Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Saturday, 31 August, 2019 137comments  |  Jump to most recent
Match Preview

Fabian Delph is expected to make his home debut this weekend

Boosted by a job successfully done in the second round of the Carabao Cup, Everton return to Premier League action on Sunday with the visit of Wolves to Goodison Park.

The Blues recovered after conceding a goal to Lincoln City on the Imps' first attack on Wednesday evening to take a 2-1 lead and then go on to win 4-2 after Bruno Andrade had threatened to send the tie to penalties with an excellent 70th-minute volley.

That went some way to lifting the gloom following the 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa that left Marco Silva's team with a record of just four points from a possible nine and the Portuguese will be hoping to improve that ratio with a win this weekend over his compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo.

Sandwiched between the awful FA Cup defeat to Millwall and the away defeat to Watford, this fixture last season came at the nadir so far of Silva's Everton reign and it wasn't so much the fact that it was the second of five defeats in six matches — the solitary win in that sequence came at Huddersfield, the club that would finish bottom with just 16 points — so much as that Wolves played the Toffees off the park in a 3-1 victory.

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Everton couldn't live with Diogo Jota's penetrative running or the string-pulling of Joao Moutinho in midfield and they were still struggling to deal with set-pieces but while they have markedly improved their defending of dead-ball situations since then, most of Wolves's chief threats will be there again.

Silva appeared to be under no illusions about the opposition's strengths during his pre-match press conference yesterday or the need for his players to be careful in possession, something they patently were not when the teams last met at the start of February.

“They're a very strong team, a solid team, very good on the counter-attack,” Silva said of Wolves. “They will wait for the right moment to counter-attack and cause problems for us on set-pieces as well.

“Of course, for us to play in our way, the way we like to play, we have to be in a good balance and prepare well our attacking moments but be prepared not to lose the ball because in that moment they are very strong.”

If the home win over Watford a fortnight ago was something of a grind, the Villa defeat threw up even more questions over Everton's lack of potency in attack but the victory at Lincoln justified Evertonian hopes that many of the answers lay with at least three of the new signings, two of whom only made it onto the pitch as substitutes at Villa Park and all of whom started the game at Sincil Bank in midweek.

Moise Kean showed some good movement and trickery and was unfortunate not to open his account when he rattled the post in the first half of the game while Alex Iwobi provided a consistent threat in the final third before bagging his first goal in royal blue. Then there was Fabian Delph who played with encouraging authority until he tired and was withdrawn in the second half.

As usual, Silva wasn't giving much away in his presser but he admitted that he was pleased with the contribution of the new arrivals who featured on the night, the fourth of which was French international Djibril Sidibé.

“We gave them their first starts for Everton — not just them but Sidibé also — and I liked what I saw, to be honest,” Silva said.

“It's up to me to give them more minutes when I can and to start them if that's what I decide now that they are coming to the same [fitness] levels as their team-mates.”

You would think that, fitness permitting, both Delph and Iwobi have to start on Sunday, such was their impact at Lincoln. While it would be particularly harsh on Bernard to make way given how hard he worked in the opening three games and that he is the scorer of the Blues' only League goal so far, one would assume that Silva won't be dropping either Richarlison or Gylfi Sigurdsson after their goalscoring exploits in the cup.

The most predictable change is Iwobi for the diminutive Brazilian out on the left, with Kean probably arguably the better choice to lead the line over Dominic Calvert-Lewin. DCL's hard running and pressing from the front, however, are valuable assets that might swing the decision his way. In central midfield, you would expect Gomes to start which would, by default, see Morgan Schneiderlin drop back to the bench.

Despite having been involved in Europa League qualifying action since late July, Wolves come into the game with an almost completely clean bill of health. Leander Dendoncker will undergo a late fitness test on a leg injury but is expected to be fit.

Ruben Neves, Matt Doherty and Ryan Bennett all sat out Wolves's win over Torino on Thursday and will be comparatively fresh but the Midlanders have, nonetheless, exhibited some of the effects of playing midweek European football and are still looking for their first Premier League win of the season.

Everton will look to capitalise on that and use the experience of last season's meeting in this fixture to record what would be their sixth successive home win stretching back to mid-March.

Kick-off: 2pm, Sunday 1 September, 2019
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Last Time: Everton 1 - 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne, Gomes, Delph, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin

 

Reader Comments (137)

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Mike Gaynes
1 Posted 31/08/2019 at 07:32:13
Lyndon, I think your lineup prediction is spot on... EXCEPT... I think Iwobi comes in on the right and Richarlison moves back to his vastly-more-productive position on the left.
Lyndon Lloyd
2 Posted 31/08/2019 at 07:34:26
I would start Kean and I’d prefer Bernard play over Richarlison but I’m not sure Marco would agree, hence the predicted team. We’ll see...
Frank Sheppard
3 Posted 31/08/2019 at 07:35:57
Fascinating fixture in prospect. Interesting to see what the team looks like compared to the Villa disappointment. A win would be wonderful for the confidence of the team, as well as supporters. Let’s hope they have a bit of a Europa hangover, and we are 3 points the better. Here’s hoping.
Darren Hind
4 Posted 31/08/2019 at 07:41:32
A few interesting reminders in there Lyndon.

I know every match we play always seems to be a little bit more important than the last one, but this is big.

I'm big on style and the manner in which we do it, but right now we need three points on the board. I'd settle for a boring narrow win right now

Steve Carter
5 Posted 31/08/2019 at 07:53:28
Wolves are a good side, with a good manager - better that ours in my view. We will have to be on our game to get the three points.
Sam Hoare
6 Posted 31/08/2019 at 07:58:54
Big match against one of our 6th/7th spot rivals.

Both teams do better when they have less possession and the thought of Jota running at or in behind Mina and Keane makes me nervous.

I have a feeling Silva will start Schneiderlin as he is (disappointingly) our best 6 positionally and so offers some protection against the counter-attack that will be Wolves weapon. This would have been a crucial game to have Gueye or a fit (and fast) Gbamin.

Whilst Kean looks more likely than DCL to score a goal he also looks more likely to lose the ball and help spring the Wolves counter so DCL may be an option if he wants us to be better in possession.

I think Iwobi has to start and I’d be tempted to play Delph over Gomes. Maybe he’ll play both if he opts for a midfield 3. Lots more versatility in this squad now so difficult to predict the formation and lineup.

I don’t think this is how he’ll play but would love to see him go more direct with two strikers (Kean and Richarlison) and two narrow wingers (Bernard and Iwobi). Full backs providing the width. Something like:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Delph Schneiderlin
Iwobi. Bernard
Kean Richarlison

Let Wolves come to us and then quick direct balls forwards to Kean and Richarlison or carried forwards by Iwobi and Bernard.

I bet you the winning team in this match will be the one with least possession!

Trevor Peers
7 Posted 31/08/2019 at 08:04:55
Kean has to play IMO he's much more likely to score than DCL, if Silva can't learn the lesson that goals win games he's risking everything by being too conservative.

Bring DCL on when we're comfortably ahead, but using him from the start would be a step backwards from Wednesday night when we finally played some entertaining winning football.

Peter Warren
8 Posted 31/08/2019 at 08:06:37
I’m still looking for what style this new team has. I think we have real good football players now. I actually don’t worry about our forward players like everybody else and despite beginning of season I think we’re well stocked forward wise. Losing Zouma and Gueye means the replacements must be better passers and I think they are.

The question for me is can we control the game? The key is midfield. The loss of Gueye is huge for us but if we can have Delph, Gomez and Schneiderlin control the play then we will do better last season than this and the style will allow us to develop further than a team.

Really looking forward to this one and I predict DCL getting a brace.

Derek Taylor
9 Posted 31/08/2019 at 08:26:19
My bet is that only Delph of the new guys will get a start although whatever the state of the game we can expect to see Iwobe and Kean introduced mid second -half.

Looks a nil - niller to me !

Rob Dolby
10 Posted 31/08/2019 at 08:39:01
Iwobi and Kean did enough on Wednesday to convince me that they offer more in the final third than Bernard and DCL.

Schneiderlan should keep his place as arguably he has been our most consistent performer.
Can anyone honestly say Gomes has been better than Schneiderlan since the back end of last season.

Danny Broderick
11 Posted 31/08/2019 at 08:55:13
They’ve had a tough game on Thursday night against Torino, and a tough start to the season. It could be a good time to catch them. Hopefully we are fresher and our new signings are ready to fire. For this reason, even though he did well on Wednesday, I would not play Schneiderlin. We need to press them, we need energy. They won’t be able to cope if we play high tempo stuff and play well.
Eddie Dunn
12 Posted 31/08/2019 at 08:56:15
Silva is usually quite conservative in his starting eleven and so I would be surprised if he drops Schneiderlin and despite Delph's impressive debut, I think the boss will start with Gomes.
Iwobi surely has to start instead of Bernard, but DCL will surely get the nod for his grafting.
I am sure we will see Delph and Kean on sooner than later, especially if we leave the back door open.
Martin Berry
13 Posted 31/08/2019 at 09:00:56
I believe we have the better players but will we be the better team ?
We really need to compete and get stuck in and play our game.
A lot of neutrals will be interested in this if we are seen as "the best of the rest", although not by me as I expect top six !
Geoff Lambert
14 Posted 31/08/2019 at 09:18:49
Sam#6 that looks like a team with goals in it. Can't ever see marco playing like that.
Michael Burke
15 Posted 31/08/2019 at 09:21:51
I was a little sceptical about Delph when we signed him. Wasnt sure his best position was or where his strength lay. I was pretty impressed with his tenacity and drive during the game. Also being a peace-maker in the melee in the goal. I had thought he was a hot-head. I would like to see him given the arm band long term. I want to see him start, along with Iwobi.

Thomas Lennon
16 Posted 31/08/2019 at 09:28:24
Wolves have an established team after much development last season, losing a few early on. We are in the process of integrating 5 new players. Tough match. If we do well it's a step forward.
Kevin Molloy
17 Posted 31/08/2019 at 09:42:43
Schneiderlin has to start surely against a team as counter attacking as Wolves. Imagine a midfield of Delph Gomes and Sigurdsson, it's just too lightweight against a strong attacking team. I suspect Gomes may have to wait this one out.
Chris Gould
18 Posted 31/08/2019 at 09:48:43
I think Schneiderlin will start alongside Gomes or Delph. Hopefully Delph as his passing is excellent, and Gomes was awful against Villa.
He said when we bought Iwobi that he would be playing on the left or centrally, so I expect him to challenge Bernard or Sigurdsson. Bernard will probably make way, which would be a little harsh.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Delph is the only change. Silva seems keen to give DCL a real chance, and Bernard hasn't done a lot wrong.
I'd like to see Bernard and Iwobi on the pitch together at some point. I can imagine some nice interchanges between the two.
Dave Williams
19 Posted 31/08/2019 at 09:50:11
Defence picks itself.
Delph and Morgan combined well against Lincoln and I’d play them again with Gomes further forward. Iwobi has to start for me as he looks really good. Richi and Dom up front with Kean off the bench after an hour if we need him.
Pat Kelly
20 Posted 31/08/2019 at 09:54:47
One deflected goal in the PL so far but he'll stick with DCL. And maybe our old friend Walcott, after an hour of firing blanks. This game will tell whether Silva and the team have anything to offer this season.
Joe Lockrobin
21 Posted 31/08/2019 at 10:25:42
Can’t imagine we’ll win this one. We’re looking more like the team that went through that awful spell than the top six destroyers of last season.

Granted we’re at home, Wolves might be a bit leggy and we’ll hopefully start Iwobi and Delph; but I think Wolves are a much better unit than us.

Here’s hoping for a victory (3-1 to Everton, Iwobi to score 12 Kean to score 17 and Ferguson to score a free kick).
Realistically 0-2 to the Wolves.

James Marshall
22 Posted 31/08/2019 at 10:33:38
We're decent at the back, useless up front and Wolves played Torino in the Europa League on Thursday night. This has 0-0 written all over it.

We couldn't score in a brothel.

Brian Hennessy
23 Posted 31/08/2019 at 10:35:29
If we can turn some of these 'moments' into goals we will be world beaters
Brian Harrison
24 Posted 31/08/2019 at 10:43:46
I tend to agree with Lyndon's starting 11 but I would also swap Richarlison back on the left and Iwobi on the right, as Richarlisons best performances have come when he starts on the left. I think he likes to cut inside from the left which usually means he is attacking the defenders weaker side.

I think he will start with Calvert-Lewin who desperately needs a goal, and he must be feeling the pressure from Kean. I expect that Kean will get a run out in the 2nd half. I expect a tough game with us just edging it by the odd goal.

Richard Mason
25 Posted 31/08/2019 at 10:49:58
A little off topic, Wolves played Torino with Belotti scoring in both games, an out-and-out goal scorer, why didn't anyone pick him up in the summer?
Richard Mason
26 Posted 31/08/2019 at 10:52:03
Also Brian @23 I agree some of the chances in the games we had they will start finding the net at some stage
Laurie Hartley
27 Posted 31/08/2019 at 11:08:53
Wolves are a good outfit with a wiley manager and will present us with a severe test.

For me it could either way but I am tipping at least 4 goals in this game. The faithful can play a big part in the result.

Picking the forward line and midfield is a real conundrum nowadays (having three left wingers doesn’t help) but if it was up to me it would be 433 and

Pickford
Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne,
Gomes, Schneiderlin, Delph,
Kean, Richarlison, Iwobi.

As an aside I haven’t seen an Everton footballer with legs like Johnny Morrissey for 50 odd years until Kean came on the scene - that lad is a solid unit.

Steven Jones
29 Posted 31/08/2019 at 11:22:31
Bernard will start as he has been excellent so far and was rested on Wednesday for this game. His energy and defence will be valued by Marco in this game as transition at speed by wolves needs to be countered.

Awobi from the bench and the same with Kean. Calvert-Lewin will get the nod for ball retention.

Key question is middle of park and I would go with Schneiderlin and Gomes as two hard games in a few days for Delph is asking for an injury set back.

So from Lyndon's Team I think Marco would bench Iwobi and Delph and go with Schneiderlin and Bernard to create a more match fit and solid set up for the team.

Andrew Clare
30 Posted 31/08/2019 at 11:38:58
For me, Bernard has to be in the team. He has a football brain and he is unpredictable. I like Calvert-Lewin, he works his socks off and is a real handful. If we had Kean upfront with him, it could work to our advantage but would it be to the detriment of the midfield?

Wolves are a very good side with a very tactically astute manager. This will be a tough game. I can see a draw.

Jerome Shields
31 Posted 31/08/2019 at 11:41:53
I think Silva will play Schneiderlin and not Delph to start with He will want him to rehabitate gradually. I hope Gomes was watching the Lincoln game and now knows he has to move himself and the ball quicker.
Derek Knox
32 Posted 31/08/2019 at 11:54:07
There seems to be many different opinions on what the team should be, having watched both of the Wolves' games in the Europa, they are, if we needed reminding a decent side.

However having said that I thought Torino were a bit unlucky on more than one occasion, and the luck which you need sometimes as well as skill and workrate, was on the side of Wolves. They will also be buoyed by the results against us last season.

I wouldn't change things too much and Lyndon's suggested line-up looks good to me, although I think I would prefer Kean from the start to Calvert-Lewin. Midfield will be important and although he played okay midweek, don't think Schneiderlin should be risked. Hopefully Gomes will have had both a rest and time to reflect on his non-productive spell at Villa.

John Hammond
33 Posted 31/08/2019 at 12:04:58
Same lineup as mid-week except for the first-choice back line reinstated.

We need our front 4 to take their chances and Calvert-Lewin, for me, is the weak link. He's improved massively but he's never going to be a finisher. Just look how bad and costly his miss was against Villa viewed from behind the goal - Link

John Keating
34 Posted 31/08/2019 at 12:22:57
At home and we really need a win:

Pickford
Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne
Iwobi, Sigurdsson, Delph, Richarlison
Kean, Calvert-Lewin

Derek Knox
35 Posted 31/08/2019 at 12:25:59
Sorry, meant to add to my previous post, that apart from Digne, (MotM) I was very impressed by Alex Iwobi, and Kean (until he tired a bit) Delph was magnificent in orchestrating the play in the middle too.
Tony Abrahams
36 Posted 31/08/2019 at 13:28:21
Hate picking teams, but the fact that everyone is picking different players in two or three positions, now shows us that Silva has got a bit more of a squad to work with.

Keep hearing that we are solid at the back, but sometimes I don't believe everything I read, and it's still the middle of our defence, which worries me the most.

A win would be massive because it would really buoy the fans, and if this team is to develop, then the fans are really going to be the most important thing at Everton this season.

Let's just hope the players can do enough to get the supporters right behind them, because if they can, then I'm sure our crowd will help us take care of the rest.

Tony Abrahams
37 Posted 31/08/2019 at 13:36:25
I think that Delph is going to be such a big player for us this season Derek, and although it might have only been Lincoln, I saw a completely different Schneiderlin, and a lot more collective spirit in the side, so hopefully this is a sign of things to come?
Philip Abbott
38 Posted 31/08/2019 at 13:40:08
1 adult and 1 junior ticket for the wolves game, contact roy on 07894032243
Kim Vivian
39 Posted 31/08/2019 at 13:58:22
Shame - I'm going to miss this on tv, sadly, due to social conflict so I will be recording to watch in the evening whilst trying to avoid any news in the meantime. That means I will also miss all the usual banter, applauds and pitchforks on the live forum so will wish you all (hopefully) a happy Blue Sunday afternoon.

As far as predictions go? It could be pretty entertaining. I can't see a clean sheet tomorrow but a close game, and will go for 2-1 win, perhaps coming from behind again now we have shown we can actually do it. COYB, IMWT.

Jack Convery
40 Posted 31/08/2019 at 14:03:23
The line in your analysis that worries me is - no win in the League for Wolves yet. We all know EFC and what that means don't we ? The script writes itself - hopefully not this time. COYBs get that win PLEASE !!
Chris Gould
41 Posted 31/08/2019 at 14:09:07
John #33, that picture of DCL's miss is indefensible. Several posters tried valiantly to claim that the players on the line made it difficult, but he had half a goal completely unguarded.

I appreciate his qualities but would like to see Kean start tomorrow. It's going to be a tough game, but I feel optimistic and am excited to see how we lineup. Delph is a certainty for me.

John Pierce
42 Posted 31/08/2019 at 14:18:11
They out number us in midfield both numerically and in ability. This is going to be difficult. I would be tempted to go 4-3-3, otherwise, Sigurdsson will leave a hole.

If we continue work the flanks, seemingly endlessly under Silva, looking for the perfect cross then I think we won't score.

We need to add variety, chosing the flanks when we counter as that's where the space will be behind their wing-backs. But we need to keep the ball and commit in the middle and most importantly down the side of a centre back.

Kean starts over Calvert-Lewin, in a tight game you a player who can create for himself. The latter is far too reliant on the system.

Iwobi has earned a start and Richarlison and Sigurdsson need to sit a game.

Kean, Bernard & Iwobi. That front three needs to be narrow and high, it will occupy their back three.

Colin Glassar
43 Posted 31/08/2019 at 14:18:43
Score draw written all over this. I’d love a clean sheet as this would stop the Wolves bench from doing their creepy, collective man hug. Something should be done to stop these OTT theatrics.
Gary Willock
44 Posted 31/08/2019 at 14:20:50
Would like to see 4-3-3 with:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Gomes Delph Bernard
Iwobi Kean Richarlison

Pace and creativity IMO, but will need Gomes and Bernard to shine.

Suspect the usual 4-2-3-1 though. If so, hopefully Kean or Tosun in for DCL, Richie on the left and Iwobi or Bernard tried again on the right or both in place of misfiring Siggy. If no-one grabs that right hand side, bring Antony Gordon through and give him a few games?

Neil Copeland
45 Posted 31/08/2019 at 14:32:33
Colin #43, surely just a male bonding session
Paul Birmingham
46 Posted 31/08/2019 at 14:42:42
For me keep the same team but start with Moise (DCL) and as he have earned their right to start.

Wolves will be on a high after Torino, and I don’t think they’ll be fatigued as perhaps many teams can be after, 2 games in 4 days.

My gut tells me that he could also start with Alex too, and Siggy, Bernard could make way, but Marco Silva will soon want to have a team that picks itself.

Schneids, aside from Palace has been steady, and I hope Andres takes stock from the Villa game and goes from strength to strength.
It’s a must win, and I’m taking a Moise to open his goal scoring account for EFC, tomorrow.

Hopefully we’ll see a good match and EFC victory.

George Cumiskey
47 Posted 31/08/2019 at 15:09:26
Gary @ 44 that's the team I'd love to see put out, but you can bet your bottom dollar he'll find places for DCL Sneids and Siggy and it will be the same old dross.
Dominic Tonge
48 Posted 31/08/2019 at 15:18:47
My prediction for the team would be:

Pickford
Coleman, Mina, Keane, Digne
Delph, Gomes, Sigurdsson
Bernard, Calvert Lewin, Richarlison

I think we will need to be more disciplined against wolves, and so Dom will get the nod – He may not be a clinical finisher, but we need his ability to bring others into play. Bernard and Digne have a good understanding, as do Seamus and Richarlison who should be on it after his goal midweek. There's a possibility Gylfi might get dropped, but would that be for Bernard orIwobi, with the other playing on the left. That is if Marco Silva isn't tempted to see if we can use Delph's distribution to free Gomes and Sigurdsson and get them involved a bit more.

Anyway, it will be a tough game, they could be leggy after the European exploits, could go either way, but I can see ya winning.

Derek Knox
49 Posted 31/08/2019 at 15:27:59
Colin @ 43, yes it's a bit of an American Football thing that seems to have been adopted by some teams over here, while I don't like or particularly dislike it, it does seem out of place.

Mind you the team we are about to play, would probably call it a Wolf Pack! Howling at the Moon!

Tony Everan
50 Posted 31/08/2019 at 15:39:24
Pickford
Coleman, Mina, Keane, Digne
Delph, Gomes, Sigurdsson
Bernard, Kean, Richarlison

I think Bernard and Kean could play well together, with Bernard looking to feed him a pass for Kean to run through the defence.

Games like these need a bit of class to break through. For all DCL's fantastic efforts I have saw enough of Moise Kean to think there is more of threat with him. He is still finding his feet and still to get to peak fitness, but I want to see him start and to get that fitness through playing matches. Goals will come.

Iwobi and DCL have done nothing wrong and the starters whoever they are need to perform or they will be sidelined.

Phil Smith
51 Posted 31/08/2019 at 16:22:49
Not related at all but Kenny has just scored with a great finish. He's having a top game for Schalke here.
James Stewart
52 Posted 31/08/2019 at 16:23:51
Will be interesting to see what team plays. I think if we revert back to having DLC and Bernard start (meaning Richarlison is pushed out of position again) the game will only go Wolves way. Richarlison is a completely different beast on the left and miles ahead of anyone else in the squad there.

Would like to see an attacking line up:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Gomes Delph Sigurdsson
Iwobi Kean Richarlison

Brian Williams
53 Posted 31/08/2019 at 16:51:11
As things stand at time of posting if we win 3-0 tomorrow we'll go fourth!!!
Joe McMahon
54 Posted 31/08/2019 at 17:12:26
Brain, not sure where you are going with that comment, remember last week playing a team bottom of the table when a victory would have put us overnight leaders?

Look where we will be if we lose tommorow, same points as the team in 17th.

Jamie Crowley
55 Posted 31/08/2019 at 18:24:57
I think Lyndon’s lineup is spot on. I’d personally start Kean, but that’s just my opinion.

A lot of other favorable results. We need to capitalize and take three points. We’d jump up the table to a position we should be in.

Peter Neilson
56 Posted 31/08/2019 at 18:34:49
Never thought I'd find myself thinking it after last season but I'd be quite happy to see Schneiderlin playing tomorrow. Play like he did on Wednesday and no issue with having him in the team.
Jim Bennings
57 Posted 31/08/2019 at 18:36:53
Colin,

Just to let you know, the last time Everton won after falling behind in a match.

December 2017, managed by Sam Allardyce, a 3-1 win over Swansea City.

Disgraceful record.

Charles Brewer
58 Posted 31/08/2019 at 18:41:51
A decent win tomorrow and Everton can go into fourth place. Wolves are a decent team, but a home win against a club of similar quality should not be beyond expectations.

And frankly, given the wat ManU, Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal are playing this year, there won't be an easier time to break into the Champions League spots for ages.

Colin Glassar
59 Posted 31/08/2019 at 18:45:17
Premier League games, Tony. You're right, Jim, we hold some crap records. And if you're on a bad run, you know who you want to play against!
Neil Copeland
60 Posted 31/08/2019 at 18:45:41
Siggi looked a much better player with Delph there as opposed to Gomes. I think the same was true of Schneiderlin. Delph was controlling the midfield and looked every bit a leader. Although he is a different type of player to Gana his energy levels look similar. So, I think he will play from the start along with Siggi and Schneids.

Iwobi was unlucky not to score against Villa and could easily have had more than one against Lincoln. That level of threat cannot be ignored so I think he will get the nod ahead of Bernard.

Richarlison was much improved on Wednesday and his goal will work wonders for confidence and match fitness. I think he will play in his strongest position on the left.

That just leaves Kean vs Calvert-Lewin and I think DCL will get the nod because he holds it well and rarely gives possession away. Against a team like Wolves with their counter-attack threat, giving up possession when we are well up the pitch could be suicidal. Personally I would prefer Kean to start because he poses a greater goal threat but as I say, I think it will be Calvert-Lewin:

My predicted line up;

Pickford
Coleman. Keane. Mina. Digne
Delph. Schneiderlin. Sigurdsson
Iwobi. Calvert-Lewin. Richarlison

We still have a very strong bench with; Gomes, Bernard and Kean all available.

I am not going to try and predict the result but will very disappointed if we don't win.

Tony Abrahams
61 Posted 31/08/2019 at 18:47:39
Of course, Colin, it had to be, mate.
Colin Glassar
62 Posted 31/08/2019 at 18:53:26
Our motto should be, “We giveth, but not taketh”. Anyone on a poor run? Don't worry, Everton will always be there to give a helping hand.
Tony Abrahams
63 Posted 31/08/2019 at 18:59:36
I could understand the very bad/sad humour, but only if we’d played and been beaten today.
Kieran Kinsella
64 Posted 31/08/2019 at 19:01:52
Lyndon is probably correct but I would drop Richarlison. His goal against Lincoln isn't enough for me after four poor performances.
Colin Glassar
65 Posted 31/08/2019 at 19:08:25
I'm not tempting the gods, Tony, but Wolves haven't won this season. 🙏
Robert Williams
66 Posted 31/08/2019 at 19:28:27
CB 55 - Agree we have a chance to break into untrodden territory I also don't give a fig what or where the RS end up this season, so long as they keep beating those we see as rivals for the top spots.
Derek Taylor
67 Posted 31/08/2019 at 19:38:57
Surprised how many TWers are devotees of Dominic Calvert Lewin. Having said that, he is the best defensive centre-forward in the game after Shane Long (11 goals in over 100 appearances ) who has perfected the art of 'non-scoring forward'!

Who needs a Latchy?

George Cumiskey
68 Posted 31/08/2019 at 19:53:13
Derek, spot on, mate... now wait for the abuse from the Calvert-Lewin lovers .
Liam Reilly
69 Posted 31/08/2019 at 20:15:41
Delph and Iwobi must start surely which I reckon involves him and Richarlison switching between left and right and Bernard drops to the bench.

Richarlison was kept on for the entire Lincoln tie and produced at the end so I reckon he gets the nod, but its good for the team that Iwobi now provides competition and its 3 into 2.

Looking at City today, the composure in the box is what separates them from the rest. The build up play yes, but the composure is Pep and Arteta taught.

Tony Abrahams
70 Posted 31/08/2019 at 20:22:21
Haven't won in the league, Colin, because it seems that cups don't count anymore for some.
Tony Abrahams
71 Posted 31/08/2019 at 20:27:14
I'm not a devotee of Calvert-Lewin, Derek, but I've got a funny feeling he might score tomorrow, and then hopefully Kean will come off the bench to seal a very important victory.

George Cumiskey
72 Posted 31/08/2019 at 20:29:24
A funny feeling! OMG...
Paul Tran
73 Posted 31/08/2019 at 20:30:06
Looking forward to this one. Already looking as you were, with the top two looking formidable and everyone else taking points off each other.

That top six is there for the taking, if Silva plays the players that create and make a difference. That means Kean & Iwobi creating chances for themselves and others, creating space for Richarlison & Sigurdsson to thrive.

We'll create more and will probably give the ball away more, so hopefully Delph will be in there to get it back.

It's about the mindset of the team for me. That's the bit I don't quite trust yet. I'm hoping Delph will make at least part of the difference in that regard.

Jamie Evans
74 Posted 31/08/2019 at 20:35:13
A lot of people are mentioning Iwobi playing on the right for us but I can't remember him playing there for Arsenal before? He was always in behind the striker or playing on the left if memory serves.

Also, a previous poster mentions Calvert-Lewin ‘working his socks off' and ‘always being a handful' unfortunately, only one of those statements is true.

Full support for tomorrow. Another close one beckons. Play with pace please Marco.

That means Kean.

Tony Abrahams
75 Posted 31/08/2019 at 20:43:14
I'm not sure that Kean is faster than Calvert-Lewin, but he does look to have a lot more natural movement than him. I'm not sure he's ready to start just yet though... but, if he does, I hope he scores a hat-trick, and then listen to loads offering confirmation that it would prove that Calvert-Lewin isn't good enough?
Derek Knox
76 Posted 31/08/2019 at 20:58:21
Paul @ 64, yes it is looking suspiciously like last season at the top of the Premier League already. But, having said that, I watched the Burnley match and they offered very little themselves and once their resistance was breached, that was it.

A better side would be taking points off them, but still time to even things out, I still don't think they are that special, but Man City are a different matter altogether.

Tony @ 66, yes be interesting who wins the starting slot between Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean, I suspect it will be Calvert-Lewin with the intention of keeping their defenders on their toes, or pulling players out of position.

As for goal threat, he may surprise us and slot one in, he is overdue one, mind you he will surprise himself too if he does. Really liking Alex Iwobi the more I see of him, he knows where the goal is and not afraid to have a dig, also impressed with Delph, hope he gets the nod too.

Joe McMahon
77 Posted 31/08/2019 at 20:59:13
It speaks volumes about Everton that Calvert-Lewin is even considered an option. Why oh why are we always starved (on the whole) of real quality strikers and goals?

It's now a given that our lovely neighbours will score at least 2 every game.

Michael Connelly
78 Posted 31/08/2019 at 21:10:30
Lyndon, one of Gbamin, or Schneiderlin are always going to play the holding midfielder role if available. I would say. Gomes and Delph are in competition with each other, so expect only one of them to start. I would prefer Delph. Gomes is more of a liability for me.
John McFarlane Snr
79 Posted 31/08/2019 at 21:33:32
Hi Derek [59] I have checked the word 'Devotee' and it's described as follows:

'A fanatical or enthusiastic follower' and uses the example: "He is a devotee of football".

I believe I used to qualify for that description at one time. I'm afraid, however, that I'm no longer fanatical and my enthusiasm has waned somewhat, although,, at the age of 81 and not enjoying an A1 health rating I still attend Goodison as a season ticket holder. I give my support to whatever team is selected, [of course I favour some players above others], and if Dominic Calvert-Lewin is selected, I suppose you could class me as a Calvert-Lewin devotee.

I also checked the word 'Sarcastic' that is described as, 'Using harsh, bitter words intended to hurt or insult, especially in an exaggerated or ironical way", I would much rather be regarded as a devotee than be deemed sarcastic.

Martin Mason
80 Posted 31/08/2019 at 21:43:54
Beautiful John.
Raymond Fox
81 Posted 31/08/2019 at 21:48:15
I'm confident we will win tomorrow, that's a statement you wont here a lot from me, being one that usually leans towards the pessimistic outlook!

It just feels right, maybe its because Delph and Iwobi look like very good purchases. Kean naturally needs a little longer but I think he's shown enough to promise goals in the future.

Whatever, we definitely look a stronger squad on paper than last year and I think Wolves are going to get turned over.

John Reynolds
82 Posted 31/08/2019 at 21:49:45
There’s a lot to admire about this Wolves team and Nuno Santo. This paragraph stood out from the Torino match report.

“This was their ninth match in 36 days since they kicked off their season at the end of July but no one at Molineux is grumbling about a heavy workload. Perhaps it will take a toll later in the season, but Nuno thinks otherwise. “This is what we want,” he said. “We want to play and play. We use games as a tool for us to grow as a team.””

A great attitude, but at home with the proper approach and application we can beat them. I wouldn’t presume to pick Silva’s side, he has options, let’s hope he gets them right.

Martin Mason
83 Posted 31/08/2019 at 21:51:25
Neil@56

The position that you put Sigurdsson in has to be a box to box runner in that formation and he isn't that. His problem is you can't really put him anywhere in any variation of 4-3-3. Only Tom Davies can fill that position or we need to abandon that formation. That is the problem we have, Silva is committed to 4-3-3 yet Sigurdsson can't play it.

Minik Hansen
84 Posted 31/08/2019 at 22:04:12
I have a feeling, Mina will have Jota in his pocket. Whatever happens, looking forward to it. COYB!!!
Tony Abrahams
85 Posted 31/08/2019 at 22:17:06
Liverpool are flying Joe@68 whilst Everton have started the season looking a little bit under-cooked, but that might have been mental rather than physical, because we made quite a few late signings, which I'm sure both the manager and the squad knew they needed if we were to be competitive this season.

I watched Salah, play the Charity Shield game, like it was a World Cup final, and hope that their three front players suffer a bit of burnout as the long season progresses.

Hopefully we can do the opposite, but we really need the fans on-side for this to happen, which is why I think getting 3 points tomorrow is vital.

Let Calvert-Lewin start, and hopefully occupy the Wolves defence, and then let Kean come on and score the goals that it seems Dominic is not capable of, or let it be the other way around, as long as “The Team” wins.

The window is closed; the squad, although much better, is still short, so the best thing that we can do as fans is support the players, especially if they work hard for the shirt.

Brian Williams
86 Posted 31/08/2019 at 22:18:35
Three-nil and we go fourth!

*Sings* "Champions league, we're havin' a laugh. ChampionsLeague we're havin' a laugh."

Andy Crooks
87 Posted 31/08/2019 at 22:21:17
"Abuse from Calvert-Lewin lovers". God almighty, that is the best someone can offer to a debate. Read it again and take fucking red neck.
Danny Baily
88 Posted 31/08/2019 at 22:24:41
Should be a great game, two well matched teams. Intrigued to see who will line up in the centre for us after Wednesday.
Neil Copeland
89 Posted 31/08/2019 at 22:37:04
Martin #74,

I wasn't really intending it as a 4-3-3 but agree that's what it looks like. I guess I am so used to seeing that Silva wants us playing in a 4-3-3 formation. The actual formation seems to end up more like 4-2-3-1 or at least something similar.

What I was really getting at is that Siggy seemed more comfortable with Delph playing than Gomes. I know it was ‘only Lincoln' but he was much better as was Schneiderlin.

Colin Wilson
90 Posted 31/08/2019 at 22:49:48
Have to start with Delph, Iwobi and Kean. Calvert-Lewin should not be in our squad, He's just not a Premier League goalscorer, sick of the 'hold-up play' excuses that should be in the team... He's a striker who does not score enough goals.
Laurie Hartley
91 Posted 31/08/2019 at 22:50:51
We haven’t seen much of Kean yet but he is a player who can create his own chances. Take a look at his effort from 0:40 to 0:50 here.

Link
Head down straight for goal, creates space with a little shimmy, and aims for the only space in the goal available to him - top right hand corner. He will score plenty for us and I hope he opens his account tomorrow.

Colin Wilson
92 Posted 31/08/2019 at 23:03:42
Couple more transfer windows and we'll see, Schneiderlin, Calvert-Lewin and Sigurdsson (not Silva's players, who are to slow) moved on for more direct and energetic players, as we'll see with the likes of Iwobi, Kean, Delphi and Gbamin, alongside Richarlison and Bernard. We need to play this way to get near top 4, We cannot afford to play like we did at Villa, Siggy plays better when he has buzzing players around him.
Tony Hill
93 Posted 31/08/2019 at 23:05:50
I think we should start taking some calculated risks in selection. I would start Sidibe instead of Seamus, and Kean instead of Calvert-Lewin. Seamus is the tough one, but I think Sidibe looked very encouraging on Wednesday overall and I assume that we have not bought him as back-up.
Ian Riley
94 Posted 31/08/2019 at 23:18:10
Any expectations of top-six finish to the season, then beating Wolves is a must. Struggling to believe I just wrote that.

Actually we are Everton and a win is expected. Just get on with it.

Rick Pattinson
95 Posted 31/08/2019 at 23:23:02
Stop playing Calvert-Lewin ffs. I'd have Tosun start over him. 1-1 written all over it.
Tony Hill
96 Posted 31/08/2019 at 23:25:40
I know we haven't bought Sidibe, I should say. But, sadly, I think he's a better bet.
Dave Lynch
97 Posted 31/08/2019 at 23:59:04
This game IMO will be he biggest indicator of where we are at the present.

Wolves where on par or slightly better than us last season, this game will show whether we have progressed.

TBH... I'm not holding my breath.

David Cooper
98 Posted 01/09/2019 at 00:26:54
Is this our first must win game? Probably not as there are 34 matches and so many points to play for. But a win pushes us up into top 8. A draw basically keeps us treading water around halfway but lose and we drop down a few more places. Wolves must be the best team we have faced so far and one of 3, hopefully Everton, Leicester and Wolves who will be looking to crash the not so awesome Sky 6.

How much time are we prepared to give Silva to bed in his new players? I think if we can beat Wolves it would make a few people look up and realize we are real challengers. If we don't, are we just headed for another building season?

Here in Toronto, the Blue Jays baseball team have had a big losing season but fans have accepted this year as a building season as they have got rid of nearly all their players from the last few years and replaced them with top up-and-coming young players. The hope is they will have as many wins and losses next season and will be contending team in 2 years time.

Football doesn't want to wait that long. Silva is steadily rebuilding his team with players who have basically failed to make it at other clubs and has got rid of most of our younger players.

What is the tipping point when we and Mr Moshiri think building time is over and we want to to be a winning team. I think today may be a good indication of when that tipping point will come.

Jay Harris
99 Posted 01/09/2019 at 00:27:52
Based on Wolves being strong in midfield and very counter-attacking and, based on Gomes's performance last time out, I would give him a rest and bring Delph in. Schneiderlin is currently safe in possession (too safe at times) so I'm torn between throwing Tom Davies in and going 4-3-3 or hitting them down the flanks and hoping we score more than them.

I think Iwobi has shown enough to be a starter and I believe Kean's home debut will get the crowd up for it. I think we also need to think about our two top scorers so its either Sigurdsson or Davies depending on formation,

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Davies Schneiderlin Delph
Richarlison Kean Iwobi

OR

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Schneiderlin Delph
Sigurdsson
Richarlison Kean Iwobi

Laurie Hartley
100 Posted 01/09/2019 at 02:03:15
Tony # 76 - the crowd can definitely make a big difference in this one - all they need is for the players to give 100%.
John Boon
101 Posted 01/09/2019 at 02:58:12
Through contact, I know that John(70) is true to what he claims to be. He is undoubtedly a devoted and honest Evertonian who must have mellowed over time. He has almost been able to reform me, who at eighty is his junior, and I was always told to respect my elders.

While he may smile and rationalize if we lose, I am more likely to rant and rave and blame most of the world and chase the dog out of the house. Basically I am still the same in my eighties as I was when I was in my teens. In fact I dislike losing more than ever. John knows all of this as he emails me. I actually listen to his advice but just don't follow it. I still like and respect him.

Perhaps I am just a grumpy old man but I really do enjoy being one!

Mike Gaynes
102 Posted 01/09/2019 at 03:03:59
John #70, a touch of class as always.

Jamie #65, Iwobi played mostly on the right side in that game against us last season.

Tony #84, I just think a player should have to earn a starting spot. Sidibe looked good, but he hasn't proven himself superior to Seamus.

John #92, I hope to be one someday too. I will thoroughly enjoy it.

Kieran Kinsella
103 Posted 01/09/2019 at 04:58:37
John McFarlane 79

Quality post sir

Mike Gaynes
104 Posted 01/09/2019 at 05:00:34
A win over Wolves puts us 6th. Not bad, considering. Funny how everyone except the top two seems to be having the same consistency problems we are.

Looks like all the post numbers changed since my last post, but I hope you guys figured out who I was responding to.

Bob Parrington
105 Posted 01/09/2019 at 06:53:26
It's a home game and so I hope Silva picks a team that takes the game to the opposition. Time to be the aggressor and make the opposition try to defend against us.

Wolves is a team that likes to control the psyche and we should avoid this at all cost. I'd go for the following to take the game to them!

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Delph Gomes Bernard
Iwobi Kean Richarlison

Subs: Sigurdsson, Calvert Lewin, Sidibe, Schneiderlin and Stekelenburg

Tommy Surgenor
106 Posted 01/09/2019 at 07:28:09
Top 6 is there for the taking this season. We've been very fortunate with the run of fixtures as well. By the time we meet the big boys we will know our strongest 11.

If we can start scoring we will do okay.

I think Calvert-Lewin will start today and I'm okay with that. His work rate and play outside the box is excellent, one goal for confidence and we could see a whole new Calvert-Lewin. I just don't want to see Walcott anywhere near the pitch again.

Buzzing here, sitting in airport waiting for first trip to Goodison this season. So no live forum for me today. COYB

Tony Everan
107 Posted 01/09/2019 at 07:42:13
Woke up thinking of team selections....

Iwobi Kean Richarlison
Bernard
Gomes. Delph
Digne Mina Keane Coleman
Pickford

The lack of goals and shots on target is the biggest issue. Maybe this is the game to try Bernard in that No 10 or 'David Silva' role instead of Sigurdsson, who has had a slow start to the season.

I think that, if Iwobi and Richarlison are reminded in no uncertain terms of their defensive responsibilities, that team could have balance and have a serious attacking threat. It could offer our best quality attack.

The top 6 is there to be challenged for this season. Leicester are up for it, and we should definitely go for it too, with confidence and an attacking set-up and mentality .

Drew O'Neall
108 Posted 01/09/2019 at 07:52:35
Yeah, Tommy. People should be willing Calvert-Lewin to score — not willing him to be dropped.
Jerome Shields
109 Posted 01/09/2019 at 08:24:04
Against Wolves IMO playing Gomes and Sigurdsson could pose a problem, Wolves will try to push up into midfield and pack midfield closing down quickly and harring Gomes in particular. Aston Villa did this with success.

The game will follow a similar pattern of Everton initially dominating possession and Wolves setting up shop and forcing Everton wide. After that, Wolves will push up into midfield. Everton will be tested with the same tactics as last season, so Silva should no what's coming.

Can he pick the tactics and players to counteract Wolves? That is the big test for him.

Richard Cusworth
110 Posted 01/09/2019 at 09:19:14
I'm nervous about this one today. I can see Wolves sitting in and picking us off... we're due to concede at Goodison. We need a strong flying start to this one to put last season's result to bed. Head says draw at best... Hope I'm wrong and we click today and Wolves are not at the races.
Eddie Dunn
111 Posted 01/09/2019 at 09:29:14
It's a shame Wolves weren't away in Torino, I don't think they will suffer from fatigue.
Silva will err on the side of caution but will he be willing to make the changes early enough for us to take the game away from them?
I saw enough from Iwobi and Kean to be optimistic about this season.
Stan Schofield
112 Posted 01/09/2019 at 09:37:37
I'd like it if both us and Wolves play well, and that we win convincingly. Then it's a good game with three points to us.

It's all down to how well we play. When we play well, we never worry about the opposition.

Of course, it's impossible to say what the result will be. It's also possible that the posts who are 'overly worried' about Wolves, and predict that we'll lose or at best draw, are simply trying to manage their own expectations so as to minimise disappointment in the event of a bad result. Understandable if you're an Evertonian.

The game is also no more pivotal than any other game. The aim is to win, each game at a time. The more games we win, the higher up the table we get. If we lose, we can still get high up the table by winning more future games.

It all sounds obvious, but sometimes you have to state the obvious.

Bill Gienapp
113 Posted 01/09/2019 at 09:43:35
On the train, en route to Liverpool. First time across the pond, first trip to Goodison Park. Surely the team will come through for this momentous occasion?
George McKane
114 Posted 01/09/2019 at 09:53:01
No ‘neggo’s ” here - - like a child - - woke up early and excited - - absolutely love going to the game - - for me it is simple - - always always look to the positives - - of course the “transition” is a difficult time and it’s hard to see what’s at the end - - but without a vision - - hope - - belief - - what’s the point - - - you need to support the ones you love through their tough times.

Strange day for me - - my wife Gosia is in Poland and I have to pick her up at the airport this evening - - after the game - - so I have to take my car - - but I cannot/do not drink these days - - lemonade in The Dark House - - I will drive along Scottie - - passing my old home, schools, and haunts of the 50’s and 60’s.

Just had a look across The River from my top room - - bit cloudy but I can still see the roof of the Main Stand: listening to some music as I write to get me ready - - to set me up for the day:

“When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind
Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day
A lovely day
When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way
Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day
A lovely day”

So will have to leave early for this KO and parking - - normally my wife drops me at the door of TDH - - got my camera ready for my Matchday Photos of the good and great in TDH:

“Zippin' up my boots
Goin' back to my roots, yeah
To the place of my birth
Back down to earth
I've been standing in the rain
Drenched and soaked with pain
Tired of short term benefits
And being exposed to the elements
I'm homeward bound
Got my head turned around”

Just closed my eyes for a moment - - let myself drift - - up into the mystic - - on the astral - - memories memories - - going to Goodison and TDH always triggers my memory - - Monday Night at Reeces by Owen Owens - - Soul Night - - my shot green silk suit - - tapered back vent - - parallels with 1 inch turn ups - - lemon button down Ben Sherman shirt - - black silk hankie in the top pocket - - ox blood “comos” - - dancing with Mary Walsh - - Oh Man:

“When you wake up early in the morning
Feelin' sad like so many of us do
Hum a little soul, make life your goal
And surely something's got to come to you
And say it's all right
Say it's all right
It's all right, have a good time
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Now everybody clap your hands
Give yourself a chance
You got soul and everybody knows
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right”

Being an Evertonian is like being a soul man - - just listening to Marvin Gaye - - he must have been a Blue:

“Honey/Everton, you do me wrong but still I'm crazy about you
Stay away too long and I can't do without you
Every chance you get you seem to hurt me more and more
But each hurt makes my love stronger than before
I know flowers go through rain
But how can love go through pain?
Ain't that peculiar?
A peculiar-arity
Ain't that peculiar, baby?
Peculiar as can be”

Put it on for a minute and just float up into the astral - - into the mystic - - make you feel good.

You can fill yourself with optimism - - there was a research item in the news this week that said optimists live longer than others - - me - - I’m 70 in about 10 weeks - - but who cares - - life is beautiful - - been watching Everton since 1959 - - good times and bad times - - but whatever - - It’s Great To Be An Evertonian :

“Cool jerk, cool jerk
Cool jerk, cool jerk
We know a cat who can really do the cool jerk
We know a cat who can really do the cool jerk
Well, this cat they talkin' about, I wonder who could it be?
'Cause I know I'm the happiest cat
The happiest cat you ever did see
When they see me walkin' down the street (hey, hey, hey)
None of the fellas want to speak (hey, hey, hey)
On their faces they wear a silly smirk 'cause they know I'm the king of the cool jerk, whoo”

Just put Jackie Wilson on - - - wow - - Higher and Higher.

This is my way of getting ready for the game - - will get into TDH and see all my friends - - Mick will give me my 4-0 betting slip - - The Irish Gang will be in the corner - - John Potter on “his” stool” - - Dave standing at the bar with his pint - - The Kirkby Gang - - Gaffer - - Sammy and his gang sitting in the “couie” - - George and Alistair in the back room - - The Gin and Tonics I call them - - my daughter Helen who has been coming to the game with me for 40 years and my grandson Liam (home and away) who has been coming for 20 years - - this is history - - this is belonging - - it’s real - - it’s love - - no need for full kit crap - - no selfie sticks or flags here - - real people supporting their Club.

Got to go now - - shower and shave and off under The River - - sending Cosmic Blue waves out to All True Blues - - Keep Them “Posso” Waves Man - - Up The Blues.

I make a little live video before I leave for the game - -have a look at it here - - - Link - - if it doesn't work go to FB - The Dark House Blues - - Keep It Cool but mainly Keep It Cosmic.

Julian Exshaw
115 Posted 01/09/2019 at 10:10:05
I think this is a huge game. Win it and we can say we've made a pretty good start to the season. A draw would make it an average one and losing would make it a poor start. We need momentum coming to the hateful international break so come on boys!!! We can do it.
Stan Schofield
116 Posted 01/09/2019 at 10:16:09
George@114: Nice one!
David Milner
117 Posted 01/09/2019 at 10:25:35
Interesting reading some of the above posts. When selecting a bench, Marco Silva has to balance it out & the maximum attackers will be 2/3. Not everyone will get a look in.

We are only allowed 11 on the pitch & 7 subs so out of a squad of 23 plus 3 youngsters, 8 players will be sitting in the stands. This is a fact of life.

My team would be:-
Pickford,
Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne,
Delph, Gomes,
Iwobi,
Richarlison, Kean, Bernard,

Neither Sigurdsson nor Schneiderlin deserve a start but should be on the bench. Add to that a goalkeeper, that only leaves 4 more places. 2 attackers & 2 defenders?

Bill Griffiths
118 Posted 01/09/2019 at 10:38:04
Wish more on here were as realistic and chilled as you George. Have s good day.
Bill Griffiths
119 Posted 01/09/2019 at 10:40:11
Enjoy your day Bill, from one Bill to another.

Here's hoping for a win for the Blues to make it truly memorable for you.

Derek Taylor
120 Posted 01/09/2019 at 10:43:06
I have to agree with Stan @112. This game is no more important than any other. Silva is still in his 'pre-season' mode in which he hides behind last season's squad whilst he readies the new signings to make a breakthrough.

We are asked to assume that none of Brands's 'magnificent seven' did any summer training at their previous clubs and that the 'Everton Way' is so full of mystic that Christmas will be here before these new boys are ready for action.

Of course, Silva and all of us know that's bollocks and, just as he did last year, Silva is saving his bullets whilst he needlessly proves that last season's team minus two is severely lacking but better things await around the corner. He hopes.

Mist and Mirrors all of it.

Brian Harrison
121 Posted 01/09/2019 at 10:59:23
I know its very early in the season, but I cant help thinking that this season could see either Leicester or Wolves or Everton getting top 6 and maybe even better. Chelsea and Man Utd are struggling and it looks like its a race again between City and the other lot for the title. So this could be a very important game for us today. I still think the Europa league will take its toll on Wolves, so it might be a straight choice between us and Leicester.

Watching both City and the other lot they are way way in front of the rest, both have fast strong goal scorers in their front 3 places, I think both Spurs and Arsenal also have lots of goals in their front 3 players but lack the overall quality of the front 2 clubs.

Richard Mason
122 Posted 01/09/2019 at 11:12:53
Good post Derek @120. New signings should be starting, every other clubs new signings do. They are professional footballers who I would assume can follow instructions. But I think he will field the same team he has started with in the 1st 2 league games.
John McFarlane Snr
123 Posted 01/09/2019 at 11:19:56
Hi George {114] You're a hero, what more can I say?

Hi Martin [80] Mike [102] Keiran [103] I appreciate your comments, but feel that the stance I adopted is exactly what any Evertonian would do. In my childhood/young adult days, if anyone insulted an Everton player I took it as a personal insult, and it seems that I have retained that attitude in my dotage years.

I felt that I was duty-bound to defend the honour of Gary Speed, from what I thought was a savage attack on his character, but as an apology has been extended I consider the matter closed.

Hi John [101] I had difficulty sending you an e-mail, I had actually made four attempts, and in the end I sent attempt No.3 which I retrieved from my draft mail, it was recorded as sent so I presume that it eventually reached you, Thank you for your character reference, my 'Young Lady' thinks it's a case of mistaken identity, I'm off to the match in a few minutes and I hope to hear from you soon.

Christopher Timmins
124 Posted 01/09/2019 at 11:23:02
Hoping for a much better result than last season's corresponding fixture. I expect some but not all of the new arrivals to start. We need a reaction after the Villa game, expecting 3 points to keep the home run going and put us in better shape heading into the International break.
Andy Crooks
125 Posted 01/09/2019 at 11:25:02
Derek @ 120, good post. Have our new signings spent the summer eating pies? Or have they just not been subject to Marco's magic methods for long enough.
Tony Hill
126 Posted 01/09/2019 at 11:45:13
Bill @113, welcome. What a treat you have in store, your first sight of Goodison. Enjoy it all, whatever the result.
Paul Tran
127 Posted 01/09/2019 at 11:46:09
We all know that whatever the result, many will use it as evidence to prove what they think of Silva.

Let's just enjoy it. I'll be cheering them on from my dining room table, I hope there's lots of noise all around the Old Lady.

I hope he starts Kean & Iwobi and we take the game to them.

Have a great day, Bill!

Bill Gienapp
128 Posted 01/09/2019 at 11:48:03
Thanks, Bill and Tony and Paul! Not far now – getting excited!
Andy Crooks
129 Posted 01/09/2019 at 12:02:28
Bill @113, have a wonderful day and savour every moment. Enjoy your first view of the pitch. It will stay with you for ever. Bring us luck.
Denis Richardson
130 Posted 31/08/2019 at 12:10:18
Given Marco Silva's conservatism, I'd be amazed if we didn't start the usual 4-2-3-1.

I would be disappointed if Kean didn't start. For all of Calvert-Lewin's work ethic, at the end of the day, the main job of a striker is to score. He's not a finisher and, if starting, should have support as he has the ability to bring people into play. However, I can't remember the last time Everton started a league game with 2 up top.

We simply don't score enough goals, end of. Need something new up front and the likes of Calvert-Lewin, Tosun, Walcott aren't the answers.

Iwobi and Kean offer something different from the usual.

Derek Knox
131 Posted 01/09/2019 at 12:10:32
Hi Bill G, makes a change for you not being on the LF and going to the match for the first time too. As others have said a great experience, and one you won't forget.

There have been a few who have gone to the match recently as they're first occasion, and if memory serves, there have been wins, although we won't hold you responsible should it be any different today Bill, but I sincerely hope a win is what you witness. Enjoy it mate!

Sam Barrett
132 Posted 01/09/2019 at 12:16:37
George, brilliant as usual mate.
Marvin Gaye, he must’ve been a blue.
What a thought, quote of the day.
Be thinking about that today, thanks.
Tom Bowers
133 Posted 01/09/2019 at 12:42:44
Yes, you have to start Kean. Why Not?

He seems to have more to offer than Calvert-Lewin who has had his chances. Why persist with someone who isn't getting the job done? Sure, he works hard... but so did Tosun and Niasse with the same ineffective results.

Derek Knox
134 Posted 01/09/2019 at 12:43:43
George, (home) matchdays are never the same without your prose, poems and lyrics, I know it puts the majority of us on a high before the door's have even opened. Maybe you can start sending it to the Manager and the team, although I am hoping upon hope that Wednesday's performance was the start of a decent run.

Wednesday's team selection surprised not only me but a few others, and apart from the opening blip, it was a positive one, let's hope to see the same positivity in today's turn-out.

Christy Ring
135 Posted 01/09/2019 at 12:44:14
I hope he plays Delph behind Gomes, he played defensive midfielder for Villa, and leave Schneiderlin on the bench.
Paul Tran
136 Posted 01/09/2019 at 12:53:08
Martin #134, you're right on all fronts!
Derek Taylor
137 Posted 01/09/2019 at 13:02:14
Humble apols to Silva. ( He obvioulsly read our posts !)
Brent Stephens
138 Posted 01/09/2019 at 13:06:02
Have a good day Bill G. Kean and Iwobi to do us proud today.

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