03/12/2024 at 08:30:52
I keep reading "he won't be sacked while the takeover is in progress" (or similar wording).

But it's inconceivable that he stays if we were to have a bad performance and result against Wolves, isn't it?

Nigel Scowen
8 Posted 03/12/2024 at 08:37:42
I think so Ernie, I think he will be gone if we lose to Wolves, there must be a mechanism or contingency plan in place surely, there is too much money at stake for there not to be.

We could be in the Bottom 3 with a game against the form team in the league following, it's inconceivable bordering on negligence for there not to be.

Nigel Scowen
9 Posted 03/12/2024 at 08:48:54
Mark and Ken,

I agree about anthems and flag waving, that's not us. I was thinking more along the lines of turning Goodison into a nasty little bear pit, a cauldron of 38,000 very angry Scousers.

Paul Hewitt
10 Posted 03/12/2024 at 09:09:12
Think I'd be tempted to start Broja tonight.
Danny O'Neill
11 Posted 03/12/2024 at 09:11:56
Big match tomorrow evening.

We don't do anthems. Although I like it when Spirit and Mark's favourite (!!!!) Marching down the Goodison Road belts out, especially at away fixtures.

They are uniquely Everton. I hear Villa and other clubs doing renditions of one of the songs that lot originally started. Not the obvious one.

I agree, we are at our best when we are a wall of ferocious noise. The team needs to show up tomorrow night to give us something to make that noise.

Sam Hoare
12 Posted 03/12/2024 at 09:21:12
Ernie, I think it's plausible a Wolves loss could go either way. Partly due to fixture list. No new manager should be starting with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City. It could like erode confidence in any new approach or style.

Arguably Dyche's best result at Everton was the derby win last season and, though not many will expect a repeat, some may see a Dyche approach as our best shot.

Unless Dyche turns it around sharpish (looking increasingly unlikely) my bet is a new manager in situ around the end of the month, perhaps in time for Man City away which is something of a free hit.

Nigel Scowen
13 Posted 03/12/2024 at 09:22:58
If you start him tonight, Paul, he will definitely be knackered by tomorrow night.

Sorry, that was facetious! 😉

Paul Hewitt
14 Posted 03/12/2024 at 09:24:44
Sam, if we leave Dyche in charge for all the December fixtures, we will lose every one, with a massive minus goal difference.

There is absolutely no reason why Dyche should stay as manager. Every game he has is wasted. I'd sack him today.

Nigel Scowen
15 Posted 03/12/2024 at 09:31:04
Joe Royle, Sam.

Could be the perfect time for a new Manager bounce. Free hits, no one is expecting anything anyway. Could be just the thing to create the ferocious noise Danny refers to.

I don't think we should just write any games off, think Forest away at Liverpool, Ipswich away at Spurs. Every game is winnable.

Although, I agree with you, in reality, I don't think we will lose against Wolves and I do think Dyche will be here until the end of the calendar year, regrettably.

Colin Crooks
16 Posted 03/12/2024 at 09:55:12
"If we leave Dyche in charge for all those December fixtures, we will lose every one with a massive goal difference".

We'll see about that… because Dyche will definitely be in charge.

I just wish those who are so readily quitting on 18 points before a ball is kicked would take themselves off for a few weeks of winter sunshine and let the rest of us back the team like only Evertonians can.

The last thing this club needs right now is people whose only contribution is relentless negativity.

Mal van Schaick
17 Posted 03/12/2024 at 10:05:30
Having defended so badly against Man Utd, the problem we now have is that Dyche will be putting the emphasis on defence in the run-up to the Wolves game.

Defending does need to be addressed but, at the other end of the pitch, we are woeful in converting any chances that come our way in open play and we rely heavily on scoring from corners.

This is yet another ‘must-win game’ in the run of games coming up but, with Dyche's Jekyll and Hyde tactics and team selection and misfiring players, it's hard to predict which way this one will go. Let's hope it's a positive performance and convincing win.

Sam Hoare
18 Posted 03/12/2024 at 10:06:22
Nigel and Danny, if it was just one or two tough fixtures, I think that would be different… but momentum in football is crucial and I think any sensible decision-maker would be giving thought to the impact of starting a new manager off with 4 of the toughest fixtures. Very little chance they'd have time to get someone in training before Liverpool anyway.

Paul, no offence but history suggests you are no better at predicting the future than the rest of us. And even if we were to lose all 4 (very plausible), there are still reasons as I've outlined for letting Dyche take the brunt of that rather than a new regime.

Whoever is managing us, the expectations from neutrals in those matches would be very slim pickings for Everton. It's not quite as simple as you're making out.

Ernie Baywood
19 Posted 03/12/2024 at 10:10:09
Colin, what are these 18 points you speak of?

We won't see that total until some time next year.

Ernie Baywood
20 Posted 03/12/2024 at 10:14:42
Sam, I'm sure that will be a consideration. Though it's a level of joined up thinking that might be beyond our current leadership.

But, then, every point is going to be crucial in the final reckoning.

If this were last year (and you know I didn't rate him last year either) then I'd probably say that Dyche was about as likely to get something out of those kinds of fixtures as anyone else. But all signs point to the confidence in the team being broken. I'm not sure Dyche can even summon Dyche-ball out of them now.

I can't think of much that is less motivating than working for someone who you don't rate, and you know is a dead man walking.

Paul Hewitt
21 Posted 03/12/2024 at 10:24:00
Sorry, Colin, but I'm sick to the back teeth of people telling me I'm negative, I wonder why?

Supporting Everton at the moment is like sitting in your front room and a little fire breaks out, now instead of simply putting it out, you just sit there looking at it. It gets bigger and bigger till finally you decide to put it out. But guess what, it's too late, it's engulfed your house.

Bit like Everton and this fucking board. So yes I am fucking negative and angry that no one is doing anything to fix the problem.

Nigel Scowen
22 Posted 03/12/2024 at 10:28:10
I think that's a key point, Ernie, Dyche himself looks like he has lost the will to even do what he's been good at in the past.

Why would he, he probably realises himself that he is a dead man walking, so why even bust a gut?

The players themselves look like they have had enough now from top to bottom.

Colin Crooks
23 Posted 03/12/2024 at 10:34:15
Ernie,

Do you really need that explaining to you?

We have six games to play in December. That is 18 points to fight for. We all know we are highly unlikely to get all 18, We really don't need smartarses to tell us that, but that doesn't mean we quit on the chances of getting any.

An infinitely achievable 6-8 points could alter the entire landscape. It's abundantly clear that some people don't want that. They would rather see the manager sacked.

This isn't about personal feelings towards the manager. it certainly isn't about foolish attempts to be right. This is the future of our club we are talking about.

If we allow this spirit-draining defeatism in the name of "being right" to take root throughout the club, we will see the perfect example of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The only people who have never had a chance in a football game are those who surrendered before the kick-off.

Martin Mason
24 Posted 03/12/2024 at 10:49:39
I believe that some negativity is absolutely rational at the moment.

Not having negative thoughts would be delusional surely.

Nigel Scowen
25 Posted 03/12/2024 at 10:55:45
It's not all Dyche's fault.

Yes, the team is crap. Yes, the management at board level has been negligent; and yes I mean negligent from Kenwright onwards. We have been fighting relegation for some time now. General business acumen from Moshiri has been shocking. Lack of transfer activity compared to other clubs.

But, Dyche does have options that his stubbornness won't allow him to try. That's why he needs to go. One-dimensional and lacking in any sort of inspiration.

His narrative around the above is his get-out clause and he uses it to full effect. He is paid handsomely to try and change that narrative not to just repeat it.

I have heard people on here who know a lot more about football than I do coming out with different options all the time. But for what it's worth here's my idea.

Two up top, Beto and Calvert-Lewin, or even throw Broja in.
Ndiaye just behind at Number 10; Wolves are conceding goals for fun, put them under pressure.

Pack the midfield with, at the moment, Doucoure, Gana and Mangala. Our wide men are shit or out of form, don't keep using them.

Young at left-back, Keane and Branthwaite in defence with Patterson, yes Patterson at right-back. Mykolenko and Tarkowski have lost the plot and should be dropped.

Pickford in goal.

I look forward to someone more football savvy educating me as to what is wrong with the above for tomorrow's match.

Sam Hoare
26 Posted 03/12/2024 at 11:00:16
Ernie, I don't disagree with much of that. Certainly a loss against Wolves and he'll be dead man walking.

It's just a question of timing. Quite possible that we'd see Baines or similar as a caretaker for the Liverpool or Arsenal games before seeing a new man in charge for Chelsea or Man City.

Who would be your pick? I'm hoping for Concecaio though it could be a stretch. Potter seems a sensible choice assuming they want a change in style.

Fred Quick
27 Posted 03/12/2024 at 11:05:25
I think the negativity and, on the rare occasions, the positivity from posters on here has little effect on the outcome of any football game, or where our club finally ends up in the Premier League table.

However, it would be better for us as TW readers if some posters stopped trying to read the tea-leaves and presented better arguments as to why they have posted a certain position.

Anybody on the planet can write "We'll lose to xx", "I think we won't win until xx". Heart and mind very rarely meet when it comes to football and that's even truer when it involves Everton.

Most of us realise we haven't got a good team, we all know we don't score often enough, but that doesn't mean that we're destined to fail to win game after game, it just means we'll win fewer games than we'd like and fail to win more often than we'd like.

I agree with Sam, it's unlikely that Everton or anybody else will need more than 40 points to survive this season, and it's more likely that a point a game i.e. 38 points, will be more than enough to keep our heads above water.

Draws therefore, especially in the coming month, are not to be sniffed at, even tomorrow, it wouldn't be a disaster to take a point, but three are obviously what we'd all like to see.

Every point we gain is a point nearer safety; it's not very attractive, it's not at all sexy, but that's where we are at this present time, and we shouldn't forget it.

Ernie Baywood
28 Posted 03/12/2024 at 11:28:08
Sorry Colin, just a language thing. Quitting on 18 points, to me, meant quitting while on 18 points. Which we're obviously not.

Mind you I still don't quite understand what you're saying. Those posting (including myself) are looking for improvement – not accepting that we will lose the next 6 matches.

Ernie Baywood
29 Posted 03/12/2024 at 11:37:54
Sam - I'll assume an interim manager until the summer, but it's surely too big a job for Baines right now?

For the next full-time coach, I'd hope there'll be a decent review of what the hell the club is doing first... and a manager appointed to fit the strategy the club has. Based on the last few years of transfer activity, it's impossible to determine what the strategy might be.

Personally, I'd be happy with Moyes as an interim manager with a remit to support assessing the football staff and the next appointment. Maybe with a future role upstairs for him.

Looking around the available managers, I'm not sure we could do much better for an interim choice.

Iain Johnston
30 Posted 03/12/2024 at 13:00:46
After just a quarter of the season, we're already talking about Wolves being a 6-pointer. That in itself is proof of our failing management & coaching staff, the squad aren't even playing for their own pride now.

We are out of touch of West Ham, a place above in 14th and aguably out of sight of Bournemouth in 13th.

It's not just the here snd now it's about performances since August. The team has thrown 2 games from realistic match winning positions.

Pickford needed to save us against West Ham & to some extent Brentford who with 10 men managed to find more space on the pitch and still managed to create the best chances. We were also losing at home against Palace after only 10 minutes.

Newcastle, a hail mary goalline clearance by Ndiaye and Gordon's missed penalty. We're even lucky to scrape no score draws.

Consider Wolves, 50% of their games have been against the teams we face this month & they have scored more than twice as many goals.

If not for Pickford nd Beto's 95th minute equaliser against Fulham – even Leicester were better than us – we'd be scraping the bottom in the same way as Southampton.

We are rubbish, fact. It's worse than Lampard.

I'm not negative but I do live in the real world.

Danny O'Neill
31 Posted 03/12/2024 at 13:56:17
I've just watched Dyche's press conference. Not much to report. No Chermiti, Broja "will be around". He randomly spent 2 minutes talking about Burnley. He also said he has a good relationship with the owner, but they communicate mostly by WhatsApp. Now that's how to run a football club!!

Now, this morning, I listened to Van Nistleroy say how he likes his teams to play football, press high as you are more likely to score goals. I know it's all words, but different language.

Steve Brown
32 Posted 03/12/2024 at 14:17:57
Danny, has Dyche even met the owner since his job interview? This club is a dysfunctional basket case and the quicker TFG take over the better.

Broja will be around, but definitely not on the grass at Goodison Park.

Nigel Scowen
33 Posted 03/12/2024 at 14:29:39
Danny,

Did he say which owner he has a good relationship with – the soon-to-be owner, the soon-to-be outgoing owner, or Burnley's owner?

Danny O'Neill
34 Posted 03/12/2024 at 14:34:10
He was talking about Moshiri, Nigel.

When asked about transfers, he said he'll have to speak to the new owners when they come in.

He seems confident.

He went on quite a bit about how difficult it's been during his time here, but that's a fair one in terms of the off-the-pitch circus that's been going on.

Tom Bowers
35 Posted 03/12/2024 at 14:36:01
We can nitpick all we want about the club at the moment and most of it is valid comment.

If things don't change in the New Year, then the new stadium will be the venue of the Championship games.

Goals win games and the squad at the moment is devoid of any real offense which usually means confidence will be affected. This has to be Dyche's last hurrah if they don't win this.

Nigel Scowen
36 Posted 03/12/2024 at 14:44:45
I know, Danny ,but he keeps going on about it, doesn't he. It's his get-out clause.

We all know what a shit show it has been, we don't need reminding constantly by this guy at what seems to be every single presser. We have actually lived it for so long.

He knew what the score was when he took the role and has been is being well recompensed.

I would like him to park that and try and change the narrative a little bit on the pitch. That's what we are paying the big bucks for.

Danny O'Neill
37 Posted 03/12/2024 at 14:50:18
He also praised the supporters and claimed he has never criticised us.

Well, someone correct me if I am wrong, but I sure he did a few matches ago, when there was a walk-out towards the end.

I always stay regardless, so I didn't see his post-match interview and couldn't be bothered watching it back.

Tony Abrahams
38 Posted 03/12/2024 at 15:47:28
I like Colin, for his spirit, but when I look at the Everton players, they simply don't give me anything to believe they've got much spirit left.

Keep on fighting, but it doesn't look like we can. To have fight you have got to have belief, and suddenly it looks like it has deserted us.

I sound negative, I know, but it's been another very painful season, and the longer this takeover is taking, the more uncertain I get.

Back to absolute basics for me, but I'm not sure Beto can get hold of the ball, and it looks like Dominic, doesn't want the ball, so although it's very early days for Broja, maybe he can hit the ground running and get the crowd and a few of our offensive players, more interested.

Danny O'Neill
39 Posted 03/12/2024 at 15:56:48
Belief, desire and confidence, Tony. Not heads down and capitulating should we go a goal down.

I was of that impression too, Rob.

Charles Ward
40 Posted 03/12/2024 at 15:57:05
As to Wolves – score first and with the crowd behind us we should be okay.

And as to Saturday the RS were comfortable against Real and City but complacent against Southampton who scored more against them than any other team this season. And Southampton shot themselves in the foot three times.

Kim Vivian
41 Posted 03/12/2024 at 16:01:44
Rob - is that just typical (red) Echo reporting then?
Danny O'Neill
42 Posted 03/12/2024 at 16:04:42
Belief, desire and confidence Tony. Not heads down and capitulating should we go a goal down.

I was of that impression too Rob.

Eric Haworth
43 Posted 03/12/2024 at 16:13:09
Danny,

He criticised us in his press conference last week before the Man Utd debacle, with one of his typically snide comments, questioning whether it was us who managed the club or him, when asked about fans questioning his lack of substitutes and always just replacing like for like, and he actually referred to us fans as “them”.

In fact, in his weekly harping about the club and how he’s really been doing us a favour, he, (just like Koeman before him) only ever refers to us as “Everton” or “this club”, it’s never “we” or “us”.

Although I for one am glad he’s not one of us, and he never will be with his anti-football mentality.

Tony Abrahams
44 Posted 03/12/2024 at 16:14:24
Keep writing it every five posts, Danny, because if you say it a thousand times, it still won't be enough mate! Belief, confidence and desire, plus effort and application, at the beginning.

A-B-C-D-E = application, belief, confidence, desire and effort!

Nigel Scowen
45 Posted 03/12/2024 at 16:20:11
Tony,

Chuck Fight in there also Tony.

Len Hawkins
46 Posted 03/12/2024 at 16:25:53
A banner should be made to the players, "Sod Dyche Please do it for us!"

If they have any iota of pride, that should stir it into action.

Brent Stephens
47 Posted 03/12/2024 at 16:28:34
And Guts.

And Hwyl.

Nigel Scowen
48 Posted 03/12/2024 at 16:33:56
I’m baggsying Pride now Brent for when we get up to the P’s.
Rob Dolby
49 Posted 03/12/2024 at 16:49:38
Tony,

Dyche has had a rough deal footballing wise with us for 2 seasons. The thing that impressed me more than anything was his organisation and motivation of the players to stay in the fight regardless.

I just sense that hunger has slipped. We will all see tomorrow night how much motivation the players and manager have left.

The last few games have reminded me of lampards final games where he was trying to do stuff the team aren't capable of.

Get back to basics, 5 in the middle, win the midfield and go from there. The 2 in the middle are overrun every game, we aren't creating chances and are conceding.

Paul Ferry
50 Posted 03/12/2024 at 17:01:36
"He also praised the supporters and claimed he has never criticised us."

Well, someone correct me if I am wrong, but I'm sure he did a few matches ago, when there was a walk-out towards the end.

Danny, I watched it yesterday and I was fecking livid. He actually said it three times: never criticised them ever; they are beyond criticism.

Well, quite frankly Mr Hard-Boiled Egg, that's one filthy stinky porkie.

He has most definitely had pops at fans and atmosphere.

A horrible watch that included the now classic "The other managers before me had to deal with the situation too." He got 'grass' in as well.

Iain Johnston
51 Posted 03/12/2024 at 17:56:36
Paul,

Dyche also said defensively we've been strong until Sunday? Even the dog scratched his head at that one!

Colin Crooks
52 Posted 03/12/2024 at 18:03:54
TBH, Ernie, mate, I always struggle to understand your point too. - Perhaps we're both a bit thick :)

I responded directly to a post which said we would lose all six of our matches in December and have our goal difference pushed deeper into a minus. I can see similar comments on other threads.

I know you probably agree with the sentiment and it's not a bet that would make you rich down at the bookies, but for me, it may as well have been posted by Homer Simpson: "Can't win. Don't try".

It was only about 20 matches ago (and still fresh in my memory) when the Goodison crowd had the old place shaking to its foundations as our no-hopers ran all over their "champions elect". Nobody is going to tell me that we can't rattle the fuck out of them again on Saturday.

For me, there's something really unsavoury about listening to Evertonians quitting on their team in an attempt to look clever by tipping the bookies favourites. They want other people to do their supporting for them while all they can do is sit at their laptops, snipe and drip spirit-sapping negativity.

If we are to stand any chance of getting out of this shit, it needs to be an almighty collective effort with the fans playing full their part – yet again. There is no room for quitters on this ship!

Paul Ferry
53 Posted 03/12/2024 at 18:22:42
So much repetitious gibberish, Iain, a sure sign that he's losing it and realises how precarious his situation is – he might be the only person connected to Everton who does not want the takeover to go through (well, Stoney and Woaney too).

I watched it a second time for my sins to confirm what I thought. He clings to things. Kept going on about a good opening 30 minutes and individual errors and the troubles existed long before he got the job.

Paul Ferry
54 Posted 03/12/2024 at 18:25:28
I quote: "We looked a progressive outfit in the first 30".
Andy Meighan
55 Posted 03/12/2024 at 18:38:59
Colin, wind your neck in please.

Us fans have played our part tenfold, it's time for these players to give us something back.

The negativity is formed because of 12 goals in open play from 32 games, 1 lousy home league win all season, and 7 wins in this calendar year. Now please tell me how you can take any positives from them disgraceful stats? Because I'm at a loss to take anything from that.

We all know it can turn around in an instant in football, but those predicting 6 losses in the next 6 are merely stating an opinion of what they've seen this season, ie, dreadful performance after dreadful performance.

The man's race is run and he's got nothing left in the tank. Time for change before it really is too late.

Ian Wilkins
56 Posted 03/12/2024 at 18:53:30
Agree completely with last paragraph. We need to start well, on the front foot, grab an early goal, build from there. Confidence is shot, we would find it difficult to come from behind, scoring twice highly unlikely.

I expect, however, we will be set up to sit back and counter, conceding possession, allowing opposition to get a foothold. Crowd anxious, players nervous, strategy perilous.

Hope to God I'm wrong.

Ernie Baywood
57 Posted 03/12/2024 at 18:59:08
Colin, of course Evertonians won't quit.

The stadium will be full again. And the allocation will be taken another 5 times before New Year.

We won't take zero points from these games, though it's more likely than taking a good total. That's not quitting – that's a realistic expectation based on watching the side.

Frank Sheppard
58 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:11:29
They are “all big games” but this looks bigger than a big game to me.

We need to create and take some chances for a change. COYB (please).

Ben King
59 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:18:47
Paul,

What do you expect him to say?? Seriously?

What has he said that's wrong?

We did start well. We did get amongst them. And we did concede some awful goals. Really crap goals

How can Dyche legislate for horrendous individual errors?

Have a think before posting.

Mike Gaynes
60 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:19:51
Where we most need improvement, and where we will generate goals, is on set pieces. We have people who can put a goal away if the free kick is on target.

Lindstrøm, McNeil and Young have all been ghastly on dead balls -- too deep, too low, too close to the keeper -- and I'm hoping that they've each taken about a hundred free kicks in the past couple of days.

Neil Lawson
61 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:21:21
It is ridiculous that I, or any of us, should have serious doubts about our ability to beat the mighty Wolves.

It's crucial that we don't lose and that will be music to Dyche's usually deaf ears. However, we should not be thinking like that but it is nigh-on impossible to be optimistic about the current shit-show that Dyche presides over. He should have been despatched weeks ago.

He can not just repeat the same tiring old set-up and tactics tomorrow. There has to be some change for the better. We need 3 in midfield. We need support for our striker. We need to jettison the repeated non-performers. We desperately need some form of refresh.

Far too much weight is being placed upon the potential inclusion of Broja. He is unproven. He has been out for a considerable time. He may, in due course, be a welcome addition but he isn't going to be the cure-all for our goalscoring malaise.

I will be shutting myself away to watch tomorrow. I will sit and suffer in silence. I do hope that those of you who are at Goodison under the lights can find some genuine enthusiasm from somewhere... ideally the performance on the pitch and help lift the roof. You deserve a decent night but I fear a quiet, anxious, nervous and subdued Old Lady and I fear another night of woeful tedium.

Dyche: you know you are a dead man walking. For goodness sake, be positive, not reckless. Set up to win the game, not to not lose, and then lose. A win tomorrow, a win on Saturday would change the whole narrative and give us some proper Christmas cheer.

I will, though, be checking my lottery numbers midway through the first half in the hope of a miracle on 34th Gwladys Street.

Paul Ferry
62 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:21:47
Feck me, our hard-boiled egg is showing a hint of acceptance of responsibility:

“The errors I've made are tactical, picking the right team to see if you can find a different way".

Funny that, as Mr Rathbone tells us that Dyche has no "impact" on results.

Well, show us this new Dyche, Mr Dyche, and do not pick the team that Lyndon has almost certainly correctly predicted.

Danny O'Neill
63 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:22:44
They need to get us behind them. There is no point having a dig at the supporters if we are sat there pulling teeth.

A long day tomorrow. Early start as I have to get the dog out, take her out and then get her on the tube to Euston and then onto the train before dropping her off at my sister's.

I'll be heading into town before heading to Goodison.

They owe us one and if they show up, we'll be right behind them. The predicted line-up looks, well predictable.

Brian Harrison
64 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:28:24
Paul,

You are absolutely correct that he has made snide comments about the fans, and now he is trying to backtrack on those comments.

Just to remind him after many fans walked out of the Brighton game when we were 3 down he said "Here, you go very quickly from hero to zero."

He also said that, at the end of last season, he heard people say ( I guess by 'people' he means fans) that people were talking about Europe; I speak to a lot of Blues at the game and out and about and nobody mentioned Europe. Today he said "Because where we finished last season, many expected the same again, but I knew it was going to be difficult".

He is so much like the other waster we had, Sam Allardyce, he never got what Evertonians were about and neither does this clown.

We have won 1 game at home this season having played many of the clubs who finished in the bottom half of the league last season. Was it really too much to expect a half-decent start to the season than 1 home win and no goals in 4 consecutive games?

Jim Bennings
65 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:30:45
Hard to see any way Everton can win this game given the current malaise, loss of form, lack of connection between fans and manager, fans and players, manager at loggerheads with players which to me looks clear now.

Every time you hear Dyche in his press conference, he takes a sly dig at the players, stating we don't have this we don't have that, and he hasn't got a chequebook to solve it..

Frankly, if I'm a player hearing that I can't improve my game, the manager thinks I'm shite, then I'm telling him to fuck himself.

Regardless of how good bad or indifferent these players are, you are the one responsible for getting the best out of the hand you are dealt and we have given Dyche 14 players of his choice in almost 2 years here plus his boys McNeil, Tarkowski and Keane were already here.

And honestly even if we did have a bottomless pit of cash, I wouldn't trust him to bring me my dinner let alone quality attacking players.

Kim Vivian
66 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:39:09
Despite all the negativity, and I'm not bursting with optimism in the current Everton climate, but I think we will trounce these tomorrow.

There – that's the kiss of death but I might just get a haircut.

Brian Wilkinson
67 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:41:31
I can see us scraping over the line this one 3-2.

Funny enough I think we will put up a better fight on Saturday, not down to Dyche, but yet again the fans will drag a performance out of the players for the derby.

Jimmy Carr
68 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:42:13
Tomorrow is a must-win for Everton and Dyche, and personally I think we've got enough to beat Wolves at home.

Dyche can pick whatever team he wants, that's what he's there for, the issue is whether we get a result with the team he chooses, it's not like he's got a million options to play with anyway. But I'd like to see Patterson at right-back – even though it's a risk as he's prone to mistakes – and Mangala in centre midfield.

Signs of humility in the press conference, it might be too late to make a difference for him but it's better than nothing.

COYB. Positive vibes!

Duncan McDine
69 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:43:57
There's a fair chance that we will be in the relegation zone before midnight tomorrow.

But I have a feeling that we'll do enough to earn 3 points and keep our heads above water, regardless of tonight's games.

Iain Johnston
70 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:44:45
Paul,

He mentioned being progressive for the first 30 minutes.

Well, you can say that for every game – we were certainly progessive against Villa – but then the opposition get a foothold and we begin to countdown to the inevitable.

Jimmy Carr
71 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:48:09
Jim Bennings (7), good job you're not an Everton player then.
Tony Abrahams
72 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:52:08
Nigel and Brent, fight and guts, or just good old fashioned fucking guts, and taking it to H, then we have got to start showing a lot more heart!

Dyche has definitely had a rough deal footballing-wise, Rob, and when I listen to people say Ancelotti knew how to get the best out of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, I just think about how he was injured for a couple of years, and how badly we have regressed offensively to a point now where he doesn't even look interested.

Confidence helps, and I don't think there's much confidence at Everton, both on and off the pitch, but they say a week is a long time in football, so I'm getting my positive head back on now!

Denver Daniels
73 Posted 03/12/2024 at 19:53:31
I got the crystal ball out and it says DCL to start on his own up front, then being subbed off for Beto at 72mins.
Ralph Basnett
74 Posted 03/12/2024 at 20:36:11
Denver, you must be ITKtherwise this is no way you could predict that😂.
Matt Byrne
75 Posted 03/12/2024 at 20:40:36
3 5 2
Pickford
Tarks Jarrad Myko
McNeil (left wing back) Patterson (right wing back)
Mangala and Gana with Ndiaye central top of triangle
Beto and DCL.
Go for it. Front foot. Get the crowd on side. Attack and win.
Jim Bennings
76 Posted 03/12/2024 at 21:18:45
Does Tarky actually need a break, I personally think he does.

Apparently he's been carrying an injury since July, that's not good and it's shown this season it really has.

Last season he was near faultless but his whole demeanor this season, the sluggishness, the reckless decisions diving in for crazy tackles in our own box, something doesn't seem right there.

Why was Jake O'Brien signed?

If he's not ready this season he's hardly going to be ready next season either is he with practically zero football behind him.

Keane and Branthwaite might then be needed for tomorrow night, I don't know, just feels like something is not right.

Paul Tran
77 Posted 03/12/2024 at 21:22:07
You're right, Jim. Tarky had a great season last season, and I wonder if he's mentally shot, as well as carrying an injury? He's not right at the moment, that's for sure.
Derek Knox
78 Posted 03/12/2024 at 21:32:01
Jim @ 47, good point regarding O'Brien, why pay £17M for a player then not play him ? It's not that we are playing so well, virtually the opposite. Tarks needs a rest too I think, simply not the player we have been used to seeing. That goes for Mykolenko, who is so off his game, yet still gets picked as long as he has a pulse !

Dyche almost admitting he has made a few tactical errors then proceeds to play the same side, with the same game plan (?) I can never understand Doucoure's inclusion, he provides nothing.

Barry Williams
79 Posted 03/12/2024 at 21:37:12
Jim Bennings - 30

I am in complete agreement on that sentiment - as a player how would you react? it was the same with Moyes and his knife to a gun fight analogy - a team with the likes of Coleman, Baines, Lescott, Jagielka, Cahill, Pienaar, Graveson, Carsley, Fellaini, Yakubu etc. It was nonsensical to state it and was just a declaration of 'look how good I am doing with the shitty tools I have got' - great for morale I am sure!

Joe McMahon
80 Posted 03/12/2024 at 21:43:04
A very good point Jim, over 16 million paid for someone who never plays. It must be so disheartening for players with Dyche. Tonights results surely means he has to look at different options, but then again this is Dyche, so probably not.

I'm seriously concerned now, where we will be at the end of the month.

Jim Wilson
81 Posted 03/12/2024 at 21:43:45
Gueye and Mangala in centre of midfield is a must, with Ndiaye at number 10.

I'd put McNeil on left to help Myko.

Patterson or Coleman at right back.

If Dyche wants to keep Doucoure in team (and I don't) I would play him right of midfield, one of our problem positions. We get his energy there. He will help the right back and when attacking he can cut in and support DCL or Beto. It will give our attacking play something different while making our midfield more compact when defending.

Pickford
Coleman or Patterson, Tarks, Branthwaite, Myko
Doucoure. Gueye, Mangala, McNeil
Ndiaye, DCL or Beto

Ashley Roberts
82 Posted 03/12/2024 at 21:50:10
Matt#68 I like the set up. I would just change Doucoure for Ndiaye and push him up alongside DCL. I just do not see how Beto and DCL could possibly work together in a useful partnership. If anything I would have Broja and DCL over Beto. This is now a must win game with both Leicester and Crystal Palace winning tonight.
Tony Abrahams
83 Posted 03/12/2024 at 21:51:23
I’ve been thinking something similar to Matt@75, but I’d play Gueye and Mangala, centrally, with Harrison and N’Diaye, outside of them, but in area’s that keep us very compact out of possession, with the freedom to drift between the lines, or go wide when we have the ball.

Get close to each other in possession, and let the wingbacks move into the advanced spaces, and when we don’t have the ball close the space and be very difficult to play against?

Stuart Sharp
84 Posted 03/12/2024 at 22:01:55
Of course a general feeling of negativity is understandable after all we've been through. It's been soul-destroying.

And I doubt anyone is 'confident' about the December fixtures. But the degree of negativity from some makes you wonder why they bother. We've won against the odds before, and we will do so again.

I don't think Colin needs to 'wind his neck in' at all. He's entitled to be frustrated with the relentless doom. I just hope the defeatists on here change on matchday and offer proper vocal support. We need it. Again.

Denver Daniels
85 Posted 03/12/2024 at 22:08:10
I've heard of a false 9, but we seem to have a fake 10 in McNeil. He's been anonymous since his brace vs Palace in September.

Move him back to the left and bring Lindstrom into the No 10 role. That's his best position. Or put Ndiaye there and get him closer to Calvert-Lewin and the opposition penalty area. Harrison wide right. Mangala in for the hapless Doucoure.

Peter Gorman
86 Posted 03/12/2024 at 22:22:44
Denver, we've got a fully fake 11 mate
Derek Thomas
87 Posted 03/12/2024 at 22:23:30
Is this one of those Must Win games I keep hearing about?
Is TFG making a list and checking it twice?
Will Dyche be naughty or nice?

Cue Elvis; You'll be doing alright with you Christmas of white,
But I'll have a Blue Blue Christmas.
Thank you very much.

When will we hear the news...'Dyche has left the building'

3-2 for the good guys

Jimmy Carr
88 Posted 03/12/2024 at 22:29:37
Stuart (84) I also agree with Colin challenging the doom merchants. Do not wind your neck in Colin. Find it amusing that some on here can get so wound up by a Dyche press conference. Maybe time to consider getting another hobby?

COYB! We're still in this.

Danny O'Neill
89 Posted 03/12/2024 at 22:44:49
Is right Jimmy.

It's time to focus on them for the next few days. Feck knows what I'll do Saturday as I'm under strict instructions from my sister to attend a family Birthday meal!!

Mike Price
90 Posted 03/12/2024 at 23:01:04
There’s many semi pro players in our area better than Mykolenko. It’s irritating that people on here affectionately call him Myko like a well loved pet, after we’ve made him the most undeserved multi millionaire in our shocking history of doing the same thing over and over again. This is one of the reasons we are the worst run top flight club on earth.
Colin Crooks
91 Posted 03/12/2024 at 23:15:29
Andy Meighan 55

People who claim we will lose six out of six are not giving an opinion. They are making a prediction Trying to look into the future. You do understand the difference don't you ? You cannot give an opinion on something that hasnt happened yet.

It may have escaped your notice but we havent just turned into a really bad team. we have been shite for years and if you feel you have done enough then thats up to you. There will be hundreds of thousands of Evertonians who will support their team every match. With or without you.

We`re all sick of this seemingly endless shite, but there is a very clear difference between feeling battered and throwing the towel in. Until you realise what that difference is. It`s you who needs to wind your neck in

Anthony Jones
92 Posted 03/12/2024 at 23:27:15
Dyche has had enough.

He has become very bitter sounding in his press conferences.

This Wolves one was particularly awkward.

He protests too much that he has never questioned the fans here. Conversely, he says directly, with irritation, that the challenge at Everton Football Club is to win every game.

In fairness to him, there are too many fans that turn on the players and management when things aren't going well. I would rather see empty seats than hear a load of screaming bell ends abusing the manager because our average players are playing average.

The new stadium won't make large swathes of the crowd any less toxic.

Brian Wilkinson
93 Posted 03/12/2024 at 23:52:31
Will probs go with the same starting 10 with Dom coming back in as the only change

Me personally I would start Keane alongside Branthwaite, Patterson and Harrison on the right side and possibly drop Mykolenko and put Young there, seems to play better at left back, would certainly start Mangola over Doucoure and put Ndiaye more central to Dom, a chance to rotate the team with another game coming up early Saturday.

Will Dyche be brave enough to make the changes, or will he stick with his usual 11, my guess is he will stick with his 11 go to players.

Si Cooper
94 Posted 03/12/2024 at 00:06:22
Patterson and O’Brien got some minutes on the pitch on Sunday. Game was dead by then but I don’t think they looked out of place, did they? Enough to convince the manager his tactics can routinely include a raft of fresh legs at the midpoint of the second half?

I want Gana to be concentrating on his defensive duties tomorrow not seemingly taking on most of the responsibility for defence splitting passes or speculative attempts from outside the box.

I’d start Mangala over Doucoure.

Not as much bothered about the result as the performance tomorrow. A great performance should bring the full 3 points with it anyway.

Mike Connolly
95 Posted 04/12/2024 at 00:15:44
Brian looks like a desent team. Pit Dyche wil go completely different
Paul Ferry
96 Posted 04/12/2024 at 00:20:06
Anthony 92:

Every single fan who pays money that for some is a major chunk of their money in these tough times has the right to express their feelings about Dyche/the football/the team in any way that he or she chooses.

It's up to them if they choose to moan, groan, boo, shout, leave, or not go in the first place. If a manager is unpopular he needs to know that. And that can be a learning experience that can lead to good.

I would not boo. That's my choice. But anyone who does has earned the right to do so. What satisfaction do they get from the money they splash out these days?

I have nothing but admiration for the 36,000 at home and the 3,000 away. Without them we are nothing. They love this club more than anyone in the dressing room and boardroom. If the 3000 turn on the gaffer it is because the gaffer deserves it.

Legitimate protest is absolutely crucial in certain dire circumstances. Without it, there is always the risk that nothing happens because the powers-that-be historically prefer to maintain the status quo (and I don't mean that shitty shabby bunch of hippies with their two chords and shite songs!).

Mike Gaynes
97 Posted 04/12/2024 at 00:22:48
Brian, Keane is out injured.
Laurie Hartley
98 Posted 04/12/2024 at 00:42:10
I have reached the stage when I see us posting things like “hopefully”, “six pointer”, “must win”, etc, I get that sinking feeling.

The only way out of our currents situation is to fight our way out. That is down to the players and us. If I am correct any “fighters” we have must be in the starting line up.

The players that I reckon have got some “fight” in them are Doucoure, Beto, Pickford, Young, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Gueye, Mangala, Ndiaye, Patterson. Some unpopular choices there I know but most of them would start if it was up to me.

Pickford,
Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko
Young, Gueye, Doucoure, Mangala,
Beto, Ndiaye.

It’s 4 4 2 for me for this one.


Ernie Baywood
99 Posted 04/12/2024 at 00:48:38
I've got a formation I've long since wanted to see to get Mykolenko and Doucoure out of the team. But he certainly won't change formation - so the best I can hope for is that he finds a way to drop Mykolenko and Doucoure within the confines of his usual system.

Patterson or Coleman at right back, Young at left back (whoever thought an out -of-position Young would be the lesser evil?) and Mangala into midfield alongside Gueye.

Surely he has to do that?

We should have enough to win a night game against a wolves. But it will take a motivated effort and that's where my concern comes in. I fear another limp effort by players who can't summon the cajones to risk losing the ball by trying something instinctive to break a team down. Write off the Utd game - but that Brentford performance looms large.

Steve Brown
100 Posted 04/12/2024 at 02:38:33
Big game - massive.

We are probably 10 points worse off than we should have been with better game management and control.

Hope we batter them.

Paul Birmingham
101 Posted 04/12/2024 at 05:20:54
This is the massive game 6 pointer and overall more, in terms of the fight for survival, this season.

The Teams below Everton, are also in poor form, but Everton must get 3 points tonight, by any means.

I hope the squad give their all and I hope and pray that Everton, turn the tide tonight.

UTFTs!

Danny O'Neill
102 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:01:44
I'm the same Paul @96.

I personally don't boo and always stay until the end, no matter what.

Hopefully the team, whoever lines up, gives us a performance and result to avoid that happening tonight.

Christine Foster
103 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:06:34
Realistic? Negative? Denial? Pragmatic? Opinionated?
We all want to find the kernel of optimism in the support of the Blues.
You would have to be in LA, LA land if you didn't have grave misgivings about the situation, both of Dyche and the team, but does that mean that the fears and obvious (pragmatic) opinions of reasons why it's so poor, that they should be ignored?
Hope and expectation without delivering leads to blame in any walk of life, not just football.
Dyche has a poor squad, but not that poor, his failures in terms of tactics and team selection are certainly not designed to get the best out of what the players have to give. That's not opinion, that's fact, why is conjecture, tactics, substitutions are a major part, but he has so far failed to find a solution, something he is paid millions to do.
I've said it before, in any other scenario he would have been gone long ago, the business of Premier League is utterly unforgiving, no room for failure on the pitch.
Our circumstances dictate a holding pattern but with each performance the reality hits harder.
Opinion on who should do what, when, is just that, fans opinion, nothing to do with negativity, just fear and frustration and diminishing hope.
As fans we have a right to express our fears and frustrations, as much as we also try to raise morale of both ourselves and players in venting opinion, it's not opinions on TW or at the game stoking negative comments, it the performance failures, past and present of players and management. When there is no sign of improvement, holding on to hope is all we have. But many thousands of experienced fans know the score, they believe change is imperative, if we cannot buy a shed load of players, we have to get the best of what we have, Dyche unfortunately so far, has failed the fans believe..but they don't see Dyche as able to change his own tactical approach and player selection, perhaps if he did the frustrations would also give him more leeway.
Danny O'Neill
104 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:13:50
Christine,

That sums it up. Different supporters have different ways of expressing their frustration and this season, in particular, it has mainly been frustration given what has been served up.

There is no other way of putting it, we've sat there bored.

I always leave my criticism of the manage and club to post match. But on match day, I turn into the eternal optimist.

Hopefully change is not too far away.

Paul Ferry
105 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:23:22
Danny have a comfy trip - man and dog - enjoy - we will be 3 points better off by 9-45/3-45.
Christine Foster
106 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:24:16
Danny, absolutely, frustration is hard to ignore, but it's fans like yourself who are the bedrock of this club. Forever hopeful, optimistic of each game no matter what. They say patience is a virtue, I think we must all be going to heaven when we kick the bucket!
Paul Ferry
107 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:25:30
'. his failures in terms of tactics and team selection are certainly not designed to get the best out of what the players have to give. That's not opinion, that's fact.. '

Ring bells. Light bonfires. Dyche himself finally admitted that Christine.

Hope your health is on the up and up.

Paul Ferry
108 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:28:07
Man and his dog. Was that the name of a TV programme back in the day? Shepherds and their dogs in competition - my fave dogs, border collies? I used to love it.
Paul Ferry
109 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:28:49
One man and his dog?
Danny O'Neill
110 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:44:06
You'll be there at some ridiculous time Christine!!

Paul, border collies are so obedient. Like Spaniels with their balls (the rubber ones they run to fetch and bring back!!!).

Having Rhodesian Ridgebacks, they still have a bit of the wild dog in them and are selective in their hearing. If I can't see you, I can't hear you type of thing!!!

I just keep walking, knowing they'll come back.

Anyway, I don't do team predictions, but I do hope young Dixon features in some way tonight.

Paul Ferry
111 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:50:01
So loyal, Danny, border collies, and possibly the most intelligent dog, although I'm no expert.

Safe travels. Your RR sounds like a big dog. Just made for the tube, train, bus!

I've always found that reading a book alone at a bar or having a dog with you anywhere increases the chance of conversation.

Paul Ferry
112 Posted 04/12/2024 at 06:55:46
Nice painting. Large dog.

Ein Jagdhund - a Rhodesian Ridgeback by Karl Friedrich Schulz c.1834

Google image it Danny O.

Danny O'Neill
113 Posted 04/12/2024 at 07:16:37
I'd agree with you on collies Paul in terms of intelligence.

I looked that painting up. Thank you.

My boy was 3ft tall head height and weighed 52kg (105lbs). Big lad.

The girl is a bit slighter. I agree, she will get made a total fuss off on the train and at my sister's today.

Back on track, I hope Calvert-Lewin sparks today. He's either been playing with a lack of interest or lack of confidence, although I do have sympathy with him having Pickford's ball constantly pumped up to him.

That said, he has had chances.

Paul Ferry
114 Posted 04/12/2024 at 07:24:04
Beto might start again. I hope not.
Jerome Shields
115 Posted 04/12/2024 at 08:16:14
A lot of posts speculate on the points we need , but no-one mentions the possibility of points deduction.The fact that 9 player contracts and the Manager's contract finish at the end of the season was going to have a bearing on this season right from the start.

The Summer Transfer window also has a bearing with the failure to sell Calvert Lewin. . Bringing in players who seem now to be out of the picture and a preference for underperforming players that the Manager knows and a unwillness to develop and utilise the full squad.

Dyche is bound to be having behind the scenes problems with some players.Which isn't a good thing at Finch Farm.He also seems to have lost his favourites as well, since they are also included In a loss of form amongst key players.

In the pass two games Dyche has favoured his team of scorers approach which has yielded nothing, but exposed poor support play and poor defending including poor tracking back.This is a change from Dycheball, which he will be back to against Wolves.

The complexity of the Takeover or financial reconstruction, as I prefer to call it, which could still break down, hovers.Moshiri will not be a help.

I am sure that the Premier League will not want to jeopardise investment in the Premier League, so a aka Chelsea approach may arise.Everton will not be relegated, but Dyche needs to play his part or he will be gone by January.Maybe a bit of compensation is the way out.A relegation dogfight Manager is a short stay career as Dyche has probably concluded.

There is not doubt that Everton and Evertonian's have suffered abuse for years, with no end in sight this season.

Derek Knox
116 Posted 04/12/2024 at 08:21:20
Paul Ferry @ 96, totally agree with all the points you make, and like myself, not an advocate of booing if I am at the game. However, as I have said many a time, although it is a game of football, it is also allegedly, a source, or should be, of entertainment.

Attending matches these days is not cheap for the majority of fans, and while support for our beloved team is core, they are not going to turn up loyally, and be subjected to negativity on the field of play without response.

While Dyche, or any Manager for that matter isn't actually playing, he has to 'carry the can' for team selections, tactics subs etc. When all said and done the situation at Everton has been brewing progressively like a Volcano, and unless something by the way of success intervenes, an eruption is an inevitability.

Last night's results have seen us sit precariously above the relegation trapdoor position, and that is before a ball has been kicked at GP. A win tonight is virtually imperative, as we can't, and shouldn't depend on other team's failures or successes affect our own. We must do it on our own merits.

Neil Lawson
117 Posted 04/12/2024 at 08:25:16
Paul 114. If Beto doesn't start tonight it says a lot about Dyche and how hapless and clueless he is. Not because Beto is necessarily the right choice but because it makes his decision to start him on Sunday irrational, other than it being a kick in the pants for an underperforming DCL. Perhaps there is truth in the rumours. Whether it is Beto or DCL, the issue is the total lack of support for the striker and the tactics employed by the duffer in charge.
Jack Convery
118 Posted 04/12/2024 at 08:45:35
Something tells me he will make changes for tonight. Coleman in, at right-back. O'Brien in, alongside Branthwaite. Harrison in at right midfield, Mangala alongside Gueye, McNeil at left-midfield. Beto at centre-forward with Ndiaye in a free role.

Pickford, Coleman, O'Brien, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Harrison, Mangala, Gueye, McNeil, Ndiaye, Beto.

Not my team but the one I reckon Dyche will pick for a "night on the grass" – sorry, Danny.

Rob Halligan
119 Posted 04/12/2024 at 08:51:54
Neil, I doubt dropping DCL last Sunday was a kick up the rear for him. In 28 days, he can sign a pre-agreement contract with a foreign club, if his wish is to move abroad.

Alternatively, he either sees his contract out for a further seven months, or signs for an English club in January. So either way, him sitting on the bench won't bother him in the slightest.

Me, I'd start Beto, and let's hope Broja is on the bench.

Jimmy Carr
120 Posted 04/12/2024 at 08:54:14
Neil (117), one minute you say Dyche not selecting Beto is 'irrational', then you describe a 'kick in the pants for an underperforming DCL'. Think you answered your own question there as to why Dyche didn't select DCL in the first place. Not so irrational by by the manager after all then.

Listening to Dyche's comments - and witnessing the set-up for the beginning of the United game at least - I expect something to change tonight in terms of line-up and/or tactics with more accent on positivity. Dyche has acknowledged we need to score more goals to win games, he can't then select the same team or employ the same tactics surely?

An early goal to rouse the Old Lady is very much in order.

Danny, I hope your dog enjoys the long journey and gets plenty of attention.

Jimmy Carr
121 Posted 04/12/2024 at 08:58:01
Laurie (98), good post.
Nigel Scowen
122 Posted 04/12/2024 at 09:03:25
Jack@118

Young for Myko


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