Manchester United vs Everton

, 9 February, 77comments  |  Jump to most recent
Match Preview

1992... Mo Johnston... Bob the Pole... it's the same refrain every season as Everton prepare for what was once a ritual slaughter at Old Trafford but which is now a fixture that not only holds some hope for the Blues but could also be a growing thorn in Manchester United's psyche.

Though the deposed Champions lost home and away to their eventual successors from across Manchester — including, of course, a staggering 6 - 1 hammering on their own turf — Manchester United regard the 4 - 4 draw with Everton in April last year as the game that lost them the Premier League title.

Add to that the Blues' 1 - 0 win on the opening day of this season, plus the performance of one Marouane Fellaini, and according to Sir Alex Ferguson's own rhetoric, the visit of Everton is now regarded as a "big game."

David Moyes maintains that his side will go out with the same intent to win as they did the last time they visited Old Trafford, an approach that looked dead on when Nikica Jelavic headed home the opener early on and then questionable when United were stung into a response that had them 3 - 1 and 4 - 2 up by the closing stages.

Article continues below video content


Everton's powers of resilience and never-say-die spirit snatched a memorable draw from the jaws of defeat and proved that Sir Alex's side are fallible and don't particularly "like it up 'em", as the saying goes. Plenty of incentive, therefore, for the Blues to just have a go and hope that they can make a breakthrough and then hold it in the face of United's superior attacking weaponry.

In terms of team selection, the return of Phil Neville in place of the struggling John Heitinga is the most obvious change to the eleven that started against Villa, but it remains to be seen whether Moyes will consider changes up front.

Jelavic may have found success in this game last season but Victor Anichebe has been in fine form recently and could be retained due to his physical presence and consequent ability to unsettle a United defence that can be rattled when challenged.

And in Kevin Mirallas, Moyes finally has a player with pace again who can provide a counter-attacking outlet to keep the home side on their toes. He and compatriot Fellaini could provide the keys to the Blues finally laying the Old Trafford hoodoo to rest but it will take belief and a supreme collective effort to spring the kind of surprise that really would have Moyes's side believing that Champions League qualification is achievable.

Lord knows we've waited long enough for both.

» Read more



Reader Comments (77)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Pete Anthony
1 Posted 09/02/2013 at 08:34:53
Cracking preview Lyndon, I hope the match lives up to it. COYB,
Craig Fletcher
2 Posted 09/02/2013 at 09:11:01
I have a good feeling about this one. For all the usual rhetoric from SAF and the talk of Man Utd seeking revenge on us, there can't be any denying that they will have one eye on the Real Madrid game in a few days time.

Add to that, the majority of United's players were heavily involved in the midweek international friendlies, and it's likely that they will rest one or two players for our game. Plus, the majority of our squad did little else than warm the bench for the international games – I think Howard was the only first teamer to play 90 minutes, while Mirallas's and Jelly's 45 minutes they played would have done their confidence the world of good as they come back from injuries and lack of form. Fatigue shouldn't be an excuse for us.

We're in with a sniff here – as Lyndon said, we need to have a go at them, this is one game where really we should be able to play with no fear – anything more than a point will be an unexpected bonus. Get in there, lads.

Sam Hoare
3 Posted 09/02/2013 at 10:24:50
Sadly I have to predict that we make a good fist of it, maybe even going a goal up but end up losing to a piece of Rooney or Robin magic that sees us end the weekend in 6th and sliding ominously away from a CL place.

I very much hope I'm wrong but I suspect the lack of transfer window bolstering is what will see us finish the season in 6th or 7th, unless perhaps everyone stays fit but that seems unlikely.

Phil Sammon
4 Posted 09/02/2013 at 10:48:36
It'll be tough. We may win, we may lose... but let's not rest our entire season's fortunes on a game away to top of the league.

COYB

Dave White
5 Posted 09/02/2013 at 11:12:50
We're expected to lose so anything else would be a superb result.

I suspect SAF will have a plan to neutralise Felly after seeing Carrick having been taken apart at Goodison. Moyes is going to have to work on a Plan B.

There's a few big players who are due a big performance and we'll certainly need that tomorrow. I'm looking at Gibson, Pienaar and Mirallas primarily. Also I'm not sure Big Vic will have the same success against Man Utd as he's had against other sides recently. Shock return for Jelly?

Pip in at full back and Johnny out is a no-brainer, I would imagine. Distin and Jags have the potential to make life very hard for RvP and Rooney.

It made me smile to see Rooney sat with Baines and Ozzie on the train to Wembley, that boy is still blue on the inside!

Mike Elbey
6 Posted 09/02/2013 at 11:32:20
Man Utd can't handle Fellaini and SAF knows it. His tactics will be twofold: 1. All out attack and 2. Unsettle Fellaini, get Ferdinand to moan about every aerial challenge, get the crowd wound up against Fellaini and ultimately get him sent off. They have a ref who could accommodate this tactic as well.

The up-side, if the tactics fail, wide open defence and a wound-up Felli, so it could be our day, I'd say 20% chance of a victory which is more hope than I've had for 21 years!

Brian Waring
7 Posted 09/02/2013 at 12:04:22
Ferguson has come out and said he is planning on fielding two different teams for tomorrow and against Madrid. He said "the team on Sunday will not be the same as the team that plays on Wednesday." We could be playing their second string tomorrow.
Derek Thomas
8 Posted 09/02/2013 at 12:10:22
Nah; first team vs us... Bench warmers vs Madrid!!
Martin Mason
9 Posted 09/02/2013 at 12:12:29
The good thing about having spending power is that you can have a second string almost as good as the first string. It's a great plus for us if they field a weakened side but for me it will be very much hope for the best but expect the worst.

I can see Sunday evening being a very sad one if England lose in Dublin.

Harold Matthews
10 Posted 09/02/2013 at 12:38:13
I can't give a forecast because I always fear the worst whoever we play. Nevertheless, we do have a high quality bunch of internationals who live for these kind of games.
Trevor Lynes
11 Posted 09/02/2013 at 13:31:35
This 'ritual slaughter' nonsense has only happened sine the Premier League began. I can well remember Everton stuffing Man Utd by some of their biggest scores: 5 - 2 at their ground and 5 - 1 at Goodison Park — the first game was the time of the Busby Babes, the second was with Man Utd fielding Cantwell, Setters, Law, Charlton and Best.

The difference in the Premier League is the imbalance due to money and the influx of foreign ready-made stars who Man Utd and the other rich clubs can afford. They have also bought our best player — and even poor old Wigans!! They can afford to sit em on the bench so that they cannot play for any other club against them.

George Best wrote in his book the we were the bogey side. Okay, nowadays they have everything going for them including officials and media but when there are equal playing fields, they are no better nor worse than any other team.

The problem is that most young Evertonians have never seen a really top Everton team so they have been suckered in by the media and TV pundits hype. Pound for pound, we are still up there with any other team and I would say that our first eleven, when all are fresh and fit, would give any team a game.

Unfortunately they are suffering injuries and fatigue because we are not in the position of being able to rest key players without losing a lot of ability. Our reinforcements are not of the required ability to be able to make a real difference.

Get rid of the subs system and only be able to use it for injury or sendings off — then we will see how much better these superstars are.

Ray Roche
12 Posted 09/02/2013 at 13:45:36
Some good points, Trevor. Man Utd WERE second best to us before the start of the Prem. I remember quite recently seeing Bobby Charlton interviewed and he commented on them getting a regular seeing to off Everton and that they "never got much" against us.

I watched SAF on Football Focus saying, in response to the 4 - 4 draw and us coming back from a two-goal deficit, that it "Won't happen again, believe me, it won't happen again!"

He did, however, when the interviewer mentioned Liverpool as being the team to beat when SAF had taken over at Mn Utd, that Everton were a powerful side who were Champions at that time. I sense that he has more time for Everton than he has for the RS.

James Martin
13 Posted 09/02/2013 at 13:51:38
Trevor, if they play their first 11 and beat us by playing well then I wouldn't complain; they do just have more quality than us. If, however, they're playing a weakened 11 then there should be no excuses as to why we can't beat them.

What I don't want to see is Everton beaten before they started by the intimidation factor of Old Trafford and handing over the points yet again to some sub-par Man Utd side after conceding one and then making no attempt to try and get back in the game.

The only thing that's changed in the Premier League is the media perpetuating the mystique surrounding these so-called cathedrals of football like Anfield and Old Trafford so that mentally weak teams like ours start to believe it and choke every time they go there.

In the pre-Premier League era, we had no respect for Man Utd and, regardless of how good their team was, we could always go there fear-free thinking we had a chance to win. I wonder how many of the squad at the moment consider a draw to be the best they can hope for tomorrow?

In my eyes, this is the difference between us and Arsenal and Tottenham: our first 11s have similar quality but they believe they belong with the top teams, our 11 just believe what the papers tell them that they don't. Even the RS still hold deluded belief that they're going to win the league and expect away wins at all the big grounds regardless of if they're good enough or not.

Regardless of how good we are we never expect these wins which is probably why we struggle so much. Saying that there's been a lot of chances this season so here's to smashing this hoodoo and then doing it at Anfield too to finally break our last two awayday fears.

Amit Vithlani
14 Posted 09/02/2013 at 14:13:29
Under Moyes, we have had a tendency in recent years to go there and impersonate a carpet — lie down and let them walk all over us. Last year, for a change, we stood up and played exceptionally well for the first 45 and last 25. We got a good result and derailed their title challenge.

I don't care which side they field, old puce face is playing mind games, he wants to win and doesn't want to let Citteh into the title race again. We need to be at our absolute best and get in their faces. Tired players or not, these are the games that matter to the fans and the manager and the players need to be well up for this match.

Sam Hoare
15 Posted 09/02/2013 at 14:23:15
Looking like a potential 6 points gap to Spurs. Where would they be without Bale?! They are fortunate he has been fit nearly all the season.
Jamie Barlow
16 Posted 09/02/2013 at 14:35:11
The team Man Utd pick will depend on how Man City do at Southampton today.

Let's hope Southampton get a good result and Fergie rests quite a few for Sunday.

Sam, I know what you mean about Bale but still, Spurs look a good team to me.

If, and it's a big if, we do clinch fourth place, I think it will be at Chelsea's expense.

John Ford
17 Posted 09/02/2013 at 14:41:11
Newcastle are starting to look like a decent side again... funny how a shit load of January cash can do that! Hopefully they will stump some of our 4th place challengers later on. Spurs are our biggest threat and today really emphasised that. Anyone know a good microbiologist?
Steavey Buckley
18 Posted 09/02/2013 at 14:43:35
I wonder who will play right back for Everton tomorrow? If it's Jags, who will play in his position? Heitinga? Duffy? If not ,who?
Max Murphy
19 Posted 09/02/2013 at 14:40:16
What makes people think anything is going to be any different after 10 years of failing to win at OT? Have you watched the games recently? Southampton, Swansea, West Brom, Bolton? Misplaced optimism. Admirable, but reality-check time. The best we can hope for is a 2 or 3 goal margin of defeat. 6th position after Sunday, 7th in a couple of weeks.
Jamie Barlow
20 Posted 09/02/2013 at 14:52:22
And relegation next year Max?

Fuck me, you must be a right scream to go out for a drink with.

Miserable get.

George McKane
21 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:02:42
Why is it miserable to say what Max said about those named games.

I went to or saw all those games and was bored most of the time and generally the play was very poor indeed.

If I say those games were wonderful, beautiful or even just great does that make me a "non miserable sod" or even happy or maybe easily pleased and a bit silly?

Either of which Max and me are entitled to be, as you are to be whatever you want to be.

Mark Stone
22 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:10:16
That's the spirit Max,

Are you available tomorrow to give the team talk?

Max Murphy
23 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:07:03
Jamie, I used to be the life and soul of the party – but almost 18 years without a (cocktail) sausage, and Moyes's team selection policy and use of the bench, has indeed left me a sad miserable get. Maybe relegation wouldn't be a bad thing – we could then gain promotion, and have something to shout about!
Jamie Barlow
24 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:11:21
It's not mentioning those games that makes him a miserable get George. He's quite right that they were poor games.

It's his miserable predictions that we'll be lucky to keep the score down to a three-goal margin and that we'll be seventh in a couple of weeks.

George McKane
25 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:19:28
Fair response Jamie – we are all Blue, or we wouldn't be bothered writing on here.

I am just sorting out my Oldham plans. I love the whole ritual of going to the match, love being a Blue. And I quite like, in a bizzare way, that we are who we are. I mean: no money, old-fashioned ground, old-fashioned Chairman... Logic and being an Evertonian – or indeed a football fan – do not go together.

After my comment a few weeks ago about 5 Live and the "lovely Red Boys" – on Danny Baker's show this morning a guy with a real Bolton accent and said he supported Liverpool.
Take care of yourself Jamie and you to Max.

Brian Waring
26 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:23:05
Ray, Ferguson favours us more than the redshite is because he has always seen them as their biggest rivals, he even calls it their biggest game of the season because of the rivalry.
Peter Bell
27 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:32:39
Totally off topic but the weekend we are due at Arsenal is earmarked for FA Cup quarter finals, so expect that game to be postponed and us having to visit the Emirates mid week towards the end of the season.
Bill Griffiths
28 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:53:07
Depressing day so far, Spurs won, The Arse winning and according to Sky text Fellaini's told Chelsea if they want to sign him to put a bid in, that's according to the Sun.
Roman Sidey
29 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:33:02
Who cares who they put on the pitch?! If we go and play as well as we have in patches this season, we can get the win. Obviously a draw at OT is no reason to cry, but there are three valuable points available, and we're starting to score goals again.

Their defense is as weak as it's been in the EPL. If Moyes goes for this, I think we will win. Start with Jelavic and Victor together, and see what happens. Really, it's the game against Spurs and others around us (spit) that will be more telling in the run-in to fourth, so just go there and have a crack!

Sam Hoare
30 Posted 09/02/2013 at 16:00:03
Bill, Fellaini was just saying that until a bid is made he is not bothered.

But you;re right about the rest. Arsenal and Chelsea winning, and Spurs won. Could be the worst possible weekend results wise for Everton!

Patrick Murphy
31 Posted 09/02/2013 at 15:59:22
As the results are going at the moment, it's looking like qualifying for CL is out of the question, and Europa may also be a step too far... That makes the game next Saturday more important than tomorrow's. Maybe we can relax and perform well and who knows sneak the 3 points, but we never seem to get the breaks at OT.
Andy Peers
32 Posted 09/02/2013 at 16:16:33
I think Max is just being real about our situation and I don't think reality is a bad thing. We appear to have lost a good shout for CL with all our draws and I think the lack of activity, in the transfer market, will show in the run in to the end of the season. I can't put blame for our draws on anyone in particular ( it seems like some players and Manager contributed ) but I do blame Kenwright and the board for the transfer window. Just being real.
Bill Griffiths
33 Posted 09/02/2013 at 16:23:17
You're probably right Sam, just seemed worse the way other results are going. I know we Blues in general have good reason to be pessamists rather than optimists but thinking about it good things sem to happen when we least expect it. from what I can gather Fergie may probably field a considerably weakened (if you can say that about Man U ) team so if we suddenly decide to play to our poitential then maybe we can get a win tomorrow. What do you and other Toffeewebbers think about Tom Ince? He's scored again today and I know the Red Shite have been intersted in him, personally I think he would have been a good addition in the window and also in the future.
Sam Hoare
34 Posted 09/02/2013 at 16:48:10
Bill, I think Tom Ince looks quality. Sadly I'm not sure at £8m we can afford him and he will likely go to RS this summer.
Brian Waring
35 Posted 09/02/2013 at 16:56:30
Someone mentioned the other day that all the pressure was on Man Utd; I didn't agree...

And with how the results have gone today, the pressure is definitely on us to get something out of the game more than it is for them, because they have a 9-pt cushion over Man City.

Ernie Baywood
36 Posted 09/02/2013 at 17:02:36
Still not sure how Sunderland didn't get the equaliser there. And for all the superlatives about Bale, Spurs didn't look too likely until a defensive cock up put Bale one on one.

There's nothing too major for us to fear from these teams... but this has been a bad weekend for us so far.

Brian Waring
37 Posted 09/02/2013 at 17:08:14
The thing is though Ernie, Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal fans have probalby been saying the same about us of late.
Ray Roche
38 Posted 09/02/2013 at 17:05:50
Brian Waring @786

That's fair comment, Brian, but maybe SFA can see like the rest of us what an obnoxious, odious, reprehensible shower of utter shite they really are, from the orchestrated, dirge-singing , badge-wearing, Surrey living arseholes that phone Talkshite, to the half-witted sing-songy accented Santa helpers from fucking Oslo who monopolise John Lennon airport everytime the shite are at home.

Do I make myself clear? Maybe I should get off the fence....

Craig Mills
39 Posted 09/02/2013 at 17:13:31
The way the results have gone for us today, something from Old Trafford is needed to keep us hanging in there. I hope we go there with no fear like last season and give it a real go, there is nothing worse than starting the game thinking about limiting the loss.

COYB, get into them and get Felli to add a few more £££ to his value before what seems to be his inevitable move to Chelsea in the summer...

Brian Waring
40 Posted 09/02/2013 at 17:18:53
So you have a soft spot for the redshite then Ray.
Harold Matthews
41 Posted 09/02/2013 at 17:16:07
Fellaini didn't say he had not spoken to Chelsea. He said " I have not personally sat round the table with them."
Ray Roche
42 Posted 09/02/2013 at 17:24:20
Brian, you've sussed me out. YAWN.
Colin Wainwright
43 Posted 09/02/2013 at 18:40:17
City getting beat 3-1. Could have an effect on tomorrows game. 6-0 to the blues.
Denis Richardson
44 Posted 09/02/2013 at 18:44:49
With City loosing to S'ton,surely Fergie will play a much weakened team. Any chance of seeing RVP and Rooney on the bench? Hernandez and Wellbeck are not excatly shite, but are not in the same league as the RVP and Shrek.
Brian Waring
45 Posted 09/02/2013 at 19:05:55
If City end up getting beat, Ferguson may start thinking, beat Everton and we go 12pt clear, that could be title over.
Brian Waring
46 Posted 09/02/2013 at 19:05:55
If City end up getting beat, Ferguson may start thinking, beat Everton and we go 12pt clear, that could be title over.
Roman Sidey
47 Posted 09/02/2013 at 19:05:37
Surely Soton maintaining this win will have an impact on SAF squad tomorrow. Best result that could happen to us today, aside from if Spurs had have lost.
Terry Maher
48 Posted 09/02/2013 at 19:15:29
Let's just get at them and see what happens.

Come on, Blues.

James Morgan
49 Posted 09/02/2013 at 19:13:54
Anyone that thinks Fergie will put out a 'weakened' team are off their rocker. He is determined not to let the title slip like he did last season, and if City lose he will want to ramp up the pressure on them and open a unassailable gap.

We've got to play our own game and go all out, particularly with Spurs and Arsenal winning.

Craig Fletcher
50 Posted 09/02/2013 at 18:58:09
Well played Southampton.
Hopefully United now will sleepwalk through their game with us, and we take advantage. Dreams are free.....
Colin Wainwright
51 Posted 09/02/2013 at 19:36:31
I don't think, without making 11 changes, Ferguson could play a weakened or weak side. I think the City result may affect the Utd teams attitude. Either way, Sky and the rest of the media, will bill tomorrows game as the start of Utd's procession to the title, with the result a foregone conclusion. We need to get the fuck into them from the off and who knows, it might go our way.
Dominic Bobadilla
52 Posted 09/02/2013 at 19:38:46
The voodoo spell of Sir Alex Ferguson upon English football continues. Man Utd have been over-performing for years. A little less respect for Whisky Face is what is required. Both Southampton and Fulham outplayed Man Utd. I see no reason why Everton could not do better than the two mentioned teams.

One aspect to the game not to be overlooked is how one is to influence the match officials. Some feigned indignation on the part of the players from the very outset would be a good thing. Shelve all the ideals of fair play and get your fangs out.

Nothing would please me more than an ugly win, leaving Whisky Face blaming everyone from the fourth official to the tea lady.

Paul Dark
53 Posted 09/02/2013 at 19:59:44
We'll do well to come away with a point - especially against the twelve (or should that be fourteen?) men at OT.
Patrick Murphy
54 Posted 09/02/2013 at 19:58:10
I agree Dominic, nothing would please me more than we get a win playing attacking football and SAF moaning and carrying on that we are a long-ball physical team. I couldn't believe how little fight Man City had for the game at Southampton. If they're not careful there may well be another top 4 place up for grabs.
Roman Sidey
55 Posted 09/02/2013 at 20:03:09
The thing is about City is that they don't give a shit about each other or the club.

If SAF came out and said he'd be playing different teams on Sunday and Wednesday, which one will he play the stronger side for?

Paul Dark
56 Posted 09/02/2013 at 20:39:48
Dominic - I agree, but I wouldn't want us to imitate Man Utd's win-at-all-cost lowness-cum-ugliness - which involves cheating anti-football (they've been doing it all of Alex Ferguson's ignominious reign) orchestrated by the thug-monster-in-chief. However much they win, theirs is a joyless occupation.

We always beat Utd in a certain sense - always. And we will win in that regard tomorrow. I want the three points as much as anyone - but not Man Utd style.

No, thank you.

Dominic Bobadilla
57 Posted 09/02/2013 at 21:02:36
Patrick and Paul: I do not think too many fans would care how the game is won.
Only rarely do the most entertaining teams become champions; the only two
exceptions I can think of are Arsenal and Manchester City.
Patrick Murphy
58 Posted 09/02/2013 at 21:10:22
Paul and which clubs have managed to win the Title by playing fair and wonderful football, if such a team has existed in the last 40 years, I would certainly have remembered them I understand that all things Manchester upset us scouser's but you have to admit that Fergie has at times produced breath-taking teams which have entertained even those that don't support or even like Manchester United. I understand what you mean by SAF using every trick in the book to ensure his club get every advantage they can, but that is his job and it is the FA's job to make sure that he or anyone else doesn't cross the line.

Dominic, I don't care about how we win tomorrow either, but it would just be nice to play a good game and deserve it, rather than the usual, hard-working industrial football we usually employ in these high-profile games.

Tony Twist
59 Posted 09/02/2013 at 22:36:37
It doesn't matter what team Man Utd put out, Moyes needs to ensure we play to our potential. Too many teams, especially us, worry about the team they are set to play and are almost beaten before they start. C'mon, Moyes — prove me wrong and win at the home of possibly your future employer.
Anto Byrne
60 Posted 10/02/2013 at 05:05:04
I can see a Man Utd reserves side being too strong for us...

Maybe a bit of good fortune and a couple of goals from Jelavic will be the order of the day.

Suresh Gill
61 Posted 10/02/2013 at 06:31:41
I have a good feeling we will play well!!! COYB
Mike Green
62 Posted 10/02/2013 at 08:19:12
Got a good feeling about today, think we'll bet them 2-1. Fellaini masterclass.
Andy Crooks
63 Posted 10/02/2013 at 09:07:56
If we go with a positive approach we will win. I hope Vic starts because today he has the chance really start his career;no falling down or moaning just get stuck into them,Vic,
Kevin Day
64 Posted 10/02/2013 at 08:57:56
I think the game will be tight and have good feeling we may just grab the 3 points, all the focus is on screech, and rightly so, but I can sense Marallis is going to have a Hum dinger of a game today and scare their defence to death. 2-1 to the blues
Sam Hoare
65 Posted 10/02/2013 at 09:35:22
I'm not so sure its as simple as saying a positive approach will mean a victory but certainly our best chance is by getting into them and not showing too much respect.

Simply put our big players have to have have a big game. If Fellaini, Baines, Mirallas and Gibson have stormers then we have a really good cahnce.

Christopher Wallace
66 Posted 10/02/2013 at 09:36:50
We should not fear United. They haven't "thrashed" any team not called Wigan in the league this season. Max (#774) saying that the best we can hope for is a 2 - 3 goal margin defeat is absolute rubbish.

If we go with that attitude and try to keep it tight – we may well get picked apart. We need to get out of the blocks quickly, get them on the back foot and set the tone for the game, like we were doing in first few months of the season – particularly Swansea (a).

United will score today but they are certainly vulnerable at the back. If we can get at least one in the first half, a draw is well within our grasp – a win is not totally out of the question!

Patrick Murphy
67 Posted 10/02/2013 at 11:17:10
I was trying to get myself a positive vibe for today, but stupidly looked to see the last time we completed a league double over United, to my surprise it was as long ago as August 1969, we beat them twice within a week, ahhh... those were the days!
Brian Harrison
68 Posted 10/02/2013 at 12:05:57
I think with yesterdays results it will be interesting to see how Ferguson views this game, not forgetting their game against Real Madrid on Wednesday. He might think if he wins this game it virtually guarantees him the title, so maybe he will start with his strongest team. I think from our point of view we need at least a draw from this game if we hope to challenge for fourth place, and maybe a win. I am sure David Moyes is aware of how important this result is to us today, so I think his message will be to go and have a go.
Brian Waring
69 Posted 10/02/2013 at 12:20:15
I was thinking the same thing Brian, Fergie will be thinking, beat Everton, 12pt lead, title race is over.
Michael Winstanley
70 Posted 10/02/2013 at 12:28:25
we need the three points. we have to win.
it's that simple.
Nick Entwistle
71 Posted 10/02/2013 at 12:39:37
Ahhh yes, that need and have to that happens every match...
Kev Johnson
72 Posted 10/02/2013 at 12:49:52
Brian & Brian (!) – I think the other option is just as likely. SAF thinks: "After that City result, we're going to win the Premier League by a country mile, so I can concentrate on the Champions League. RVP, have a day off – I'm saving you for Real Madrid".
Rob Williamson
73 Posted 10/02/2013 at 13:13:51
Brian (929) ......."so I think his message will be to go and have a go." When has Moyes ever said that going away to any of the Sky 4? In 10 years - as everybody gets sick of saying - we have never won away to Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea. We have either rolled over or parked the bus. If we are to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League - or Europa League for that matter- we have got to get wins at those grounds. Today would be a good place to start - but knowing Moyes, I can't see it somehow.
Denis Richardson
74 Posted 10/02/2013 at 13:14:48
Kev, I'm likely to go with your line of thinking. A 9pt lead and with City having only 12 games left and Utd 13, I can see SAF starting with at least one of RVP or Shrek on the bench, if not both.

I personally think the title race is already over as it is, utd can afford to loose at least 4 games out of their last 13 and still win. They've only lost 3 times so far this season as it is......its over and only the media are hyping things up, so as to not have to admit that this season a fairly poor utd side won the 'best league in the world' at a canter. At this rate citeh will probably finish 3rd, let alone challenge for the title.

SAF said he wanted to win the CL one last time before retiring, think he'll focus on that 100% from now on. It will be interesting to see who he plays in midfield as thats where we need to compete if we're to have a chance of getting anything from todays game. Gibbo and Fella need to put in a big shift today.

First away win for Moyes at OT in 12-13 attempts? We'll find out soon enough.

James Morgan
75 Posted 10/02/2013 at 14:19:57
I think if we lose today we can say goodbye to top 4. Spurs are on good form and Bale looks unstoppable, if we had a player like that then I'd be confident we'd get it but we don't.
Ian Bennett
76 Posted 10/02/2013 at 14:33:38
James - don't worry about Bale. I've stuck him in my Fantasy Football team, which is usually the death knell for any player. Sadly you can only pick 3 RedShite players.
Jay Harris
77 Posted 10/02/2013 at 14:35:06
Lets be realistic how many teams go to OT and win these days.

All we can hope for is that we give them a game and get the rub of the green something we are overdue for this season.


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads

© ToffeeWeb