Baines and McCarthy back in contention for the weekend

McCarthy will never be able to string a run of games together and Leighton's once dependable body seems to be getting the better of him... Sad but true, I'm afraid.

Stekelenburg (best of a below average two).

Coleman (still have faith in him to come back to form)
Baines (see above)
Williams (best of the four CB's on the books)
Funes Mori (better currently than an out of form Jagielka who looks nervous to me)

Gueye (no question)
Barkley (play a bit deeper)

Lennon (deserves a shot ahead of Mirallas or Deulofeu on the wing)
Bolasie (best winger at the club)

Delefeou (behind Rom)

Lukaku (who else?)

Can't fail...

I think he also explained satisfactorily what he meant when previously answering questions on Lukaku's future. That was completely taken out of context.

He also referred to everything as 'we'. Maybe that criticism can also now be put to bed?

Without Barry we need an established team who are used to playing together.

Flat back 4 with Williams and Jags... and Lukaku, Bolasie, Mirallas up front.

Ross to complete the midfield with Gueye.

I would also give Robles a chance until January.

He seems to be the only keeper on the books who is able to keep clean sheets.

Modern football is all about energy and workrate, and we can always put Barkley, Mirallas or Delafoe on, when either the opposition tire, or the game begins to get stretched.

Joel in goal, probably wont happen do. Captain Coleman at right back with Williams, Funes Mori and Baines. Midfield five of Lennon, Davies Gana, Barkley, Bolaise and Lukaka up front.

A good old Moyes / Dogs of War 4-5-1. 1-0 will do... back to winning ways hopefully.

In the games I've watched him, he goes from right back to left wing then back to the middle non-stop, I really think this lad is the real deal.

I'm a fan of Koeman but, if he doesn't give the up-and-coming and obviously talented players a chance, it's a major flaw in my opinion. I really hope it's not the latter.

We all hope that Davies is the real deal, but that doesn't mean he's a better option than McCarthy yet. Koeman and his coaching staff will assess Davies all week training with the first team. If he doesn't make the starting 11 then he probably isn't yet good enough. No matter how much we want him to be.

Jay, I think your team is missing a player.

Bainsey guaranteed return... please. He's had a few Ressy games but don't think he played recently .so match fitness also an issue there, but he's got to be in over Oviedo. Williams and Funes Mori for me but suspect Jags will get the nod despite a less than sparkling 45 mins for England.

But then my final selection isn't happening either...I 'd play Kenny at right back and Coleman in front of him. Crazy? Well it would give us a very solid and organised set up, and Coleman has gradually been getting back to something like (but still not) his best attacking form. Frankly I don't think all three of the other wingers have done enough to make you say "they are a shoe-in".

So that round be ...

Stekelenburg
Baines
Williams
Funes Mori
Kenny
Bolasie
Davies
Gana
Coleman
Barkley
Lukaku

Ain't happening, I know!

Yes, Chris, you could put that argument forward; however, when we were first linked with Koeman, I started visiting a Saints fans website because you can, I think, learn a bit about a potential signing by listening to the club's fans.

They didn't want to lose Koeman but the dissenting voices were all along the same lines. No faith in younger players, round peg, square hole in order to avoid playing a younger player he'd play a right back in a left back position first. (Sound familiar?) Southampton have, after all, an Academy to be envied.

I'm comfortable with Koeman at Everton and want him to be given plenty of time to get it right, and I think he will. But I also want him to trust some of our young players.

Dowell has not impressed in the U23s. Based on what I've seen he's lucky to get a game with them, often being pulled. I don't think he has the power and energy to impress Ron.

IMO Charsley has earned the right to a call up to the 1st. team... if you think Davies has energy then Charsley is a Tasmanian devil. I'd also give Robinson a run out at LB – fast, strong, moves quick with the ball at his feet and most important, solid defender.

I'm more excited to see the young 'uns have their opportunities then news that McCarthy and Baines are back as neither are the future and contribute very little to the present... or recent past.

I have been watching Dowell since he was 16. I'm afraid I have to agree with you, his energy and work rate are lacking. When he has the ball he can do marvellous things with it, his free kicks and corners are excellent, he can make a telling pass, can't fault him with the above, but he will not go looking for the ball, tackling is very weak and goes missing from the game for long spells. I hinted at all his faults over 18 months ago, without naming him, because of his age, but dear old Harold Mathews was on to me right away, saying who it was, and Harold watched a lot of the young players game.

Unfortunately Keiron hasn't improved any of his faults and until he does he will not improve his chances of furthering his career at Everton. I haven't written this post without thought, it is all meant as constructive criticism; there is definitely a good player in Dowell but he has to put more into his game.