Toffeeweb - Talking Points - Does the team against Stoke pick itself?

Bradley Benham
786 Posted 26/03/2013 at 04:15:41

To me, Neville can only be used at RB and you can always push Seamus back up – it gives double protection, and I'd go and have Gibson there to protect Barkley, so ...

Mucha
Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines
Barkley, Gibson
Coleman, Osman, Mirallas
Anchibe (Jelavic)

Paul Andrews
789 Posted 26/03/2013 at 06:35:21

Neville and Naismith will be in the starting 11.

Kunal Desai
790 Posted 26/03/2013 at 06:40:46

It should be that team, Andy, but it won't be; same aide against Man city with Naismith and Vic coming in for Pienaar and Fellaini. I'd like to see Oviedo on the the left and Mirallas on the right:

Mucha
Coleman Heitinga Distin Baines
Naismith Gibson Osman Mirallas
Jelavic Anichebe

Shane Corcoran
792 Posted 26/03/2013 at 07:36:35

Andy, what is Duffy paying you :-)

No chance of Duffy playing in my view.

I reckon Kunsai's team is probably what Moyes will select.

Paul Andrews
796 Posted 26/03/2013 at 08:00:16

Two up front?

Go and stand in the naughty corner.

Phil Bellis
803 Posted 26/03/2013 at 09:31:27

Allowing for the fact we don't have a billionaire backer, which some posters feel is the main requisite for skilfull, inventive football... pass the ball to a player in space, in blue, run around a bit to make space, keep the ball on the deck, keep the ball away from the opposition, when we get a corner, stay out of the box and line the players up just outside the area until the ball is kicked – that should be interesting!

Sam Hoare
805 Posted 26/03/2013 at 09:35:42

Have it on good authority that the team will be:

Springthorpe
Coleman Stones Duffy Oviedo
Mirallas Gibson Barkley Kennedy
McAleny
Anichebe

Moyes has suddenly decided to give the youth a chance! Actually, put Distin in for Stones and I'd love to see what that team could do...

Robin Hunuki
806 Posted 26/03/2013 at 09:18:00

Realistically I would lean towards Kunal's side but i'd like to see the following;

Mucha
Coleman Heitinga Distin Baines
Osman Gibson
Naismith Mirallas Oviedo
Anichebe

I would have Anichebe take on their big CBs for a good 60 mins with Mirallas dictating play behind him (massive call, I know!). Surely worth a shot considering the ones we have out and what potential we see in him.

Depending on results, you can push Mirallas out to the left with interchanging Oviedo and play Jelavic and Anichebe up front... oh wait, this is Toffeeweb not FIFA 13?!

Seriously though I would play the above line-up but, knowing Davey, he'll play percentage and stick Neville into CM.

Phil Bellis
807 Posted 26/03/2013 at 09:43:05

Sam,

I think the team is more likely to be your selection than to follow my "advice".

Robin Hunuki
810 Posted 26/03/2013 at 09:55:25

Actually brush my suggestion, I think Sam's on the money with his lineup!

John Crook
818 Posted 26/03/2013 at 10:05:02

Unfortunately (very unfortunately) Pip will be back in centre-mid, waving his hands around. My predicted team for Saturday is:

Mucha
Coleman Baines Heitinga Distin
Gibson Neville
Mirallas Osman Naismith
Anichebe

Subs: Springthorpe, Oviedo, Jelavic, Duffy, Barkley, Hitzlsperger, Vellios.

Ian Bennett
819 Posted 26/03/2013 at 10:18:52

Mine would be:

Mucha
Coleman Jagielka (if fit) Distin Baines
Barkley Osman Gibson Oviedo (although I think he'll go with Hitzlsperger)
Mirallas
Anichebe

Nick Entwistle
821 Posted 26/03/2013 at 10:26:27

Mucha
Coleman Heitinga Distin Baines
Gibson Neville
Naismith Osman Mirallas
Anichebe

That will be the line up.
Not saying I agree with it.
But that will be the line up.

Ross Edwards
826 Posted 26/03/2013 at 10:44:14

If he plays Barkley and Oviedo, I will be happy... but no doubt he'll revert to type and play Pip and Naismith.

Tony J Williams
829 Posted 26/03/2013 at 10:47:12

Can't see how you have come to the straightforward reasoning of replacing an international season pro for a player that has zero minutes in the league this year.

We all know what will happen, but we are all hoping that it won't.

James Morgan
834 Posted 26/03/2013 at 10:45:38

Ross, I agree.

Mike Gwyer
837 Posted 26/03/2013 at 10:45:10

Andy - I'm waging that you are in fact Duffy's agent.

I think picking the side to play Stoke is probably straightforward: Fellaini out so Jelavic in, playing alongside Anichebe. Right side will either be Coleman and Naismith or Neville (rb) and Coleman. Mirallas will play the left wing.

I do however agree with Andy regarding the Stoke mob (lots of long balls and corners etc). Duffy gives us more height at the back than Heitinga and with losing Fellaini, Distin will be a busy boy. I'm not sure on Jags but rumour is that he's out on field training... Ah well, I guess Moyes will have the spreadsheets going berserk working this one out.

Get this game out of the way with a win then we will really see how Moyes earns his £4M — Spurs will be probably be our final hit at doing something this season.

James Martin
840 Posted 26/03/2013 at 11:12:28

This will almost certainly be the team, much to all of our frustration

Howard/Mucha
Coleman Heitinga Distin Baines
Gibson Neville
Mirallas Osman Anichebe
Jelavic

It would be great to see Oviedo and Mirallas down both flanks but instead I think you'll see Osman and Anichebe switching roles a bit like Pienaar and Anichebe did last time Fellaini was suspended. Neville and Gibson also have a decent record together so, hey, what do I know...

Ben Jones
841 Posted 26/03/2013 at 11:14:44

Nick is spot on with the line up. Thats the one Moyes will pick. I'd rather something like this:

Mucha
Coleman Heitinga Distin Baines
Gibson Osman
Mirallas Naismith Oviedo
Anichebe

I really wanna see what Naismith is made of in the middle. He deserves a chance there after playing out of position bar one game for his whole career for us so far. And guess what? In that one game, against Norwich, he scored, funnily enough from an assist from Oviedo.

Nick Entwistle
851 Posted 26/03/2013 at 12:21:08

I'm not sure Osman deep is the way to go, Ben. I don't think much football will be played in the centre of the park.

Stoke will by pass the midfield and we'll be looking for the wings to play cut in and play it to your Naismith position who Moyes will favour Osman for.

All football manager stuff, but I too would love to see Oviedo.... and Hitzlesperger in for Fellaini.

Gavin Ramejkis
855 Posted 26/03/2013 at 12:43:55

Not often I agree with Nick but in this instance the yard dogs of Stoke would walk right through a deep lying Osman.

Mucha
Coleman Heitinga Distin Baines
Gibson Hitzlsperger
Mirallas Osman Oviedo
Anichebe

Fellaini to make a late sub appearance as will Naismith to replace Mirallas without reason yet again...

I worry Moyes will have his dour head on this week and play Neville instead of Hitzlsperger.

Tom Bowers
856 Posted 26/03/2013 at 12:50:55

This will be a dour and sticky game. Stoke are due to win at Goodison and Everton are so inconsistent at home. Being without Fellaini and Pienaar may be a problem although both have been below par for a while now.

This is a perfect game to bring in Vellios for his aerial prowess against the physical Potters, especially defending free kicks and corners where we only have Distin with any height. Also, Oveido should start but won't due to travelling to Latin America this week.

However, you just know Moyes will play Naismith and Anichebe who are both poor in the air... I see a 0-0 result.

Ben Jones
860 Posted 26/03/2013 at 13:10:03

I'm not sure I agree with you Nick to be honest.

If that's the fear then Neville should play. Hitz is even less of an athlete than Osman, he hardly moves in centre midfield. Perhaps stronger but doesn't look like the guy to get stuck in.

I've seen Osman get stuck in, he is a committed player, which is why I would stick with him. Also playing in Goodison, Osman and Gibson can pass pretty well; hopefully we can control the midfield with those two in it.

Ross Edwards
861 Posted 26/03/2013 at 13:16:19

Thank you James Morgan
At least someone agrees with something I say.

Andy Meighan
862 Posted 26/03/2013 at 13:14:59

I definitely think Naismith will play because Moyes loves him and I have got a feeling that Anichebe and Jelavic will start.

Whatever the starting line-up, brace yourselves for one of the worst 90-odd minutes of the season. We will be basically be playing 10 centre halfs.

I absolutely dread this game and the sooner it's out of the way, the better. I think most of us would settle for a scrappy 1-0 win because, believe me, pretty it will certainly be not.

[Fucking hell, I sounded like graham Taylor there...]

Nick Entwistle
865 Posted 26/03/2013 at 13:25:38

I thought it was away, Ben. At home Ossie makes more sense.

Kevin Tully
866 Posted 26/03/2013 at 13:31:27

I am going for a drab 0-0. Stoke will be very happy with a clean sheet.

I sincerely hope we work it up that 50 something chavvy fucker Pulis, what is that baseball cap about at his age? Wear a syrup if you're so paranoid about your baldy nut.

Tony J Williams
869 Posted 26/03/2013 at 13:46:25

"Fellaini to make a late sub appearance" – I think the FA may dock us a few points if that happens Gavin.....

James Marshall
870 Posted 26/03/2013 at 13:49:26

No it doesn't. That ginger bloke with the fat wallet picks the team, and more often than not, he picks the same team... so actually yeah, maybe the team does in fact pick itself!

James Marshall
872 Posted 26/03/2013 at 13:50:12

Oh and can I just say, I agree entirely with Kevin #866. British people shouldn't wear baseball caps unless they're A) playing baseball, or B) Under 13.

William Page
879 Posted 26/03/2013 at 14:09:14

Let's be honest, we all know Duffy and Barkley have no chance at starting. Duffy won't even see the field unless Distin or Heitinga go down injured. Barkley may see some late mins.

Iain Johnston
884 Posted 26/03/2013 at 14:07:43

Why is it, we all tend to lean toward Neville at RB pushing Coleman up to RM , with Mirallas on the left? Oh that's right, it's sensible and has a bit of attacking flair to it...

Neville will be in the middle, as said waving his arms in the air passing back to Heitinga. Oviedo, Duffy and Barkley will be on the bench and probably stay there... I bet he starts with Jelavic too.

Oh yeah, I have an old denim EFC baseball cap, can I wear it?

Andrew Ellams
885 Posted 26/03/2013 at 14:28:10

What I want to know is who is going to knock Shawcross into next week in Fellaini's absence? Oh the irony of him being suspended for this one.

James Martin
888 Posted 26/03/2013 at 14:30:29

We shouldn't be trying to match Stoke athletically at all. I hate seeing Anichebe and Jags on the right flank whenever we go there just so we're not out muscled by them. They're obviously going to take us in any physical fight so if we give them one they'll win.

Lets just get the 11 best footballers we have onto the pitch, pass them off the park and be three up before they can even launch their first corner in. If we build a whole team around their set piece threat, then we won't get anything better than a draw.

James Cadwaladr
890 Posted 26/03/2013 at 14:40:05

Mucha

Coleman
Heitinga
Distin
Baines

Gibson
Neville

Anichebe
Mirallas
Osman

Jelavic

Bob Skelton
900 Posted 26/03/2013 at 15:13:13

I think Johnny will be out-muscled at set-pieces. That's the Stoke way. With Fellaini out, I would also opt for Duffy.

Let's see if Moyes strategic assessment is the same. He does want to move on and manage a 'Bigger' club so he needs to show initiative...

Ray Robinson
903 Posted 26/03/2013 at 15:11:39

Well if Duffy doesn't get a start against Stoke, he won't play this season. It will be interesting to see how Heitinga copes - saw him get over-powered at Stoke a couple of seasons when we lost 2-0 away, which is why his inability to cope with big centre forwards was no surprise to me at all this season.

Tom #856, in what way are Stoke due a win at Goodison? They won here 1-0 a few seasons ago.

I think Naismith will start for us as, apart from being generally useless, he is quite decent in the air.

Phil Bellis
908 Posted 26/03/2013 at 15:31:19

James (888)
See (803) Just run between their legs
Agree fully - this is Everton ffs!

Steavey Buckley
910 Posted 26/03/2013 at 15:49:17

With Fellaini banned and with Stoke practising set pieces as I type with Huth, Crouch, Shawcross and Jones deciding who will score first with an expected Heitinga at centre back and Mucha punching out at every high ball, it could be prudent to play Duffy in a back 3 of Heitinga, Duffy and Distin with Baines and Coleman as wing backs since Pienaar is suspended. But please no Naismith or Neville. Anyone, but...............

Tony Marsh
911 Posted 26/03/2013 at 16:05:06

After we beat Man City last week, there was a deluge of posts along the lines of how wrong we were to slag Moyes off and how this performance proves what a great manager he really is.

Well, I predict that after the Stoke game we will all be scratching our heads again once Neville, Naismith and Osman get overran in midfield. It's bound to happen; you all know it will... so why pretend that DM will blood different players in this game other than his usual suspects?

We all know it breaks Davey's heart to leave out Pip so Pip will get a shirt, end of. If Moyes does revert back to type for the Stoke game and it goes tits up, will the Moyes In or Out poll change once more in favour of the Outs?

Paul David
912 Posted 26/03/2013 at 16:06:06

Andy

The team does pick itself but if you look at how many games Neville and Naismith have played compared to Ovideo and Barkley then it will be Neville and Naismith that Moyes will be turning to. I would go with

Mucha

Coleman Duffy Distin Baines

Barkley Gibson Hitz Ovideo

Mirallas Jelavic

Joey Brown
921 Posted 26/03/2013 at 16:57:02

Oviedo was phenomenal against the USA in the snow storm. I hope Moyes noticed. So I'd think...

Mucha

Coleman Heitinga Distin Baines

Mirallas Gibson Osman Oviedo

Anichebe

Jelavic

Iain Johnston
924 Posted 26/03/2013 at 16:55:17

I would love to see Barkley and Duffy start. Ross is mobile and physical, ideal to counter Stokes' midfield. I also believe Distin covering Crouch with Duffy covering him would work well.. It would be nice to nullify those areas physically and then be able to get the ball down and play. Maybe Anichebe behind Jelavic to hold up the ball, laying it wide to Mirallas/Coleman or Oviedo/Baines?.
The combination of Barkley and Gibson in midfield strikes a good balance. I would like to think these two would be the obvious successors to Ozzie who's getting on and Felaini who's probably on his way. This would allow the club to concentrate on buying two quality central defenders.

Eugene Ruane
929 Posted 26/03/2013 at 17:31:21

Maybe given this news, Neville will not be made to suffer the possible cruel jibes of Stoke supporters - http://news.sky.com/story/1070045/gary-nevilles-father-arrested-sky-sources

Phil Bellis
937 Posted 26/03/2013 at 18:13:46

Standardsand morals, EJ

Whoever'll be next
Winnie the Pooh?
Sooty and Sweep?

Eugene Ruane
941 Posted 26/03/2013 at 18:27:01

Phil - If I'd have been the arresting officer I couldn't have resisted "Neville Neville, you're under arrest arrest".

Thomas Windsor
944 Posted 26/03/2013 at 18:32:52

If Neville is playing in midfield, I am not going — simple as that.

After 11 years in charge at Everton, is that it? — a 36-year-old shit player in central midfield?

Moyes would have well been sacked if he had a good Liverpool team on his doorstep. Bingham, Lee... even Kendall where all getting hounded out after 3 or 4 years — this fellow has had 11 years and has won nothing.

Mark Frere
957 Posted 26/03/2013 at 18:33:33

There's a lot made here on ToffeeWeb about the size of our squad and being able to cope with suspensions. I would feel a lot better about the Stoke game if Heitinga, Neville and Naismith were also suspended.

The player that worries me the most is Heitinga, I don't think he will be abe to cope with the big lads of Stoke. This is the perfect game for Duffy to step up to the mark.

Ray Robinson
980 Posted 26/03/2013 at 22:04:12

I'll stick my neck out and say that Moyes will start with Distin and Duffy as centre backs and Heitinga at right back, and with Naismith in for Fellaini. He's a cautious bloke and will surely fret about the Stoke aerial threat?

Mucha
Heitinga
Distin
Duffy
Baines
Coleman
Osman
Gibson
Mirallas
Naismith
Anichebe or Jelavic

Denis Richardson
983 Posted 26/03/2013 at 22:21:04

Any line up that doesn't involve Naismith, Neville and Anichebe in the starting XI will do me.

Fat chance.

Andy Crooks
001 Posted 27/03/2013 at 00:31:14

I thought Heitinga was excellent against City. It seems to me,though that Duffy is the answer against Stoke. I am not Duffy's agent and I believe my comments are logical.I agree with Ray Robinson,though, if Duffy doesn't play then, barring injury, he won't play this season.

Ben Jones
006 Posted 27/03/2013 at 01:57:15

I think its really negative if we play Duffy here. We'd be focusing too much on Stoke, when we are the home team and facourites to win.

Duffy, yes, is better than air than Heitinga, but his distribution is poor. We'd be playing more hoofball with him in the team, and if we try that, we will lose every time against Stoke.

Play Heitinga, play our better technical players, try and pass them off the park and win the game.

Gavin Ramejkis
015 Posted 27/03/2013 at 07:07:52

Should have read Jelavic as late sub appearance obviously not Fellaini

Gavin Ramejkis
017 Posted 27/03/2013 at 07:10:16

Ben, Duffy in the very rare games I've seen him play has always played the ball out to feet not a Jags hoofer merchant. I didn't name him in my squad as Moyes will never play him barring injury to senior defenders.

Laurie Hartley
028 Posted 27/03/2013 at 09:30:24

This is a game Hitzlsperger should play in.

Mucha
Coleman Heitinga Distin Baines
Mirallas Gibson Hitzlsperger Osman Anichebe
Jelavic

Eugene Ruane
034 Posted 27/03/2013 at 10:30:17

Ben (006) - "I think it's really negative if we play Duffy here. We'd be focusing too much on Stoke, when we are the home team and favourites to win"

Don't necessarily agree re Duffy but do agree on focussing too much on Stoke.

If we (or any other side who plays Stoke) keeps their nerve AND the ball, their one 'weapon' is neutralised.

Whatever side Moyes selects, they should be told "give the ball away and you're fucking off".

We don't need to score in the first five minutes, we don't have to play at speed until we're in the last third and we don't need to give it the welly (thereby giving away possession).

Stoke do well when they're allowed to build momentum and to do that, they need the ball.

A lot of their goals come as a direct result of a defence in panic. The ball comes into the opposition's box, it's cleared but comes back, cleared again but comes back. Eventually one of these crosses is nodded/lashed/bundled in.

You have to stop that momentum, limit them to the occasional cross. I really believe that any team in the PL who goes up against them with the right attitude and no fear can beat them by two or three.

Bobby Thomas
047 Posted 27/03/2013 at 10:47:38

Seems one of the issues with the Wigan game was we worried about them too much and selected Neville in mid. So we dropped our most influential holding player as it seems Moyes wanted more of destructive, defensive player in front of the centre halves.

We do have a soft centre at the moment and the failure to get a mobile, physical player who can break play up in the last 2 windows has really hurt the season. If we had, you wouldn't be seeing Neville there.

We sold Rodwell and didn't replace him as a squad member. And in this squad he was a holding player. For me he just isn't one, but that is another matter. So Neville, who in an ideal world would be the emergency right back/holding player if Coleman/Hibbo or Gibson/mythical holding non-signing were out in an injury crisis, may well play tomorrow.

Given current form and no doubt low on confidence no matter how mentally strong he is, and we are at home, post Wigan, will Moyes go with it? The 4-2-3-1 formations mentioned above with Ossie in the 3 could be likely. But a midfield 3 with Naismith and Ossie in it against Stoke? Very lightweight.

He has been known to play Vic wide, right or left. He could play Vic one side and Mirallas the other with Ossie in the middle of that 3. And Jela up top. One way or the other Vic will play.

So it could look like this (you can flip Mirallas and Anichebe:

Mucha
Coleman Heitinga Distin Baines
Gibson Neville
Mirallas Osman Anichebe
Jelavic

Bobby Thomas
049 Posted 27/03/2013 at 11:30:35

Plus if there is a time to play Jela, after last week its now.

Tony J Williams
055 Posted 27/03/2013 at 12:01:57

One thing is for certain, it's not going to be a pretty game. Good jobs it is a late kick off, as I will need to be legless to watch it.

Bobby Thomas
062 Posted 27/03/2013 at 12:31:35

Another thrilling advert for the best league in the world Tony!

John Crook
063 Posted 27/03/2013 at 12:33:30

Anyone suspect that Neville will now not be involved for 'personal reasons' in light of what his Dad has/might of done up some alley? Surely Hitzlsperger has waited long enough for a start if Neville does pull out.

Robbie Muldoon
069 Posted 27/03/2013 at 12:53:17

Ha ha ha ha Barkley to start ahead of Phil Neville are you having a laugh! Even Ross knows he's not getting a game over Neville and believe me he knows he's a better player than Neville. He's said so himself.

Moyes will revert to type against Stoke. I can't see us getting three points.

Ross Edwards
075 Posted 27/03/2013 at 13:12:39

I have a feeling this could be the worst game in Premier League history. I think we'll be spending most of the game looking in the air as I don't think the ball will touch the floor at all in 90 minutes. I hope I'm wrong but this could be a diabolical 0-0.

Matthew Williams
076 Posted 27/03/2013 at 13:04:42

Maybe we should play Oviedo at left back, with Bainsey further forward (as Bale does for Spurs), Mirallas playing just off Big Vic up front, young Stones at right back, with Coleman right wing, give Duffy & Barkley a game?

Stoke deserve a hiding, let's be positive & put down a marker to the teams around us, we need a booster for our trip across the park to come. COYB.

Tony J Williams
078 Posted 27/03/2013 at 13:20:55

Just hope it's not the same as last year, a drab 1-0 game with Huth bundling the ball over the line.

What will be interesting to see is if Mucha will get as much protection as Hart did from Proberk last week?

Anthony Lamb
111 Posted 27/03/2013 at 16:04:40

Andy, just as a matter of interest, what is it precisely that you admire about Naismith?

Scott Bosworth
120 Posted 27/03/2013 at 16:23:09

I'd love to see Oviedo get a run, but after watching him against the USA the other night, and again last night against Honduras, I'm not convinced that he can handle a physical team like Stoke. He's got pace and he's creative — like Mirallas, frankly — but he's just forced a little too easily off the ball.

I'd also like to see Duffy get his chance, but I was really pleased with Heitinga against City, and would like to see if he can keep the wakey-wake going for another 45 minutes before yanking him.

Mucha
Neville Heitinga Distin Baines
Coleman Gibson Osman Mirallas
Anichebe
Jelavic

Duffy & Barkley first off the bench, with Hitz ready to go as well.

Scott Bosworth
124 Posted 27/03/2013 at 16:43:42

(That said, Oviedo did look — along with Ruiz — like a man among boys in that blizzard. He did Everton and Costa Rica proud; I hope Moyes was watching.)

Andy Crooks
147 Posted 27/03/2013 at 18:57:11

Anthony #111. If Moyes picks a player and he gives 100%, then what more can you do than question the manager's judgement if the player is poor. If Moyes picks a player, I have seen it from Fellaini, and the player doesn't give 100% then it is down to the player.

Naismith puts in a shift out of position and gives his all despite his apparent limited technical ability. What's not to admire about that? It's why I admire Phil Neville, too. I would have neither of them starting on Saturday but that is down to David Moyes.

James Marshall
258 Posted 28/03/2013 at 11:27:16

Being committed to running around a lot, shouldn't be anyone's marker as to whether a player is admirable or not. These guys supposed to be top professional footballers ans Naismith is clearly not carrying enough talent to pull it off.

I have nothing against the man, but he simply doesn't have the talent to survive a career in the Premier League in this country. He may have been decent for Rangers, but that was in a totally different league.

He looks massively out of his depth at all times for us, and I haven't seen anything to change my mind on that.

If Moyes picked me I'd give 100% every week, but that doesn't mean I'm good enough.

Tony J Williams
265 Posted 28/03/2013 at 12:14:58

Being committed to running around a lot should be the absolute bare minimum for a Premier League player.

We all know that Naismith will come in for Pienaar and Mirallas will be put on the left, Pip will replace Fellaini and we will witness the most mind numbingly boring 90 minutes; even worse, we are on telly and we never play well on telly.

I don't even know why I am going, good job there are a few more hours drinking time before kick off, I'll be the one grinning inanely in the Lower Gwladys and shouting "Feck" every now and again... usually followed by "Fuck off, Neville!"

Andy Crooks
365 Posted 28/03/2013 at 19:21:38

James, I wasn't commenting on Naismith's ability. Obviously Moyes likes what he sees in training which according to some posters is all that matters. You're not suggesting that Moyes has got it wrong, are you? Or perhaps what Moyes sees in training doesn't mean he always gets it right?

Anthony Lamb
401 Posted 28/03/2013 at 21:04:56

Andy, I think James just about hits the nail on the head. I am not sure that this "Moyes likes what he sees in training" mantra is the standalone justification that many people seem to willing to fall back on. I would rather perhaps raise the issue that the Premier League is not quite what many people claim it to be if players of this ilk can actually be in it?

Whatever Naismith may do in training, nothing can camouflage the fact that on public display we have one of the most limited players to appear for Everton in many a year — and Lord knows we have had a few! Whatever Moyes's rational in playing him is best known only to himself. In fact, it would be tremendous if someone could actually extract from Moyes what those reasons actually are.

As that is unlikely, it is perfectly reasonable for people to seriously question how a footballer of such negligible abilities could possibly be earning the living he does — and to represent his country in the process! But therein lies another debate!

Anyway, thanks for the response and I suppose we both hope that if he does play on Saturday a ten-minute hat-trick would make us all think again!

Sam Fitzsimmons
409 Posted 28/03/2013 at 21:47:13

Thomas (#944)

Alex McLeish & Steve McClaren have each won a trophy while managing a club in the Premier League, are they the benchmark of a successful manager?

Tony Twist
607 Posted 29/03/2013 at 16:22:36

Bit against the grain this but I think we should play 3-5-2 and change at half time. First half would be:-

Mucha,
Heitinga, Duffy, Distin,
Coleman, Gibson, Barkley, Hitzlsperger, Oviedo,
Mirallas, Jelavic

And if that ain't working, change at half-time to:-

Mucha,
Heitinga, Duffy, Distin,
Coleman, Gibson, Barkley, The Hammer, Baines,
Jelly, Vic.

In both halves Barkley should play, as much as possible, ahead of Gibson and Hitzlsperger. Unfortunately, with our manager, it ain't going to happen. Fingers crossed for any sort of victory tomorrow.

Andy Crooks
696 Posted 29/03/2013 at 20:28:12

Anthony, I absolutely agree with you first paragraph.