Season › 2012-13 › News Everton vs Oldham Athletic Lyndon Lloyd , 25 February, 95comments | Jump to most recent FA Cup Fifth Round Replay Preview It's no exaggeration to say that with Saturday's defeat at Norwich, the entire complexion of Everton's season changed in the span of 10 minutes as the Canaries came back from a goal down to win 2-1 with the kind of breath-taking, stoppage time heroics that Evertonians have enjoyed on occasion this season… back when Champions League football appeared more than just a pipe dream. In the aftermath of that defeat, though, has come the cold, hard realisation that a top-four finish was probably always a bridge too far for such a small core squad of players even if their propensity to throw away points from winning positions has been a key factor in the growing gap between the Blues and the top five. Anything is possible over the final 10 games, of course, but it will take an extraordinary transformation in this Everton side to close that gap and finish among the Champions League places, meaning that the FA Cup campaign assumes paramount importance for David Moyes. That, of course, puts huge importance on the Fifth Round replay against Oldham Athletic at Goodison Park this week. Victory over the League One side would set up another favourable tie at home against Wigan Athletic and make a repeat trip to Wembley — and the opportunity for atonement for last year's debacle against Liverpool — a real possibility. Article continues below video content Moyes suggested in his pre-match press conference that injuries will dictate his team selection, with Victor Anichebe still a doubt after sitting out at Carrow Road with a groin injury. The manager hinted at a couple of other fitness concerns that cropped up after Saturday's game, perhaps surrounding Marouane Fellaini who is the subject of injury rumour, Steven Pienaar who was withdrawn in the final few minutes, Leighton Baines who has been soldiering on with ankle issues since the turn of the year, or Darron Gibson who could still be feeling the effects of an apparent bone spur on his troublesome thigh tendon. In the wake of the disappointment against Norwich, Moyes may make changes to his starting XI regardless. In the context of his pre-match call on Kevin Mirallas to deliver more now that he is back to something approaching full fitness, the manager's decision to leave him on the bench for 78 minutes on Saturday was perplexing so the Belgian could get the nod to start against Oldham. And perhaps in the quest for leadership in what has become the biggest game of the season so far, he may turn to Phil Neville, perhaps pushing Seamus Coleman further forward on the right flank. Whatever line-up Moyes opts for, the Blues' biggest opponents, at least against the lower-division Latics, will likely be themselves. They had more than enough in the tank to beat Oldham at Boundary Park 10 days ago and that will be the case again on Tuesday evening. The psychology of the players and their ability to create and convert the chances required to claim that quarter-final match-up with Wigan will be all important. » Read more Live Matchday Forum Reader Comments (95) 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 David Flanagan 1 Posted 25/02/2013 at 20:07:02 Take the game to them, play at pace and they won't be able to live with us but if we adopt the tactics of the last meeting then it will be a long night. Go for it and we will win... Danny Kewley 2 Posted 25/02/2013 at 20:18:55 Everton get your act together for fucks sake and lets get back to winning ways, MOYES if you want to depart from this club with at least some people thinking positive of you--- then for christ sake entertain the fans with non stop attacking football you negative twat! Phil Rodgers 3 Posted 25/02/2013 at 20:52:03 Need to freshen the side up. Get osman out ovideo in. Pace down each flank will destroy them like Swansea did Bradford Nick Entwistle 4 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:02:25 Norwich didn't change the complexion on the season, but how West Ham do against Spurs tonight is the most important game of our season.1 - 1 at the moment. If they win and the gap stays at 6 points and we hopefully potentially possibly desirably beat Reading at the weekend... Spurs are playing Arsenal which means the gap could well be down to 4 points with a draw. Season back on.If anyone is watching, I'm lurking in the live forum. Nick Entwistle 5 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:11:41 http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/171348/1/watch-west-ham-united--vs-tottenham-hotspur.htmlhttp://toffeeweb.com/comment/live/ Kieran Fitzgerald 6 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:11:34 I would worry if they score first because they will then just park the bus. We need to score first and early. This will take the pressure off and get the crowd up for it. Nick Entwistle 7 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:17:06 Joe Cole 2 - 1... Get in! Tony Hanlon 8 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:16:13 What is an acceptable result? Qualify for next round.. No... Qualify with style not 1 - 0, 2 - 1 extra time or pens... Lets win 4 - 0, 5 - 0, 6 - 0 etc. This is a team near the foot of the 3rd division (old school). Under Moyes how many games have we won with 10/15 mins left, ie 3 or 4 up? Nick Entwistle 10 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:26:23 I think we'll take anything we can get now, Tony. 1-0 and through is fine for me. Phil Sammon 11 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:28:42 Barkley, Vellios and Duffy all completely left out of the U21's squad tonight. Surely that signals some involvement tomorrow. Attacking football please! John Malone 12 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:20:43 Most important thing tomorrow is we, the fans, get behind the team from the off and don't start moaning at the first loose pass or stray ball. It's too easy to moan like arl women and heap pressure on the players; granted if they're poor after 20 mins let them know but it's going to be a scrap so we need a good start and get our passing going and the goals in the bag.Prediction 3 - 1 Osman, Jelly, Fellaini. Phil Walling 13 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:40:58 Captain Pip a certain starter tomorrow having been rested against Norwich.We have to think positively,you know! Patrick Murphy 14 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:38:42 I hope he doesn't play too many youngsters, this is our only realistic chance of getting something from the season, a couple of young ones maybe but I don't want to see wholesale changes. Maybe Pienaar and Osman could be rested and even Neville at right-back with Coleman on the wing. Naismith should not take part.My team if I was given a choice would be Howard,Neville,Distin,Jags,Baines,Gibson,Felliani,Barkley,Coleman,Mirrallas,and Jelavic. Obviously dependent on injuries.Also there is the possibility of Extra-time and Pens, but let's hope it doesn't come to that and we get it done in style. Kunal Desai 15 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:50:43 3-2 Spurs. No chance for EFC to finish in top 4 Phil Sammon 16 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:50:27 You'd have Neville at RB and Coleman RM? That's madness. Jesus - what a goal from Bale. Where would they be without him?It would be nice to have at least one player on form. Nick Entwistle 17 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:54:28 Yep, 3-2... that's the season done with. Nick Entwistle 18 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:56:03 But wait, now its Chelsea in 4th... only 7pts ahead of us....stop it Nick, its the hope that kills you. Patrick Murphy 19 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:58:09 Phil only because I'd leave Osman and Pienaar out to rest them up, Of course you could move Jags out there and Duffy into Centre-Half. There's only Coleman that can operate wide right, surely you don't want Naismith out there?That was a decent game between the Hammers and Spuds, Bale is unbelievable. Sam Hoare 20 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:00:38 Give up the hope Nick. Unless Gareth Bale joins us on a free transfer this week... Paul David 21 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:01:38 "injuries will dictate team selection"Tell us something we don't know, when has he ever picked on form? Phil Sammon 22 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:00:34 Would 5th or 6th really be a disaster for Everton?Who expected better than that in before the season's start?Things aren't going well and I've had enough of the manager...but I still think I'm the most optimistic person on Toffeeweb Mike Keating 23 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:59:35 Does anyone really believe we can overhaul the clubs ahead of us from now in?We had our chance and blew it Just go for the FA Cup and get dumped out of the EuroDisney next season ASAP Tony Hanlon 24 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:55:37 There are three Europa League places: 1. Swansea 2. 5th in the Prem (Arsenal, Spurs or Chelsea) 3. FA Cup winners (or runners up, if Man City, Man Utd or Chelsea win it). If Man City play Chelsea or Man Utd in the final then 6th in the Prem get in and that's my question – battle for 6th between us and the Red Shite. Some fans might not want the Europa League but imagine losing it to them gloating bastards. COYB — let's finish the season strong! James Morgan 25 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:06:10 How I would love a player that could actually shoot like that from midfield, instead of the limp ankled slaps that Osman and Pienaar deliver. He's is dragging Spurs in to the champions league on his own. Peter Fearon 26 Posted 25/02/2013 at 21:59:20 Anyone who imagines we can still qualify for the Champions League is fooling themselves in my view. The probability is we don't deserve it. It would take a meltdown by Spurs and judging by the way they played after going 2-1 down against West Ham - with the kind of drive and character that has disappeared from our game - that ain't happening. It's all about scoring goals and as usual that's the one thing we can't do. If you put your only striker way out on the wing - why I don't know - and in effect put six players in midfield roles it's little wonder we have no potent threat upfront. Choose two strikers. Put them up front. Get them the ball. Jelavic and Vellios will do me against Oldham. Patrick Murphy 27 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:11:00 Spot on Peter, and our goal difference is vastly inferior to all but Swansea and WBA in the top positions. You're getting carried away now Peter - 2 strikers on the park at the same time - it will never happen. Kunal Desai 28 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:21:36 Rumours about that there's no Fellaini for tomorrow's game. Phil Sammon 29 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:24:50 I'd go with:HowardColemanJagielkaDistinBainesMirallasGibsonFellainiBarkleyPienaarJelavić Love Ossie but a rest would be good for him. And Barkley needs games Kevin Tully 31 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:30:47 The blues now 20/1 for a top 4 finish - even our loveable neighbours are shorter @ 18's. Ian Allaker 32 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:28:59 Where do these rumours come from? I think most of the team need to be dropped, including Fellaini, Osman, Distin, Jelavic and maybe even Pienaar but most of the replacements like Heitinga, Neville and Naismith are even worse. I think 4th place is gone now, so after the FA cup game if we don't win I would drop all those I mention and play the Under 21's for the rest of the season and plan for next season. Tony Hanlon 33 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:37:28 Only 20/1 Kevin.. I'll give you 50/1 Eugene Ruane 35 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:35:30 Oldham 14/1 to win in 90 mins - William HillsFOURTEENS!!!?Sorry, did we sign Messi and Ronaldo this avvy? Sam Hoare 36 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:53:34 Seems to me like Man U aside a lot of the goals we have given away recently have come from crosses into the box or set pieces.Are we suffering from having a small team? Fella and distin are the only two I can think of who are over 6 ft. Plus Howard isn't the biggest keeper.Spurs have a pretty huge team with the likes of Dawson, caulker, vertonghen, dembele, Adenauer, and Sandro when he's fit all very strong in the air.Just a thought... Paul David 37 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:59:00 14/1, would be acceptable to put a fiver on against Everton? Patrick Murphy 39 Posted 25/02/2013 at 23:07:33 Paul would you be happy to win a measly £70 and watch the end of Everton's season? I hope none of our players have a gambling problem, because them odds seem pretty high to me. I bet we're not even 14-1 to win the FA Cup outright. Paul David 40 Posted 25/02/2013 at 23:15:52 Ok then a tenner. Mike Gaynes 41 Posted 25/02/2013 at 23:06:56 Phil and Patrick, just curious... why do you want to start a player you haven't laid eyes on in a year? You haven't the slightest idea whether Barkley can get the job done. Or is your only reason to start Barkley is that he's not Osman? Patrick Murphy 42 Posted 25/02/2013 at 23:22:35 If he can't play against Oldham under the lights at Goodison then he can't play anywhere. Added to the fact that Pienaar and Osman look dead on their feet before the game starts never mind in the latter stages. I personally have always liked and admired Ossie, I still do, but he's burnt out at the moment. Mick MacManus 43 Posted 25/02/2013 at 23:20:50 Seems Moyes has got his fight back for the cup anyway: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/everton-vs-oldham-preview-david-1730991 I thought he'd have lost it for good after the Norwich defeat, like the rest of us have. With Spurs winning tonight, not much hope left for a CL finish unless the Arse and Chelski implode and we miracurosly go on the winning streak. The way things are, I can't see where are goals are going to come from. Our goals difference is poor in the league, which would have been our downfall anyway trying to secure 4th. When are we finally going to demolish a team by 3 or 4 goals?! Tony J Williams 44 Posted 25/02/2013 at 23:27:59 I am hoping that the right side is Coleman and Mirallas. Possibly why Mirallas was on the bench Saturday. Just as long as Neville doesn't play. Roman Sidey 45 Posted 26/02/2013 at 01:06:39 Nick Entwistle, #660, it's glass-half-empty types like you... haha. I'm seriously torn about the line-up for this game. Part of me thinks every player that started needs to be dropped, but, some of these players would see being dropped for a game against League One oppo as a compliment that they're simply being rested because they're the untouchables in our squad - we are getting far too many automatic selelctions lately. If I was going to be ruthless, my team would be:4-4-2Mucha; Stones, Heitinga (c), Duffy, Oviedo; Hitzlsperger, Kennedy, Junior, Barkley (is he cup tied or not?); Mirallas, Vellios.Knowing that won't happen, and Moyes will play as close to full strength as possible, my belief of games involving a Prem club at home and a team from League One down is that anything less than 4-0 is a bad night at the office. Not even going to predict a score though, but out of this game, and the Reading game on the weekend, I think we will lose one of them. Michael Kenrick Editorial Team 46 Posted 26/02/2013 at 02:11:30 How many times...STONES IS CUP-TIED!!!FFS! Roman Sidey 47 Posted 26/02/2013 at 02:13:36 Sorry, Michael. I did forget that. Oh well, Neville at RB then. Anto Byrne 48 Posted 26/02/2013 at 02:02:39 We don't score... we don't win. I'm dreading penalties but that is what Oldham will come for. 11 behind the ball at all times, maybe a long hoof set piece to Smith. Ernie Baywood 49 Posted 25/02/2013 at 22:43:20 I get the feeling watching us that most of them wouldn't mind a rest. They just have a look of a side that doesn't give as much of a fk as they should.Play the strongest team. That's:HowardColemanJagielkaDistinBainesMirallasGibsonFellainiOsmanPienaarJelavicTell them their careers are on the line. If we bow out to Oldham and Leeds and finish 7th in the league then they are not the players they think they are. By performance, they are third rate.Win well, and maybe the season has something left. Mark Stewart 51 Posted 26/02/2013 at 02:29:34 I predict the ugliest 90 minutes of football most of us will ever witness; would love to see Coleman & Mirallas on the RHS but fear that Moyes will opt for Neville & Naismith, even though we're at home against a team from Division 3. Peter Barry 52 Posted 26/02/2013 at 03:30:05 4th place is now out of the question — a blessing in disguise as we would be totally humiliated in the Champions League. Daft Davey's season now rests on progress in the FA Cup. Now we may possibly overcome 'mighty' Oldham with home advantage but will we be able to see off a resurgent Wigan? — I have my doubts. After that, of course we will probably have to play a 'proper' Big 4 team and we all know 'safety first' 'tactically inept' 'big game bottler' 'knife to a gunfight mentality' Dour Davey's history there, don't we... Brent Stephens 53 Posted 26/02/2013 at 03:50:46 Mark, why on earth do you think DM will go with Pip at RB, having dropped him for the previous game and having seem how well Coleman is playing? Paul Ferry 54 Posted 26/02/2013 at 05:51:39 Howard; Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, Baines; Mirallas (gladly), Gibson, Osman (sadly), Fellaini (sort of sadly), Pienaar, Jelavic (I still luv you, mate). Sad to say, but Mark (750) and 'ugly' has might got it right. But, nonetheless, 2 - 1, Oldham score 1st, a rugged plucky goal.Our biggest game of the season under the lights of The Old Lady... COYB.Sad to say, on the evidence of today, we are so far behind the Spuds on all counts, Bob Parrington 55 Posted 26/02/2013 at 06:19:13 HOME TURF. Use skill against brawn. No Naismith, No Pip. Use Coleman, Mirallas and Jelavic. Somebody buy the ref a whistle and a watch.3 - 1 to Everton. Penalty, Baines free kick and an OG for Everton :). Headed goal for them. Shit. After the last two games, I'm nervous as sin! Andy Peers 56 Posted 26/02/2013 at 06:21:23 Brent # 753Because that is what Moyes does and it is really frustrating. I do believe he will play Mirallas instead of Naismith but you never know. No matter who is picked Moyes has to motivate them like Ernie stated in post # 747 that careers are on the line. Ernie is a little more positive than me, if Oldham beat us, because that will start the decline and we will probably finish 9th. Phil Sammon 57 Posted 26/02/2013 at 06:27:08 Mike Gaynes'Phil and Patrick, just curious... why do you want to start a player you haven't laid eyes on in a year? You haven't the slightest idea whether Barkley can get the job done. Or is your only reason to start Barkley is that he's not Osman?'I watched him last week actually, Mike. He was brilliant. I'm no Osman hater...but the team needs shaking up. Isn't that obvious? Peter Healing 58 Posted 26/02/2013 at 06:04:06 Every player — grow some balls as we have been playing like a bunch of girls. Paul Andrews 59 Posted 26/02/2013 at 07:07:58 Pack the midfield, David. This is Oldham at home were playing. We have got to be careful here, Oldham will come and have a right go.They will be dangerous from set pieces, etc etc etc. Dick Fearon 60 Posted 26/02/2013 at 07:23:52 Someone mention guns and Knives?Who's got the gun this time. Phil Sammon 61 Posted 26/02/2013 at 07:58:23 Moyes...but he's pointing it at his own head! Sam Hoare 62 Posted 26/02/2013 at 08:03:00 I think pienaar and osman look quite badly in need of a rest. With that in mind I would go for:HowardColeman jags distin bainesMirallas Gibson fellaini OviedoBarkleyJelavicThat team really should be able to take down oldham at home. Derek Thomas 63 Posted 26/02/2013 at 08:48:48 Paul David #698... don't better on Oldham all that ill happen is Oldaham won't win ( bet down ) Everton won't win coz you bet Oldham so it's a draw Pennmo's, we go out, season over all for your greed Phil Sammon 64 Posted 26/02/2013 at 09:17:29 DerekWhat? James Fletcher 65 Posted 26/02/2013 at 09:17:54 20-1 on Betfair now for Oldham..... Barry Rathbone 66 Posted 26/02/2013 at 09:10:29 Playing a struggling Oldham who recently lost their manager with only Wigan to stand before us and Wembley and it's Goodison.If ever redemption was handed on a silver platter Mr Moyes this is it - for once show some courage. Laurie Hartley 67 Posted 26/02/2013 at 08:36:16 Anto Byrne 746 - you have got it all wrong mate. Oldham will come at us like the hounds of hell if we give them a chance - they have got everything to gain and absolutely nothing to loose.This is the biggest game of the Oldham players lives. Playing at a premier league ground, probably a full house, chance of a quarter final, knowing that all they have to do is get the ball in the box and they have a chance of scoring. Oldham wil not show us the respect of putting 11 men behind the ball because if they do that they will definitely loose.Nope - they will be up for it and what Everton has to do is got at them straight out of the blocks and bury them in the first 20 minutes. The longer we go without scoring the bolder they will get.So if I was the manager (arf, arf) I would pick my most attacking formation and tell them to go for it.If available my starting 11 would be:Howard,Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, BainesGibson, FellainiMirallas, Osman, PiennarJelavic.Subs: Neville, Heitinga, Hitzlsperger, Oviedo, Anichebe. (Jags can go in goal if Howard gets injured).COYB Go for the doctor!iPS If Naismith starts the game I think I will pop. Noel Early 68 Posted 26/02/2013 at 09:23:52 Anybody that doesn't have Neville in a probable team hasn't been watching Everton or doesn't know David Moyes very well. He was rested on Saturday so I'd be amazed if he does'nt start tonight... after all – he is the future! Derek Thomas 69 Posted 26/02/2013 at 09:25:34 Barry Rathbone #780 So this is Moyeses redemption, he must win eh?Trouble is he doesn't do must win; just recently he doesn't even do his one trick (pony) not to lose.The only thing that should be handed to him on a silver platter is his P45 Roman Sidey 70 Posted 26/02/2013 at 09:30:19 Interestingly, I think everyone agrees what our best back four and 'keeper combination is, but it's the midfield and strikers we seem to debate a bit. In a season where we've had about two clean sheets, doesn't that just seem strange? Max Murphy 71 Posted 26/02/2013 at 09:39:40 I assume people are going for Jelavic to start after his amazing goal-scoring feats in the FA cup this year: a scrambled goal against Cheltenham. Ernie Baywood 72 Posted 26/02/2013 at 09:55:11 Well if he's going to get back on the scoring trail then surely a lower league team is a golden opportunity.And if he's not going to get back on the scoring trail then we are royally fucked as he's all we've got.So no real choice is there? Laurie Hartley 73 Posted 26/02/2013 at 09:43:21 Roman we haven't got a choice in the goal keeping department. I wish we had a Gordon West or Neville Southall in goal who would come out and clatter any big centre forward who had the audacity to encroach in HIS 6 yard box. That would solve half of the problem.The other half of the problem is that we have got a lot of really good midfielders but not one of them is a soldier like Lee Carsley who patrols the area immediately in front of the back four. I rate Gibson but I don't think he quite fits that mould.The answer to the strikers conundrum is simple - play someone on the right wing who can get behind a defence or put a decent cross into the box. We have got choices in that position. Dan McKie 74 Posted 26/02/2013 at 10:07:26 Roman, it is probably because we invite so much pressure onto us when we go a goal up, that it is inevitable something will fall to the opposition to convert. Hence the saying 'attack is the best form of defence'. Rob Young 75 Posted 26/02/2013 at 10:15:51 If Oldham start the match with two up front (like they did in the jome tie), does anyone think Moyes will understand. Phil Walling 76 Posted 26/02/2013 at 10:30:43 I forecast a comfortable win tonight,probably with both Neville and Naismith featuring.As a consequence,Moyes will resume his hero status with fans and press and (almost) all will agree that under his guidance we are in safe hands and punch above our weight.Next week`s news will reflect this with the announcement that he`s remaining loyal to Everton.Probably for ever. Nick Entwistle 77 Posted 26/02/2013 at 10:44:23 Would love to see Kevin and Seamus on the right. Get Oviedo on the left to give one of Bainaar the night off. Barkley in for Osman too.HowardColeman Jags Distin OviedoFellaini GibsonMirallas Barkley PienaarJelavic Tony J Williams 78 Posted 26/02/2013 at 10:45:39 "Roman we haven't got a choice in the goal keeping department. I wish we had a Gordon West or Neville Southall in goal who would come out and clatter any big centre forward who had the audacity to encroach in HIS 6 yard box. That would solve half of the problem." - Amen Laurie, oh to have a keeper who realises that he will be protected by the ref and given the benefit of the doubt in a "coming together" with a forward.In my best frothy mouthed vein bulging red faced shout - "JUST FUCKING GO THROUGH THE FUCKING BELLEND YOU DOZY TWAT!!!" Phil Bellis 79 Posted 26/02/2013 at 10:52:09 Memories of Westy - you didn't mess with that lad1967, October, NewcastleAlbert Bennett was trying to stop Gordon kicking the ball away"Fuck off Ankles" said WestyOnce again, "Fuck off!"PauseSmack!Albert spark out on the deckGordon just walked offPenaltyC'mon SandyOh bollocks!"Get out my area"Happy daysGordon wouldn't have any nonsense - not like today's goalkeeping pussies. Phil Sammon 80 Posted 26/02/2013 at 11:00:25 To be fair to Howard, he collected some very difficult crosses at Norwich. Fellaini should be docked a week's wages for their first goal. To not even jump is unforgivable. Roman Sidey 81 Posted 26/02/2013 at 11:11:29 I added the 'keeper to that group for some reason. I know Mucha is no alternative to a struggling Howard. But on the back four, arguably, we have alternatives (decent alternatives) in each position. Steve Boardman 82 Posted 26/02/2013 at 11:16:16 Phil Bellis and Laurie HartleyMemories of Westy – I remember him decking Mike Summerbee for getting in his way when he was trying to throw the ball out – possibly in the FA Cup replay in '66?Happy days... Tom Evans 83 Posted 26/02/2013 at 11:50:26 It's probably already been said, but Swansea showed how to deal with lower league opposition.Come on Blues, it's not rocket science. Keep the ball on the ground, use the pitch wisely and play to your strengths.Above all, don't have us hanging on screaming for the final whistle. We have had too much of that in recent games. Tony Marsh 84 Posted 26/02/2013 at 12:07:08 Dear, Oh Dear... after 11 years of Moyes's mismanagement, some wont learn. The chances of Moyes dropping Osman or anyone else to freshen things up and give others a chance is beyond hilarious. Why go through the charade of posting would-be team selections when we all know what DM will do. Stick to his rigid formations and his lame tactics, using his tried and trusted blue-eyed players... I predict a game with very little football coming from our team and little difference in the quality between the two sides. We should nick it by the odd goal but I wouldn't put money on it. Maybe we would be better off going out... at least that way, there would be pressure on Moyes and BK again. Something needs to give. Jeff Beaumont 85 Posted 26/02/2013 at 11:52:54 Talk on here of finishing 5th or 6th... Get real, lads — we've got Man City at home & Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal & the RS away. How many points do you think we'll get from these games? Maximum I see is 4 (if we're lucky), by which time the RS, WBA & Swansea will have overtaken us.9th is the best I can see. After the Leeds game, I forcast that — unless we tightened up in defence — we would finish nearer the bottom than the top. Maybe that was slightly over the top but sadly not by much. Nick Page 86 Posted 26/02/2013 at 12:59:37 I'll go for 8th. Moyes hasn't won away at any of the Sky 4 since he's been here. And we'll get battered at Spurs.Anyone ever wondered how come Moyes ruins all our strikers? Everyone one of them just ends up a complete shadow of the player we signed. Why? Kevin Tully 87 Posted 26/02/2013 at 13:03:51 From F365 - * Everton's 'haul' over the last eight games (nine points) puts them below Southampton and Wigan in the form table.* They have thrown away a massive 19 points from winning positions – only Reading and Southampton have worse records.* Lone striker Nikica Jelavic attempted more crosses (5) than shots (2) v Norwich on Saturday. He has now failed to score in 748 minutes of Premier League football. Lakovos Lasonidis 88 Posted 26/02/2013 at 13:26:52 I hope Oviedo and Vellios get a run of games, not 5-10 min cameos. Thomas Windsor 89 Posted 26/02/2013 at 13:32:34 If Everton don't beat Oldham at home tonight, Moyes should be sacked. Show some balls, Kenwright — a manager holding us to ransom and he can't even beat Oldham, FFS! Tom Bowers 90 Posted 26/02/2013 at 13:51:01 There are no excuses for the last Oldham game nor the Norwich game. We just didn't have the composure when it mattered and that primarily is down to Moyes with the players he selects and the tactics he uses.Sadly the goalscoring department has dried up which would have seen off those teams and Jela is struggling to find the net whereas a year ago he couldn't miss. With what we have we have to go with and hope the form of several players returns starting tonight otherwise we have to start cleaning our golf clubs.It would be nice if Moyes would start the likes of Vellios and Oveido in place of Osman and Jelavic but you know they won't get a kick unless it's 5 minutes to go and we are losing. It will be another battle and the fans will get on their backs after 20 minutes if they are struggling and I can't see much more than a 1-0 win. Douglas Turner 91 Posted 26/02/2013 at 16:13:54 Shit Tom #849, you've kind a put it in prospective there lad! Paul Andrews 92 Posted 26/02/2013 at 16:20:56 Nick @ 829Have a look at Kevin @ 830, last paragraph, for your answer.The manger insists his centre forward works the lines and chases full backs down. Both left and right full backs. Result? The centre forward wastes his energy.It`s not complicated. Manager .... "I don't want you to go wider than the 18 yard box, just work the areas between" Simple really. (You have to have the right-minded manager, of course...) Patrick Murphy 93 Posted 26/02/2013 at 16:26:22 I wonder if Steve McClaren will be in the crowd tonight? ;,] Mick MacManus 94 Posted 26/02/2013 at 16:36:28 The thought crossed my mind Patrick the other day. Maybe a thread could be started on "Who you wouldn't like to replace DM with"! He'd be high up on my list.Back to the topic on hand, part of the reason I believe Jelli's goal scoring ability has dried up is the the poor service he has been getting. He needs balls slipped through to him, not hoofed up high, when his back is to goal. He is forced out to the wings to even get a touch of the ball. In fact, this may be the reason we have a goal drought in general, poor irregular service from the midfield over the last while. Miralles' absence has been a big loss in this regard as has the fact that Baineaar axis is being shut down by the opposition. We were creating chance after chance early in the season, probably more than I have seen us do in many years, but just couldn't get the ball in the net. Playing one up front doesn't help either. Frida Ericsson 95 Posted 26/02/2013 at 16:45:24 Phil, if we do not win the FA Cup, then it won't matter where we finish in reality because there are unlikely to be any league placings for the Europa League this season (next). Joseph Strumm 97 Posted 26/02/2013 at 16:46:07 I'm in the Tony Marsh camp: expect the same old, same old tonight. I personally, a third generation blue, after 40+ years of following my Club cannot bear to watch this utter shite Moyes is dishing up. The lack of passion and indifference to defeat shown by quite a few of the players just has my blood boiling. The Walter Smith and Moyes era has been a betrayal of the Everton Way and we have not had any sustained attacking quality since Joe Royle was here. Also, Moyes's attitude to questions from parts of the media is disgraceful, he has become a total control freak, all questions must be vetted and approved by a club PR lapdog and anything that challenges his megalomania is greeted with contempt and dismissal. I can't understand how so many of our fans have allowed their expectations to be manipulated and lowered. I keep reading people on here jumping to Moyes's defence by saying it's down to the board for not backing him... WELL, NO SHIT, the board are a fucking disgrace but Moyes is in tandem with them. He needs to go and take everyone of his staff and assistants who works with the first team,the likes of Chris Woods who has overseen a succession of goal keepers failing to make the grade. We need some passion and pride put back into OUR CLUB from top to bottom.Nil Satis Nisi Optimum... I could weep. Steve Guy 98 Posted 26/02/2013 at 18:01:31 Agree with #tom 849. Phil Sammon 99 Posted 26/02/2013 at 18:33:13 If Moyes leaves, no fucking way would I want McClaren. Jesus Christ!!! Colin Glassar 100 Posted 26/02/2013 at 18:46:14 Phil Sammon, I'd rather have Steve Round as manager before McClaren!! Andy Crooks 101 Posted 26/02/2013 at 18:48:40 If McClaren is ever considered I will apply for the job myself. £3.95 million will be saved in wages. I will be pleasant and open at press conferences. Duffy will get a run in the side and rather than shake hands with Suarez at the end of the derby game I will beat the fucking living daylights out of him. That's my CV ,Bill, and I think it ticks most of the boxes. 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 Find out how to browse ad-free and support ToffeeWeb