West Ham United vs Everton

We have 4 good centre-backs. 4 good-strikers? He said we were playing the long ball to Calvert-Lewin, which Ancelotti told him was the same as him?

He didn't mention Richarlison and James provided a lot more crosses and Dom didn't have to chase every ball.

He mentioned Branthwaite's original injury, but no reason why he hasn't being picked now?

I will be in London on Saturday, so could meet at the ground, if necessary. Text or phone Ray on 077950 14152. Thanks

So who's right? You'd think Dyche is right and Seamus will be withdrawn from the Ireland squad.

I hope the players have the same faith as the supporters.

So forget that Branthwaite is left-sided, faster, brings the ball out of defence, gives the midfield a rollicking if they pass the ball back to Pickford, and Mykolenko is a lot more confident beside him, and has the defence playing further forward, instead of playing deep, which Keane and Tarkowski do, because of lack of pace… but none of these things matter! Is he for real?

He also said today Calvert-Lewin is playing the same role as he did under Ancelotti, that's why they kick the long ball? Did he not remember he had Richarlison and James providing the ammunition?

How must he be feeling? Even less chance of keeping him when the January window opens.

This for me is a 6-pointer, and hopefully Everton will turn up take their chances and win.

Once again, we are going to a team with a manager under pressure and you know what that means… Hopefully all their players have scored within the last 10 games! 😂

Dyche is trying to cover his selection of Keane. He said Branthwaite was fit 2 weeks ago, and fully training since then, but wasn't picked because the two boys were playing well.

McNeil went off injured against Fulham, didn't train until the following Thursday, and started against Southampton?

Our manager explained, to my ears, very clearly, that Jarrad had a minor operation but has broken down 3 times since with various issues as he nears a comeback.

I paraphrase, but words to that effect.

As far as I'm concerned, his ability, without doubt, has been rubbish this season.

Stop making crap up. It is ridiculous.

From my perspective, Branthwaite has been fit to be on the bench, ergo he is fit to play. Not playing him is a crime and Dyche is just spuddling. McNeil was selected on the back of an injury and it looks like Doucoure will play ( or more properly, make up the numbers) despite his injury. If Christy or others wish to question the veracity of our manager for what they see as valid reason, then they are entitled to do so. I'm with them.

Branthwaite is only fit enough to be eased back into fitness for a full match. Also, we don't have a decent substitute for McNeil that won't drastically change the attack or escape from our third.

I will give you the right to call it 'spuddling'. Christy can believe what she wishes. Please respect my right to call both of those unconvincing speculation in my own colourful way.

Dyche's initial argument in the presser was that Keane had been selected over Branthwaite due to form and he didn't disabuse the questioner of that notion when he went on about how he, as a player, would have expected to keep his place if he was playing well.

That suggests to me — and this is supported by reports from those closer to the situation — that Branthwaite has been fully fit since Ipswich but the manager has rewarded Keane for his recent form.

As I infer above, I think the fact that we lost at Southampton gives SD the pretext to restore Branthwaite to the starting XI, even if Keane wasn't directly at fault. He should use it, IMO.

Am I the only one here who thinks that over the past few games Keane has been playing the best football of his time at Everton? And that the guy Jarrad should replace in the lineup is the one who ISN'T playing well right now?

(Yeah, Christy, that would be Tarks.)

And just as an aside, does anybody else think Myko needs to be sat for a game or two? He's making really bad mistakes right now. Young could switch over and Patterson could play right back. Not much to lose right now.

I don't know whether Keane is playing his best football since he joined us (he's done fine in a middling team without being exceptional) but Keane playing his best still isn't as good as Branthwaite, IMO. And the JB/Tarky partnership is proven over the course of a season.

In an ideal world, we'd be building a team around Branthwaite. Keane is 32 next year and out the door in a few months. As such, I have no loyalty towards him. You play your best players, end of.

Is it because of 'that goal' he scored to ensure our Premiership safety eighteen months ago, that is part of his job isn't it ?

Hoping as always for a win, but please get the team selection, subs and tactics right. West Ham are going through a bad spell themselves, like Southampton, and may be vulnerable, but badly need the points.

Oh wait a minute !

Absolutely spot on.

He knows he messed up and he’s now trying to cover his tracks.

How gullible are you Dale!

Nidaiye just behind Beto and DCl.

Defence the same.

Put them under pressure from the start.

In reality how can that possibly be anything more than tired speculation mate when we have potential new owners on the horizon.

Credit where due, Keane has played very well in the past few matches.

If Branthwaite is fit, he has to play.

If anyone has to make way, it probably has to be Tarkowski. I'm sad to say that, as I've been a big fan, but, he's just not been on his game of late, and I suspect he's been carrying an injury.

If fit I would start JB instead of Keane, harsh on Keane but partnerships are massive at CB.

Midfield is an issue, Ndiaye, Mangala and gana will play, think it's a toss up between Harrison and Lindstrom with McNeil more advanced and Beto up top.

Tactics, sit deep let them have possession and hope to hit them on the break.

Pickford
Young tarks JB myko
Lindstrom Gana mangala Ndiaye
McNeil
Beto

Coyb.

As always, I'm humbled and don't consider myself any more an Evertonian than all of you.

Let's get to West Ham and get behind the team.

Games MK has started - 10. Games won 1.

Lyndon sums it up perfectly;

'I don't know whether Keane is playing his best football since he joined us (he's done fine in a middling team without being exceptional) but Keane playing his best still isn't as good as Branthwaite, IMO. And the JB/Tarky partnership is proven over the course of a season'

‘Tactics, sit deep let them have possession and hope to hit them on the break’

Brilliant Rob, spoken like a true Dycherite, particularly like the ‘hope’ thrown in there.

I try to avoid predictions, but if Tarkowski and Branthwaite are fit, play them. They struck up a partnership that worked well. And Tarkowski is our de-facto captain. But as I've said, my concern is that I don't think Tarkowski is fully fit. Branthwaite will be; when the body is young, you can withstand a lot more than when the old injuries come back to shout at you.

Harsh on Keane, but the manager has to pick the best team with what he has available.

Talking to a very close West Ham supporting friend last night, based in Texas, he is very concerned about playing us. We have a chance here if we go in with confidence.

The Daily Fail really do make shit up as they go along.

It seems that Dyche, not openly, is concerned about his Centre back pairing.

Keane plays ok with Tarks who maintains the defensive line with him. but the problem is that it will always be too deep on occasions.

Playing Branthwaite with Keane would upset the balance for Keane, since Branthwaite will instinctively push up when needed as the good defender he is.Keane then would be exposed and errors would be the result.

Playing Branthwaite with Tarks would lose the Full back threat that Keane provides when attacking set peices.

On top of that you have Dyche who wants deep defending and clearing of the lines.Keane is capable of providing a good through ball pass.

Dyche does not wants his defenders getting forward and he certainly does not want them overlapping.

That's is why I think that Keane and Tarks will start.Brantbwaite will come on as a Sub earlier, like Beto came on against Southampton;when the opposition had ebbed out of the game. Doucoure will play for his penalty box threat, if fit.Calvert Lewin to start for shape.

Eddie Dunn got Dyche so right on a previous thread.

Safe journey all.

Not sure why you think you are in a position to call Dale gullible. He seems to have a far better grasp of the situation than you.

Dyche has a long history of nursing players back from re-occurring injury. When other managers were prepared to ruin DCL's career. Dyche bit the bullet and sent him away to be fixed. To compare the reoccurring nature of Branthwaites injury to the short term one McNeil had, is frankly ridiculous.

I've seen Christy peddle this idea that Dyche actually preferred Keane at least two dozen times since saturday. Perhaps as you agree with him, you can explain why JB was straight back in as soon as the medical staff gave him the all clear earlier in the season ? Or why JB kept his place for the rest of the entire season when he shone after getting an early chance last season. If Dyche ( The guy responsible for the bigger picture ) thinks the time is right. Branthwaite WILL play tomorrow.

Dale is going on known facts. You (and Christy) are basing your argument solely on a desire to disbelieve a manager you clearly don't like.

Sporting gave City a pasting with their tactics guess what they where?

Brentford played the same way against Fulham and lost with 2 injury time goals playing the same tactics.

Both Milan teams got wins in the champions league this week, you will never guess what tactics they used

Name calling is all well and good but back it up with something with a bit more substance.

There definitely appears to be differing views on here regarding Dyche, his comments and variable team selection, and Dyche has ‘discombobulated’ me with his chatter.

We need at least a point, preferably all three points any way, anyhow.

The Saudi's in the North East have hundreds of billions in the bank but can't spend it due to the rules.
We would be the same.

‘Do you actually watch football or just follow the ball around like a lapdog’.

What does that even mean Rob? maybe the only comment that is valid is yours because you watch a lot of football.

I’m not going to be a Dyche apologist blindly supporting the Manager, without question, especially when the evidence points to the contrary.

Sporting and both Milan’s have excellent Managers who no doubt inspire their teams to great things such as playing with confidence as opposed to sit deep and hope for the best against a team on its knee’s. Totally inspiring stuff Rob.

It’s actually me saying that team is better and can adapt to suit different scenarios, given the chance. It is you suggesting that they can’t, with the usual hoof it up to DCL no doubt.

Also, I think you will find it’s ‘were’ not ‘where’. If you are going to try to be patronising then get it right.

Brentford lost so not sure what point you are even making there, as usual.

I believe calling someone a lap dog is name calling, isn’t it.

I, like many question the tactics.

Rob@40, it must be the player in me and the former youth team coach, but I always looking at where the ball is going next, not necessarily who is on the ball. I always look for the space and runners. Maybe that's just me?

Well looking forward to a catch up tomorrow at the Spoons near Mile End. I might have a swift one in the Blind Beggar first.

Come on Everton. People are paying hard earned money and time for this. As the great one said, open the windows and don't let them down.

Who are you mate, Dale’s PA or something? I wasn’t aware when I signed up to ToffeeWeb that certain people were beyond reproach.

I felt I was in a position to call Dale gullible when he referred to another poster’s comments as ‘ Stop making crap up. It is ridiculous.’

You are right though I don’t like Dyche and am disliking him more with each press conference.

You can bet you’re bottom dollar that he will pick Branthwaite tomorrow, even Dyche isn’t that soft.

I think at this point the relationship between manager and fans is pretty much dead. He's not showing any regard either for fans or the new regime. He speaks about his employer as if he's working at a madhouse. No doubt that is true, but he's being paid major dollars to present the club in a favourable light. It's all very galling, and somewhat of a smokescreen to deflect from the fact that for the last couple of weeks he's kept our best player on the bench and played Michael Keane instead, and we've dropped five points along the way.

Tomorrow can go either way I think we can beat them I think we can get one of them results. On the flip side it can be every bit as it was v Southampton.

It's the flip of a coin. Oh we might get a draw. There. All outcomes covered.

I'm bored with his team selections etc Dyche does what Dyche does. We've seen it often enough now to know he's clearly not arsed. Not even phased. As such he will live and die by his decisions.

And the results.

Asked whether he was under the impression new ownership could change the position on bigger offers, he said: "I haven't met them, I haven't spoken to them, I don't know any of their plans, their thoughts or feelings about the club at this time or the finances. So that would clearly be a new decision.

"The current decision would be that it is likely that if somebody bid enough money for any player… any player at this football club as you have seen over the last couple of windows, if someone offers enough money then they go. Alex Iwobi was like that a day or so before the deadline. I didn't want to lose Alex but they said: 'Look, this is a deal we've got to do.' I said 'OK' and that's the way it goes, so therefore I better mould it towards the next lot of players and how many I can get in and use." — Source: Liverpool Echo

Lots of big earners will be leaving in the summer Andrew, that should give us scope to increase Branthwaites wages.

Sean, bad news, Jarrad, injury setback

Sean;

Shit, what's the advice?

Top medical advisor;

88th minute, cold,, quick 5 mins intensity, then cold again!!

Sean;

okay you're the expert. Guess I'll just have to...if I really really have to..play my lovely little Mikey.wikey

Top medical advisor;

recovery, crucial, can't fuck this up!

Sean;

no, no no. I'm listening.

Top medical advisor;.

Mikey up top, we will need to bang one in!!

Sean;

Deffo, Deffo, anything...we have to look after Jarrad. If it helps Jarrad

Friday morning after hearing Dyche's press conference Thelwell and Branthwaite march into Sean Dyche's office apoplectic;

Thelwell;

Sean I have 70million riding on this guy in January what the fuck is going on?

Jarrad;

yes boss I wanna go to Man Utd what's wrong with me? Is it serious?

Sean;

Calm down everyone, the medical team has told me you've trained all week brilliantly and you'll be ready for 96 minutes against West Ham

Jarrad;

Boss I was away with my girlfriend this week on our anniversary..don't you remember?

Sean;

Damn I forgot. Ah don't worry your still good to go

Jarrad;

Thanks boss I'm so happy, I will be able to play at the theatre of dreams after all.

Sean;

Ahh the theatre of dreams, can't believe they appointed Amorim,

At this point Sean goes into a day dream of his own

Jarrad;

boss boss boss

Sean;

Ahhh...You know I could have kept them up.

Jarrad;

The injury, the injury. Do you think it's likely to return in the future?

Sean;

Sorry sorry I was miles away njury, what injury? Oh yeah the injury..I'll let you know; we will see how little Mikey Wikey plays.

Thelwell;

Sean let's get this deal done. Jarrad off you go!!

Jarrad leaves the room

Sean;

yes asap.. do it now before the window. I want that bastard gone. I don't want to have to get little Mikey wikey one of this blankets and water bottles on the bench cos it's getting cold now and we don't want little Mikey's toes freezing.

Thelwell;

Don't worry he's gone!

All about attitude which comes from the manager.

Playing your stromgerst 11 is essential, we need as many points as possible before we get to Christmas.

We cannot rely on pinching a goal, because like last week, give these dodgy officials a glimmer of a reason and they will gladly disallow our goal.

I am hoping the Mangala Gueye centre midfield partnership will grow into a very strong influence on the team.

So Dale is gullible for not believing Christy's Crap??

Come on you Blues.

When was the first one?

This game could be called a 'Sack Race' — a humiliating loss could result in either one's departure. However, as mentioned before, who pulls the trigger on Dyche?

Colin #39, You're talking about me peddling the argument about Keane, and Dale is talking 'Facts'. Well if you read Lyndon's comment on 17, and he has a lot more inside knowledge than your pal Dale, Branthwaite has been fully fit since the Ipswich game.

Dyche has said it himself if you take off your tinted glasses. He said last week, he wouldn't drop his two centre-backs because they were playing well.

Personally, I believe we wouldn't be still in the Premier League only for Dyche, and I don't dislike him, but some of his decisions this season, especially not bringing back Branthwaite, are baffling.

He also said yesterday 'Branthwaite has only played one season in the Premier League' … What's he trying to say?

No, he's gullible because he believes Dyche.

Pickford
O'Brien - Tarkowski - Branthwaite
Harrison - Gana - Mangala - McNeil
Beto - Ndiaye
Calvert-Lewin

3-4-2-1

Harrison and McNeil as defensive wingers and a closer Beto and Ndiaye to Calvert-Lewin to provide better support.

Dyche obviously has no faith in Patterson and IMO Young and Mykolenko offer us nothing from full-back positions apart from dreadful decisions, poor support going forwards, and potential red cards.

Can we pray for a lightbulb moment from Sean Dyche?

Derek, I am pretty sure, although without knowledge, that having bankrolled the club, and about to take over, The Friedkin Group will have influence on any decisions.

For now, it's all about those players on the pitch at the London Stadium tomorrow.

They"ll only be ready if you give players a chance and if there is not much riding on the outcome of the games. What Dyche forgot to mention is that he also had a full season behind him in Holland, a reasonable level.

I bet you a virtual pint of Guinness that he doesn't!

In Dale's defence, I wasn't sure either. It's the name – Christy - it's not so clearly gender specific is it?

Nothing wrong with it, it's a fine Irish name; but there is also, for example, the lovely Christy Turlington... I don't think Dale was taking the piss.

What part of "Branthwaite is fully fit" is crap? It's a fact, Dyche is trying to justify leaving him on the bench because the journalists at the press conference, and the fans are questioning him about it now.

He's actually tripping himself up, because after the minor groin operation, he was due back in pre-season, it was then, when he had a relapse. He came back against Palace, and he injured his thigh in training, nothing to do with the original injury, and fit since the Ipswich game.

Is this a good situation?

You're on mate, he's stubborn but surely not…..!

Didn't he even try to throw his sports science colleagues under the bus by saying something along the lines (I paraphrase, I apologise, but I can't watch it again).

"Last time I thought it was too early for him to come back but we went with the majority view and threw him back in and lo and behold he got injured."

Brilliant, Dr Dyche – another fantastic diagnosis, beefing yourself up with hindsight, again.

You're the manager, aren't you? Could you imagine Clough or Ferguson going with the majority view…?

So what was wrong with him saying he was injured last week? He does it all the time with other players. All I heard was that Keane and Tarkowski deserved to keep their places.

£130k is the going rate I believe.

Thing is, he's a defender and, from where I'm sitting, our attacking play – or rather, lack of it – is our biggest issue at the moment. Of course, he's a better player than Keane, but Keane's playing okay, we're not conceding loads of goals. Not really sure what the big issue is. Though I'd definitely have Jarrad in my starting eleven.

We're over 24 hours away from kick-off and the Dyche haters are already waiting to go ballistic about his team selection. Keep your powder dry folks.

It'll be worth the virtual (or real if you're ever at a match I'm at) pint if my betting prediction follows the same pattern as it has for most of my adult life.

Dale could also be non gender specific…
As in Dale Arden - Flash Gordon's love interest.
And Dale Winton…..

Fair point, and understood… though one final point, Branthwaite helps our attacking play.

Yesterday, he said that Ndiaye has never played Number 10 in the Premier League.

Selecting him to play there seems the best way to solve that particular issue. McNeil is one-footed, slow and loses possession in the centre… so switch him back to the left.

To say it's a fact that he hasn't picked up a niggle in a soft tissue area is ridiculous.

What do you know, Christy??

As for Mykolenko, he fully deserves to be parked on the subs bench alongside Tarkowski.

The Athletic reports that Branthwaite has been fit and available for the last 2 games.

I just think Dyche doesn't want to alienate Keane, after doing okay, by dropping him. I think he is wrong. Same goes for Young who has done okay.

But when we go into the hard December games, they will be found out, then Branthwaite, Coleman or Patterson will be brought in but they won't be match fit.

In the '80s, Richardson and Harper did great when called upon but they were straight back out of the team when Sheedy, Reid, Stevens, or whoever, were fit.

Play your best 11, Dyche. We need points now!

They are going to be right up for this game with home advantage so its going to be tough to get any joy.
I'm going to have everything crossed and be hoping for the best.
I dare say Danny will have us winning 3-0.

On the Keane v Branthwaite thing, I think Dyche will select Keane again because he doesn't believe in replacing a player if he had a good/ok performance in his last game.
What do I think, I'm on the fence, he knows what state Branthwaite is in, so who's to say.

Jimmy 70, a very salient point albeit until Southampton we had scored on each of the previous two games. However, I think a more interesting question is whether Beto starts or DCL. Branthwaite seems to either not be 100% fit or there’s discontent and he wants out (possibly both) - either way he’s not been starting.

Personally, have stopped trying to forecast the starting XI for now. We seem to be in a bit of a no man’s land until the sale goes through. Just hope we can keep getting some points so we’re clear of the drop zone for the likely 4 straight losses we’ll have in December.

3 points tomorrow would be great and we’d go above them.

Neil from above:
"Dale 14. Struggling to understand your logic and the inappropriate criticism of Christy. Not sure just what " she has made up".

I haven't met you and don't know the underlying identity of the posts. I simply responded as though Neil knew what he was talking about.

Am I acquitted there Christy? I truly don't want to be insulting anyone personally. As for questionable posts and displays of misdirected anger, well

Imagine if Dyche had the money Koeman spent and had those results, eh?

On the money Steve.

Good analogy Jim

I suspect most of us who have watched him this season can believe that.

There is no conspiracy and no reason to "cover" the decision with a story.

We cannot afford to keep sacking managers, we are where we are because of the owners stupid decisions in that regard.

There was news that TFG want Lampard for AS Roma, what makes people think the new owners are going to make good decisions, be careful what you wish for.

Now, can we all get behind the manager and the players for the game tomorrow, and less of the negativity.

Thank you.

That was the only good news about Everton in weeks.

Whatever may be said about Keane, he is a model professional and, if left out of the side, he will not kick his toys out of the pram and he will train hard for his next opportunity.

So, Mr Dyche, be a proper manager and pick the best and most effective players and send them out to win.

He says "he has no knowledge of the plans of The Friedkin Group but that, if nothing had changed by January, he believed the club could struggle to turn down suitable offers for players".

Why is our manager giving the green light to clubs, to make bids for our players as the club would likely agree to a deal?

He then goes on to say "any bids for the players has got nothing to do with me, you can imagine the financial situation here and we have already had to sell players, I didn't want to sell".

This sounds like a man who knows he won't be here much longer — and nor should he after such remarks.

Personally speaking, I think our area of weakness has been midfield so I would go with Mangala, Gana and Doucoure with Ndiaye and Beto up front supported by Harrison and Give McNeill a long overdue rest. I don't think he has fully recovered from his injury and looks off the pace to me.

Dyche may surprise us and play 3 at the back which IMO would create total confusion and not play to players' strengths.

The ideal situation is looming: The International break!

In the name of God, go! (Not you, Brian!)

Also, I have a feeling that both McNeil and Doucoure will get game time as well, even if they have to come on holding crutches.

Anyone with common sense would rest them until after the International break… but not Dyche: he will make sure both start or come off the bench.

No need to have them getting back on the grass after getting splinters in their arse for 3 weeks sat on the bench, both will be thrown in at some point tomorrow.

If it sounds negative, we'll that's the way the manager has sunk my expectations and sucked the life out of me.

I would love to have the Danny effect, see us rolling them over, but I just do not have any faith in Dyche anymore, no matter how hard I try to be positive.

So feel free to label me a doom merchant – but before doing so, hold back to see the team selection first, and see if Doucoure is thrown straight back in the team, or comes off the bench. I will happily eat humble pie if McNeil and Doucoure are not risked.

I agree, it's not about loyalty re Keane... it's just about putting your best 11 on the pitch for every game. My contention is that he's simply playing better than Tarkowski right now, at a level of confidence I've rarely seen before. None of his famous hesitations or indecision.

You're correct that he's unproven in partnership with Jarrad, but I would take that chance right now and give Tarkowski some time to rest and heal.

I might be tough on Keane as he has upped his game the last few weeks, but I still think Branthwaite will help Mykolenko out, and give us those extra yards further upfield, than a hoof up to Calvert-Lewin.

Fred #50 and Brian #93, Dyche is a veteran professional manager and I'm sure he understands that his time at Everton is coming to an end, June at the latest. Being a blunt sort of guy (and unlike others here I think he's honest), he feels free to be more direct. It's liberating in a way. Helpful? Nah, but that doesn't matter, the Friedkins won't care.

Christy Ring, don't be too harsh on the erroneous gender judgement -- it took me a bit of time also to realize you were a male Christy, and the other prominent Christy here is female.

The only guy with the power to sack him and hire another manager is Moshiri, and he's in the final stages of selling the club, so a major financial move would be business idiocy.

Unless the ownership change is close enough to completion that Friedkin can sign off on a new manager, it's very unlikely to happen.

But he's not playing the only player most would want. That's harsh on Ndiaye I know, but he's just arrived.

Maybe it's because you live in America but I've never ever heard of a female in Liverpool called Christy.

Christine, the ToffeeWeb lady poster, calls herself Christine; possibly she would answer to Chris, Chrissy or even Tina but call her Christy and I would imagine you might get a robust answer!

I too thought that was of the other gender….

My Left Foot

Also Brenda Fricker won best actress in the same film.

It's still never his fault. Get shut, before it's too late.

Do you think I'll be able to get my bet back, Mike?

Yer, having a laugh or taking the piss surely, he's a well known Folk Singer and been around for a long time, Planxty and moving Hearts!

Well, I thought they did but I seem to be proven wrong when it's our team. I appreciate the lack of high-quality players but this group of players can play football, attractive football. This was shown against Bournemouth and Aston Villa but poor tactics and dreadful game management saw defeats and a tactical reversal to type by the manager, when fixing the tactics and defence was, and still is in my opinion, the obvious choice.

It's also one of the reasons I feel Dyche is frustrating so many, self included. Which brings me to another more subtle niggle. Dyche's attitude to Everton fans.

Is it me who finds him condescending in his referencing of fans? I cannot recall him praising the support but he references the noise at this club which seems to be directed at fans' views.

Rarely direct in his criticism but leaves you with the feeling that the perception of blame promoted by Moshiri, Kenwright, of fans, still persists at the club.

Gut feelings, like truisms, are rarely wrong, unless of course it's our team. What was that last one? Oh yes, "How would Everton do it?"

I don't know if the players still believe in him and his methods, but he doesn't much care about them and even less about what us fans think.

With yet another international break coming up, if we had new owners in charge, it would have been the ideal time for a new manager to come in.

But our new owners are still weeks away from taking control so, if the result doesn't go our way tomorrow, sadly I can't see who would have the power to change the manager.

Both Dyche and his West Ham counterpart will be desperate for a result; although I want him gone, I hope somehow we pick up all 3 points tomorrow.

The 'gender neutral' versions of Chris, Chrissy are common all over, in Oz I was often called Chrissy, friends of family might shorten it to Chris but rarely...

What's in a name? Well, it's who you are and how you want to be seen, not a label for others to make assumptions!

Bit more interesting than Nigel,

me? I’ve hated Jeff, Jeffrey (bubbles bon bon etc)for years,

What’s OUR name?

Everton.

These need letting off the leash Dyche has got them on. But we all know it's not happening, so I struggle to get excited, knowing we are just going to get more of the same.

Tell me its what he's got to do!
Tell me he's dealing with crappie players!
Tell me we have injuries!
Tell he's doing his best with what he's got!
I get it!

But when you're not playing the one player in the side who the top clubs in the league want, while you are continuing with tactics that every opposition manager sees coming weeks before the game, not trying to tweak the formula to suit players' ability, not using the striker who seems to make and take his chances more than Calvert-Lewin.

I just can't get excited knowing exactly like the opposition what's coming!! We are Everton, yes, we are not the title-winning marauding Everton, or even the "Best of the rest" Moyes era Everton. But we can aspire to be a better version of what we are being served at the moment.

Areola is getting a squad of a lot lesser players playing a lot better football, with results too. Silva is getting his players playing a better brand of football with a similar standard of squad I'd say. Frank is keeping Brentford, yes, Brentford, above us year on year, without kicking it long at every opportunity, he'd kill for our squad!!!

So let's not be naive, don't believe Dyche's propaganda, he's out of his depth at Everton.

Is it me but his reference to the role of a No 10 in the Premier League was a real cop-out, they have clear defensive duties rather than being creative (inferring they are just passengers now). What a crock of self-justifying crap.

I confess the cynic in me, on seeing Ndiaye weaving his way through the centre of the park, he was a joy to watch but I wondered how long it would be before he was put out wide with clear defensive duties to cover the full-back...?

I'mrowing to despise Dyche's anti-football, I really am. Of course Ndiaye should be in the middle where he does damage to the opposition, not wide where he can defend... Arghhh!!!

I checked out Lyndon's post as you suggested. He opens up with the words "My interpretation" – a clue in there for you.

You seem determined to force your opinion on other posters about Dyche leaving out Branthwaite. What's is it – 40 posts?

I don't wear tinted glasses, mate. I know that Braithwaite wasn't fit for Ipswich as you claim. I know he broke down several times before he finally played a game this season, and I know he was out for weeks again after that game.

You can say it another 40 times. I won't be buying it. As far as I'm concerned, Dyche's explanation is far more plausible than your numerous fingers-in-the-ears denials.

Good omen for tomorrow.

Fingers crossed!

Keane has done okay and just that, while Tarkowski has, let's be honest here, been shit all season. He was very lucky to stay on the pitch at Soton last week.

Reading between the lines in his press conference, this so-called manager indicated that the aforementioned duo have been playing well, I've got news for him: they haven't.

I honestly believe if Branthwaite played against Fulham and Southampton, we wouldn't have conceded them 2 goals.

But Sean sees things differently to us match-going fans, doesn't he, and I'll be amazed to see Branthwaite's name In the line-up tomorrow

Mike Gaynes @18, if you think Keane is playing the best football of his Everton career, you're seriously deluded.

Like I said earlier, he's done okay and that's it. The one thing I will say in his favour is he does look a goal threat, and for a centre-back, he has scored some absolute crackers with feet and head.

I'm no Keane hater by the way, I just happen to think, once Branthwaite is fit, he plays – because he brings out the best in others.

Dyche is performing badly this season. Poor preseason, poor team selection, poor decision-making, poor goals and points tally, questionable fitness management, shocking football. That's plenty enough to see his job in peril.

But some of the stuff I read on here.

Dyche does not care what the fans want. He plays what suits his system, which he will continue with to the end of the season.

Players either like it or lump it. He does not think beyond the next game.

He is the new survival specialist in the Premier League and will get well paid for it.

He's a cut above – a Rolls-Royce of a player – he must start if fit.

Just when we think what line-up will get us winning matches, someone gets injured or the plan from the first whistle goes pear-shaped because the opposition has a better plan.

We have a core of players who are no longer cutting the mustard and hopefully after 1 January – or certainly by next season – have all been cut loose.

The Hammers are not much but, if they keep Bowen quiet, they may get a result. Having said that, it's hard to find any confidence in putting a bet on an Everton win.

Nothing wrong with gays - just saying.

With the post-truth era already upon us, then I can understand why Dyche will have upset people by telling the truth!

Seriously, the club has been nothing short of a shambles, so hopefully The Friedkin Group will be with us very soon. Boxing Day would do me though, on the 25 anniversary of the day of the absolute curse.

My sincere apologies over my reaction, because I always thought Christy was and is a male name, as here in Ireland, and that Christie was female, but I've since been informed on here, Christy is female as well, apologies again.

I also think Dyche knows he is a dead duck and, even if he sees out this season, it will be his last.

I've no problem with the manager who has been great, but my gripe is this season.

The problem is our midfield and we certainly miss Garner. He would be a good replacement for Doucoure. But without Garner, we are left with combining Doucoure with either Mangala or Gana. I don't think we need to play both defensive players against West Ham.

I would also play Lindstrøm over Harrison. And so the only remaining question is will it be Beto or Calvert-Lewin? My preference would be Calvert-Lewin but maybe Beto deserves a shot after his last 2 games.

The Hammers are there for the taking and so I hope we don't put 10 players behind the ball and play long balls to the lone striker. We just cannot afford to lose this game with all the tough fixtures coming up.

Branthwaite might not have been fit for Ipswich.

He was fit for Fulham and Southampton.

Christy #140, you mean photos of my beloved Christy Turlington never made it across the Atlantic? Still can't believe that punk actor Burns beat me to her.

Alan #108, that was perfect. Made me laugh out loud. I was introduced to Christy by my Irish neighbor and I have four of his songs on my iPhone.

Andy #126, when has he ever played this well? Never in my recollection.

But he was reported as having a "minor thigh injury". From personal experience – there is no such thing. A thigh injury is a horror – you never know when it's going to go again... and every time you think you're okay, it goes again until the one time it doesn't. Then you live in fear that you'll move in an awkward direction and it will go again. It's what started Calvert-Lewin's injury problems.

I can live with the club taking their time with him. It's the only answer. Though in the back of my mind, I wonder whether it's a case of getting him to January for the Boxing Day sales with his value intact.

Surely TFG will want to keep our best players and provide some investment to add more quality!

I don't think we'll be flush with money once the takeover happens, by the way. We'll still be a club that needs to buy and sell well.

Jarrad Branthwaite playing is as good as having an extra player in this Everton team, that's how good he is.

Santo Domingo, Viva Everton! UTFTs!

Thank you for your insight. That could explain a lot.

I've always said I thought TFG would and probably should stick with Dyche till the end of the season, mainly because there are more and better managers available in the summer and it's a better time to attempt to evolve the playing style.

But, if performances and results continue in the Southampton vein, then he'll be gone sooner rather later (assuming the takeover goes through in the next few weeks).

Last chance saloon for the pragmatist? A win today would take us above West Ham and possibly 7 points clear of relegation, whereas a loss could leave us right in it with a tough December on the horizon.

Big fan – she was, and still is, gorgeous!

He wanted to move in the summer (O’Brien was actually bought to replace him) and was extremely disappointed when the Onana deal meant that we then didn’t have to sell him. Cue sulksville.

Such a shame because he is our best defender by a million miles, I think we all know that.

Christy is a lovely name - as in Ring or Turlington. Mmmmmm, Turlington.

My name is Jamie but when I joined TW many moons ago it would only let me sign in as Jay for some reason ?

Jamie is also a lovely name, provided it is used in the right context, ie as in “and the Magic Torch” and not Carragher or Redknapp.

Don't ask me why but I fancy Dominic to score today. Is Dominic also a lovely name ? I don’t know but what a good side St Dominics were.

Is that the correct use of were ?

But to win a game we need attacking intent. Let's hope Dyche sends them out to win today!

Late in - I hear McNeil hasn't travelled for the game….

As names crept into this, a straw poll on the name of my next dog.

Sheedy or Amber?

We've chatted about it over the last few days and she seems to have perfected shouting “Come on Blues, deez are shite…”

Hope they are and we come away with the points!

I see West Ham are missing Kudus, Bowen, Todibo and Alvarez - good news for us, but almost certainly means we'll fuck it up and lose.

Two poor teams today IMO, I’m still going to watch even though it is often quite dreary, just in case! Reckon the odd goal will win it, DCL seems to like this ground so it would be nice for him to get on the scoresheet, even if it is off the bench.

I’d like to hear the opinion on names from Roberta Halligan… (only joking Rob, you are very manly).

Safe travel blues, the Hammers injury and suspension list has cheered me a little so I think we’ll win 2-1.

Come on Dychey think of the early morning start our fans are making today and give them something to cheer ffs and help them to travel home with a smile on their faces and when they watch the highlights tonight or tomorrow, COUFB!

Love your optimism, Dyche to play with attacking intent, we haven't seen us play that way since Dyche arrived. I think I might watch the England v Australia rugby and just put Sky on at halftime and fulltime. My wife worries about my blood pressure when watching Everton, as from minute one I am shouting at the television, you would think an old guy like me wouldnt get so wound up.

If we have a go at them, I think we will take the 3 points. The question is: Has Dyche got it in him to really make this a 6-point result for us? We will know as soon as we see the line-up.

Pickford
Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko
Gueye, Mangala
Lindstrøm, Doucoure, Ndiaye
Beto.

4-3-2-1

Up the Blues

There is no reason why we can't do well and seeing how well they do with McNeil out and Doucoure in may be interesting.

Join the club! Watching Everton should carry a health warning these days, especially with VAR ruling the game. I've only got two or three ‘jumping up and going beserk' moments during a game these days and I'm wasting most of them with that bleedin' VAR.

My wife suffers more when they are playing away and I bang the side of my armchair and screaming “For fuck's sake, Pickford, Tarkowski, Keane, Doucoure, [your favourite] Harrison, Calvert-Lewin or Onana (just from habit) – take your pick!

There's plenty to pick from every single game, even when we occasionally win, she suffers with high blood pressure so now she asks “Are you watching Everton today?” and when I say I am she gets her coat and car keys handy and does one before the match starts!

I really don't know if Jarrard wants away, but he will want to be playing every game he's fit, and if that puts his price up, that's not a bad thing.

Meanwhile, I see little prospect of a win today but a draw bet of £50 to £20 certainly appeals, whatever mess of a team Dyche chooses to field.

Pickford
Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko
Mangala, Gana, Doucoure
Ndiaye
Beto, Calvert-Lewin

Be adventurous and we will prevail.

We are just not very good – that's the top and tail of it, although if our front men could put their chances away, our profile would go up considerably.

We are making some chances every game, but missing too many.

Good luck to our supporters everywhere.

But, if it wasn't my own name, I think the name Murphy is a great name for a big dog. (Hint hint Danny - or is it Dani….)

Re the line-up, is Doucoure fit then?? I was hoping we'd see Lindstrøm at 10.

Travel well, Blues – hope the day is a good one, this time… not spoiled by a football match!

Just think – next weekend we can all chill out and enjoy the weekend… every cloud, hey.

I wish Lyndon was picking the team, I would be happy with that line-up. Somehow though I think the only one he will bring in is Branthwaite… even Dyche cannot be stubborn enough to leave him on the bench again.

I still think he will stick with Calvert-Lewin in attack and I'm half expecting Doucoure to be in the squad and play at some point… possibly starting with Harrison instead of Lindstrom, not my choices but I'm fully expecting an almost as-you-were line-up, his safety-first set-up.

All being well, he will surprise us with Branthwaite, Lindstrom, Mangala and Beto all starting… not holding my breath though.

But I know what you mean because football – for all its money at Premier League level – absolutely stinks. And bloody VAR has only added to that disillusion, methinks.

Dave, my wife used to constantly call me a child and ask me if I'd "ran away' to watch Everton. Sleep with the dogs!!

Anyway, good attitude, hard work and concentration and we have every chance of 3 points today.

His approach has it's weaknesses, but it can be entertaining.

What is the point of sport if it isn't entertaining?

Dyche was the ideal manager to get us through a tough period, but he is a management-by-numbers type.

Had enough of that with 11 years of Moyes.

My wife just gives me “ One of those looks” after she recovers from “ You nearly gave me a heart attack”.

Jesus you'd think she'd know me by now we've been married 63 years with no remission — for her!