VfL Wolfsburg vs Everton

Keep it tight at the back and hit them with the counter, and we might just come away with a point or three.

We have to get a point at least, but can this team win?

Howard,
Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Hibbert,
McCarthy, Osman, Besic
McGeady, EtoÂ’o, Pienaar.

Old heads and cunning for the first half, then youth and enthusiasm from the 60th minute.

Subs:
Lukaku, Mirallas, Barkley, Atsu, Browning, Robles.

Although I would never wish an injury on a player, I canÂ’t help thinking that Naismith could actually do with a rest. His performance at the weekend was below his normal quality and intensity, as evidenced by that sitter he put in to the stands. He looked out of sorts in the international friendly too. Barkley in the middle for me, McGeady on the right and Mirallas on the left. Mirallas needs games by the look of things.

That leaves McCarthy and Osman again in the middle, or Besic. Frankly iÂ’d like to see Besic play given OsmanÂ’s advancing years, and the fact that Besic hasnÂ’t been given much opportunity so far!

You arenÂ’t 2nd in Bundesliga unless you are good and, with our injuries piling up, I just canÂ’t see a win, even with my blue specs on. DonÂ’t also forget they that turned Krasnodar over in Russia 4-1, where we struggled to stay in game and came away with a lucky draw.

Hopefully Baines and a few others are ready to return on Sunday.

But yes, Laurie (#3), an experienced XI to start with to soak up all the pressure as they will throw everything at us and then bring on some fresh young legs to spring a few surprises.

Howard
Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Hibbert (Browning)
McCarthy, Osman (Besic/Barkley)
Mirallas (Barkley), McGeady (Atsu)
Lukaku, EtoÂ’o (Besic, Barkley)

Pienaar has been one of my favorite players over the last 7 yearÂ’s but sadly IÂ’m facing up to the reality that, in his second spell here, apart from those early months on loan in 2012, he has not been the same, due mostly through injury after injury.

Wolfsburg away IS the hardest match of the group, no question about it. We havenÂ’t got a fully fit squad so IÂ’m sure it will be predominantly a backs-to-the-wall job. We havenÂ’t really played well in the away games, we have rather stifled two average teams in Lille and Krasnodar but Wolfsburg in Germany will be a totally different proposition.

The only good thing is that we should get at least a point in our final game at home against Krasnodar, with the RussianÂ’s liable to have little interest themselves. A couple of good performanceÂ’s wouldnÂ’t go amiss... though, one thing about this season so far is we have seldom clicked and blown anyone away, maybe Villa but I thought that was as much how bad they were that day rather than us scintillating.

We canÂ’t always blame injuries, fact is we are likely to go through the whole season with niggly injuries and seldom will we have a full side to choose from.

The blue invasion of Germany begins today: trains, planes and automobiles... Hamburg, Hannover, Berlin better watch out!

IMO, a lot of the striker problems is the reduction in assists from Baines as he has had no partner on his side to cover his forward forays. Pienaar at his best is absolutely full of industry and does take men on (hence the fouls) and Leighton has knocked a few free kicks in from just outside the box. At the moment, we do not seem to have a player who is able to do the Pienaar job as he is virtually telepathic with Baines on occasion.

I noticed that both fullbacks were involved in ClyneÂ’s equalizer against Villa and that reminded me so much of ColemanÂ’s similar goal from Baines cross. Sadly this is lacking of late. I hope that Roberto can get one of our attacking midfielders to form a partnership with Baines if Pienaar is indeed on the wane.

Osman probably suits the European game and played very well on Saturday, I fancy us to nick a win with big Rom coming off the bench to score the winner.

The Europa League is a way to continue European football next season. This will attract players to the club and help to ensure continuation of progress. Getting into the top four is still a huge mountain to climb with our supposed limited finances. The big money spenders will rise again as they can just Â’buyÂ’ their way.

LetÂ’s see where we are at the end of January as there are a lot of games to play and a lot of points to play for. It will be really interesting to see where Southampton are by then as they have looked a really good team this season so far.

How many of their efforts were from outside the box! Most of them IÂ’d have thought (no, IÂ’ve not checked the stats just going from memory)! Says to me we defended pretty well frustrating them and we restricted them to shooting on sight.

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Distin Hibbert/Garbutt
McCarthy Besic
Mirallas Barkley McGeady
Lukaku

Subs: Robles, Browning, Garbutt/Hibbert, Atsu, Kone, EtoÂ’o, Osman

That is one strong first XI and a decent bench to change things if required. I wouldn’t be too worried about the Tottenham game – they would also be coming off a Europa game, so let us take it one game at a time.

Given the long list of injuries we must cope with now and WolfsburgÂ’s recent resurgence, I would say I will be happy with a draw in Germany. I would opt for a 4-4-2 formation in the first half to have more control in the midfield and then, at around an hour-mark, IÂ’d let some freshness onto the pitch with Mirallas and Lukaku.

So, for me, this would be the starting XI:
Howard
Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Hibbert (or Baines – if fit!)
Barkley, McCarthy, Besic, Osman
McGeady, EtoÂ’o.

Then sub out Osman for Mirallas and EtoÂ’o for Lukaku to form a more offensive-minded 4-2-3-1:

Howard
Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Hibbert/Baines
McCarthy, Besic
Mirallas, Barkley, McGeady
Lukaku.

I predict a twatting for us if we play anywhere near the game and tactics we used in Krasnodar.

Anyway we might lose and still qualify if the other game ends in a draw and weÂ’ll have a second-bite of the cherry in the final match. IÂ’m pretty sure most of us would have accepted that scenario prior to the season starting.

But with Spurs coming up on Sunday, then Hull at home on Wednesday, then Man City away, we are going to need everybody fit.

Did my eyes deceive me as I was looking on FB earlier, or was that really Kone getting on the plane at Speke Airport?

For me, that would mean AjayÂ’s line-up (assuming Baines isnÂ’t fit) but with one exception: I agree with Mike Childs that McCarthy could do with a rest before we burn him out, so IÂ’d replace him with Osman.

A draw would be a decent outcome and, if results go our way, we can give the younger ones a run out in the final game – and maybe a few of the walking wounded trying to get back, eg, Oviedo, Pienaar and Kone, if the latter really is capable of playing.

This could be the time to revert to a Moyesesque gritty defensive rearguard and hope to catch them on the break.

It will be a good test of this teamÂ’s progression under Roberto but IÂ’d be delighted with a point, any which way.

2-1 the Blues. COYB, Turkey, Mashed Potaoes, Stuffing, Gravy, and Vino!

So COYB, get the job done, so heÂ’ll have the chance of a jolly in the next round.

Odds on a Kone hat-trick? :-)

Then again, it could be the Ross Barkley show given Naismith is out and that centre role behind forward is where he should be playing. I can see it being a 4-5-1 with Mirallas to start and Kone to get a run second half. ItÂ’s going to be interesting whatever the line-up and tactics employed. 0-0 or one goal either way. Exciting prospect.

I think that is half the problem with regards Pienaar. He is still in the squad because of his "telepathic" partnership with Baines... when, in reality, his performances and partnership have been non existent for nearing two seasons now.

He was my favourite player but, adding his more frequent injury spells to his inability to even stand up at times on the pitch, then I think itÂ’s time to now find an alternative to play with Baines down the left.

Our team will progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League....

On the fringes of top 4
Fuckin hopeless, this Martinez fella.

He added: "We have massive respect for Wolfsburg. We know they are in good form, but the squad is ready for the challenge."

Only thing left really is to try and finish first and avoid a CL team in the next round – which is the problem as Wolfsburg are trying to do exactly the same (as well as gain some revenge).

We need to play our strongest team and look to get a result – we’re simply not set up to go for a 0-0, we inevitably start panicking at the back after 60 minutes and cave in. Have a go and if we get anything out of the game we’re almost guaranteed to go through as group winners, if not then we’ll likely have a dead rubber in the last game anyway.

Team wise, if Baines is fit, play him. McCarthy and Ossie in the middle worked well against West Ham so would stick with them (give Ossie a break after 60 mins or so). McGeady to come in for Naismith and start Barkley behind Lukaku with super sub EtoÂ’o to come in later. Hopefully Mirallas will be a bit better having played over the weekend.

Looking forward to it – I just hope we give it a go!

.

IÂ’m wincing when I consider what our respective forms (dating from half-time in the Goodison encounter) suggest might happen tomorrow night.

IÂ’m a fan of Martinez but I donÂ’t really care much about points totals. WeÂ’re not through in the Europa League group yet and we have been on the fringe of top 4 for a while now.

To be honest, untill we win a cup or get top 4, then heÂ’s not really taken us significant steps forward in my eyes, though the signs are promising and we live in hope.

Tomorrow will be a good test of where we are in terms of European progression. I remember MoyesÂ’s team getting taught a lesson in quite a few away games in Europe.

WeÂ’d need to be four up with five minutes to go to be safe with them on the field!

"Our respective forms"? You havenÂ’t noticed we are unbeaten in eight games then.

It will be a tough game, they are the second best side in the group.

The biggest quandary is who to play in midfield especially if Barry is going to be unavailable on Sunday. We will probably want to play our strongest team against Spurs so my midfield would be:

McCarthy, Barkley, McGeady, Besic and Atsu.

Injuries permitting on Sunday, I would replace Barkley and Atsu with Mirallas and Osman.

I think playing EtoÂ’o up top with Osman behind would be a very good combination. Bring Lukaku and Barkley on for last 30 minutes, depending on the score at the time of course.

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Distin Garbutt
McCarthy Besic
McGeady Osman Mirallas
EtoÂ’o.

Martinez accrued the highest total of points in 24 years in his first season and that doesnÂ’t interest you?

Why?

Regardless of how the team play, or who weÂ’re playing, he wants us to play to win, we donÂ’t make excuses about money and weÂ’re not beaten before the game has kicked off.

It doesnÂ’t always come good in either the performance or the result, but the attitude is an important one if we are to win anything.

For me, significant progress means winning a cup or getting top 4. Ideally on a regular basis. These were the things that we were mostly unable to do under Moyes. All the other stuff is just foreplay and as the missus will tell you... IÂ’m not that bothered.

Of course that wonÂ’t stop me being on here and analysing it all till iÂ’m blue in the face but thatÂ’s just because I need my fix!

You’re right though – we desperately need a trophy.

Tough game tonight, Wolfsburg are a very good side. A point would be a massive result for us.

I donÂ’t think Kone would be expected to play and unlikely to come off the bench. The fact that he is in the squad is just an indication that he is part way back on his journey to full fitness. All of the others left behind are clearly still injured.

We have been clobbered by injuries this season but, when you look at the number of young and younger players in the squad, and the talent coming though from the academy, I see a bright future. I just wish Samuel EtoÂ’o was a couple of years younger. I love watching this guy play for us.

From what IÂ’ve seen of Wolfsburg, De Bruin is the player that makes them tick. He seems to operate mostly on the right-hand side of the park (our left) so I would definitely start Hibbert and Besic.

I have got a good feeling about this one – I think we are going to really turn up.

COYB!!

The German press confirms that Rogriguez and Vieira both play but Guilavogui misses out.

It concentrates on Wolfsburg’s approach to the game, wanting revenge but "no gung-ho stuff – just patience" (Keinen Hurrah – Stil, sondern Geduld).

Not much comment about Everton apart from Roberto waxing lyrical about the opponents who "next year will play in the Champions League" (Wolfgang wird nachstes Jahr in der Champions League Spielen).

Howard
Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Garbutt
McCarthy, Osman
Mirallas, EtoÂ’o, Barkley
Lukaku

I thought EtoÂ’o was excellent when he came on on Saturday and brilliant against Burnley a few weeks back. Give him the Â’behind the strikerÂ’ role, I say. Barkley on the left is not ideal, maybe McGeady instead.

Not an easy one for RM but thatÂ’s why heÂ’s paid the big bucks.

Also, I expect Kone to get some game time. I always liked Kone at Wigan and he has had some dreadful bad luck whilst with us. He could make a big impact if he is fully fit. If he isn’t going to be fully fit one has to question what is he doing on the payroll. Also Besic – he has played in the World Cup, if he isn’t good enough to do a professional job tonight someone hasn’t done their homework properly.

I do also think that question marks should be asked about Pienaar and Gibson. I think they are both class acts when fully fit and have enjoyed every minute of them in a blue shirt but they are expensive players if they canÂ’t get off the physioÂ’s bench.

With you there as regards Sammy playing in the slot, given licence to go left or right to assist or receive, I think that is his favourite role, and what a class acquisition he is. I just wish Rom had his control and ball-dribbling skills, then he really would be vying for the best in the world.

Kevin (#62), Good point you make regarding Garbutt, it must be really disheartening for these youngsters to make (or not make) the bench, and be overlooked by an out-of-position Hibbo. I am not a great fan of Hibbo really, but do admit he always gives his all for the cause.

I do not like to see him go past the halfway line, though, whether that be at right or left back position. I think he should be used when we are down to bare bones, but not to oust younger quicker players who are left-sided anyway.

I think with the correct team selection tonight, we can either draw or possibly sneak a win, itÂ’s just getting that blend (injuries permitting) right on the night!

COYB

The problem is the tackling by the midfield players he has available, of which only McCarthy is noteworthy. Besic is still a little rough around the edges. Mirallas, Osman, Barkley & Co are not the best so it may make sense to go with an attacking formation rather than try to sit back. I would personally start EtoÂ’o and McGeady today at the expense of some others.

We know Wolfsburg can be dangerous on attack but they are also very suspect on defence and may be surprised if Everton come at them from the outset. Having said all that, the chances are RM will set up to park the bus and go for that one point at least.

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Distin Hibbert
Osman Besic
McGeady EtoÂ’o Mirallas
Lukaku

With Barkley and Kone given run-outs.

Believe me, most footballers just want to do what they do best and play football.

But he had such problems before coming to England so heÂ’ll have developed a strategy to cope.

I wonder if we shall ever see him in serious action?

Whose idea was that then?

I was listening to a very interesting interview with John Giles (played for Man Utd and Â’DirtyÂ’ Leeds in the Â’60s and Â’70s) and he was talking about Don Revie. Revie he said; believed football should be kept simple, so he would always trust in his players; send them out to just play football and spend very little time on the opposition. These days; with one, two or sometimes even three defensive midfielders, that has just got lost.

I would rather go after them and lose than sit back and defend for 90 minutes.

Ensuing discussion moved to The Game forum – Mods

I hope you are not saying that Everton are going to have a player on the bench just as a spectator? It seems a waste to me as I thought the bench was there in case of injuries or for changing tactics.

I canÂ’t make my mind up on leftback though.......