Doubts over Barry and Coleman for Sunderland trip

Probably isn't but feels it.

He certainly didn't seem to impede McGeady's threat on the right (probably his best game for us so far, by the way). He's not going to be bombing on but he gets the basics right, sticks to his defensive duties and provides a solid platform for an attacking winger to perform without fear of leaving wide open gaps behind them.

Obviously, Coleman is a big miss but I think yesterday's game demonstrated that others can still step in and combine to do a decent job in his abscence

Hope Barry is given a rest .. would love to see the creative passing of Gibson, Eto, Barkley and Pienaar ..... with Coleman and Baines ... bombing on ....

He looks fit and is playing with confidence in a team playing expansive football. I think he needs a goal to take his game to the next level though.

Not surprisingly, Cattermole is suspended for this one.

I am so pleased that Osman and Hibbert both played well as it is a kick in the teeth for the boo boys!

Am still smiling after yesterdays result....

3 points on Sunday, international break coming up, it's all good.

What we shall never know is whether the team that looked so good on Thursday could do as well against Sunderland.

Believe me, I'm not having a pre-match pop at Roberto, just bemoaning the compulsion all managers seem to have about rotation. As I said, it's what they do.

I would also like to see Besic in addition to Barry and McCarthy to beef up the midfield.

Last night was a long-ball game that I do not see being repeated at Sunderland.

On another note, I'm watching this Bolton/Wigan game, have to say this Callum McManaman is a real talent: he's hit the bar, hit the post, scored a beauty, is supposed to be a big Evertonian, we should go in for him in January, surely he would offer us more than Atsu (thank god RM didn't guarantee Chelsea playing time), and for anyone saying "It's the Championship" – don't forget, he ripped Man City a new one in the FA Cup Final.

Also last night did show the better side of Lukaku which was running onto a ball ahead of him instead of with his back to goal, looked far more comfortable. Steady progress and look to win each game but take each on their own merit and play the strongest players for that opposition. At least confidence will be good going into the weekend.

I'd like Besic to come in for Barry. It's something I'd like to see anyway, irrespective of injury. I think we rely on Barry far too much and Besic needs more game time, and given Barry's age, I think he needs more of a rest than McCarthy.

Hope Roberto has him in against Sunderland.

Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Distin Baines
McCarthy Gibson
McGeady Barkley Pienaar
Eto'o

Subs: Robles, Browning, Besic, Atsu, Osman, Naismith, Lukaku

I would love Baines to be given a rest for this game (especially since he would be playing 2 games for England over the next 10 days) and Oviedo coming in, but I am not sure that Martinez will take that gamble, especially if Barry is out.

Players are human and make mistakes and also can change and do good. McGeady for one can be very frustrating and often choose the wrong option or give it away. My outlook is try to keep the head as a fan and remember our groans and negative feedback lead to players becoming fearful and anxious which leads to more mistakes.

I always thought that technology and a manager can get so good that they can brainwash players from the start to play with that feeling they get when 4-0 up and stroking the ball around with such confidence. The power of the mind in sport is massive and read on here how it affects fans perceptions.

If only we could keep our heads when we play well but lose or draw.

Before Coleman made the right back position his own, Hibbert was first choice, he got injured and spent a lomng time out. Prior to that injury, playing under Moyes, Hibbo was playing very well and actually did get forward quite a bit and play decent crosses into the area

He's not at the level of Coleman now, but a very able understudy who does his job well

Hibbert is never going to be that but so long as he defends well and retains posession (his passing under pressure has certainly improved) then I don't think we can ask for more.

Gibson or Besic for Barry? Probably go Gibson myself as I thought his passing looked extremely sharp on thurs night though admitedly under little pressure. Besic is more an understudy for McCarthy as he offers more drive and energy than metronomic passing range.

13 games you could probably fool a manager and fans, even 13 months but not 13 years.

As I said, all are entitled to their own opinion — I just find it a bit strange.