Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
Team for Bolton (and beyond)
38 Comments: Afternoon chaps, looking forward to the game tonight and hopefully a continuation of our mini-resurgence.
With that in mind, I thought I'd draft the team that I think we should be playing for Bolton.
Howard
Hibbert - Jagielka - Distin - Baines
Donovan - Osman - Neville - Drenthe*
Saha - Anichebe
Subs:
*Gueye, Barkley, Heitinga, Cahill, Vellios
I'd stick with Anichebe as he's powerful enough to combat a beefy Bolton defence and give Saha a chance playing up front with less heat on him to work the tricky stuff with Osman, Drenthe, Donovan and Baines also pushing on.
For me Donovan has to play from the start, he's here for 2 months only and is match fit from what we've heard (and always keeps himself in shape). Most importantly he knows where the goal is, has pace and is a never say die winner.
Moving forward I'd move to:
Howard
Hibbert - Jagielka - Distin - Baines
Donovan - Barkley/Osman - Felliani - Drenthe
Saha - Anichebe
Subs: Coleman, Osman, Rodwell, Cahill, Heitinga, Vellios
Then I'd progressively bring in Coleman for Donovan as he's about to head back.
Ultimately though I fear we'll play something more like:
Howard
Hibbert - Jagielka - Distin - Baines
Osman - Heitinga - Neville - Gueye
Cahill
Saha
Chris James, Posted 04/01/2012 at 12:53:25
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Utterly depressing Teams selections - all 3 of them. Are you related to Dour Davey Moyes or are you just naturally negative?
Osman?
Neville?
Saha?
a sloth would beat all 3 in a sprint and as for playing positive balls, Ray Wilkins was less crabesque than the moron's in midfield.
Osman?
Neville?
Saha?
a sloth would beat all 3 in a sprint and as for playing positive balls, Ray Wilkins was less crabesque than the moron's in midfield.
Phil Neville in central midfield appalls me..... I can see even less justification in that than Saha playing, and trust me..... I don't want that either!!!
Sadly I fear the starting line-up will be pretty much as the last one Chris put in the original post .....
We're at home to Bolton fer Chrissake..... let's have a go from the start instead of boring everyone into oblivion for an hour:
Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Distin Baines
Drenthe Osman Heitinga Gueye
Stracq Anichebe (never thought I would ever type that!)
Bench: Mucha, Donovan, Cahill, Rodwell, Neville, Bily, Barkley
Zero chance of that happening though
Sadly I fear the starting line-up will be pretty much as the last one Chris put in the original post .....
We're at home to Bolton fer Chrissake..... let's have a go from the start instead of boring everyone into oblivion for an hour:
Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Distin Baines
Drenthe Osman Heitinga Gueye
Stracq Anichebe (never thought I would ever type that!)
Bench: Mucha, Donovan, Cahill, Rodwell, Neville, Bily, Barkley
Zero chance of that happening though
Having Donovan and Drenthe in the same team is the only possible reason to get excited about Everton for the foreseeable future.
How anyone can still have Saha as first choice is beyond me. I have not had a lot of good things to say about Anichebe, but his goal on saturday is what strikers are about. Saha hasnt the muscle or guts to get goals like that. All he does is hover around just outside the box , waiting to unleash a left foot shot. Anything on his right is just hopeless.
Sorry Chris, but I want to see players prepared to give all for us, so if its 4-4-2 tonight (stop laughing at the back there) then I would start with Vic and Tim.
Sorry Chris, but I want to see players prepared to give all for us, so if its 4-4-2 tonight (stop laughing at the back there) then I would start with Vic and Tim.
Hey Luke, fair point about Saha.
I totally agree he's underperformed this year, but it's a reflection of our resources and his pedigree really. We might not like it, but since the Yak's bewildering sale, Saha is left as our most experienced and skilful striker by some margin. For me the smart move would be to marry his guile with the enthusiasm and energy of a youthful strike partner (something we've not seen much if any of and which I believe would work.
I had considered Vellios-Anichebe as a possible forward pairing but somehow it didn't convince.
Ultimately, like the rest of us here, I would love to see another quality option up front (a Ba or Bellamy who we could potentially have had, a Yakubu (who we did have!!) or maybe a Defoe or Zamora (who, if we had any money we could bid for). But we don't have one, so until we do I think we need to give Saha a chance at least with 2 up front.
Disagree about Barkley, he looked a real breath of fresh air at the start of the season and certainly 'up' to it.
RE: Heitinga, he'd be a close second to Distin at the back alongside Jags. He has class and ball control, but he also looks too much like he can't be bothered for me and he clearly isn't a central midfielder. Neither of course is Neville, but he does bring some fighting spirit and is a good captain on the pitch.
I totally agree he's underperformed this year, but it's a reflection of our resources and his pedigree really. We might not like it, but since the Yak's bewildering sale, Saha is left as our most experienced and skilful striker by some margin. For me the smart move would be to marry his guile with the enthusiasm and energy of a youthful strike partner (something we've not seen much if any of and which I believe would work.
I had considered Vellios-Anichebe as a possible forward pairing but somehow it didn't convince.
Ultimately, like the rest of us here, I would love to see another quality option up front (a Ba or Bellamy who we could potentially have had, a Yakubu (who we did have!!) or maybe a Defoe or Zamora (who, if we had any money we could bid for). But we don't have one, so until we do I think we need to give Saha a chance at least with 2 up front.
Disagree about Barkley, he looked a real breath of fresh air at the start of the season and certainly 'up' to it.
RE: Heitinga, he'd be a close second to Distin at the back alongside Jags. He has class and ball control, but he also looks too much like he can't be bothered for me and he clearly isn't a central midfielder. Neither of course is Neville, but he does bring some fighting spirit and is a good captain on the pitch.
I heard Neville was at a crossroad in his youth. He could choose between pro football or cricket?!
I dont like cricket or Neville... I see a connection. I wish he'd chose cricket!
I dont like cricket or Neville... I see a connection. I wish he'd chose cricket!
Howard
Hibbert
Jagielka
Heitinga
Baines
Fellaini
Osman
Rodwell
Donavan
Anichebe
Drenthe
Not sure whether all the above are fit for tonight but going forward I would like to see something similar to this...
Hibbert
Jagielka
Heitinga
Baines
Fellaini
Osman
Rodwell
Donavan
Anichebe
Drenthe
Not sure whether all the above are fit for tonight but going forward I would like to see something similar to this...
I'd have Saha in the starting line up as I would like to see what he can/cannot do if you had a capable partner up front. His season has been poor so far but I am not sure how much of that is because Cahill has provided next to nothing playing behind/next to him and the rest of the service has also been poor.
Would start with Strac up top and Saha behind (Anichebe despite his goal is crap and is probably not match fit anyway). Rest of the team:
Howard
Neville Jags Distin Baines
Donovan Heitinga Rodwell Drenthe
Saha
Strac.
Was trying to fit Ossie in somewhere, maybe instead of Rodwell but that then leaves the midfield a bit lightweight.
Heitinga and Rodwell to do a holding job, let Drenthe and Donovan create the chances on the wings or swap sides and cut in/shoot. Strac to provide flick ons and be a decoy for/to Saha.
No chance in hell the above would be the starting 11.
Would start with Strac up top and Saha behind (Anichebe despite his goal is crap and is probably not match fit anyway). Rest of the team:
Howard
Neville Jags Distin Baines
Donovan Heitinga Rodwell Drenthe
Saha
Strac.
Was trying to fit Ossie in somewhere, maybe instead of Rodwell but that then leaves the midfield a bit lightweight.
Heitinga and Rodwell to do a holding job, let Drenthe and Donovan create the chances on the wings or swap sides and cut in/shoot. Strac to provide flick ons and be a decoy for/to Saha.
No chance in hell the above would be the starting 11.
By Christ we have short memories.
Anichebe is now being mentioned as a starter? The lad has played half an hour in 4 months, scored a goal and seemingly all his past games have been erased from memory.
Sah has turned into a lazy sod but is still twice teh striker that Anichebe is.
Stracula and Anichebe as our forward line!!!!......now that sends shivers down by spine, not the oppositions.
Anichebe is now being mentioned as a starter? The lad has played half an hour in 4 months, scored a goal and seemingly all his past games have been erased from memory.
Sah has turned into a lazy sod but is still twice teh striker that Anichebe is.
Stracula and Anichebe as our forward line!!!!......now that sends shivers down by spine, not the oppositions.
Have to agree with Chris that I thought Barkley looked more than ready enough to be playing if only off the bench. I defy anyone to give me a reason why Neville warrants a place above him in our midfield.
Also agree with Luke 1 that Drenthe should play on the right cutting in on his best foot. He's one of the only players we have who will run at a defence and does it well from the right side I think.
That leaves Donovan out left, again cutting inside on his better foot, with the added benefit of allowing Baines space on the overlap. I think Drenthe gets in Bainsey's way a lot when he's in front of him.
Unfortunately I don't think we'll see any of these players this evening
Also agree with Luke 1 that Drenthe should play on the right cutting in on his best foot. He's one of the only players we have who will run at a defence and does it well from the right side I think.
That leaves Donovan out left, again cutting inside on his better foot, with the added benefit of allowing Baines space on the overlap. I think Drenthe gets in Bainsey's way a lot when he's in front of him.
Unfortunately I don't think we'll see any of these players this evening
How can Barkley not be ready to start games? He was MOTM in the first game and played well in the games that followed including MOTM against Huddersfield too.A silly mistake against Blackburn has people scared shitless to play him yet I see Jags doing similar every game.
I can't see Big Vic starting as he is well off of match fitness and was beginning to labour a bit towards the end of the WBA game, so I'll stick my head on the slab and say he'll start Cahill behind Saha. Maybe 30 minutes at the end though. Oh, and Donovon has to start!
Anichebe admitted he was destoyed at the end at WBA so if that's the case there is no way he can start, I would have to be fair to Saha and give him a chance if we do play an attacking formation for once as having a midfield of three defenders hardly helps the fella, even Messi would struggle with negative shite like that.
Stopped reading after you put Neville in CM.
Clueless.
Clueless.
4-1-3-2
Howard
Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin,Baines
Feilaini
Coleman, Rodwell, Drenthe
Straculursi, Donovan.
Solid back 4, supported by Feilaini.
Width from Coleman and Drenthe.
Box to box Rodwell,
Front 2 with Strac using his heading ability to harass defenders and flick on for quick Donovan.
I think that would be a great side.
Just my opinion though.
Howard
Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin,Baines
Feilaini
Coleman, Rodwell, Drenthe
Straculursi, Donovan.
Solid back 4, supported by Feilaini.
Width from Coleman and Drenthe.
Box to box Rodwell,
Front 2 with Strac using his heading ability to harass defenders and flick on for quick Donovan.
I think that would be a great side.
Just my opinion though.
Very good team Stuart, I would defo start Donovan as the man behind whichever striker we play, that team has pace for once.
Agree.... Good side there Stuart, but I picked mine presuming Coleman and Fellaini were still unavailable..... And maybe Drenthe is still "ill" :)
Howard
Hibbert-Jags-Heitinga-Baines
Donovan-Osman-Rodwell/Fellaini-Drenthe/Gueye
Vellios-Straqualursi
There are doubts on Felli and Drenthe while I belive Coleman is not ready if he is fit.
I would prefer Felli for Rodwell and Drenthe for Gueye, up front I feel Vellios and Straq will go along nicely, Vellios goes on runs with Sraq as a target man.
Saha or Anichebe can come on for one or both if they do not work.
Hibbert-Jags-Heitinga-Baines
Donovan-Osman-Rodwell/Fellaini-Drenthe/Gueye
Vellios-Straqualursi
There are doubts on Felli and Drenthe while I belive Coleman is not ready if he is fit.
I would prefer Felli for Rodwell and Drenthe for Gueye, up front I feel Vellios and Straq will go along nicely, Vellios goes on runs with Sraq as a target man.
Saha or Anichebe can come on for one or both if they do not work.
I belive we will lose today if Moyes fields a overly defensive side again, as he also makes his subs too late we will have a grim task in getting back into the game.
Remember how easy it is for the defence to concede goals at home in around 30th min. or so, it is becoming a tradition only because we have fielded too overly defensive at home, when in fact we should be in their face trying to score.
Though I fear the same line-up as the last game, I pray that Moyes keeps his word and starts to entertain us!!
Remember how easy it is for the defence to concede goals at home in around 30th min. or so, it is becoming a tradition only because we have fielded too overly defensive at home, when in fact we should be in their face trying to score.
Though I fear the same line-up as the last game, I pray that Moyes keeps his word and starts to entertain us!!
Jimmy, Velios does not go on runs, his work rate in the last home game he started was pisspoor and he got found out quite a bit I'm afraid.
I actually have a bit of sympathy for Saha.
I agree he isn't performing and doesn't look arsed a lot of the time, but usually he is being asked to do an impossible job.
Last week for example, Moyes plays him isolated again for 60 minutes, with Phil "Iniesta" Neville's incisive through-balls and Cahills wonderful crossing, then withdraws Saha and chucks on some more attacking players and gives the team better balance.
If I was trying to completely fuck up Saha's confidence and self-belief I'd be doing exactly what Moyes is doing to him now. Same for Cahill too.
Before I make my judgement on Saha, I'd like to see him given proper support with everton players playing in and around him, not 40 yards away. I'd also like to see him given proper supply. I think he is by far our best striker, just need to get the team to start creating chances.
I agree he isn't performing and doesn't look arsed a lot of the time, but usually he is being asked to do an impossible job.
Last week for example, Moyes plays him isolated again for 60 minutes, with Phil "Iniesta" Neville's incisive through-balls and Cahills wonderful crossing, then withdraws Saha and chucks on some more attacking players and gives the team better balance.
If I was trying to completely fuck up Saha's confidence and self-belief I'd be doing exactly what Moyes is doing to him now. Same for Cahill too.
Before I make my judgement on Saha, I'd like to see him given proper support with everton players playing in and around him, not 40 yards away. I'd also like to see him given proper supply. I think he is by far our best striker, just need to get the team to start creating chances.
Prediction: Donovan for Gueye will be the only change in starting line up.
Just leaving home for more punishment!
Just leaving home for more punishment!
Will probalby be the same 11 that started against West Brom, thats if Rodwell is fit enough.
Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Donovan, Neville, Heitinga, Saha, Stracqualursi
Chris, if anyone wasn't glad Moyes is in charge, they are now!
Saha never is to be found inside the box so I doubt it will do any good.
Peter, why would they be glad.......?
Andy.. a player short ??
Yeah I wanna play too!!
Howard
Hibbert - Jagielka - Heitinga - Baines
Coleman - Rodwell/Barkley - Fellaini - Drenthe
Donovan - Saha
Howard
Hibbert - Jagielka - Heitinga - Baines
Coleman - Rodwell/Barkley - Fellaini - Drenthe
Donovan - Saha
Very prescient Andy, only missed out Osman.
Well to be fair, we can't say there aren't attacking players in the line-up here with Donova, Saha and Stracq we've effectively got 3 forwards on the pitch!!
Only problem for me is that there's only one recognised midfielder (Osman) and then 6 defenders for the rest of the team 6-1-3 Davey? ;-)
Otherwise:
14. Jimmy Stewart - Looks like I'm every bit as clueless as our manager.
25. Peter - I believe that's my first vote of confidence, thanks very much!
Well to be fair, we can't say there aren't attacking players in the line-up here with Donova, Saha and Stracq we've effectively got 3 forwards on the pitch!!
Only problem for me is that there's only one recognised midfielder (Osman) and then 6 defenders for the rest of the team 6-1-3 Davey? ;-)
Otherwise:
14. Jimmy Stewart - Looks like I'm every bit as clueless as our manager.
25. Peter - I believe that's my first vote of confidence, thanks very much!
Worrying to see no Drenthe on the subs bench again....
Either he really is 'ill' or we need to get a first team coach that knows how to get along with attacking players...
Either he really is 'ill' or we need to get a first team coach that knows how to get along with attacking players...
Any links for watching the game anyone please?
"Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin,Baines
Solid back 4, supported by Feilaini."
Stuart Mitchell, I hope you're having a laugh. I would prefer
Baines, Distin, Jagielka, Tea lady
Hibbert is the worst "footballer", not only in the PL but in Huyton, Europe everywhere. He's about as solid as goose shit.
Solid back 4, supported by Feilaini."
Stuart Mitchell, I hope you're having a laugh. I would prefer
Baines, Distin, Jagielka, Tea lady
Hibbert is the worst "footballer", not only in the PL but in Huyton, Europe everywhere. He's about as solid as goose shit.
The best Everton team in my opinion is:
Howard
Coleman Jagielka Heitinga Baines
Drenthe Fellaini Osman Barkley Donovan
Straqualursi
Our right back position is extremely weak. Hibbert is not premiership standard and should be sold. Coleman should fill this spot until a quality right back is signed.
Distin is accident prone and not premiership standard. Again a quality centre back needs to be signed. We have never replaced Lescott.
Our midfield must contain 5 because the overall quality isn't there.Cahill is no longer premiership standard and should be sold. Rodwell should be sold he is overrated and injury prone. Billy is not strong enough and should be sold. Neville has no impact on a game and should be sold. Osman is adequate but needs to be replaced with better quality. Arteta and Pienaar have not been replaced. Barkley will make plenty of mistakes due to being too young but he's the best we've got in this position.
Our attack is poor.Close call between Straq and Vellios but Straq seems to have more hunger and better all round game. Saha is a waste of space and should be sold. Gueye not premiership standard. Anichebe not premiership standard. Never replaced Yakubu or Johnson.
Howard
Coleman Jagielka Heitinga Baines
Drenthe Fellaini Osman Barkley Donovan
Straqualursi
Our right back position is extremely weak. Hibbert is not premiership standard and should be sold. Coleman should fill this spot until a quality right back is signed.
Distin is accident prone and not premiership standard. Again a quality centre back needs to be signed. We have never replaced Lescott.
Our midfield must contain 5 because the overall quality isn't there.Cahill is no longer premiership standard and should be sold. Rodwell should be sold he is overrated and injury prone. Billy is not strong enough and should be sold. Neville has no impact on a game and should be sold. Osman is adequate but needs to be replaced with better quality. Arteta and Pienaar have not been replaced. Barkley will make plenty of mistakes due to being too young but he's the best we've got in this position.
Our attack is poor.Close call between Straq and Vellios but Straq seems to have more hunger and better all round game. Saha is a waste of space and should be sold. Gueye not premiership standard. Anichebe not premiership standard. Never replaced Yakubu or Johnson.
A problem with your team Gary is that 3 players are on loan, so it's not a long term solution is it?
As for Stracq up front, well I'm tempted to put him on a par with Rod Belfitt, Bernie Wright and Brett Angel.
Distin still edges Heitinga out for me.
But we do agree on no place for Neville and Cahill!
As for Stracq up front, well I'm tempted to put him on a par with Rod Belfitt, Bernie Wright and Brett Angel.
Distin still edges Heitinga out for me.
But we do agree on no place for Neville and Cahill!
Lucas Neil was doing okay right back till we let him go ? too early in my opinion.
Andy Johnson would be a cheap option upfront as he plays down his contract ? not the best but better with a Stracq or Vellios alongside him.
Andy Johnson would be a cheap option upfront as he plays down his contract ? not the best but better with a Stracq or Vellios alongside him.
Ray #36.
The problem with Everton is that their is now no long term solution to improve our team. Our long term strategy is just to survive in the Premier League. The pinnacle for us is to be "the Best of The rest"
We are now, sadly, a largely selling club and more and more dependent on loan players. We do not build teams to win things for extended periods but assemble temporary players for short term Premier League survival. We can't hold on to promising youngsters or top 6 quality players. Loan players on a revolving door basis are now key to Everton's Premier League survival.
The problem with Everton is that their is now no long term solution to improve our team. Our long term strategy is just to survive in the Premier League. The pinnacle for us is to be "the Best of The rest"
We are now, sadly, a largely selling club and more and more dependent on loan players. We do not build teams to win things for extended periods but assemble temporary players for short term Premier League survival. We can't hold on to promising youngsters or top 6 quality players. Loan players on a revolving door basis are now key to Everton's Premier League survival.
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1 Posted 04/01/2012 at 14:22:22
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You'd be wasting Drenthe by playing him on the left; he's much more effective cutting inside from the right.
There is no way Barkley is ready to be starting games; never mind as a central midfielder.
You leave out Heitinga; who has been the best centre back over the last month or so. He kept Arsenal at bay, almost single handedly; until Moyes' appalling decision to move him CM.
It's all wishful thinking anyway; I can't see Donovan starting tonight and with Drenthe supposedly still out. We're like to see that playmaker Phil Neville in midfield; yet again.