Crystal Palace vs Everton

Friday, 20 January, 2017 81comments  |  Jump to most recent
Match Preview

Leighton Baines is a slight doubt with a rib injury

Even if you believed that Everton's season was effectively over following the FA Cup defeat to Leicester — let's face it: very little in the Premier League is over with 18 games to play — there were still opportunities for the Blues to enjoy some memorable matches and to take the odd scalp along the way as Ronald Koeman continues to mould his team.

More than just an enjoyable victory over an expensively-assembled, title-chasing team, last weekend's thrashing of Manchester City was part statement, part revelation and all joy and, coupled with Manchester United's failure to win, it narrowed that yawning chasm between sixth place and seventh to seven points. Still a sizeable gap, of course, but nothing a run of victories wouldn't eventually close.

Therein lies the rub, of course. Sunday's victory marked the first time Everton have won successive Premier League games since September. Back then, the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough was their fourth win on the bounce and enough to take them second but it's largely been a tale of frustration ever since. They need to start winning regularly and a run of matches against teams below them presents the ideal opportunity.

Starting with the triumph over Arsenal a month ago, there has been a growing sense that Koeman is getting to grips with the Everton job, has identified his most reliable players and the best systems to get the most out of them. What was perhaps missing from game to game was the belief and mentality that they could win — those qualities were wholly absent in the Merseyside derby, where the Blues were almost non-existent as an attacking force, and they evaporated when Ahmed Musa scored twice for Leicester City in the FA Cup earlier this month.

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If the 4-0 crushing of Man City does nothing else, it should instill confidence in a team that is beginning to acquire some swagger, not least because of the presence of a certain 18-year-old dynamo whose belated return to the first-team picture has coincided with the emergence of more drive in the middle of the park.

Tom Davies made only his third league start last weekend but by the final whistle he had stamped his authority all over the best performance under Koeman so far. With Idrissa Gueye on international duty now until early February at least — unsurprisingly, Senegal have qualified for the next phase of the Africa Cup of Nations — and Morgan Schneiderlin looking like he will need some time to get back to match sharpness, the teenager's coming of age has come at just the right time.

The danger, of course, is putting too much expectation on those young shoulders and Koeman will be aware of that so it will be interesting to see whether Davies is in the starting line-up for the fourth game running now that James McCarthy is fit again or whether he will be named as a substitute with the potential to impact the game off the bench.

The hope is, of course, that the manager opts for consistency in selection and names either an unchanged line-up or one very close to it for the game against Crystal Palace this weekend. That would mean retaining Joel Robles in goal at the expense of Maarten Stekelenburg and confirming a change in stance from Koeman over his preferred first-choice goalkeeper. Robles has admitted that the Dutchman informed him over the summer that he would be No.2 but, once again, the Spaniard has bided his time and taken the chance to impress afforded by injury to the man in front of him in the pecking order.

It would also mean Gareth Barry starting a third match in succession and it would require Leighton Baines overcoming a slight rib injury. Koeman indicated in his pre-match press conference that he expects the fullback to be fit to play but it presents an interesting team-selection decision should he not make it. Baines was nominally deployed as a wing-back against Man City to the left of three centre backs and Bryan Oviedo would be the obvious replacement but he has been out of favour recently.

Crystal Palace, for their part, come into this game mired in a relegation fight brought on by a run of just one win in 15 league games without a win which started in the reverse fixture between these two clubs at Goodison Park at the end of September. It cost Alan Pardew his job and while he picked up his first win since taking the hot seat at Selhurst Park in an FA Cup replay on Tuesday, Sam Allardyce is still searching for his first league win as the Eagles' boss.

Normally that is “cue Everton” but hopefully the Blues' new-found resolve and confidence will see them compound Big Sam's problems by collecting their third win on the bounce.

Kick-off: 3pm, Saturday 21 January, 2017
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Last Time: Crystal Palace 0 - 0 Everton

Predicted Line-up: Stekelenburg, Coleman, Holgate, Williams, Funes Mori, Baines, Barry, Davies, Barkley, Mirallas, Lukaku

Full details: ToffeeWeb match page



Reader Comments (81)

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Kunal Desai
1 Posted 20/01/2017 at 07:14:09
Let's hope its not Everton charity day tomorrow. Just when you think we're on the rise, it would be no surprise if Everton hand big Sam his first league win.

I think we may need Schneiderlin's physical presence in midfield. Bring on Barry for the last 20 mins.

Gareth Clark
2 Posted 20/01/2017 at 07:33:39
I'd drop Barry to be honest. Bring him on with 20-odd mins to go, if we are ahead.

Robles
Holgate, Williams, Funes Mori
Coleman, Davies, Schneiderlin, Baines (c)
Mirallas, Barkley
Lukaku

Subs: Stekelenburg, Jagielka, McCarthy, Barry, Lennon, Lookman, Valencia.

James Kirrane
3 Posted 20/01/2017 at 07:44:23
I really hope that Robles plays. He has done enough over the past few games to justify his place. Barry needs a rest. I would bring in Schneiderlin or McCarthy in his place.
Ian Guignet
4 Posted 20/01/2017 at 07:47:25
Robles should start, end of.
Lyndon Lloyd
5 Posted 20/01/2017 at 07:53:50
Completely agree that Robles should start. I wrestled with my predicted XI – Koeman's harder to second-guess sometimes than Martinez was – but I have a feeling he'll stand by his stance from the summer over who is No 1.

Could also be the Dutch factor at play – he knows and trusts Stekelenburg. Doesn't mean it would be the right decision, of course. Robles has more than earned the right to start.

Chris Gould
6 Posted 20/01/2017 at 08:10:09
I would be disappointed if he picked Stekelenburg because of his Dutch connection. Robles deserves the nod.

I also expect Barry to start. He looked solid against Man City and I doubt Schneiderlin has full match fitness or sharpness yet.

David Hallwood
7 Posted 20/01/2017 at 08:30:03
Good preview as ever, Lyndon. I expecting/hoping it's same team even though I agree that Barry should be used for the last 20 to close the game out, but has Schneiderlin got 60 mins in him?

But this will be a test to see if we can do it regardless if opposition, because if we put a run together, who knows.

Dermot Byrne
8 Posted 20/01/2017 at 08:40:38
Koeman out!

[Just want to get back to familiarity.]

Ken Buckley
9 Posted 20/01/2017 at 09:23:30
A different game for sure. I think a lot will depend on our set-up and mental approach to the game. We can't expect Palace to be as open as City. It will be them that sit back and try to nick one. Getting the tactics right and applied with strength and confidence will be key.

We are the big team today and Palace are looking to be giant slayers so a totally different game than last week and it will be absorbing to see if we can despatch both top and bottom teams with the same dedication, willpower and application.

UP THE BLUES

John Hammond
10 Posted 20/01/2017 at 09:24:12
I'd like to see the same lineup as the City game. Maybe bring Schneiderlin on for the last half an hour. This could be one of those games where the team fighting for their lives wants the win more than the team that just spanked City 4-0.

You'd hope the players would be up for it but we've generous over the last few seasons in helping out teams looking for a win. COYB!!

Tony Graham
11 Posted 20/01/2017 at 09:24:21
I hope it's not an "after the Lord Mayor's show" performance... with no effort, pride or passion.

That's usually the Everton way...

Dan Egerton
12 Posted 20/01/2017 at 09:36:16
"Sunday's victory marked the first time Everton have won successive Premier League games since September. Back then, the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough was their fourth win on the bounce and enough to take them second but it's largely been a tale of frustration ever since."

Right after Ronald "Big Mouth" Koeman announced to the press that our team wasn't good enough to make top 4. And then the team morale plummeted and we started losing to relegation fodder squads. I wonder if that's a coincidence?

Brian Harrison
13 Posted 20/01/2017 at 09:38:24
This game will tell us more than the City game, they will be more physical than City, that's for sure. They will also be getting in as many crosses as possible, something City didn't do with their small forward line.

The other concern is whenever we play a team who haven't won for a while or the striker hasn't scored for months, you just know being Everton they will break their duck against us. Tomorrow we have Allardyce not having won a league game since arriving at Palace.

I hope we stick to 3 at the back tomorrow and not revert to a flat back 4, this system seems to suit us better. It allows Coleman and Baines to get forward more often and it also allows them a starting position 15 yards further up the field. Plus it means we can play someone closer to Lukaku and he always seems happier when that happens.

Len Hawkins
14 Posted 20/01/2017 at 09:58:39
Dermot (#8),

You want to sack the manager after half a season and get back to familiarity. Which familiarity would that be Gordon Lee? Billy Bingham? Walter Smith? Colin Harvey? Joe Royle? The Belgian Shoe Salesman? Not mentioning the deceased ex managers for obvious reasons or Mike Walker for obvious reasons.

Andrew Presly
15 Posted 20/01/2017 at 10:12:41
Limit the crosses / punts to Benteke anywhere within about 40 yards of our goal (Baines in particular has lost this key full-back attribute) and double mark Scott Dann on set pieces and we'll get a 0-0 minimum as how else can they score?!

Think Dann is actually out for the season injured isn't he? They're missing Zaha to the AfCON too who was on form so this has to be a win if we've got anything about us.

Last week was beautiful but as much an apology for going out of the Cup as anything else. Back to the mundane business of trying to put away one of the 13 pub teams beneath us.

Just Do It!

David Price
16 Posted 20/01/2017 at 10:26:22
No Dan (#12) he was just being honest and correct.
Guy Hastings
17 Posted 20/01/2017 at 10:30:45
My Palace-supporting lad's take on it for the Five-Year Plan fanzine Link
David Price
18 Posted 20/01/2017 at 10:31:34
Len (#14) going off Dermot's humour from another thread methinks he's being a little scamp!
Colin Glassar
19 Posted 20/01/2017 at 10:50:23
These are the games we usually struggle in. If we could beat Palace convincingly then that would surely be a sign that Koeman is starting to really change this team.
Jay Harris
20 Posted 20/01/2017 at 11:04:55
Agree Colin but I think the inconsistency is in the players and not Koeman particularly Ross and Rom but let's hope the boost from last week and the drive from the manager can instil more confidence and a sense of purpose.

I don't think it matters too much if one or two are rotated as long as the team are up for it but I would like to see Robles and Tom Davies retained in the 3-5-2 formation which I was never a big fan of but it does seem to suit our players especially Bainesy and Seamus.

Derek Knox
21 Posted 20/01/2017 at 12:26:46
Totally agree Colin @ 19, this will be a good guage of whether we have started a revolution in both team and tactics.

We have, unfortunately, over the last few seasons, beaten both the odds, and the bigger teams, to follow up by playing the bottom teams and losing convincingly!

Andy King
22 Posted 20/01/2017 at 12:36:45
Horses for courses is the name of the game. Although Barry had his best game for a while last week I'd switch him for Schneiderlin. We needed exactly what Barry offers against City; simply breakup play, draw fouls and sit right in front of the defence.

Palace under Allardyce will be a different conundrum. We'll need midfielders to drive forward with the ball and be the one to spring the attack, which I'm hoping Schneiderlin can offer. (Obviously if he isn't match fit the decision is out of our hands.)

On another note, after our centre backs pick up their man at set plays Barry seems to get 'the next biggest'. I don't think he's been particularly great at this all season to be honest. Allardyce will have been concentrating on set plays all week in training so we'll need to be on our mettle.
Up the Toffees!

Tony J Williams
23 Posted 20/01/2017 at 12:39:26
Usual scenario

Benteke playing gash, Fat Sam hasn't won in the league

Step up Everton FC and away we go!!!

Need to stop the crosses, as Benteke always loves scoring headers against us and the crosses on Sunday were still there and telling, what with Stirling and Silva receiving crosses and being unmarked in the area.

On performance, Robles has to start, had a great game Sunday, particularly his closing down and block for the Silva moment mentioned above.

Saying that, 1-0 to the Eagles,because we are Everton!!

Tony Hill
24 Posted 20/01/2017 at 12:46:34
We must go into these games expecting to win. Worrying about our historic pattern of failure on such occasions (a worry which I share, of course) is in itself a mark of losers. That's the circle Koeman needs to break.

An early goal for us tomorrow and Palace should collapse.

Dermot Byrne
25 Posted 20/01/2017 at 12:50:14
Listen here, David Price, How dare you insinuate scampivity on my part. Len. Doh!
Paul Mackie
26 Posted 20/01/2017 at 13:05:42
Same team as against Man City please but replace Barry with Schneiderlin. Having Davies in the team seems to take the pressure off of Barkley and Mirallas has earned himself another start with an excellent assist and goal last week.

If we can go a goal up early doors then I think they'll just fall apart. If not then expect an afternoon of bus parking and frustration.

Alastair Donaldson
27 Posted 20/01/2017 at 13:21:38
We normally do better at Palace whilst they're a regular bogey team at home. Yes, they're fighting to stay up but we arguably have as much to play for...

Koeman announced he will have his own squad by the end of the next transfer window, so a lot of incentive for the fringe players to make sure they're involved.

The counter attacking style employed last week should work again if Palace do try and boss the game.

I'd like to see Robles continue, he looks easily as good as Stek who's made several big bloopers this season already. I don't see how just being No 1 means you always play especially if No 2 is on form.

2-0 to us.

Sam Hoare
28 Posted 20/01/2017 at 13:27:07
Gotta be same again with Schneiderlin on the bench initially. Barry was pretty faultless vs City.

We need to stop the crossed coming in as much as possible and when they do come in make they are from deep. Robles is big and pretty decent and coming out to take high balls.

They are in bad form and we need to stamp our cold boots down on their unconfident little necks and not let up till it's over! First goal could be crucial so let's hope we see a rare bright start and pick up from where we left off vs City.

David Price
29 Posted 20/01/2017 at 15:24:03
Dermot (#25). Sad enough to check if scampivity is a real word.
Anyway same team, another 4-0. Bring it on. Coyb..
John G Davies
30 Posted 20/01/2017 at 15:31:14
Same again. Same starting eleven, same hunger and desire, same work rate.

Same three points.

Michael Dersch
31 Posted 20/01/2017 at 15:38:07
Guy Hastings (#17), thank you for the link. That was an interesting read. Everton's future seems bright from the perspective of that Crystal Palace fan.
Jim Hardin
32 Posted 20/01/2017 at 15:50:29
Andy,

I agree about Barry and marking. He actually let Silva go before the pass that Robles came out for. You can see on the video that Funes Mori had checked that Barry had him as Silva came into the box. Funes Mori then turns to face the ball threat and Barry just stopped, despite being able to see him turn.

It looked like Barry thought Silva was in an offside position. He would have been correct but for Holgate failing to check his defenders behind him and stepping backwards and goalside of his marker, putting Silva onside. A youthful mistake by Holgate covered well by Robles.

As for Robles, he seems more comfortable in a back three where he knows he has to come out and cover more area. A lot of the decisions are already made for you as a goalkeeper in such a set-up so there is less thinking involved and more reaction. He is better than Stekelenburg and should therefore be number 1 for this team until a true Number 1 is brought in.

As for the clean sheets, he is facing a lot fewer shots than last year, per the stats per game. Plus, the addition to the defense by the subtraction of Stones hasn't hurt either. Interesting that Stones is currently making another set of keepers and a defense look poor.

Mike Gaynes
33 Posted 20/01/2017 at 15:54:23
Jim (#32), dead on.

Dermot (#25), thanks for scampifying this thread.

Richard Lyons
34 Posted 20/01/2017 at 16:02:32
I hate Allardyce. Caught with his pants down, gets given £1m on resigning, and is then allowed to get work again so soon! I mean WTF??

I quite liked Palace before; not now. I hope we thrash them and they get relegated.

As for tomorrow's team: why change the winning formula from last week?

Richard Lyons
35 Posted 20/01/2017 at 16:05:32
Incidentally, there was a rumour reported in the London Evening Standard last night about us and Gelson Martins of Sporting Lisbon.

Anyone else heard of him and/or the rumour?

Michael Lynch
36 Posted 20/01/2017 at 16:15:13
Last I heard, Real Madrid, Man Utd and Arsenal were fighting over Gelson Martins so I can't imagine he'll be coming here this month.
Mark Morrissey
37 Posted 20/01/2017 at 16:17:17
If Koeman fails to play Robles then he fails as a manager for me. In no way does Stekekelenburg "out keep" Joel and if he chooses him then I would expect the team morale to take a dip because that's what will happen.

You don't change a winning formula because of friendships. The team should be allowed to continue.

By the way, Berahino going to Stoke is a loss for us. He is a no-brainer signing and did anyone see Fabrizio Ravanelli on Sky Sports today? he's turned into Sid Little... ha ha. I expect 1-3 tomorrow, maybe 0-3

Steavey Buckley
38 Posted 20/01/2017 at 16:36:25
Koeman should play the same formation of 3-5-2 and the same team as last week with the exception of McCarthy in place of Barry, to stop the opposition from getting a foothold in the match, because Palace will be out of the blocks as soon as the whistle is blown to start the match.

Palace are in a dire situation with 1 point off relegation position, while collecting just 1 point since Allardyce was appointed as manager 5 games ago. Yet, if Everton attack Palace down the middle, they are very vulnerable, as shown in their match last week against West Ham away.

Stan Schofield
39 Posted 20/01/2017 at 16:39:57
I had a dream. 4-0 to us.
Eddie Dunn
40 Posted 20/01/2017 at 17:07:17
I hope Stekelenburg does not get his place back, because he has been rooted to the spot a few times with headers looping gently into the corners of his net.

If we have a meritocracy then I want to see Robles keep his place. He has dealt well with crosses, and Benteke thrives on them.

Tony Hill
41 Posted 20/01/2017 at 17:10:51
Good interview with Lookman on the Everton site, he seems a good, solid lad and interesting to hear what he says about the noise at Goodison.
Darryl Ritchie
42 Posted 20/01/2017 at 17:46:33
It's going to be a completely different game this week. Last week we parked the bus and were clinical on the counter. This week, they will defend and it will be up to us to break them down, while defending their counter.

We haven't been awe inspiring in the final third of the field so far this season.

Team selection will be key. Get it right and it should be a fairly easy three points.

Dermot Byrne
43 Posted 20/01/2017 at 18:18:34
I suspect we will trump Palace. So at least one good thing to come out of that bloody word.
John G Davies
44 Posted 20/01/2017 at 18:32:15
Leighton Baines in the Echo.

"Of course every manager is going to want time not only to implement their philosophy and ideas but to shape the squad.

"All in all he will probably say come the start of next season this is my team and his stamp will be fully on it"

Article goes on to say Baines knows that by the start of next season The Everton manager will have formed a team and a squad in his own image.

Pretty much what some of us on ToffeeWeb have been saying for some months now.

Peter Cummings
45 Posted 20/01/2017 at 18:40:29
Like many on TW, I feel Joel deserves to keep his place especially after last weeks performance to drop him would only add insult to injury after apparently being told he will 'always be No 2', to Stekelenburg.

Goalies, like every footballer, will never be perfect in every game or make 'miracle' stops on a regular basis but as the last line of defence they face largely unjust criticism if they do slip up.

Not too long ago a certain local teams supporters were unanimous in wanting their 'keeper hung drawn quartered and banned for life from the city for 'errors'; he is now one of their most reliable servants and has saved them from embarrassment time after time.

I can't remember his name or who he plays for... Just that he's French.

Oliver Molloy
46 Posted 20/01/2017 at 18:44:09
I have to laugh at some people that reckon tomorrow's opponents will be an easy 3 points for us.

Daryl @ 42 "Team selection will be key. Get it right and it should be a fairly easy three points."

There will be nothing easy about playing Palace at their place when they are desperate for points and big Sam yet to win a match – no matter what the team selection is in my opinion.


Darryl Ritchie
47 Posted 20/01/2017 at 19:34:15
Oliver, Just cautious optimism. Nothing certain. Way too many variables for certainty, but I'm cautiously optimistic.
Guy Hastings
48 Posted 20/01/2017 at 21:28:52
Thanks, Michael (#31) – I'll pass that on to the author. Like many a Palace fan, he's quite disillusioned about the team/club at the moment. Not dissimilar to us last season.

My feeling is that we've really got to turn in a poor display tomorrow to lose. I suspect it's his feeling too.

Andy Meighan
49 Posted 20/01/2017 at 21:56:13
One thing that stuck out from last Sunday was our up-to-date player of the season so far Gueye was missing yet we put on our best performance of the season so far. It's a strange old game alright because who'd have predicted that?

Now I'm going ask a question here: Just say for argument's sake we go on a winning run while Idrissa is away. Do we bring him back in? Food for thought there...
Ian Bennett
50 Posted 20/01/2017 at 22:13:30
Robles
Funes Mori
Williams
Holgate
Baines
Davies
Schneiderlin
Coleman (c)
Barkley
Mirallas
Lukaku

Lots of tempo, please!

James Lauwervine
51 Posted 20/01/2017 at 22:45:07
A nice read from your lad Guy (17). You've obviously kept him well-informed!
Tom Bowers
52 Posted 20/01/2017 at 23:02:15
It's always hard for the best teams to follow what Everton did last Sunday in the next game no matter who they are facing.

Let downs can occur and Everton have been as good as any team this season for following up a high with a disappointment.

However, there was enough that happened last week to merit a surge of renewed confidence in this new Everton team with the youngsters emerging with flying colours.

Palace of course are spiralling the wrong way but will not lie down easily on their own patch so the Blues need to beware.

They won't have the speedy Zaha but still have some talent to be concerned about so hopefully Everton will take control early.
David Ellis
53 Posted 21/01/2017 at 02:22:56
Guy@17 great read from the Palace fan.

We should have too much for them. But there's always the likelihood of an "Everton that" moment.

Like others, I would start with Robles and Schneiderlin (instead of Barry).

Mark Andersson
54 Posted 21/01/2017 at 04:02:37
What a very interesting link Guy posted. Anyway, it's about time we all stopped this mentality of "Well it's the Everton way to gift horse a team that hasn't won in 20 years or a player that hasn't scored since he was at school."

This negativity transmits from the stands to the players. We as the supporters are always asking for the team to be mentally stronger – it's about time we become equally stronger.

In a way, I'm glad we're not playing at home as our away fans are some of the best in the land. We need a good result and performance today. Even if it's only a one-nil win.. We're moving forward slowly, so enjoy your football, lads.

Ben Dyke
55 Posted 21/01/2017 at 08:20:16
Mirallas will score and Lukaku gets 2. Benteke will score a header. Palace will score two. We'll win... Just. 2-3.
Andy Wheeler
56 Posted 21/01/2017 at 08:46:29
I think we are turning a corner. This would normally be a game we would lose, but I think we will win 2-0 and go on a bit of a run now.

Excited for the rest of the season and the signings we will make in the summer. 2017-18 will see silverware coming back home! COYB!

John G Davies
57 Posted 21/01/2017 at 09:05:53
Good luck to all our fans going down there today. Sell out as usual for a hard ground to get to. As good as any away crowd in football. Proper fans not tourists.

Let's hope they get the reward they deserve. Little Ademola back on his own manor, to come on as sub and score again.

Guy Hastings
58 Posted 21/01/2017 at 09:09:01
Thanks for the nice comments about Jack's link. Should have given him the Palace job instead of Big Fat/Little Fat Sam.
Mohamad Haryan
59 Posted 21/01/2017 at 09:58:50
Hi guys... which website can I watch all streaming Everton live matches home and away online on my phone? I don't mind paying for it. Here in Singapore some matches are not shown live.

I do not care about other teams, only Everton. Please help. Thanks. And we will win 2-0 against Crystal Palace

COYB

Raymond Fox
60 Posted 21/01/2017 at 10:57:51
The betting is:- 9/4 Palace; 9/4 the draw; 11/8 Everton.

Your guess is as good as mine what the result will be!

I suspect its going to be close with a draw a likely result, which I won't be that disappointed with if it's a decent game.

Putting my natural pessimist face on, after a great result last week, we usually manage to play badly the following week.

Allardyce will have a cunning plan worked out to throw us off our game, no doubt. Say what you want about him, but he's a good tactician.

Laurie Hartley
61 Posted 21/01/2017 at 11:22:50
Raymond # 60 - long balls up the middle.
Jon Cox
62 Posted 21/01/2017 at 11:46:27
Laurie, Bolton into Europe..
Chris Gould
63 Posted 21/01/2017 at 11:48:01
Paul Merson has compared us to a bag of Revels. A fair comparison really. I have absolutely no clue what kind of performance we're going to put in. I won't be surprised if we smash them or lose limply.

Really hoping that we can continue where we left off last week, with the same system and lineup.

Dave Williams
64 Posted 21/01/2017 at 12:29:41
Schneiderlin for Barry otherwise unchanged. We have tended to start slowly and this gives the initiative to the opposition which might give Palace confidence. Hit them hard from the start with Morgan and Tom in CM and hopefully Ross in similar mood to last week. Barry can come on to close the game down if we are leading with 15 to go.

Goalie is surely Robles – he looks quite commanding to me now and with a good run in the side he might yet save us a lot of money.

Brian Garside
65 Posted 21/01/2017 at 12:30:54
U-18s equalise: 1-1 now. Charlie Ball COYBB
Brian Furey
67 Posted 21/01/2017 at 13:33:20
I've a feeling he's gonna start Lookman as he says he's been impressed by him in training.

I'd expect Rom to get a tough game of being double marked and poor support.

Ian Hams
68 Posted 21/01/2017 at 13:41:08
The shite are 2-0 down... woohoo!
Mike Galley
69 Posted 21/01/2017 at 13:41:57
Guy 17.

Thanks for the link, nice read from our point of view. Never knew Alan Whittle played for Crystal Palace.

Speaking of Which, I was only born in 1970. Was Alan any good? I'm having a pint with my dad later and shall ask his opinion. Just wondering what our senior toffees thought of him?

Jon Bentley
70 Posted 21/01/2017 at 13:45:23
School boy error Ian (69) they've pulled one back already :-(
Jim Gore
71 Posted 21/01/2017 at 13:50:49
Alan Whittle was a great little player for us. Take a look on YouTube for Alan Whittle goal v West Ham 1970
Jon Cox
72 Posted 21/01/2017 at 13:57:23
Mike, Whittle was the "blonde bombshell". So fast and had a keen eye for goal. It was a joy to see him play.

Slightly off topic but before the game a little light relief.

It's about Bramley-Moore Dock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q2xqpZc0OE

Brent Stephens
73 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:01:13
Swansea 3-2 up
Seamus McCrudden
74 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:01:47
3-2 Swans!!!
Jon Bentley
75 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:04:20
Same line up as last week.

Good job

Ben Mackenzie
76 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:09:46
Haha, Jon Cox, nice one!
Come on you Swans.
Nigel Munford
77 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:10:39
Unchanged team to start, with no new injuries it would have been foolhardy to have done any other.
Nigel Munford
78 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:15:02
The Swans have had less possession than we did last week as well 73% v 27%, it's still 2-3 85 minutes come on you Swans
Jon Cox
79 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:15:07
Come on you Swans!!
Brian Furey
80 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:26:42
Well done agent Siggurdsson.
Come home now, job done.
Graham Mockford
81 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:29:49
It's going to be our year

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Mike Hughes
83 Posted 21/01/2017 at 14:42:52
Picture the scene.
Freezing cold day.
Kopites - faces like slapped arses - slumping out of Anfield having lost to the bottom side.
YNWA (except when they lose).
Priceless.

Now come on you Mighty Blues.
Don't let us down.
I'd take a scabby 1-0 today.


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