Leicester City vs Everton

Btw it's Nigel Pearson (not Kevin), the former Wednesday player.

COYB 3 pts to get the annual 'Hope' meter up to full throttle and dreams of long overdue Silver!!!!

I disagree about right back, I just can't imagine Martinez picking Hibbert over Stones. He's basically got three players (Stones, Jagielka, Distin) who he wants to pick for two positions, if Coleman is out it gives him the perfect opportunity to select all three.

The decision not to consider signing a back-up right-back and focus on including Duffy and Browning in pre-season seems to suggest that Stones will be considered for that position as well.

All in all, I feel we'll finish this game with a stronger team than we start it with, which is never a bad thing.

I would be comfortable with Hibbert in the team. He showed enough signs under Moyes that the offensive side of his game was developing. That can only have improved under Martinez. While no Coleman, I think that with the midfield we have now, he will offer enough going forward. Also, I think that very little will get past him unless the player involved has lightening speed.

I couldn't agree with you more on all three statements there, I would never though, dispute where his loyalty lies, but as defensive cover he is a liability.

He ventures into the opponents half thinking that he can emulate the brilliant Seamus Coleman, only to be vulnerable to the counter attack, where a gaping hole is exposed, and others get pulled out of position to cover for him. Thus creating another space to be exploited by the opposition.

I have no doubt this will invite a barrage, from his supporters, but I am just saying what I believe, from my observations over the years.

We are all, entitled to our opinions, whether that goes against the grain on occasions, is a matter of conjecture, after all it is healthy to have differing trains of thought, otherwise we would be robotic.

It's important do everything we can to get the 3 points at Leicester. I agree with Mike about the right back situation. Let Seamus fully recover. Replace him with Stones all day.

Roberto will start with McCarthy and Barry in midfield. Forward positions depend on how much time Rom and Kev will be given. Seeing as Rom scored twice in a closed-door friendly this week, I'd start with him.

COYB!

Not sure that Stones is the answer at right back either – but would like to see him tried out there as he is the one we need to develop long term (as a CB) and the more PL playing time he gets the better/.

Hibbert once was a capable defender but I'm talking before the Chelsea FA Cup Final. He has lost a lot of pace and now has no recovery left in him. The game has also moved on and it's harsh but true that he is a liability at both ends now.

Nuts? :-)

I thought James McCarthy was lauded for allowing full backs to charge down the wing? I still stand by the fact that Hibbert is a better out-and-out defender than Baines or Coleman. But on the ball he is the weakest player in the side.

And you have to say it does sound convincing.

When it comes to the match XI anyway: Howard, Bainsey, Distin, Jags, Barry, McCarthy, Ross are certainty. Coleman should be replaced by Stones who by a mile is better than Hibbo (the lad actually never suited Martinez's system at all, hasn't he?). Mirallas or Lukaku must start, without either we're absolutely toothless. If the former does, I'm afraid Naisy will lead the line. If the latter starts, I reckon it could be a chance for Atsu to start. Osman or Pienaar to complete the line-up and off we go.

A win is an absolute must, regardless of will it be 3-4 or 0-1. The game must set a right frame of mind for the next two home fixtures v. Chelsea and Arsenal, from which at least two points are required.

Its Leicester City – and Nigel Pearson – maybe he will say "This is Everton, a great team with an excellent tactical manager, tremendous supporters with a fantastic history and even if some of their players are not fully fit and on the bench they are still miles ahead of us... let's try and keep the score down."

Up The Blues. Cosmic grooves all the way.

We're better at defending a lead rather than trying to chase the game so would aim to start with as strong a side as possible and be leading by half time. Out of the two I would start with Rom as he'd give their defence more to think about. Mirallas' pace would be useful in the second half when they're tiring (assuming he doesn't start).

Still think this is all mind games and both Rom and Mirallas will start with Atsu on the bench. Barkley and Pienaar to make up the other two slots. Even if they both tire after 60 mins, we have the likes of Atsu and Naismith on the bench – also Leicester players won't be 100% match fit and will tire as well.

At the end of the day, starting XI doesn't matter as long as we come home with 3 points – scrappy 1-0 win off Hibbo's backside will do me.

If we are playing four at the back and Coleman is out then surely it has to be Stones.

Have a horrible feeling we will get a frustrating 1-1 draw tomorrow, with us dominating posession and chances but giving up a lucky goal or calamtious error and then struggling to get an equaliser till late on. Hopefull we come away with all 3 points but pre-season has slightly eroded my confidence.

Assuming the Belgians are fit enough and Coleman is not risked, I reckon:

Howard
Stones Jagielka Distin Baines
McCarthy Barry
Mirallas Barkley Besic
Lukaku

I would like to think that your projected line up is pretty much the one that starts, but somehow I don't think it will be. I can't see both Rom and Kev starting from the outset, because of so little involvement with pre-season, however, I hope I am wrong.

The same can be said but in a different context for Seamus, he has not played because of injury and has no pre-season apart from first half at Tranmere where he sustained the injury in the first place.

Personally, depending on the line-up as mentioned, I do not think this is an easy fixture, even with our full strength eleven. These are no mugs, and vastly improved since they were last in the Prem, and I think they have a good manager in Nigel Pearson.

There are no easy games in the Prem. especially away, and these newly promoted teams seem traditionally to fare quite well in the first few games, presumably painting a blank canvas, as a message to perennial Prem. top teams, that they have arrived and their promotion was no fluke.

I personally think Mirallas, Rom will play.

Myself I am going for:

Howard
Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines
McCarthy, Barry,
Mirallas, Barkley, Pienaar
Lukaku!

Summed up beautifully at the end by Ian McDonald....

BERNARD MURPHY R.I.P. Born an Evertonian died an Evertonian.

You guessed it, United and Spurs have leapfrogged us into fifth over the summer.

Patrick Murphy was right all along.

You know what to you are getting with Hibbert, a good workman like performance with a "None Shall Pass" mentality.

As Dan suggests above, Hibbo is probably our best defender... tragic at going forward, albeit he has improved.

Love the fact that posters are suggesting that Hibbo leaves a gap... when he is not there! ... ermmm, duh!

It always is, I still remember the Maik Taylor time wasting days, fecker should have been booked for time wasting in the warm up, let alone the 90 minutes.

I think he'll go with Pienaar's experience to start with but, like you, I'd love to see Besic doing his stuff higher up the pitch. Not sure about Mirallis. Love his pace and ability but if he doesn't feel 100%, he'll rule himself out. The lad is always checking his body for aches and pains.

Anyway, in Roberto we trust. COYB – let's start season with a win.

I allude to your post regarding Mirallas, "The lad is always checking his body for aches and pains."

I'm sure between the two of us, we could provide him with plenty, should he be short in that department.

Regarding all this Sky 6 nonsense, there is absolutely no way their 'chosen ones' will finish in the top 6 places in the Premier League. Imagine the odds you could get predicting that? One or two will have a poor season, even Chelsea finished 5th the season after winning the Champions League.

How are Liverpool going to replace Suarez? Lambert and Sturridge won't be able to match his contribution of 31 goals together, and Arsenal ALWAYS falter. Spurs won't finish above us, we are better.

It's all to play for, and remember, you can never pick the first six horses in a 20-horse race, no matter what the form-book says!

I predict we will finish 4th, with Liverpool and Spurs having poor seasons. Rodgers will be exposed as the bullshitter he is, because a player he never bought has left. Great.

So, I think I need to read a few more comments like Drew #21 to fend off the Black Dog... COY TWers – cheer me up!

This time last season we didn't really know what to expect from our new manager. This season is completely different. The team and manager set such a high standard last year and there is a genuine optimism amongst the fans that we could be on the verge of something great. A defeat tomorrow could leave us all a bit dispirited with two very tough games to come.

I would like to see Besic feature and am not too sure about Hibbert at this level anymore.

Really hope we can have a great season and build on the momentum from last season. My head tells me though that the Europa League will take a lot out of us and we'll be around 7th or 8th unless we can get some more good players in before the deadline.

Lukaku will be better, so will Barkley, McGeady, McCarthy, Stones and Mirallas. We have Atsu and Besic – Liverpool would have paid 㿊m for those two!

It's all good, and to top it all off, we have the best young and progressive manager in the League.

Jagielka said the bar has been raised this season because of the signings – I want to know why it wasn't set as high when that miserable bastard was in charge? Now imagine his gurning mug still predicting 40 points 'and see where we go from there'... That alone should make you smile.

We have ensured we have a quality core of players who will be here for at least a few seasons (unless we get massive bids - every player has a price etc).

If fit we have the best permanent first 14-15 players we have had in about 20 odd years.

Rome wasn't built in a day mate....give the gaffer some credit.

Martinez might go for a three at the back, with Baines and McGeady playing the wings/wingback positions.

That can give a 3-man midfield to fit in Barry, McCarthy and Gibson/Besic.

That might give place for Barkley to play just behind Lukaku / Naismith.

Hibbert has been a loyal servant to the cause, but I fear the last 2 years of no game time has caught up with him. At his peak, I would say he had the best application I’ve seen in my lifetime of the sliding tackle of an Everton player, but now should only be used in cup games vs lower league opposition.

As for tomorrow’s game, I think we will win quite comfortably. The gulf between Championship and Premier League is vast. Plus they have a few injury worries of their own. Their keeper is vastly overrated and their defence has the likes of Matt Upson. I can’t think of one player in the squad that would get near our matchday 18.

Also, we are a striker and a defender away from competing for the title. Which means Champions League is easily achievable with a little bit of luck.

I still think Hibbo as a RB is about as much use as a Stannah Stairlift in a ground floor flat.

Don’t know if this will cheer you up but Terry Venables speaking on TalkSport has just tipped us to finish 4th to much gasps from the presenters. He said that our manager was more important than any signings?

Time will tell but for once I hope we get out the blocks fast.

This is how the tableÂ’s going to pan out come may:
1. Everton
2. Chelsea
3. Man City
4. Arsenal
5. Spurs
6. Man Utd
7. Liverpool

I CanÂ’t even give a damn on what those pompous pundits have to say. TheyÂ’re just appeasing the public since those clubs have a larger fan base and massive funds to feed their condescending mouths. I couldnÂ’t care less though, because deep inside they even know, weÂ’re going to take that title by storm!

For all his strengths, attacking movement and goal threat are not what I associate with Hibbo. Moreover, he is very limited and conservative in his passing, which I fear will slow down our rhythm in ball retention. There’s only one Hibbo, but I’m afraid in this team he’s a back-up defensive option.

Yep — and that’s what he will be tomorrow if Coleman doesn’t play.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28789707

Transfers of the summer so far. Callum Chambers, a raw, untested centre back is on there. Frank Lampard, a has-been on loan to Man City for 6 months is on there, Enner Valencia to West Ham is on there for heaven’s sake! But any mention of Lukaku or Besic – not a cat in hell’s chance. If it wasn’t so ridiculous it would make me really, really angry!

It doesn’t surprise me one bit mate, we have never been the media darlings, and furthermore, I don’t think we ever will, but without sounding like the fox and the sour grapes, I’d prefer it that way.

You say they never mentioned either Rom or Mo, fine, they soon will, when they start taking the Prem by storm.

Somehow those sour grapes will become a lot sweeter!

Everton have to step up this season and the younger lads are the ones to go to. Stones has to play at right back and with his extra inches will assist Jags and Distin for those set pieces front and back.

Essential to get a result at Leicester so it is imperative to start the game in a positive manner and not let the Foxes get anything cheaply with slack defensive play.

What does that even mean? The player mentioned was pretty much an ever present, game wise, last season for us.

He’s part of the reason why we were chasing the Top 4 spot last season and the season before. Clearly he is good enough for this level, Martinez certainly seems to think so too.

I’ve also posted details of the fan meet-up before the game in the garden of remembrance outside the ground.

Maybe I’ve spent too many frustrating years with our club but I think this will be an up-and-down season for us as Roberto begins to turn the raw talent of our young players into star quality. I think we will finish at least in the top half and win a cup.

Any news on us getting another striker yet? If Romelu gets injured, we are in deep trouble!

I’m hoping like everyone else that RM is playing mind games with Lukaku and Mirallas themselves to test their desire to be out there not Leicester.

So Luke Shaw’s main skill is grabbing shirts in the penalty area, Lallana can do feeble miskicks, and I think we’re all fairly sure there’s nothing in the tank for the ancient ex-Chelsea players.

Then people I really feel sorry for are the Southampton supporters, when they play Liverpool they are going to really confused about what to sing, because all their old chants will be for opposition players.

In fact, Everton have probably got one of the most settled squads in the top half dozen, and this could really pay off in the manager’s second season.

Confirmed by Greg O’Keefe now... Will undergo scan ASAP but sounds like it could be a couple or months...

Depressing...

I know.... clutching at straws again. Bollocks!

All we can definitely say is that its going to be a show, because the Everton boys are there! Keep the faith, COYB.

I am a little surprised contact is involved in their training the day before a game. Hope Mo Besic isn’t one of those players who is unable to hold back in any circumstances.

I don’t know about the pubs in Wigan mate, but now the American channels NBC Sports, and maybe some others are covering the game. I have always found wiziwig good for giving the links and then you can choose which ones etc. but be careful and don’t press any download prompts but it can infect your PC. Just wait for the ads to go (20 secs) then press to make full screen.

Depending on connection it can sometimes freeze, just refresh, and go again. I know it’s not ideal, but better than nothing, also time delays mean you can’t use radio commentary. Hope that helps.

Now, they did the standard "Top 5" we’ve already heard. Everton 6th, even though the article tears Man Utd, at 5th, a new one.

If you’re not going to the link, here’s what they say about our Club:

"Everton were always a defensive, gritty, overachieving side under manager David Moyes, and when he moved to Manchester United along with midfielder Marouane Fellaini, there was a question of how good this team would be under new manager Roberto Martinez. They turned out to be pretty fucking good.

Everton had the third-best defense in the league last year, all while playing one of the most exciting styles in the league. Behind their strong back four is American hero Tim Howard, and their outside backs, Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman, also contribute on offense as well. They’re all back, but what you should be most pumped for is the continued maturation of young Lion Ross Barkley, who when healthy is basically cocaine in white boy form.

Beyond him, Everton are sneaky-stacked going forward. Belgian Romelu Lukaku, on loan at Everton from Chelsea last year, was an absolute stud, and the striker scored 15 goals from 31 matches. He was a lot of the reason Everton pushed for a Champions League finish last year, and this year, Everton pried him from Stamford Bridge for around 㿋 million this season. They also permanently added Gareth Barry on a free transfer, on loan with the Toffees from City last year.

Basically, this team isn’t much changed from last year, and that’s bad news for the rest of the Premier League".

No further analysis necessary. My prediction is 2-0 to the Toffees.

COYToffeeeeeeeeeeees!!!

Ross get healthy again.

Game tomorrow, just the same.

COYB!

Anyways, I really hope the pre-season form was just a mirage. It definitely hurts not having Ross, but I faith that Lukaku and Kev will not only play, but play well. I’m thinking RobertoÂ’s talk in the media is just him not trying to show his cards.

A 1-0 win would be ideal. I’d even be OK with a draw in all honesty, but either way, I just canÂ’t wait any longer. Just wish it was kick-off already.

Have fun everyone thatÂ’s headed to Goodison. I’ll be in Dublin two weeks from now to cover an American football game. The fact that I canÂ’t make it to Goodison for the Chelsea match is gonna eat me alive.

COYB

I think we will win this 3-1.

Team for me in a 3-5-2 style is,

Howard

Stones
Jagielka
Distin

Besic
McCarthy
Gibson
Barry
Baines

Naismith
Lukaku

COYB

Hibbert as a wing-back?

However, assuming that Martinez does not think that Lukaku and Mirallas are up to speed to last the full 90 minutes, I think he will start with (4-4-1-1)

Howard
Stones Jagielka Distin Baines
McGeady McCarthy Barry Pienaar
Osman
Naismith

SUBS: Lukaku, Atsu, Besic, Gibson, Hibbert, Long, Robles

And end the match with (4-3-3):

Howard
Stones Jagielka Distin Baines
McCarthy Besic Barry
Atsu Lukaku Naismith

I would be happy to get a 1-1 draw out of this.

http://talksport.com/radioplayer/live/

The same reason for the likes of the Daily Telegraph acting as the Anfield house journal. There are legions of clueless, glory-hunting knobheads out there, hanging on every one of Chris Babbacombe delphic utterances.

And thatÂ’s why features such as "Five Signings To Watch Out For" always have one from each of those teams.

I remember Blackburn buying the title many moons ago and that was a big part of what changed football in this country.
Onwards and upwards ....

I feel sure that Roberto will buy or loan IN a top striker to supplement our squad and hopefully a real playmaker. At present we cannot cover Lukaku adequately and perhaps Roberto plans to use him against the top three teams we will be playing in our first six games to keep him Â’SAFEÂ’.

Utd currently 0-1 down - how can we fail to be optimistic?!

COYB

COYB!