Bournemouth vs Everton

Saturday, 14 September, 2019 76comments  |  Jump to most recent
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Will Moise Kean lead the line again?

Everton are on the south coast this weekend to face Bournemouth as the Premier League programme resumes following the first international break of the season.

The Blues went into the two-week hiatus on a high thanks to a stirring 3-2 win over Wolves at Goodison Park but must now face up to what is perhaps their biggest challenge where maintaining a top-six challenge is concerned — namely winning away from home against inferior opposition.

Everton's home record since early February has been excellent but in that time they have registered just two wins on their travels, a 2-0 win at West Ham and a 3-0 victory over doomed Cardiff City, while losing eminently winnable matches at Newcastle, Fulham and Aston Villa and twice dropping points at Crystal Palace.

Marco Silva's influence over his team has manifested itself in a greater confidence to dominate the ball at away grounds but without consistently turning that possession into chances, goals and wins. Instilling in his charges the self-belief to start acting like a top-six team and go for the opposition's jugular in these away games is the next step that the Portuguese must take if he is to realise the club's ambitions.

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He could — and probably will — help his cause by naming his strongest attacking line-up; the one that started against Wolves and proved so dangerous for much of that match. Indeed, barring any training-ground injury mishaps, Silva will likely play the same XI that started last time out, with Alex Iwobi preferred to Bernard and Moise Kean selected ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front.

The Italian didn't pull up any trees against Wolves but the signs of his raw talent are clearly evident and every appearance gives him more exposure to the English game, something that was always going to be crucial to his success in the Premier League. His superior movement and trickery to DCL could prove to be more effective against what is a weaker defence this weekend as he seeks his first goal since joining from Juventus.

Everton are priced at 11/8 to follow up their win over Wolves at Bournemouth and you can discover the latest free bet no deposit offers at www.bettinglounge.co.uk before grabbing what appear to be generous odds.

An FA Cup victory in 2016 aside, these trips to Bournemouth have been anything other than routine for Everton since the Cherries gained promotion to the top flight the previous year. Indeed, they are in danger of becoming a source of Evertonian frustration given that the Toffees have blown important leads and ended up drawing or tasted bitter defeat at Dean Court on their past four visits.

No Blues fan will forget the almost comical scenes in November 2015 when Ross Barkley sparked wild scenes among the travelling faithful with a “winner” four minutes into stoppage time after Roberto Martinez's Everton had blown a 2-0 lead in the last 10 minutes of the regulation 90… only for Junior Stanislas to notch his second goal of the game even deeper into added time to ensure the match ended 3-3.

Then, having lost 1-0 under Ronald Koeman and 2-1 under Sam Allardyce in the two preceding seasons and had 2018 summer signing Richarlison sent off after just 40 minutes, Everton carved out another 2-0 advantage at the Vitality Stadium last year but ended up drawing 2-2 even after Adam Smith received his marching orders for Bournemouth in the second half.

Silva will be hoping for a more disciplined and defensively sound performance this time around while looking to capitalise on Eddie Howe's defence, which has conceded nine goals already this season, plus his preference for open, attacking football which should ensure that Everton's front line get plenty of opportunities to do the kind of damage they did against Wolves.

Bournemouth will be missing Simon Francis and Lloyd Kelly at the back while Lewis Cook will undergo a late fitness test. Meanwhile, it looks as though Jonas Lössl and longer-term absentee Jean-Philippe Gbamin are Silva's only injury concerns.

Kick-off: 2pm, Sunday 15 September 2019
Referee: Paul Tierney
Last Time: Bournemouth 2-2 Everton

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

 

Reader Comments (76)

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Mark Andersson
1 Posted 14/09/2019 at 00:51:22
No prediction from me...

A win will be a bonus.. a win and good performance icing on the cake...

I think Dom will get the nod to start... we have conceded silly goals as of late so hopefully they have been working on that...

Derek Knox
2 Posted 14/09/2019 at 00:56:30
Good preview Lyndon, in what will be another difficult encounter against a Bournemouth side that shouldn't be under-estimated. I am hoping we can carry on from the Wolves game, without the defending errors.

It seems absolutely ages since that game, these International Breaks are very disruptive to bread and butter Club Football. I wish they would devise a system where the two, Club and International were more compatible.

Mike Gaynes
3 Posted 14/09/2019 at 01:23:16
We need to establish our Bournemouth Identity, and then our Bournemouth Supremacy, and Ultimately we'll be able to cement a new Bournemouth Legacy.

As usual, we're the more talented side, but as Lyndon noted, Howe always has them playing with passion and commitment, especially at home.

I was disappointed to see Boruc isn't their starter in goal anymore -- he's always good for a gift -- but the new guy has been beaten by almost half the shots he has seen this season, so this is a great day for a debut goal for young Mr Kean.

Bill Gienapp
4 Posted 14/09/2019 at 01:26:48
This will be a good test. We haven't had a lot of luck at the Vitality in recent seasons. I'd stick with the same lineup we played against Wolves, though it wouldn't surprise me if Calvert-Lewin was restored to the starting XI.
Steven Jones
5 Posted 14/09/2019 at 01:43:05
I would agree with Calvert-Lewin as it is an away game and off the bench gives more of a bedding-in with pressure off Kean. Bringing him on after 70 mins to create havoc in a tiring back line.
John Pierce
6 Posted 14/09/2019 at 01:51:07
I’m expecting a win. We have more talent and like every other previous visit here think that their open style should afford us plenty of opportunities.

They have several injuries and are such an up and down side.

No excuses not to win this game. I still don’t see enough variations in our attacking patterns, we definitely need to get through the middle as well as our main outlets at full back.

If we don’t win add that to Villa and Palace, it tells me Silva still cannot mastermind wins away from home.

Dick Fearon
7 Posted 14/09/2019 at 02:00:56
Steven J @5, I don't like your idea of bringing Kean on at the 70min mark. The game could be out of reach by that late stage.
Steven Jones
8 Posted 14/09/2019 at 03:42:03
Yes, Dick, you maybe right or given the past few matches at AFCB there are several twists and turns and he could be a game changer in the latter stages where there will be more space and he can get on the ball facing goal rather than with his back to it closed down tightly. It would be nice to build his confidence and take the pressure off.

Then play him a full 90 in the League Cup at Sheffield.

Terry Farrell
9 Posted 14/09/2019 at 06:55:42
Agree with your line-up, Lyndon. I just hope that Richarlison is fit and fresh after being flogged by the Brazilians over two long trips and getting kicked all over the place in a 'friendly'.
John Raftery
10 Posted 14/09/2019 at 08:02:37
I think we need to control possession more effectively in the final third rather than playing backwards and sideways in our own half. We were doing the latter at both the Palace and the Villa with the opposition content to sit back and watch. Getting the ball forward more quickly will help but it is imperative we then keep hold of it. For that reason ,I would be tempted to start with Calvert-Lewin because I thought Kean struggled with that aspect at Lincoln and then against Wolves.

Howe will have spotted our lack of pace in midfield but Delph, playing his first Premier League away game for us, should make us stronger in that area.

Eddie Dunn
11 Posted 14/09/2019 at 08:03:58
I have been full of confidence in previous seasons prior to a trip down there only to be reminded that any superiority we presume to have, counts for nothing. They concede plenty of goals but so do we and the likes of Fraser, and the Wilsons will test our two totems at the back. Delph will hopefully protect the soft centre but Digne will need to watch getting caught upfield as they will be looking to counter down the flanks and get in behind.
A win and we will be sitting pretty.
Kenn Crawford
12 Posted 14/09/2019 at 08:07:52
Come on you blues let’s take these Cherries and rip the pips out of them 3-0 Kean Siggy and Charlie
Trevor Peers
13 Posted 14/09/2019 at 08:13:27
Lyndon's predicted team gives us our best chance of rare away win, Silva has switched tactics since the awful Villa surrender. Now we look full of goals and confidence and should come out of this game on top, but it will be tough going as usual.

Our squad still looks lightweight, we urgently need a pacey goalscorer and a solid center half in the next window to push on for that CL spot.

Mark Burton
14 Posted 14/09/2019 at 08:45:22
An away game at Bournemouth is not easy for any team, but we seem to be showing a lot of confidence lately so I'm going to say that we will win but it may be very frustrating as Eddie Howe seems to be able to make every team battle for a point.
Peter Mills
15 Posted 14/09/2019 at 09:53:33
Before the match at Bournemouth just over 12 months ago, I read that Marco Silva had picked up 16 away points from 22 games in his Premier League career.

In the year since then, he has hovered around the point per game mark, but his career average is still less than a point per game. His teams have got a few wins, and also put in some decent displays at places like the rs, Chelsea and Spurs but, as Lyndon says, the problems have come at Brighton, Villa, Newcastle, Southampton, Watford, Fulham.

To progress, we need to be aiming for at least an average of 2 points per game from such fixtures. Our next 4 away games, three on the south coast and one at Turf Moor, come into that category. Our manager has a good squad of players, it’s up to him to get them organised and motivated. He’s done it at home, now we must do better on our travels, a lot of people go to much time, effort and expense following the team. Go to it Mr Silva.

Chris Gould
16 Posted 14/09/2019 at 10:01:43
I can't see us keeping a clean sheet at Bournemouth. They have a lot of ability up front and won't fear us. I wouldn't be surprised if we need to score three to win. A score draw is a likely and decent result.
Frank Sheppard
17 Posted 14/09/2019 at 10:13:52
Very tricky fixture, but time that Silva’s points away from home tally improves. Team selection should be fascinating, pragmatic or attacking ?
Paul Smith
18 Posted 14/09/2019 at 10:17:27
Going tomorrow, first game since Millwall in February.

Strongest team needed from the start no messing about. Moise up top, Richy and Bernard both start. Delph is quality and takes the dairy off Gomes freeing him up to find Digne & Seamus. Need stuff going through the middle to Moise, depending on how far forward Siggy is, something we have lacked so far this season. Looking to Gomes to do this.

Back four picks itself.

Bournemouth enjoy playing at home and always turn up against us.

Feel a draw is on the offing.

Martin Berry
19 Posted 14/09/2019 at 10:45:33
We are better in every department and I expect us to win as we are going to be a real handful when this teams settles, there is so much ability.
Yes Bournemouth may score one but we will score three.
Duncan McDine
20 Posted 14/09/2019 at 11:22:50
Me and Kev will see you down there Paul (18)... give me a bell in the morning and we’ll meet up before. It’d be nice to soak up the sunshine and see a rare win on the road, but I won’t hold my breath (for either!!).
Frank Crewe
21 Posted 14/09/2019 at 11:24:48
Pick the side that started against Wolves. Iwobi offers a greater goal threat than Bernard and Kean has to get a run of games to bed in. We didn't stump up £36 million for a forward just so he could warm the bench. The PL is the toughest there is. The sooner Kean discovers that the better. Like the Wolves game it is best to bring on Bernard and DCL later in the game against tiring defenders.
We have to get past the "midfield playmaker" and "hold up the ball" stuff because they are clichés. These days every player, including the keeper is a playmaker. Fast accurate distribution from the keeper can get a side up the park a lot faster than three or four passes from the back and a forward should not have to hold off defenders while the rest of the side huffs and puffs their way up the park. Does Aguero, Salah, Aubameyang, Rashford, Giroud, etc. hold up the ball? Of course they don't. They are quick skilful strikers who are there to score goals and they expect the rest of the side to move up fast to support them. Kean was brought in to do the same for us so the rest of the side have to do the same to support him and not leave him isolated trying to hold off defenders. These days players are athletes. They are fitter, stronger and faster than at any time. A team is a unit. When we have the ball everyone attacks. When we don't everyone defends. Watch City or Liverpool. They gain possession and everyone moves forward. They overwhelm their opposition before they can get organised. It's a high press high energy game. We have to match it if we expect to be anything other than also rans.
Brian Harrison
22 Posted 14/09/2019 at 11:57:05
The simple fact is if we want to challenge for a top 6 place we have to go to Bournemouth and win. We have to start winning away from home, no matter how good our home form we wont get into the top 6 until we drastically improve our away form. We have had apart from Wolves a very easy set of fixtures so far, but losing at Villa and drawing at Palace didnt do us any favours. I fear if we don't beat Bournemouth who having lost their last home game will be looking not to lose 2 on the run at home, then we will be competing for a 7th - 9th place.

We had good possession stats in our last 2 away games, but didnt turn that possession into goals, that needs to change tomorrow.

Rob Marsh
23 Posted 14/09/2019 at 12:05:54
Brian # 23,

Not beating Bournemouth could do serious damage to morale.

These are the kind of games that stick in the memory and subconscious doing all sorts of nasty things to confidence.

Derek Knox
24 Posted 14/09/2019 at 12:30:54
Brian @23, pretty much in a nutshell there, I'm m not saying any games in the Premier League are easy, but like you say we have a decent squad and team now, and need to make these sort of away games count.

On reflection we should with the possession we had have got something more than a point at Palace, but having said that Palace went on to beat United. Aston Villa was the one that really got me, we started again to have the lion's share of possession, only to concede a soft goal, and then fall to pieces.

Still feel in away games there's something missing, if one or two players are below par, the whole team tend to follow suit, come on now Everton and Marco, prove that those blips were a not to be repeated one/two offs!

Chris Gould
25 Posted 14/09/2019 at 12:35:08
The only teams that can expect to go to places like Bournemouth and win are Man City and Liverpool. For every other team it is a tough fixture and a draw is a decent result. We certainly can win, and should play to win, but are not at a level where we should see it as a formality.

Not winning at Bournemouth is not an indicator as to whether we can break the top 6.

Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs will all find away fixtures tough and they will all drop plenty of points this season.

John Hammond
26 Posted 14/09/2019 at 12:35:16
Same lineup as Wolves. Perfect team for Kean to get his first goal.
James Hughes
27 Posted 14/09/2019 at 12:50:19
Duncan #20 Fairly confident you will get both of your wishes tomorrow.

i can't see us keeping a clean sheet at B'mouth but I believe we have enough to beat them 3-1
Play DCL (cue booing) for the first 50/60 minutes and then bring on Signore Kean. He is still a young man playing in the a very frenetic league still needs time to adjust, so for me shouldn't start.

Alan J Thompson
28 Posted 14/09/2019 at 12:53:30
It has been my opinion that Bournemouth like to break quickly and I'll be interested to see if Silva is prepared to throw men forward or if we'll still play this sitting defensive midfielder who barely crosses the halfway line never mind join attacks. I've noticed previously that when this player does venture forward he seems to be given specific instructions at halftime not to venture much out of that area 10 yards either side of halfway and which, in my opinion, puts us at a disadvantage.
Billy Roberts
29 Posted 14/09/2019 at 14:12:44
Well said, Brian @23.

The only way we will improve our standing within the league is to win games like this. It's a simple approach that has to be ruthlessly applied, then a team's confidence follows.

Getting us to this point is Silva's job of course.

Derek Taylor
30 Posted 14/09/2019 at 14:20:16
I can see both Bernard and DCL being restored to face the Mighty Bournemouth. Their replacements will take over on 65 mins.
Christy Ring
31 Posted 14/09/2019 at 14:58:17
Stick with a winning team, why change it.
Tony Everan
32 Posted 14/09/2019 at 15:22:08
Had a laugh when I read Alex Iwobi's interview

"I haven't noticed much of a difference [between Liverpool and London] but the thing I struggle with is the accent here. When Duncan [Ferguson] was speaking to me at first, I had to listen and engage and I wasn't sure what he had said so I just agreed. ''

Very tough game, Bournemouth will be up for it, our defence will be properly tested. I think Delph playing in midfield could make the difference to us winning or drawing.

Prediction: assuming Delph plays, Bournemouth 1, Everton 2.

Brian Williams
34 Posted 14/09/2019 at 16:52:21
Win tomorrow and we could go third, yes third! 😄
Derek Knox
35 Posted 14/09/2019 at 17:10:28
Brian, Thora Hird, blimey, those dizzy heights, mind you I am not building my hopes up too much, history and experience are telling me, that we have been in this situation so many times before, then, that win becomes elusive.

Having said that, I am fairly confident we have the players to do the job it's just how Silva deploys them, and whatever tactics, he chooses to employ.

Joe McMahon
36 Posted 14/09/2019 at 17:19:17
Abraham would have been handy for us, me thinks, Dave!
Brian Williams
37 Posted 14/09/2019 at 17:28:31
I know what you mean, Derek. Fingers crossed!
Joe McMahon
38 Posted 14/09/2019 at 17:45:33
Brian @43, we know the script everytime this kind of thing happen, Villa 3 weeks ago!
Mike Gaynes
39 Posted 14/09/2019 at 17:56:52
Brian, I think you jinxed us there.
Jim Bennings
40 Posted 14/09/2019 at 18:15:19
Obviously Bournemouth away is tricky but until we start winning some away games then we can never truly progress to the next level.

Given that we have played two winnable away games already, add to the fact that if all goes to the usual predictable Everton pattern, and we don't win away at any of the top six, then already there is eight away games scratched off the win list.

Can we afford to allow another one in Bournemouth pass?

We haven't been a good away team since Martinez's first season and racked up with 8 wins.

To challenge the top six, we need 12 wins at home (not easy but doable) and at least 7 or 8 away wins.

Whilst we go through every season winning 4 or 5 then no chance, it's simple as that.

Dave Williams
41 Posted 14/09/2019 at 18:17:14
Paul #18, I'm trying to figure out your team: you haven't left out Iwobi have you?

If you replace Bernard with Iwobi, you have the same as me. If we attack, we should win.

Michael Lynch
42 Posted 14/09/2019 at 19:28:20
There's absolute no reason to think we can beat Bournemouth tomorrow, any more than we did Villa when we last had our chance to attain dizzying heights in the table, but nevertheless. COYB! A win tomorrow and we're joint second!

Fucking weird season, I mean we've been utterly mediocre so far but we could be in third place this time tomorrow. Imagine what we'll do when we start gelling!

Paul Smith
43 Posted 14/09/2019 at 20:30:05
Hi Dave @44.

You're right, Iwobi slipped my mind and, on the evidence of games so far this season, he has to start.

Paul Birmingham
44 Posted 14/09/2019 at 20:51:45
The aspirations, hopes and pent up frustration in almost 25 years without a trophy and the worst trophyless period in Everton history, tomorrow we must make sure we win.

In my view, start with the same, improve on the verbal communications on the park, be ruthless in possession and take our chances.

This season, and despite the cliche, is massive. As a Blue Nose, Eddie Howe gets the extra mile from his players, when we play them.

Tomorrow, we must have the same and 10 miles per player, to win this game. I hope we start with the same as Wolves.

Darren Fellows
45 Posted 14/09/2019 at 21:10:37
This is a very tricky fixture, a real test to see what we are made of. The talent is there; if we gel, it should be a comfortable win. To be a top-six side, you have to be able to boss a game and grind out a result – especially at a tricky away fixture.

I was very impressed the way we nicked the win against Wolves. This is an unusually good start to the season. Tomorrow, I think, is a pivotal match. My prediction: Iwobo to score 2... Bournemouth 1 - 2 Everton.

I predict a very exciting season ahead.

Andy Crooks
46 Posted 14/09/2019 at 22:13:54
If we cannot win tomorrow, I would fear that the project is miles behind schedule. We can suffer an unfortunate defeat but to lose to Villa, draw at Palace and then lose to Bournemouth would be more than one of those things... it would be approaching unacceptable. We will win.
Oliver Molloy
47 Posted 14/09/2019 at 22:22:30
Chris @ 26.

I completely disagree. We simply must be beating the likes of Bournemouth home and away if we are to have any chance at all of breaking into top six.

I will be very disappointed if we do not come away with 3 points tomorrow.

Laurie Hartley
48 Posted 14/09/2019 at 22:31:36
Character is what we need to break into the top 6 - we have talent in spades.

Bournemouth away with a chance to sit 3rd or 4th on Monday will tell us a lot about our current squad. The manager will go for the win - it’s up to the players.

My gut feeling is that they have it in them.

Up the Blues!!

Jay Harris
49 Posted 14/09/2019 at 23:27:35
We can't miss the chance to go 3rd, can we???

I know it's early in the season but what a boost to the supporters and players if we can do it at this stage.

We have had some strange games at Bournemouth but I'm feeling pretty confident that our season is about to take off. High-scoring win for the Blues.

Michael Kenrick
50 Posted 14/09/2019 at 23:52:10
A couple mentioning Delph but I see the Echo reported Marco Silva saying he had to miss more than a week of training after he had a problem with his Achilles tendon against Wolves:

“He had a problem after the Wolves match. Unfortunately for us he didn't work all week after the Wolves match because it was an important moment for him.

“After the injury he had, then playing 70 minutes against Lincoln and after 90 minutes against Wolves – Wednesday, Sunday – it was tough for him because he didn't have many training sessions before and so it was important if he could keep doing the same during the international break.

“Unfortunately for us and for him he didn't do that because he had a small problem in his Achilles but he started to work with us this week, did so again yesterday and he is fit in this moment.”

There may be reason enough there to see him sitting out the start, such is the cautious nature of our manager.

Tony Hill
51 Posted 14/09/2019 at 00:06:20
That is the real worry about Delph. He looks tailor-made for us, but his fitness is so fragile. It's the classical problem of playing an important man who isn't really fit, and then he's out for a long time if you're not careful - especially with an Achilles.

We're having a bit of a nightmare in midfield this season. Oh well, every misfortune is an opportunity, so we're told.

Brian Wilkinson
52 Posted 15/09/2019 at 00:49:39
Start with the same starting 11 we played against Wolves, keep 11 men on the pitch and I see only one winner here.

Never change a winning side unless forced upon by suspension or injury.

Derek Knox
53 Posted 15/09/2019 at 01:05:49
Brian, @ 52, I think most of us would go along with that philosophy, but as Michael @50 alluded to the Manager, is often over-cautious, and dare I say a bit too stubborn, to go with what we see, as the right formula.
Bill Gienapp
54 Posted 15/09/2019 at 01:27:08
Agreed Tony (51) - Delph has looked class in his two appearances for us so far, and I fear his apparent fragility is just something we'll have to cope with as best we can.

Oddly, I remember Schneiderlin seemed somewhat injury-prone when he first arrived (had to miss out on the Derby at a time when he felt particularly indispensable to us). Then, when his form went off a cliff the following season, he suddenly morphed into an iron man (not that I would wish an injury on anyone).

John Boon
55 Posted 15/09/2019 at 04:36:34
Up to now the Premier League seems to be a cauldron of inconsistency and a perfect time for Everton to break into the top four by showing that we can be consistently good. The only way to do this is by beating teams like Bournemouth, Watford, Manchester Utd and of course Liverpool. Late post for me.

Come on you Boys and give all the True Blues a perfect Sunday.

Jamie Crowley
56 Posted 15/09/2019 at 04:54:43
Just got back from attending a dear friend's 50th birthday party, and I've raced to the end (clicked on "Jump to last") to post.

I'll be up for kick off, then in the car en route to my 10 year old's soccer game 2 hours away in lovely Winter Springs, FL. Will watch the second hour on the phone via stream.

And here's the thing. I've a feeling of impending doom. This is the game that sees us 3rd / 4th in the league. A chance to make a statement.

How many times have we seen this? Hell, already once this year with the Villa game! A chance to climb high averted. It's all too much, a recurring theme.

But I will live in hope. But my God don't I have that empty, dark feeling in the pit of my belly.

Alan J Thompson
57 Posted 15/09/2019 at 06:19:54
I'm sorry but there's still an air of mediocrity in saying that we can go third if we win today. The way I look at it is that if we can outdo what our U-18s achieved then we can be outright second! COYB!
Dave Lynch
58 Posted 15/09/2019 at 06:27:17
How many times have we been here?

Win this and we're...

We all know the ending to that don't we?

Sorry for the negativity but it's what I've come to expect from us, another chance blown and more misery for the coming week.

Jack Convery
59 Posted 15/09/2019 at 07:01:14
RS win and City lose. RS 5 points ahead. RS fans celebrating winning rhe EPL all next week and beyond. Guess what EFC will do this afternoon ?? or maybe they grow a pair and beat Bournemouth with a great performance and move 4th. Its time for the new EFC to step forward and banish the old EFC for good.
Mike Gaynes
60 Posted 15/09/2019 at 07:16:30
Jamie, you gotta get the hell out of Florida, man. It's souring your soul.
Sam Hoare
61 Posted 15/09/2019 at 08:30:37
This is probably our hardest game of the season so far. But I’m quietly optimistic.

Much could depend on how our South American contingent of Mina and Richarlison do after gruelling globe trotting midweek but there should be space to exploit for our counter attacking and some opportunities to pick pockets with our pressing.

I still worry about Mina and Kean against mobile attacks and expect King, Wilson and Fraser to trouble them.

It was 2-2 at theirs last season and I wouldn’t bet against that again. A draw would be tolerable though a win would have us nicely positioned in the top 4. COYB!

Dave Abrahams
62 Posted 15/09/2019 at 08:55:33
This tread seems to have more tension in it since Liverpool won and City lost, I think it would do us all a bit of good and relax. I understand the possibility of Delph not playing doesn't ease the tension but we have players good enough to beat better teams than Bournemouth so let's see how Silva sets us up to have a good attacking go at them and bring the three points back.
David Pearl
63 Posted 15/09/2019 at 09:53:10
Well it may not define the rest of the season but...

A statement of mental toughness should be made no matter how, victory might reset our mindset.

Can the team handle it? Could the ToffeeWeb live forum survive an early goal against? If Walcott comes on as sub will people stop moaning before he actually touches the ball? I’m not sure... l live in hope. As always.

Neil Wood
64 Posted 15/09/2019 at 09:56:24
David I think your asking too much ! Ha.

Big test though today against a good side. I'm hoping he gives Kean a proper run in the side as I think he will be excellent.

3-1 the Blues.

Robert Williams
65 Posted 15/09/2019 at 10:04:34
So we now know that Man City are beatable – that makes four games we can win before the end of the month – 9 points and a cup run!!
Dave Williams
66 Posted 15/09/2019 at 10:21:08
@John #55, get to bed, man!!

Words of wisdom from Dave Abrahams as usual. We should win this and, with Delph organising the play and Mina talkative at the back, I think we are a different proposition this season. As others have said, their attacking play is good so it would be foolish in my opinion to sit back and defend.

We now have the attackers to cause them problems and Silva has to send them out to do damage. I see a few goals in this but a win nonetheless – maybe 3-1 or 3-2. My first of the season next week so hoping we go into it on a decent run.

Raymond Fox
67 Posted 15/09/2019 at 11:34:19
Man for man, we have the best team, I think it's fair to say. Home advantage to them makes it more even stevens, so a probable draw is on the cards.

We do need to start winning these games though if we are aiming for a top 6 challenge.

James Marshall
68 Posted 15/09/2019 at 12:12:32
Let's face it, watching us away none of us have a clue what the score will be. At home, at least your predictions of a win have some foundation – away from home, it could be anything.
Tony Twist
69 Posted 15/09/2019 at 12:13:32
A must-win as far as I am concerned. If we, as a team and a club, are progressing then we have to beat the teams like Bournemouth away from home. Bournemouth aren't in the best of form so now is the time to beat them, not draw with them and think of it as a victory of progress.

I know it is hard to come to terms with but the players need to appreciate that there comes a time when you need to be professional, it is not just about putting the jersey on and that is enough. It is about turning up and getting the result in whatever fashion. That time is now. Best of luck, Blues, show some metal and make a statement of intent.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

70 Posted 15/09/2019 at 12:18:32
I belong very much in the camp that believes we will not progress and see a serious upgrade in our league position unless and until we radically improve our away form.

We have been blessed with a very benevolent string of early season fixtures. We have already spurned two opportunities against very modest opposition to get an early away win on the board. We haven't as much as scored a goal on the road.

Talking Bournemouth up as a difficult opponent and destination where only the likes of City and 'them' could be confident of coming away with a win ignores the truth.

It isn't a fortress. They have won just one of their last 8 home games, drawing 3 and losing four.

There will be goals. Since being promoted to the Premier League in 2015 nobody has conceded more than Bournemouth's 273 goals. Since the start of last season, their Premier League games have produced 139 - more than any other team.

We simply must start picking up 3 points on the road more frequently against such mediocre opponents as Palace, Villa and Bournemouth to start realizing our ambitions.

Mike Kehoe
71 Posted 15/09/2019 at 12:18:40
Does anyone know of any streaming I can access in Bosnia?
Mike Powell
72 Posted 15/09/2019 at 12:31:14
What's with the DCL shouts? I hope he doesn't start, how many chances has he had. I would go with Lyndon's team. We need to start winning these sort of games if we want to get top six, COYB.
Brent Stephens
73 Posted 15/09/2019 at 13:07:33
Jay #72,

"I belong very much in the camp that believes we will not progress and see a serious upgrade in our league position unless and until we radically improve our away form".

Pretty much the first thing being discussed on Sky right now.

Max Murphy
74 Posted 15/09/2019 at 13:12:44
Bournemouth, who currently lie 16th in the table, are becoming a bogey team for Everton at Dean Court.

3 of the sides we've met this season, currently lie in 18th, 19th and 20th positions. Aston Villa's only 3 points came from an abysmal away performance by Everton at Villa Park. Our 2 victories have been very narrow, and not convincing.

An indication of how Everton are performing this season, compared to the better sides in the Premier League, is their results against the teams we have already played. An example yesterday was Spurs' demolition of Palace, and Chelsea scoring 5 away to Wolves. Villa and Watford have suffered similar thrashings by other teams.

I cannot see our away form improving at Bournemouth, and I believe the bogey status will continue with a 3-1 victory to the opposition. We never seem to take the initiative - 3rd place in the table is beckoning, but long-suffering Evertonians know we'll be disappointed yet again.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

75 Posted 15/09/2019 at 13:17:57
I really need to get myself on the Sky pundits pay roll, Brent! Money for old rope.
Brent Stephens
76 Posted 15/09/2019 at 13:33:03
You'd have to contend with Sourness, Jay. Money wouldn't compensate for that.
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

77 Posted 15/09/2019 at 13:39:22
True, Brent, true. I'd need a sick bucket beside me.

Not travelled down to the south coast today then, Brent?


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