25/11/2023 89comments  |  Jump to last
Match Preview

Amadou Onana could be withheld from the starting XI as he has continued treatment on a calf complaint over the international break

Everton return to action for the first time since the Premier League docked them of 10 points as Manchester United come to a Goodison Park that is expected to be a bearpit of defiance for this televised Sunday clash.

The historic penalty handed out to the Toffees dropped them into the relegation zone but it appears to have galvanised both the team and the fans for a battle that both are confident the club can win.

Everton’s recent form under Sean Dyche means that they come into the weekend sitting one place off the bottom on goal difference above Burnley but also in the knowledge that victory over United could lift them immediately out of the relegation zone if results elsewhere go their way.

Protest will be in the air before and during the game as fans plan to unfurl huge banners and raise cards expressing anger at both the ruling by the independent commission and the Premier League.

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Both home and opposition fans have proposed booing the League’s anthem and “fair play” handshake before kick-off and then singing a protest chant in the 10th minute of the match.

Dyche, meanwhile, spoke of a group of players ready to take on yet another challenge to preserve Everton’s top-flight status.

“The feeling was very positive in the sense of building on the mentality that’s been there lately,” the manager told the media at his press conference at Finch Farm. “We all spoke about that, saying this hasn’t changed it and it’s building regardless of this current situation.

“The players are clear-minded. They have their WhatsApp group and when the news broke they put it straight on there: ‘Right lads, just another challenge, this is how we take it on’. The group is taking ownership and that’s a powerful thing.

“I got from them the sense that, ‘What we’re building, we don’t let anything disrupt that and we don’t let anything get in the way’. You can’t guarantee it’s made a difference [to the players’ resolve] yet because we haven’t played any games. All I know is that the players know what we’re doing. They’ve referenced that to me probably for the last six weeks.”

On the field, Everton might be forced into at least one change from the side that started against Crystal Palace last time out, with Amadou Onana still undergoing treatment for a calf complaint that kept him out of international action over the last round of European Championship qualifying.

That could see the goalscoring hero from Selhurst Park, Idrissa Gueye, come back into the side but no other changes are expected.

United have been regarded as something of a crisis club themselves and while it’s all relative, their problems pale in comparison to Everton’s. Nevertheless, manager Erik Ten Hag, who will serve a touchline ban this weekend and will be forced to watch from the stands, is under immense pressure, despite the Red Devils sitting in 6th place coming into the weekend.

Since their home defeat to Palace at the end of September, United have only lost to neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League and remain a tough proposition regardless of form purely because of the talent in their ranks.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund will undergo a late fitness test along with midfielder Mason Mount but goalkeeper Andre Onana looks likely to be passed fit.

Luke Shaw ans Aaron Wan-Bissaka are doubts and will be assessed but it appears as though all of Casimero, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho and Amad Diallo have been ruled out.

Games against Manchester United have been great occasions for underdog Everton sides in the past or those feeling like their backs are against the wall and there is a feeling ahead of this one that it could be another memorable occasion.

Another febrile atmosphere, reminiscent of those blue smoke-filled, titanic efforts in key matches under the Grand Old Lady’s lights over the past couple of seasons, could be in the offing and provide Dyche’s much-improved team just the fuel they need to grab all three points.

"I couldn’t wait [for Sunday] anyway because obviously we are on a good run of form – forget about all this," Dyche continued. "But I will be amazed if the Evertonians are not right on song. I’ll be very surprised if they are not, knowing what I do. I don’t know them yet but I am learning about Evertonians and how they commit to the club and the cause.

"I’m getting deeper in my knowledge of that and I’ll be very surprised if they are not right there with us. It doesn’t guarantee you’ll win but it gives you a better chance when they are right behind the players going: ‘Come on then, let’s take it on again’.

“I sense that the underbelly, the fans with the depth of knowledge about Everton who remember the hard-fought years and what it has been built upon – not every Evertonian just knows moneyed years – they remember when they had to fight and work to build a team and a mentality. I think they can sense it again. That’s what I think. I think they sense we are getting back to an earthiness, a determined Everton group of players who will really have a go.”

Kick-off: 4:30pm, Sunday 26 November, 2023
Referee: John Brooks
VAR: Chris Kavanagh
Last Time: Everton 1 - 2 Manchester United

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, Harrison, McNeil, Doucouré, Calvert-Lewin

 

Reader Comments (89)

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Mike Hayes
1 Posted 25/11/2023 at 08:09:10
The players need to play their part as they have done and the fans will do theirs and the Premier League can get stuffed, horrible bastards.

😡 UTFT COYB ETID 💙

Ernie Baywood
2 Posted 25/11/2023 at 08:16:36
Thank God it's time for actual football.
Charles Brewer
3 Posted 25/11/2023 at 08:19:50
Any chance of bringing Duncan Ferguson back for this one?
Danny O’Neill
4 Posted 25/11/2023 at 08:20:15
Dyche has come out fighting.

I'm sure the players will do likewise, as will the supporters.

We are getting media attention. Not for the best reasons. But most are siding with us. It feels welcome, but unusual.

Make it passionate. Make it unbearable for the opposition and the authorities.

But don't let the emotion of the occasion get to us and the players. I recall the same fixture after the sad departure of Alan Ball and the emotion got to us. That didn't go well.

Stay focussed. The manager has done a good job to date protecting the players and keeping their minds on the pitch. Controlled passion, aggression, and focus on the football.

See you all there. Strap in. Seat belts on. Tomorrow is not the be all and end all, but a win will send a message of defiance to where it matters most.

On the football pitch. The Premier League, the FA and football in general has lost its way in that respect.

Like many, all I can do is sit in the Lower Gwladys Street, where I stood as a teenager and get behind whoever is selected to have the privilege to wear that Royal Blue shirt.

Spirit. Forever. We shall not be moved. Fight, fight, fight with all our might.

Neil Copeland
5 Posted 25/11/2023 at 08:58:19
Controlled aggression is the key for tomorrow from certainly the players and to a lesser degree, the support. We need to show the Premier League that we mean business by taking the points and through the crowd noise and banners.

It's good to see other clubs' supporters and the media siding with us, we have to make the most of it, as I am confident we will. Whether it actually changes things is a different matter of course, let's not worry about that on match days, just go out and crush the opposition.

Every game is a cup final and we will be up for it.

UTFT

Alan McGuffog
6 Posted 25/11/2023 at 09:13:51
For once in my lifetime we seem to hold the moral high ground. Politicians, the media, Uncle Tom Cobley all seem to be both sympathetic and supportive. Please let's not ruin it tomorrow by any silly behaviour on or off the pitch.

As Mr Dylan wrote sixty years ago, "The ship's wise men will remind us once again that the whole wide world is watching ".
Then again, years later he wrote "Wasn't too small and it wasn't too big. Think I'll call it a pig."

Ye pays yer money…

Stu Darlington
7 Posted 25/11/2023 at 09:26:00
What Danny said!
Rob Williamson
8 Posted 25/11/2023 at 09:41:24
Re Alan at #6,

Dylan also wrote “Money doesn't talk it swears”. Could have been written for the Premier League.

ps: I hope we haven't started a “Find an appropriate Dylan quote” chain!

Rob Hooton
9 Posted 25/11/2023 at 09:43:55
Been looking forward to this for what feels like ages! Back to business (on the pitch).

Stirring words from Dyche, hopefully the right man at the right time for us. We could do with some luck too, as it's all gone pear shaped for a few years now. Onwards and upwards.

COYB!!

Mike Corcoran
10 Posted 25/11/2023 at 10:06:02
Alan, Dylan sums up our relationship with this crooked empire best in 4th Time Around:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7wSIboHqtXY

When she said, "Don't waste your words, they're just lies, " I cried she was deaf.
And she worked on my face until breaking my eyes, and said, "What else you got left?"
It was then that I got up to leave, but she said, "Don't forget
Everybody must give something back for something they get"

Tony Everan
11 Posted 25/11/2023 at 10:11:45
Neil @5, controlled aggression, I agree, is a necessity. I think there will be plenty of energy, it needs using wisely.

The central midfield battle is going to be a massive factor, Gana and Garner with Doucoure advanced is going to need plenty of support from McNeil and Harrison. I think we can keep it tight enough and be the team that can squeeze the win, especially with the crowd being like an extra man.

COYBLUES!

Jim Wilson
12 Posted 25/11/2023 at 10:16:04
Atmosphere? Yes; silliness, No.

No running on the pitch for any reason.
No throwing of missiles or flares for any reason.

Impeccable behaviour is needed at all times.

COYB!

Mike Corcoran
13 Posted 25/11/2023 at 10:17:00
Subterranean Homesick Blues!

Dyche in the basement
Mixing up the medicine
I'm in the Street End
Thinking about the government
Big Frank in a trench coat
Badge out, laid off
Says he's got a bad cough
Wants to get it paid off

Look out, kid
It's somethin' you did
God knows when
But you're doin' it again
You better duck down the alley way
Lookin' for a new friend
The man in a sheep-skin coat
From the Boys Pen
Wants eleven dollar bills
You only got ten.

Ged Simpson
14 Posted 25/11/2023 at 10:28:13
Jim 12: bang on. As with all events when emotional folk get together, the risk is that the childish madness of the silly minority spreads like Covid and mob mentality starts. My uncle in Dublin agrees!

Sunday headline I dream of:

Everton beat Utd and positive, raucous atmosphere was 13th man, not just 12th at Fortress Goodison.

Or, as I am an ex journo

"You still can't beat us"

Sub Ed may like that more for space!

Tony Abrahams
15 Posted 25/11/2023 at 10:32:52
What a tune, Mike, a song which some experts argue was the first ever rap song, but it's got to be one of the great man's other classics The Times They Are A-Changing, which is what I'm praying for Everton, mate.
Pete Clarke
16 Posted 25/11/2023 at 11:04:12
Positively 4th ( Gwladys ) St

To the PL

You got a lot of nerve
To say we broke the rules
When the others did much worse
You stood there grinning

You got a lot of nerve
To say you do things fair
You just want to see the
The rich clubs winning

This is not too hard to sing and we should deliver it with the venom that Dylan puts into it because these bastards have an agenda against us and the City of Liverpool.

Kim Vivian
17 Posted 25/11/2023 at 11:25:11
Rob 8.

"The answer, my friend..." Will be blowing through the thread.

Frank Sheppard
18 Posted 25/11/2023 at 11:49:15
Dylan quotes on TW – what a pleasure.

On a different note, I can't remember a Man U shower that throws itself on the floor as much as this shower of shite. I am really concerned that they will cheat, and leave us a man or men light.

Dale Self
19 Posted 25/11/2023 at 11:51:40
The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handle.
Derek Knox
20 Posted 25/11/2023 at 12:37:47
Well in Mike C, getting the Dylan theme started, which, it appears has many like-minded Blues going too.

So many Dylan Titles thrown in too from many which in our continued and present situation are so apt. I didn't know Robert Zimmerman was a frustrated Blue from Duluth either ! :-)

Onana with a Calf Complaint ? I didn't even know he kept Cattle. Learn something new on TW every day ! :-)

Peter Moore
21 Posted 25/11/2023 at 12:53:02
Take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind,
Down the foggy ruins of time, Fast past the frozen leaves,
The haunted frightened trees,
Down to the windy beach
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow!

COYFBB, Let's twat the Mancs. Onwards and Upwards!

John Keating
22 Posted 25/11/2023 at 13:23:51
Total commitment from everyone, on and off the pitch.
A relentless bear pit regardless of the way the game and score goes
Beware McTominay
Derek Knox
23 Posted 25/11/2023 at 14:06:44
Jim Wilson @ 12, Nail on Head there, don't give them any excuse to turn around and say they are just animals, they deserve to be out of the Premiership. If any dickheads attempt to get on to the pitch stop them !
Les Callan
24 Posted 25/11/2023 at 14:13:49
My big fear for tomorrow is that there will be a deliberate attempt by the officials and/or the VAR to provoke the crowd into misbehaviour by giving a ridiculous decision against us.

I wouldn't put anything past this crew at the Premier League.

Alan McGuffog
25 Posted 25/11/2023 at 14:53:30
Pete...

Re Positively 4th Street When your red acquaintances express "sympathy" at our demise:

"When you know as well as me you'd rather see me paralysed, why don't you come out just once and scream it."

Phil Bickerstaff
26 Posted 25/11/2023 at 16:41:50
All this media stuff about the protests regarding the 10 points. The 10 points is the tip of the iceberg:.

1. Luton docked 10 points for using a non-registered agent - Tottenham warned not to use a non-registered agent again after selling Defoe.

2. Barnsley removed from the cup for fielding an illegible player – Liverpool got given a small fine for fielding an illegible player.

3. Everton given 10-point deduction for an over spend of £19.5m with Stadium increases and players suspended paid in full – Tottenham converted £600M stadium debt into bonds 🤷‍♂️ - Man City never paid a player who got suspended.

4. Premier League forced us to sell players and to not sign players to meet requirements. Selling Richarlison for £20M less because Tottenham knew we had to accept to meet requirements. If the Premier League have made us sell players impacting our performance, surely that should've been considered in our punishment. Everton have been open and honest which has not helped or been considered.

5. Super League breakaway was an attempt to break the football pyramid. The clubs involved got a fine of £20Mbetween them. 🤷‍♂️ How is this not worse than Everton not anticipating Covid, War in Ukraine, Payer X suspended, cost of living crisis and stadium increased costs??? 🤷‍♂️

6. Leicester City breaching FFP rules and getting a £3.1Mfine then going on to win the league then the FA Cup. 🤷‍♂️

7. And Man Utd this season getting a €300k fine for breach of ffp

Fucking corrupt against EFC.

Nigel Munford
27 Posted 25/11/2023 at 17:22:31
And Luton feckin win today ffs!!!
Mike Keating
28 Posted 25/11/2023 at 17:33:04
Oh, what did you see, my blue-eyed son?
Oh, what did you see, my darling young one?
I saw a newborn baby with wild wolves all around it
I saw a highway of diamonds with nobody on it
I saw a black branch with blood that kept drippin'
I saw a room full of men with their hammers a-bleedin'
I saw a white ladder all covered with water
I saw ten thousand talkers whose tongues were all broken
I saw guns and sharp swords in the hands of young children
And it's a hard, and it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard
And it's a hard rain's a-gonna fall
Sean Mitchell
29 Posted 25/11/2023 at 18:10:20
The corruption crew have probably already held a zoom meeting to discuss every decision going for the other red team of the sinister 6 tomorrow.

Rat boy Penandez up to his usual antics and the ref doing nothing about it.

The ref will probably turn up with the Man Utd coach with his list of instructions and corrupt prize money waiting.

Les Callan
30 Posted 25/11/2023 at 18:23:58
Many a true word spoken in jest Sean.
Paul Greenly Jones
31 Posted 25/11/2023 at 18:56:45
I'm hoping that the bear pit Goodison will be the catalyst for a win, however, I've got a stomach-churning feeling that the spawny Mancs have the ear of both the Premier League aficionados and matchday ref and the VAR.
Martin Farrington
32 Posted 25/11/2023 at 19:05:04
Well I've had all that I wanted
Of a lot of things I've had
And a lot more than I needed
Of some things that turned out bad

Wanted Club by Leicester City
Wanted Club by the KC of Leeds
Wanted Club by many others
Wanted by the Premier League.

Mike Gaynes
33 Posted 25/11/2023 at 19:05:46
I'm not emotional about this game at all. And I have my rage at the Premier League and my longtime hatred for the Man Utd well-harnessed.

I expect a controlled, professional, clinical performance by our club.

(...to eviscerate these bastards and toss their entrails to the buzzards and their bones to the hyenas, and then spew the remnants of their blood over the denizens of the Commission.)

Oops, did something just slip out there that I shouldn't have said?

Martin Farrington
34 Posted 25/11/2023 at 19:23:32
Many wise words and cautiousness spoken above.

My apprehensions:- Players being "Too up for it". Thus giving the referee the easy and unjustified excuse to follow Premier League instructions for booking our lads for nothing challanges.

I see nonsense sending-offs. The VAR giving penalties to the cheating diving Mancs. I do believe we will be cheated out of a result.

I fear a pitch invasion which will be media sensationalised into something sinister and sanctionable.

Remember the bent twat KC hitting us for 10 points is the same KC who set a record fine on our club for the pitch invasion vs Palace and is the same bent twat who now has to decide how much compensation we owe to other clubs including his beloved Leeds.

In any just world, it should be the Premier League that are responsible for any such compensation if it is to be applicable at all.

Billy Shears
35 Posted 25/11/2023 at 19:46:46
Man Utd are there for the taking, but only if Dyche takes off the handbrake and we attack them from the off.

No doubt it will be a bear pit tomorrow at the Old Lady, so let's put on a show for the faithful and put two fingers up towards the absolute pricks that sadly run our game!?

COYBB

Tony Everan
36 Posted 25/11/2023 at 19:59:09
Loved Hurricane by Dylan, I used to belt it out on the guitar.

Here comes the story of the Everton
The club the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that we never done*
Put in the bottom three, when one time we coulda been
The champions of the league.

* Not quite true.

Alan McGuffog
37 Posted 25/11/2023 at 21:19:17
Mike Gaynes.

what album was that on? Great lyrics!

Pete Neilson
38 Posted 25/11/2023 at 21:38:54
And pulling together Dylan, precedent with our points deduction with Sheffield Wednesday and a great result.

Link

Robert Williams
39 Posted 25/11/2023 at 21:53:43
What's there betting the sods target Young for a red card?
David Peate
40 Posted 25/11/2023 at 22:00:06
Perhaps a little Milton may be added to the Dylan theme where he wrote that "long is the way and hard, that out of Hell leads up to Light."
Neil Lawson
41 Posted 25/11/2023 at 22:26:49
A win would be wonderful for our cause. I desperately hope that it happens.

But this is Everton. We are the team everyone wants to play when they haven't won away for a year, when their striker hasn't scored for 10 games, when they haven't had a penalty all season etc etc.

With the weight of expectation being so great and most neutrals behind us, why do I have this nagging fear that tomorrow may not go well? That would be our beloved Everton. Please prove me wrong.

George Stuart
42 Posted 25/11/2023 at 22:35:28
I see a loss to an indifferent Man Utd side by a small margin.
Maybe larger as we press and get caught at the back.
Fernando's is class (narky when required). Rashford will rediscover his lost form.

That's it. They have nothing else special. No dodgy penalties or red cards because they have white shorts.

Brian Wilkinson
43 Posted 25/11/2023 at 22:41:38
The one player that can make an impact tomorrow is Doucoure.

I wonder what odds you can get on Doucoure being given an early yellow card and for good measure? If we are leading, Pickford getting a yellow, to add on additional minutes to help Man Utd out.

Phillip Warrington
44 Posted 25/11/2023 at 23:05:25
We have no choice but to win with Luton and Bournemouth winning.
Sam Hoare
45 Posted 25/11/2023 at 23:34:00
It will be a bear pit tomorrow. Wish I could be there.

No guarantees on the result but Dyche has had them well organised of late and I'm sure he won't need to fire them up. First goal will be crucial but Man Utd are no great shakes.

Derek Knox
46 Posted 26/11/2023 at 00:06:38
Alan @ 37,

"What album was that on? Great lyrics!"

The Very Best of The Bullshit Blues! :-)

Howard Don
47 Posted 26/11/2023 at 01:21:07
Jim Wilson @ 12. Amen to all of that.
Christine Foster
48 Posted 26/11/2023 at 04:34:30
If we win tomorrow, we would have been on 17 points, we would have been 10th in the league... 10th. Instead, we will still be in the relegation zone no matter what the result.

Martin Samuels in The Times has it right... it's a shame it's taken rape of Everton to lay bare the corruption of fair play, the abandonment of any pretence to having a level playing field. But most of all, it's the determination of the Premier League to kill Everton at any cost that is naked in its use of a so-called "independent" commission. Independent from who or what, or even how?

So today we will drive Man Utd back, earn the 3 points, raise the hairs on the back of the necks of all Evertonians, no matter where they are... We will not be beat!

Laurie Hartley
49 Posted 26/11/2023 at 05:53:22
I am not getting carried away by all the hype. This game represents a huge challenge for our players. Manchester United are the only Premier League team to have won 4 of their last 5 games.

To gain 3 points here will require a mighty effort from the players.

Danny O’Neill
50 Posted 26/11/2023 at 06:32:41
Ahead of today,, I decided to take some Everton medicine in the early hours and watch Howard's Way. It might not be relevant for today, but it was therapeutic.

Neville Southall:

If the attitude is not good, the people don't want you
A harsh and unforgiving place
They don't suffer fools gladly
And they don't back down from anybody

Now that last comment resonates. Don't back down Everton. Stand and fight.

The non-independent commission has shafted us, but we will have our day. Turn it around, Blues.

We are behind you. As always, we will be there in person or following however we can. And be vocal. Regardless of the result, we make a statement today. How much this club means to us and how much football means to us. Something those people in suits in their Paddington offices seem to have forgotten.

Or never even understood.

Anyway. Onto Goodison.

Neil Copeland
51 Posted 26/11/2023 at 07:28:35
Danny, have a safe journey and hope to see you later.

No surrender!

UTFT!

Colin Glassar
52 Posted 26/11/2023 at 07:38:17
I'm with you, Laurie @49.

Cool heads (players), strong hearts (fans). The players must control their emotions to win this game.

Dave Cashen
53 Posted 26/11/2023 at 07:40:18
Whilst today's game offers up the opportunity for Evertonians to demonstrate their feelings of both disgust and defiance, I'm concerned about some fans maybe seeing this as an absolute must win. I feel we don't need to put that sort of pressure on the players.

I fancy us today, but we need to understand that Man Utd are also under siege. They have better players than us. They will want to silence an increasingly critical football community.

Make no mistake. This is a toughie. We have to be at our very best to get a result. The fans will have to play our part. My concern is the damage a reverse result may inflict on morale.

There will still be 75 points up for grabs after this game and, while we would all like to see enough points on the board to secure safety by the turn of the year, that isn't going to happen.

We are at war with the Premier League. One battle will not determine the outcome.

Martin Farrington
54 Posted 26/11/2023 at 08:49:29
Colin & Dave. Indeed so.

Every pundit appears to be on us to win. You all know how that normally goes. As long as we can hold our heads up high at the end of the game.

I just hope the non-effective stewards have had their shredded wheat this morning because there will be international nobheads hell-bent on pitch invasion, no matter what the outcome.

Danny O’Neill
55 Posted 26/11/2023 at 09:06:10
Absolutely, Dave.

Today doesn't mark the end of our season.

We go for the 3 points just as we should do for every match.

But after today, there are still over 70 points to play for and this team has shown recently that it has enough to go and get some of them.

Euston bound. Lime Street bound. Goodison bound.

I'll probably get home around midnight, but I have to be there.

Tony Abrahams
56 Posted 26/11/2023 at 09:07:31
Dave @53. The voice of reason aided with loads of common-sense.

It's a long season, and we need to make sure we start to create a unity, that will last for a lot longer than the disproportionate results of this UN-independent enquiry.

Cool heads win football games, especially when you play for a team that is slowly getting built on defensive discipline. It's not always easy getting behind these tactics when you are going into the stadium on the front foot so I'm just hoping the fans don't end up being at odds with the team by the end of today's game.

David Bromwell
57 Posted 26/11/2023 at 09:12:17
Just remember today we are going to see a football match when two teams of eleven players go head to head in a game with a referee, two linesmen and the VAR cameras in operation all to ensure fair play. All that's at stake are 3 points; however, one team this week has had a 10-point deduction, not for football matters but for 'financial irregularities'.

However, the second team have recorded debts of over £1 billion, but apparently that is okay.

Funny business this Premier League, still I expect they know what they are doing and just maybe FairPlay doesn't mean what I thought it meant.

Brent Stephens
58 Posted 26/11/2023 at 09:24:11
“Dave” #53.

Yes, the first game after the great debacle would be a great one to win but it's the start of the long, hard road back up the league table.

Brent Stephens
59 Posted 26/11/2023 at 09:39:49
A Brief History of Doing Time
Excuse my hand writing, squire, but I’m shaking with rage.

Right, it’s like this. As my new brief, you need to advise me this time better than the last lot I had – my last lot of briefs were dumb asses and didn’t do too well in my case. It’s like this, see…

The area I live in is patrolled by PC Plod. He’s not a great fan of mine, thinks I’m a bit of a low-life but I’ve got on reasonably well with him. Until, that is, a new sergeant came in who wanted to be more hands-on in the area and send out a few harsh messages – he didn’t think PC Plod had a good enough grip on things. Plod didn’t want him interfering so he went out with the intention of shopping a few of the low life.

What happened was, I’d mismanaged my money so got into debt. A lot of my family egged me on and we had this plan to make a few quid. Spent a lot of money on the “tools” to do a job.

Plod spotted me tooled up and about to do a break-in. Felt my collar. He’s also caught a few others in our area doing the same thing – one of them a much bigger job, mind, real plush mansion. Anyway, I was first one up before the beak.

The family didn’t help. They’d given me all sorts of bad advice all along and had now gone quiet and some had even pissed off (well, I’d already told them to piss off, if truth were known).

So, I went down, got sentenced. Too big a sentence I think.

Thing is, I didn’t help myself; I was up to no good, so bang to rights, and I pleaded guilty (cos I know I’d looked to make a few bob). But I said in mitigation that the tools cost me a lot of money and the job hadn’t worked out – doesn’t that count for anything? And another thing, I’d spent a lot on this one device to get me in but I couldn’t use it as it had a fault – so doesn’t that count for anything?

I know I was bang to rights but I’m going to appeal it because Plod had it in for me and I think the penalty is too harsh. I know I got done for being rowdy a year or two ago, but come on. And I’m now losing out on my usual wage. I might end up being bankrupt after all this and I’ll then get evicted. Where do I go then?

And another thing, I followed up one of my “leeds” (think that’s how you spell it), and this guy who was on the bench and sent me down, well a few years ago he’d been in court representing the family that I tried to burgle, so obv a mate of theirs! They’re all in it together, Plod, the beak, the lot of them.

Anyway, I’m appealing. But I don’t know whether to appeal because Plod wanted to get me and he knew the beak. Should I say that? Or do I appeal cos the sentence was stiff? Or appeal on both grounds? Thing is, if I appeal and accuse them all of being in it together, I’ve heard the new judge who’s hearing the case is a mate of theirs and won’t like that, so he might even increase the sentence. Think I might just appeal for leniency.

A load of my mates are planning to hold a noisy protest march in our area, banners and all that. I think the TV cameras will be there. Great lads, salt of the earth. Just hope it doesn’t upset the powers that be.

Anyway, you’re my new brief. What do you reckon?

Just get me out of here. There are some right unsavoury characters around here where they’ve put me.

Tempus fugit, may arse.

Brian Harrison
60 Posted 26/11/2023 at 10:05:38
Despite all the emotion that will surround this game, I think we need to accept that this will be a tough game, and this game is just as important to them and their players as it is for our team. As many have stated play with your heads and don't let the emotion run away with us. I know he has only scored 1 goal for them in the league this year, but I think Rashford will be a big threat and Young will need Harrison to get back when we are out of possession. I know we all want a win today for a myriad of reasons but right now I think I would take a draw.
I hear that the Man Utd supporters are saying that they will take part in the protest at the start of the game, and have asked can they also have the corrupt signs. Should this happen it will be massive for our ongoing case, that will show the authorities that this isn't just an Everton problem with the Premier league.
Rob Hooton
61 Posted 26/11/2023 at 10:11:05
Dave, 53 - top post. This will be a difficult match and our home form hasn’t been what we would hope (would be a great time to sort that out, with the run of games we have coming up!).

If the players perform and give it their all, as they have been, then that is all we can ask of them. We can hope Man Utd have on off day, I’d love Calvert-Lewin to give Maguire a torrid time and to get on the scoresheet!

Wish I was with those that will be there, do us all proud.

Christopher Timmins
62 Posted 26/11/2023 at 10:15:47
A difficult game coming up against a team who should finish in the top 6 this season. Cool heads needed and a disciplined performance required.

Michael Kenrick
63 Posted 26/11/2023 at 10:17:38
Utter nonsense, Brent @59.

Your little story is rife with intent to commit a crime – a break-in.

To parallel that with Everton's incompetence and naivety in failing to correctly define their financial matters within the dubious construct of the P&S Rules is not only completely inappropriate but wholly disingenuous.

Rob Halligan
66 Posted 26/11/2023 at 10:20:44
Well I thought it was funny, Brent. 😂😂
Brent Stephens
67 Posted 26/11/2023 at 10:21:45
Michael - hook, line and sinker!
Jimmy Carr
68 Posted 26/11/2023 at 10:45:20
I hope Ten Hag is taking Shelter From The Storm by the time 90 minutes is up and we've left Utd Tangled Up In Blue.
John Kavanagh
69 Posted 26/11/2023 at 10:47:57
I just hope that everyone there today puts in a performance. It may well set the tone for the rest of the season, but we must put up a fight and show that they've picked on the wrong club.

We will now face the full range of weapons at the Premier League's disposal and you can rely on the officials and VAR to play their part. No one should take the bait no matter what the provocation, as further mega fines and points deductions will ensue, courtesy of Leeds's biggest fan.

I'm expecting that by January we will be facing £100 million plus in 'compensation' payments so that we are forced to sell Calvert-Lewin, Branthwaite, Pickford and Onana at knock down prices to Man City, Arsenal, Man Utd, Spurs et al. This is to guarantee the Premier League's target – our relegation and it helps keep the Sky 6 expenditure within limits. Job done.

If we do go down, let's go down fighting.

As for today, I fear Martial and the diving diva Fernandes, but most of all Hojlund is a worry, because he hasn't scored a league goal yet. We all know what happens next. Everton that.

Nevertheless I'm hoping for a big fighting win. 3-1 and f**k the rotten and corrupt EPL.

COYB. Give 'em hell.

Robert Williams
70 Posted 26/11/2023 at 10:52:33
I think I may be too emotional to watch this match today!
It means that much...
James Marshall
71 Posted 26/11/2023 at 11:00:30
John @69,

I think Hoijlund is injured – he's defo touch & go for the game today anyway.

Kevin Edward
72 Posted 26/11/2023 at 11:15:34
Come on, Everton. Win the day. Premier League football has been ‘dead' for a long while.

EFC needs to be alive and kicking, don't go down without a fight. If we lose the game (and it's a tough one) all fair and square then so be it.

The media can spin this however they want to, but we must be heard both on and off the pitch.

UTFT!

David McMullen
73 Posted 26/11/2023 at 11:56:58
Forgot there was a game.

Goodison will be loud, vociferous, hostile, and partisan. There's a good team bubbling under the surface. I think on pitch they'll need to not lose their heads at any point, simply play, stick to the plan. It'll come.

Anthony Dove
74 Posted 26/11/2023 at 12:02:31
Brent@59 very clever and funny.
Jim Wilson
75 Posted 26/11/2023 at 12:03:57
Christine @ 48 - the best summing up of the situation I have seen

Martin Samuels in The Times has it right... it's a shame it's taken rape of Everton to lay bare the corruption of fair play, the abandonment of any pretence to having a level playing field. But most of all, it's the determination of the Premier League to kill Everton at any cost that is naked in its use of a so-called "independent" commission. Independent from who or what, or even how?

What I would like to know is what club or clubs are driving this?

James Marshall
76 Posted 26/11/2023 at 12:21:26
On another note, I see Terry Venables just died. I always enjoyed when he was England manager, especially Euro 96 - halcyon days when football was way more enjoyable.
Dave Cashen
77 Posted 26/11/2023 at 12:34:47
Brent 59

Clever.

Danny - All the way back at post 4.

"Don't let the emotion of the occasion get to us"

Coming from you, that sounds a bit like Corporal Jones shouting "Don't panic".

No offence meant Danny. Just a gentle leg pull. The emotion in your posts is what makes them.

I didn't get a ticket so won't be there to protest today. Would you kindly throw a few fucks into the Premier League on my behalf please!

Christy Ring
78 Posted 26/11/2023 at 12:53:19
I hope Seamus starts today, his passion alone would give us a massive lift.

Onana supposed to be out with the calf injury, why did he join up with Belgium and aggravate the injury?

Mark Ryan
79 Posted 26/11/2023 at 12:57:10
Today is all about winning the game.

We admitted to the Premier League that we messed up. We need to see what the appeal says and move forward.

The points matter more than anything else. A lucky 1-0 would suffice. Confidence will have been dented. We cannot afford the occasion to get to us. We must grind out 3 points, end of.

Andrew Clare
80 Posted 26/11/2023 at 13:09:32
Big game for us. Lots of pressure on us that Man Utd won't have.

Having said that, I am sure that our boys will be up for this.

Brian Wilkinson
81 Posted 26/11/2023 at 13:14:38
Well we have had the inspired Bob Dylan, now let's bring it closer to home.

Time to dig out some Lennon classics.

Power to the people, Revolution, Gimme some truth

Imagine there's no corruption, easy if you try
No need for greed or hunger, or points deductions to.
Imagine all the fairness, living in the Prem.

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

I hope some Day the 14 will join us
And the also rans will be as one.

Let's give them hell today, show them they have picked on the wrong club, and the wrong fan base.

Andrew Clare
82 Posted 26/11/2023 at 13:20:45
R.I.P. Terry Venables a top footballer and a top manager. Sad to see him leave us.
Dave Abrahams
83 Posted 26/11/2023 at 13:25:51
Christy (78),

I think all players selected for international duty have to attend to show that they are genuinely unfit to play. I doubt if Onana did any serious training, went but came back early to be treated at Finch Farm.

Craig Walker
84 Posted 26/11/2023 at 13:28:25
Holjund yet to score for United. We all know how that usually ends.

We can definitely get at this Man Utd team. Hope the fans are raucous for the whole game and the players step up. Oddly, the points deduction could improve Dyche's standing with the fans because he's the kind of manager we need in this scenario.

COYB. Let's get 3 points and get ourselves back up the table.

Dale Self
85 Posted 26/11/2023 at 13:57:13
The comments are in top form. We shall be indefatigable in our indignant rage against football wrongness. Sorry, Kieran inspired me and I had to write something.
John Downey
86 Posted 26/11/2023 at 14:04:22
Sean Dyche. “ At my signal unleash he’ll “. COYB
Danny O’Neill
87 Posted 26/11/2023 at 14:13:35
Fair one, Dave. I am the eternal emotional fool!!
Dave Abrahams
88 Posted 26/11/2023 at 14:14:43
Brent (59),

A very honest and sad tale, had me in tears to be honest. I think your brief will tell you, when he dries his eyes.

“Live and learn mate, just do your time, you'll do that sitting on your pot, you'll be out in no time.”

“Oh by the way, here's my card for next time.”

Tony Abrahams
89 Posted 26/11/2023 at 14:35:00
I love Dylan, but today I think it’s got to be all about the Labi Siffre lyrics, telling everyone, that’s there’s something inside so strong, and this is what makes us Evertonians💙
Phil Greenough
90 Posted 26/11/2023 at 14:39:27
Nearly had me, Brent@59, then the penny dropped.
Mick O'Malley
91 Posted 26/11/2023 at 15:27:28
James@ 76 agreed, shocked to hear about Terry Venables passing, that Euro 96 tournament was special, loads of foreign football fans in the City cos the RS shithole was hosting games.

England were decent under Venables, especially the 4-1 game against the Dutch and Gazza's goal against Scotland.

Come on Blues let's take our rage out on Man Utd and send them packing and get the 3 points, UTFT 💙


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