Leicester City vs Everton

There's no way Hibbert is going to cope with Leicester's pace.

4-4-2

Robles
Connolly Stones Pennington Baines
Lennon Besic Cleverley Barkley
Lukaku Niasse

Let Barkley play on the left and give him some more freedom to stay up the pitch instead of having to come so deep and getting stuck in possession facing his own goal.

Not sure who should get the captaincy though in my line up, as well as Lyndon's. I'd give it to Baines, but would also be tempted to give it to Stones.

Leicester beat us at Goodison 3-2. We kept with them but for our defence.

We drew both games with Spurs. Few sides can say that.

While we've not been that bad against the top sides, it's the likes of our adorable neighbours, Stoke and West Ham we've really messed up against.

Oh Roberto...it's like death by a thousand cuts...

It's the facts that have most of us tearing our hair out, those lucky enough to have any left that is. Five home victories in over a year, worst home record of all-time, taking a water-pistol to a gunfight on at least two occasions.

If we were playing decent football and being a little unlucky, most of us could probably live with another season of Roberto's Robots but it hasn't been like that. It has been turgid, slow, ponderous, unimaginative, predictable, football played by a team who have little in the way of heart or desire and who tend to collapse at the first signs of trouble.

Apart from that – what's to complain about?

Lose and what did you expect? We are, after all, playing the best the Premier League can offer, not to mention we are not at full strength.

I am sure he can point to the positives, 10 mins without conceding, maybe we get a goal so can point to that.

I don't dispute anything you say. I think our defending has been criminal. The fitness is awful.

But therein lies the contrary nature of our side. Nobody has really taken us apart other than the RS. Somehow we've confounded many sides. This isn't to the credit of Roberto Martinez, more that we have some really good players.

On the hair front - I've been shaving it for 4 years. Best way forward.

So you see nothing to be bright about in say the next three months and you believe that the gap between us and them will become even wider because BBC 'gossip' links them with a player or two and they might beat two-on-the-trot-winner Seville in the Europa League final?

New investment? A public statement committing summer spending? Gossip – ha 'gossip' – about other investors in the Farhad mix? New stadium? Ten or eleven or a dozen players we can be genuinely excited about (James Stewart (#18) – only a blinkered nutter would want to swap our best 11 for Leicester's best 11, although I definitely agree about Kante and I would take Mahrez naturally, the keeper, and that's probably about it).

Everton, Maynard, are potentially on the cusp of significant progress. There will be a new manager. The squad will be weeded. There will be some interesting maybe eye-opening incoming players. Moshiri will I suspect sooner rather than later become majority holder and begin the task of turning a club that has never adjusted commercially, culturally, and strategically to the Premier League quarter-of-a-century into one that at long last will.

I will give the lads a half-hearted clap after the Norwich game and look at the lame duck on the sidelines. We have so much to look forward to if (IF) Moshiri is true to his word. He is astute, savvy, nasty commercially with top commercial animal mates (read the latest Putin biog on Usmanov), and has money not a season ticket from the 1960s. Kenwright is heading for the door and sadly health might be the biggest factor in that.

We have been waiting and longing for a Farhad type since 1992. If I turn out to be wrong I will say so and apologize and, genuinely, fear for my club.

Tonight, Maynard, for this blue fella at any rate the future seems somewhat bright.

We will win Saturday. The party is nearly always spoilt for the soon-to-be-crowned champions.

1-2: Lukaku and Dowell.

Got to have something to look forward to.

Despite their substandard seasons, The Shite and The Mancs will probably both end up with a trophy.

Considering the hope we had at the beginning, I think it's fair to say that this season has been an unmitigated fucking disaster. I don't think I've felt sort of rage since 86.

I've said "tomorrow's another day" so often this season, the Gobshite two doors down has started calling me Scarlett O'hara (He's begging for a right hook to be driven into his rib cage) and if I see Martinez's smarmy kite on my telly once more, it's getting launched down the fucking street.

I don't need anger management sessions, I just need to rid my life of Mancs, Kopites, Martinez... and fucking Leicester supporters.

Now that would be my dream end to this season.....just about make up for the rubbish from Everton over the last two years.

Not really interested in any more spin or physico babble from Martinez.

This thread is about Saturdays game....all I can really hope for is that we are not humiliated like we were in the derby........and if Leicester turn up..they could destroy us...they really could.

We could be lambs to the slaughter.

Why can't the clown be gracious, keep his stupid failed opinions to himself and simply congratulate Leicester? Even bloody Mark Hughes has given them effusive praise and has said it shouldn't be impossible for another team to emulate their achievement in the near future. Great stuff from Hughes, but Martinez's famed positivity has suddenly been drowned in a vat of sour grapes it would seem.

This latest statement, effectively an admission that he doesn't feel we or anyone else outside the big four is capable of winning the league, added to Liverpool's success since Klopp's arrival, should be enough to see this charlatan is shown the door in the very near future.

He's a failure and now also a self-admitted defeatist, definitely not a man you'd want to lead your time through another league season. He's basically saying he's nothing more than a cup manager, not capable of coaching to the same standard as Ranieri.

MARTINEZ OUT

Not that bad against the top sides??

Are you sure your stats book is currently up to date with this season??

Lost home and away to Arsenal.

Lost home and away to Man United (plus the Semi Final)

Took just one point from Manchester City, failing to score in either (beat them narrowly at home in the 1st leg before losing the 2nd leg in the League Cup)

Lost at Anfield, didn't beat them at home.

Lost at home to Leicester!!

2 draws against Spurs but didn't win either again did we?.
Done well against top sides??

Klopp 2 finals in 2 months.. Blueshite 2 finals in 21 years.

Why the fuck didn't we get rid of the clown last season.

I'm sorry to put it out so bluntly but if we are talking about facts then let's have them down on paper as facts and not fiction.

I haven't included Chelsea in the list of top sides because again going on fact, they have been nowhere near a top side this season and have become a mediocre mid-table side this term.

You could make an argument that West Ham have been a top side making a late charge for 4th or 5th, there again we have had two matches against them without winning!

So really forgive me if I don't see how we have done ok against the top sides, we haven't.

This time, as you pointed out our two biggest rivals are set to win silverware with average sides, unfashionable Leicester city have won the big one whilst we, with as has been quoted "our best squad for 30 years", have won bugger all again and delivered our worst home form ever.

Apart from relegation, does it get any worse than this?

No excuse for not having enough money to buy players just get a team that works its socks off and a manager that instilled the win ethic.

I see the mob across the park are in the final. That's two finals this season having lost to city. Meanwhile we think two semifinals is something to shout about.

Well good luck to them and Klipperty as they now play with hunger and a desire to win, something that can't be said for our lot.

Is the Borussia Dortmund coach available that would be a good appointment anyone? If its good for them then why should O'Neil be the bookies favorite?

They are now making a movie about the biggest underdog story in sporting history about yes you guessed it Leicester City. Rags to riches ride from the bottom of the league to champions and a £200 million pound windfall to boot.

I've only been a Leicester supporter for about ten minutes and we have already won the title. Coyb. Oh sorry, that didn't last... that slut Everton dragged me back, kicking and screaming for more. Think I need help.

The next project is the go forward boots that will only allow nine out of ten passes to go forward, unfortunately this is taking longer to sort but in the words of our manager when they arrive in the not to distant future they will be an incredible help to our phenomenal team.

OK, the guy's got a few bob but in comparison with the sheiks, oligarchs and even the Yank at Arsenal, he's a pauper. And how, even if he does throw untold millions at the Club, can you be so sure that the money will be spent any more wisely than say, the absolute fortune Lerner has wasted on Aston Villa?

Again, you assume that the curse that is Kenwright has now been exorcised. That his influence, spanning nearly 20 years, is simply going to fade away. Whether he is here or not, I think the legacy he leaves in terms of how the club is run will endure for many years.... and it ain't all good by any means.

It seems to me that Martinez may have been given these last few games to save his job but even if he were to be sacked tomorrow, how can you assume that Moyes, O'Neill, Dyche or Howe will be any improvement. Even the stellar names some mention come without guarantee.

As to questioning whether Leicester's best eleven is really better than Everton's, I think you might find a clue in the league table. As of today, the difference is a mere THIRTY-THREE points. Says it all, wouldn't you think?

As a true veteran Evertonian, I hold you in great respect but can only wonder that you can still get carried away by any move Kenwright makes. The only thing you can be SURE of is that the replacement of his other 'friend of Everton' with Moshiri will have done him a bit of good. Whether it helps the club challenge the Leicesters of the Premier League remains to be seen!

Just a point; you say:

"Leicester's best eleven is really better than Everton's, I think you might find a clue in the league table."

So, what you're saying is that, individually, Leicester are better than EVERY side in England? Hazard, De Gea, Martial, Kane,Alli, Noble, Aguero, Toure, De Bruyne etc.would not get into their team or improve it?

I have made this point before that, in my opinion, Leicester are not a great side, but ARE a great team, arguing a "side" may comprise of top players who play for themselves but a "team" play for each other, which is what they do to very good effect.

And a lot of this is down to Ranieri and, before him, Pearson who have got the absolute most out of Leicester. Look what Klopp has done to an average Liverpool side. If we had a manager who knew anything about football we'd also be competing for honours, but until the Buffoon has gone we'll continue to under achieve.

There are some players I'd like to see from Leicester come to Everton, like Vardy and Mahrez and, as Paul Ferry mentions, the Goalie.

The real debate though, I believe, is what Mr Moshiri does once the season has finished. I think the next three games are secondary to what happens (is happening behind the scenes.)

I don't see Mr Moshiri spending what he did to buy the shares; and what he's committed himself to in providing funds for the team, just to let Kenwright see this club sink further into obscurity. He has said (think it was in the Chelsea programme) that he will say more about HIS plans for the club in the near future.

Personally, I can see Leicester beating us, but equally, we are capable of beating them depending on which EFC turns up.

Perhaps General Patton might have had an answer!

Robles or Howard not good enough.

Hibbert, I like him but has never been good enough should have been released two years ago.

Back up CB a kid we recalled from Walsall, the lack of depth is a joke.

McCarthy is fucking headless chicken.

Gibson another who should've been shown the door two years ago, hes made of fucking MDF.

Cleverley and Lennon, although both have impressed in bursts, they are both at best bang average.

We do need a total change ASAP. A New manager, a new determined mindset within the club, and a professional and ruthless approach in all matter both on and off the pitch.

Cheers Paul, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum.

2004-2009 saw Cahill, Arteta, Lescott, a terrific Pienaar/Baines combo, Yakubu, and more who would walk into this current team. But " inner strength and resilience," will come from confidence, a lack of which can also be down to the manager, fitness and training as much as results. And results will, as Leicester have shown, get better once those factors are improved.

General Patton will NEED his silver revolver to get some improvement out of our lot. Starting with.....

Okay, they have a structure and a method that works, some decent players with a couple of gems amongst them, but they have benefited from a perfect storm of few injuries, players in form and all their rivals inexplicably falling away one by one. They also have a couple of ingredients unknown to Mr Martinez – team spirit and chemistry (aaaah, I said it, send me to re-education camp). But good luck to them – I hope they enjoy the moment.

I know it's ungracious but I can't help it. I'm like Statler and Waldorf heckling from the balcony. Every mention of them just highlights our own complete failure over the season and it seems that failure is about to be compounded by keeping on the architect of the whole mess and inevitably losing our best players over the summer.

So, okay, give them a guard of honour, smile nicely, applaud... and then give them a bit of the Corporal Jones – 'they don't like it up 'em!' It would be nice if we could put down a marker for next season but more likely we will have 60% possession, one shot on target and lose 3-0 – 'but we controlled the tempo of the game' – I can hear it now.

Maybe there's a surprise awaiting in the corridors of Goodison after the final game against Norwich. The ghost of Carlo Ancelotti – Martinez sacked within an hour. Please, I'll even wear Lineker's pants for a week and claim to everyone who will listen that Leicester's win is the greatest achievement in the history of humanity, ever.

Spot on and a point I've made on other threads. Add to your list a younger & fitter Jags and (dare I say it?) a younger Tim Howard who WAS then worthy of a place in a Premier League team.

In my view our current squad is vastly over-rated both individually and collectively as between them, they possess poor fitness levels, some skill, but no backbone.

I've tried to find the photo again without any luck, but it underlined, to me, how unfit they must be. The old saying "Fitness makes an average player look good, lack of fitness makes a good player look average" is just so true.

(Which is why I used to use it at every session I took!)

I watched the David France interview recently on Toffee TV. Super Evertonian – total respect. He gave the strong impression that Roberto's time is up. All that is holding it back is the proper sequence of events which will accommodate the following:-

1. Identify his replacement; not a fast process.
2. Remove him with minimal commercial fall-out.
3. Remove him with maximum good grace; the Everton way.
4. Monitor the players behavior and character, with Baines setting the standard, not the self serving Robles or Howard comments...)

In the circumstances the best we can hope for is damage limitation while Roberto's lawyer is negotiating his close out package. Patience is required at this point in time, and let the summer take its course.

Ironically, Roberto's best parting gift could be the upcoming products from the Finch Farm Academy. Although he does not seem to be willing to play the youngsters in any way I think the likes of Dowell, Davies, Connolly, Pennington, Henen, Garbutt, Kenny, Ledson, Browning, Brewster et al could be a very positive silver lining to his relatively brief association with the Club.

The biggest surprise package for me to emerge within the management structure is Unsworth. He has done so well and should be elevated into a significant position within the management hierarchy.

Last comment from David France: Bring back Rooney to take control of the Club's midfield. Will we be able to afford his wages? Could offer him a shareholding option...

Why shouldn't Leicester City or any other team be able to win the title if they perform well and win enough matches? Roberto buys into the media message as did Moyes before him and doubtless countless others at most other clubs around the country. What in effect all those who adhere to the message are saying is we are all wasting our time, we are all here to make up the numbers and any success we get will be down to how much we spend.

Hopefully, Leicester City have dispelled the myth and the other clubs similar to them, will follow their lead, respecting the rich clubs but not fearing them and most of all not succumbing to them because the media informs them that is what they should do.

If that happens in the coming seasons, the Premier League will indeed become the best in the world, but I fear that for every Ranieri there are far more 'practical' managers who will know their place and will not have the gall to challenge the monied clubs – let's hope that Everton get somebody in as manager who can at least try and make the club competitive and one who doesn't so readily succumb to the media message.

As for tomorrow's game, I want Everton to win, but really at this stage of such a disappointing campaign, it doesn't really matter one way or the other.

What does amuse me is the universal impression of 'little old Leicester'. Their owners and King Power could, I understand, buy and sell Moshiri 10 times over and count as yet another failure of the 24/7 Man to spot a sound buy-out opportunity.

Of course, he never really wanted one. Just a tame investor!

The games against Sunderland and then Norwich will be different of course and Everton have a duty to put out the strongest team possible given the relegation issue.

Leicester however could be wanting to give their fans a home treat and may just be relaxed enough to engage in a goal fest.

The bottom line is that it is a nothing game and the result should not upset the fans either way.

They are all hung over/still pissed and can't run more than 30 minutes and we twat them 7-0.

Put Hibbertt up front and we can riot and tell everyone how we beat the Champions..

What a manager!!!

ps: Whoever used the word 'buffoon' to describe our manager, well done. Can't think of a more appropriate one...

It was thoroughly deserved, that rs win (unfortunately), and I hope to God RM was watching. It's all a bit academic now because I am sure he will be gone but if he could produce just 10% of Klopp's energy and animation it would be a Godsend.

Tomorrow I really have no great hopes or expectations and even if we win handsomely I will probably still feel little euphoria as it would just be a silk purse from a sow's ear of a season. We may win the remaining two as well but 3 silk purses are not going to hide this particular sow, ugly bitch that she is.

Be gone RM

COYB - 4-2 tomorrow

They will be on an extreme high; after all, they've just won the league, with all that goes with that feat. They are at home and will not want to let their supporters down.

If that's not enough, just show the players Martinez's interview, where he disrespects their style and prospects for next year; and they will come out flying...plus they can defend, and we can't.

We demand . . . We demand that . . . . We demand that Bob . . . We demand that Bob must go: . . . . We demand that Bob must go!

Can also substitute Bill for Bob or use both. You get the drift.

Everton are going to win this game in spite of the manager, 2-3 with a brace by Lukaku including a converted pk and a goal and assist for Barkley.

Granted they have had 5 days to get over it, but it's different for sportsmen at the peak of their fitness.....I hope!

It should be a great atmosphere, amidst an upbeat mood and environment with fans and players alike enjoying themselves. How it should be.

What a pity the clueless twat Martinez can only pour scorn on it.

Clever? Lovely bloke? What a manager?

We need the team spirit back and that comes from the manager and the mentality of the players. We need players who want to win.

"If Leicester have a "hungover crew" that's not Everton's problem. That is a comment on Leicester's lack of professionalism."

Oh dear Peter ... oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

I rather think you've picked the wrong season and the wrong week to question Leicester's professionalism in comparison to Everton.

People are listening to your calls for Martinez Out and many agree. The ToffeeWeb poll of 11261 has 94% saying get rid.

The board have been silent. There is not likely to be much from the board till the end of the season. It's time for them to act though and they need to get this right.

Interesting summer ahead.

Robles
Connolly Stones Pennington Baines
Besic Davies
Lennon Barkley Dowell
Niasse

That team might not be the strongest available but would hopefully hold its own and at least give us something to get interested in...

Howard
Hibbert Holgate Stones Baines
Lennon Gibson McCarthy Barkley
Mirallas Niasse

I would like Sam's (#73) team to play it would a great team.

Robles
Hibbo
Pennington
Stones
Baines

Mirallas
Gibson
McCarthy
Barkley
Dowell

Lukaku

Get Connolly, Davies et al as impact subs.

They have a little rememberence garden outside their ground, which shows a club, that understands the true meaning of football, and its supporters. A touch of class, that is hopefully being replicated by the numerous Evertonians, who are giving up their tickets, to Leicester fans.

It's a game that means very little to us though, even if it would be phenomenal to go and beat the league champions, who have had to interrupt their party, just to go and pick up their winners medals tomorrow!

If they do turn them over Martinez will use it in his dilussional philosophy, that they beat the incoming champions.

He's so deluded that he will use a result against a team that are a team, and will at worst lose to us by the odd goal.

When is Moshiri going to comment?

However, the silence is deafening?

I firmly believe Martinez is history?

The league table does not lie. They are Champions because they are the best TEAM.

In football terms, we are like the bums on skid row... Buddy can you spare a dime ......while the rich and famous drive past.

My club is now irrelevant. Plucky little Everton. The national media won't even waste newsprint on us right now!

“I know what I want for our football club, that is not going to change.
I knew from the first day it wasn't going to be straightforward and easy but after three seasons now. I am in a stronger position than I was the first day I arrived.”

Oh what a warm fuzzy feeling I had inside knowing he is in a stronger position than when he first arrived.

Full story here

Two great posts. The only thing I would add to that is Leadership. Leicester have combined those three elements.

Conclusion; Play all 4 kids.

Keep the fitter oldies/fringe players on the bench. Leave the borderline injured (and the suspended) in the stands this will give them another week to build up such fitness as they will under the present regime.

Or is that too simplistic...or just too obvious

Brilliant to hear the Everton fans giving away their tickets, I hope the press pick up on that. It's typical and I know that we won't want to spoil the well deserved party. This of course plays right into the hands of Bill Kenwright, as did last week's.

So let's make sure the next home game we let those idiots know how we feel.

Man for man they do not have better players than we do when we have our best eleven fit and playing properly.however the side today will be make shift and severely lacking in confidence.

What Leicester have done is show the rest of the division that hard work can overcome the 'Prima Dona' sides.Vardy has pace and Mahrez has craft but so many of the other sides have similar players but they have lacked the team spirit of Leicester.Many of this side are the ones who just escaped relegation.

We have really lacked determination almost all season and that is unforgiveable for any professional player.The manager takes some of the blame but the players should be ashamed at the way they have caved in during the final twenty minutes of games that they have been ahead in.DM's defence was difficult to breach and it was the attacking side of the game that stopped our real progress.Now it is work rate all over the pitch that is lacking and that is definitely down to the players.Barkley seems to have stopped progressing and flags noticeably in the 2nd half of games.Lukaku does miss chances but the others do not even shoot !IMO we need a total overhaul and I will not miss any who leave apart from Lukaku who badly needs support.

Obviously Leicester would like to win, but they have won already, the hearts and minds of other fans from their exploits.

Maybe our manager will be a pundit at the Euros and start pre-season training late ......couldn't happen could it?

The tealeaves tell the tale.

But what it means for Everton is another matter all together.

We're useless, rudderless and have nothing to play for, so good luck to Leicester - they deserve it. Today has nothing to do with Everton in truth, we're just a footnote.

I don't want us to lose, but I also don't really care if we do. I expect Leicester fans will probably feel the same about their team today.

Just looking forward to Bellow fight really.

Your tippy-tappy crap hasn't worked, you refuse to change it even though our opponents today have demonstrated all season how important it is to set up a defence properly.

I don't know what league you can manage in that would suit your footballing philosophy - Night Owls on a Tuesday night possibly??

We don't need a top to bottom overhaul as the U18s and U21s are doing very well but we need to get the first team squad properly fit. I hate that red shower almost as much as I love the blues but I forced myself to watch bits of their win in the week and they absolutely blew Villareal off the pitch with their fight,fitness and intensity and I was thanking god it wasn't us because we couldn't have coped. Klopp has got it all going on and to compare him to Roberto makes sad reading.

Our first team squad have been losers for too long - we showed signs in Robertos first season of changing that but then it started to fall apart and he lost momentum and the players quickly lost belief and it has continued that way ever since.

We need to take the Fergie route- get a top class spine in the team and surround it with vibrant young players who play high tempo and are fit enough to do it. I'd take Rooney back to be the midfield general- anyone who says as above that he is finished clearly wasn't at Wembley a fortnight ago- he ran the game and it looked effortless. Why was it effortless- he was surrounded by youngsters with blistering pace and energy and they gave him options all the time. We can do that but first step is to get the right guy in charge and change the first team coaching staff to a unit who will get the squad fit.

We need fresh young blood and I do not know why fans want to bring back players who are definitely past their prime.Let us close the page on the past years and let the ageing and in some cases injury prone players leave.

If we are to bring new players in to the club then they must be far better than what we have otherwise it is folly !

The fans are irrelevant these days. The club is a joke, and I personally won't go again until he has gone. Better things to do with my life.

The players don't care, the board don't care and the fans are ignored.

I'm also struggling to be too optimistic for the future either until Martinez and Kenwright have nothing more to do with the running of the club. Then and only then will I feel there is a glimmer of hope.

Darren #24, yeah totally agree with your sentiment although I could tolerate it more if we were actually in the position that we were in, in 86. As it is, I had absolutely no expectations for this season after enduring the farce that was last season and sadly, I was proved correct. In fact, if anything, this season has been more of a chore than last season (never thought that was possible, take a bow Senor incompetent, stooped to a new low in my expectation)

As I have stated on other posts, my real anger will be for the people who stay and applaud the lap of dishonour next week (and there will be quite a few I bet) nothing like endorsing the shameful displays we have witnessed this season. No wonder Bill and Bobby live in a fantasy world when people will applaud those dire efforts. If I was a player or manager, I would be ashamed to make the slow walk with the inevitable family tribe around the pitch after the lack of effort put in on such a sustained basis. Guess they're all legends in their own minds.

This lot have done nothing to be clapped for and we have to show our feelings or get what we deserve next season.

We know he is deluded but until he goes the nagging fear is still there that he will stay and take us to the championship with his slow tip tippy football that puts us to sleep.

The season end cannot come quick enough and hopefully an announcement of his leaving.