Season › 2017-18 › News
Everton vs Apollon Limassol
Overlooked against Bournemouth, will Sandro Ramirez figure in the absence of Oumar Niasse?
Everton resume their Europa League campaign tomorrow evening with a home fixture against Apollon Limassol needing to get three points on the board following the debacle against Atalanta.
The Blues' 3-0 reverse in Italy has increased the pressure on them to win their three games at Goodison Park in order to have the best chance to progress to the knockout phase but, unlike their last European match, they come into this clash with the Cypriots in a better frame of mind.
Back-to-back wins against Sunderland and Bournemouth have lifted the mood at Finch Farm and provided a timely confidence boost for the players.
“We had a difficult run of games at the start of the season but I think as a team we were never worried that we wouldn't get back together,” Mason Holgate said in a joint press conference with manager Ronald Koeman today.
“We know we're a good strong team and we've got the ability, once we're firing, to cause any team trouble. So I think we've got ourselves back together now and we're looking forward to moving on.
“That's what football's all about — once you'e got a few wins, confidence starts coming in and it looks like things start dropping a little bit for you and I think that's what's happening now.”
Koeman echoed the young defender's sentiments regarding the two positive results. “Of course, it's really important,” he said. You like to play full of confidence and the confidence of the players — they get it from themselves first and, secondly, they get it from good results.
“I think the wins in the last two games, against Sunderland and the last one against Bournemouth, are important but this is a different competition. We need to react because the final result in Italy was not the Everton we like.”
Everton will have do without Saturday's two-goal hero, Oumar Niasse, however, who is ineligible for this phase of the Europa League because he wasn't included in the squad the club submitted to Uefa prior to the registration deadline.
The Senegal striker took the chance offered him in the League Cup last week to put the cherry on top of a 3-0 win over Sunderland by scoring the third goal and his first in Everton colours. But he was vital to the Blues at the weekend when he rescued the side with a brace to beat Bournemouth and ease the growing pressure on Koeman following a poor start to the new season.
“We had to make that decision a long time ago and at that time his situation was not the situation [as it is] now,” the Dutchman said of Niasse's omission from the squad for Europe.
Focus will switch back to Koeman's chosen formation, how he uses Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a hero in his own right in the last two games with a brace against the Black Cats and a good performance leading the line against the Cherries, and perhaps to Sandro Ramirez who has yet to catch fire in England since making the switch to Goodison from Malaga over the summer.
The Spaniard was an unused substitute on Saturday, the first time he has been fit but not played since he arrived, but, like another new signing Nikola Vlasic, he will be hoping to be involved at some stage against Limassol.
As usual, Koeman has plenty of options in attacking midfield where much attention will be devoted to how many “No.10s” he can fit into his starting XI and how much he rotates of personnel with one eye on another important league game on Sunday against Burnley.
His options are fewer in defence, where “[the injury situation has not changed],” according to Koeman. “Still Michael Keane and Phil (Jagielka) are not available for tomorrow and they are doubtful for the weekend.” Both players trained separately from the main group this morning, as did James McCarthy who isn't scheduled to resume full training again until Friday. That will almost certainly see Mason Holgate continue alongside Ashley Williams at centre-half and leave the choice between Cuco Martina and Jonjoe Kenny as the only real decision.
In goal, Maarten Stekelenburg was the chosen cup ‘keeper in Atalanta and he is likely to be named as the starter between the posts again.
Presumed to be the underdogs in the group, Apollon secured a draw in their opener against Lyon two weeks ago and Koeman's comments at the presser suggested that he won't be underestimating them.
“It's a team who like to play football, that's really comfortable on the ball,” he said. They had a point against Lyon which was a good result for them.
“We have analysed the team. It won't be easy for us. They're an aggressive team, they like to press but, more important, it's about ourselves. You respect the opponent but we need to play better. We need to be more aggressive. We're playing at home and we need the win.”
Anything short of that, of course, would put Everton seriously behind the proverbial eight ball and put significant pressure on them to get a victory in one of the two remaining away games as well as getting favourable results at home to Lyon and Atalanta.
If they can take the confidence gleaned from the last two games, employ the passing that was a feature of some of their play against Bournemouth and create enough chances, then they should have enough to claim the points. Therein likes the rub, though — Koeman's Everton simply don't fashion enough goalscoring opportunities and he has yet to settle on a line-up that resolves that significant handicap.
Kick-off: 8.05pm, Thursday 28 September, 2017
Predicted line-up: Stekelenburg, Martina, Holgate, Williams, Baines, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Vlasic, Sigurdsson, Rooney, Calvert-Lewin
Reader Comments (118)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
2 Posted 27/09/2017 at 18:48:49
I suppose a public apology is out of the question, but Niasse deserves one.
3 Posted 27/09/2017 at 18:55:50
4 Posted 27/09/2017 at 18:59:19
I've been bored stiff with almost all of the team's efforts up to now, the first half versus Split and the last 20 minutes of the Bournemouth games have given me any satisfaction. I feel we are back to hoping for the best and being prepared for the worst.
5 Posted 27/09/2017 at 18:59:37
Pickford
Kenny -- Holgate -- Williams -- Martina
Gueye -- Davies
Vlasic -- Sigurdsson -- Lookman
Calvert-Lewin
6 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:07:30
7 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:08:39
It is what it is unfortunately, but it has backfired. Man Utd named Zlatan even though he'll likely miss the group stage, as they had the space.
8 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:21:58
9 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:23:54
He is improving in every game he hasn't played... according to some. Best to wait and see.
10 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:24:36
11 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:24:37
43.01 For all matches from the start of the round of 32, a club may register a maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches in the current competition. Such registration must be completed by 1 February 2018 (24:0 CET) at the latest. This deadline cannot be extended.
12 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:27:17
Goalkeeper
Defence
Gana
Midfield
Sandro and Calvert-Lewin
14 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:37:14
15 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:57:05
As an aside, did you read some of the other rules? Bearing in mind this is for the Europa League only, one that I found odd was that from the group stages the defending champions (Title holders) wear a different 'Europa' badge on their sleeve to the rest of the teams. Of course the fact that the defending champions are not even in the Europa group stage has nothing to do with it!
There are also lots of other bureaucratic bullshit rules... glad all we have to do is watch the footy.
16 Posted 27/09/2017 at 20:18:11
17 Posted 27/09/2017 at 20:48:39
This game is a must-win and we need to be at it from the off!!
I'd play 4-1-3-2:
Pickford
Martina, Holgate, Williams, Baines
Schneiderlin
Gueye, Rooney, Davies
Calvert-Lewin, Mirallas
18 Posted 27/09/2017 at 20:53:45
He should give Garbutt a run out at left back. He played the last two games for U23s, especially as there's no-one else to challenge Baines.
19 Posted 27/09/2017 at 20:53:52
Pickford
Martina Holgate Williams Baines
Sigurdsson Gana Klaassen Lookman
Calvert-Lewin Sandro
This side has pace, width, skill and balance.
20 Posted 27/09/2017 at 21:21:32
21 Posted 27/09/2017 at 21:28:51
One twat that Koeman.
What a dope to not include Oumar.
Look before you leap chaps.
22 Posted 27/09/2017 at 21:36:47
23 Posted 27/09/2017 at 21:52:11
24 Posted 27/09/2017 at 22:10:05
I'm expecting us to beat these tomorrow but I'm also expecting us to revert back to type against Burnley – by that, I mean it'll be Koeman and his "square peg, round hole" routine Not convinced.
25 Posted 27/09/2017 at 22:24:19
26 Posted 27/09/2017 at 22:52:43
The team needs to be adventurous and we know he has some younger hungrier players who have some zip but he won't use them from the start. There is no way we should expect them to have any trouble against a Cypriot side that in no way compares to the Prem. despite their draw with Lyon.
Calvert-Lewin is improving nicely and I would like to see more from Sigurdsson in the supporting role and Kenny playing at fullback.
27 Posted 27/09/2017 at 23:14:39
I'm tempted by the 4-4-2 tomorrow having Mirallas and Lookman wide with Gana & Davies in the middle and Calvert-Lewin & Sandro up front.
2nd half, we could look at pushing :Lookman up if Sandro backfires, bringing Sigurdsson on. Possibly Martina in front of Kenny 2nd half too?
I'd keep the rest fresh for Sunday.
28 Posted 27/09/2017 at 00:00:36
Pickford (but it will probably be Stekelenburg)
Kenny Holgate Williams Martina
Besic Davies
Vlasic Klaassen Mirallas
Sandro
We should beat this lot even with a weakened team. We need some of these players to get up to speed so I hope they get a run out. If it's going well we could give Lookman a run out. If it's not going well, we could bring on Rooney, Calvert-Lewin etc if required...
29 Posted 27/09/2017 at 00:05:23
Given its importance, and surely the need to deliver more than one goal-scoring opportunity, I'd go for:
Pickford
Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Baines
Sigurdsson, Davies, Gueye, Vlasic
Calvert-Lewin, Rooney
Never happen as it's just too attacking and balanced and we are of course playing the Cypriot equivalent of Barcelona, apparently. Incidentally, I'd play exactly the same team on Sunday against a Burnley team who will lay deep, be superbly organised and solid but will not like a team coming at them with width. Niasse from the bench again makes sense and we'd also have Sandro and the much maligned tho slow starting Klaassen.
I accept Baines may struggle a bit and Williams but ffs they should be able to manage given the game is on Sunday and hopefully v Limassol we will be three up,at half time and Koeman can rest some of the pensioners in the second 45.
Okay, brain, you can wake up now... I said wake up, you're dreaming, you stupid git.
30 Posted 28/09/2017 at 03:30:37
I don't think Koeman knows what his strongest team is, to be frank, but nevertheless, I would play Pickford in goal, unless he is injured. I have nothing against Stekelenburg, but he is unpredictable.
I would never under-estimate this team either. Lyon are the the team to beat, allegedly, being considered the strongest, and may I remind everyone, that our next opponents drew with them and by all accounts, could maybe have nicked it.
Basically, what I am saying is these are not mugs, so should be treated accordingly.
31 Posted 28/09/2017 at 03:38:00
There was a clamour for tickets when Moshiri was giving the manager that magnificent backing early in the summer, but that seems to have subsided very quickly. I wonder if the standard of play has been a factor in the increasing number of empty seats we are witnessing after just a few home games?
I hope the cameras go on the manager if Niasse scores. Just to see if he can manage to take that "I'm having my farmers removed" look of his face.
32 Posted 28/09/2017 at 03:43:16
33 Posted 28/09/2017 at 04:05:28
34 Posted 28/09/2017 at 04:12:53
Unfortunately, this manager is seeming more and more clueless in setting up any team to win, and clearly thinks its up to the players to find their way, some proper formation, not his own coaching and tactics!
I always have too much patience with managers as I remain hopeful as long as possible, as I did with Roberto most recently, but if we lose tonight, Koeman really should walk!!
35 Posted 28/09/2017 at 04:19:59
Pity.
36 Posted 28/09/2017 at 04:29:40
Pickford
Kenny -- Holgate -- Williams -- Martina
Gueye -- Davies
Vlasic -- Sigurdsson -- Lookman
Calvert-Lewin
I would probably swap Gueye for Besic and maybe Sandro for Lookman, with Lookman, Mirallas and Klaassen to come off the bench.
My team::
Pickford
Kenny Holgate Williams Martina
Besic Davies
Vlasic Sigurdsson Sandro
Calvert-Lewin
Subs: Stekelenburg, Baines, Rooney, Klaassen, Lennon, Lookman, Mirallas.
37 Posted 28/09/2017 at 06:00:20
I worry about Rooney slowing the attack and getting caught in possession. The Cypriots will see that as the best chance of a counter-attack.
Koeman selection for defence will also determine a lot; Davies needs to be included. We also need wingers.
38 Posted 28/09/2017 at 06:07:16
Where's Phil whatsisname who lives over there, can he shed any light?
39 Posted 28/09/2017 at 06:28:50
He has effectively left us a man short in the squad, and that in itself is an example of sheer incompetence. Why couldn't he have named Niasse who he must have known was eager to impress, instead of a player he told to sign a new contract or be sold? Especially as that player is out with a long term injury and who wouldn't be available for the group games anyway, and oh yes, he didn't sign the contract did he?
What would he have done if Barkley had gone through with the move to Chelsea? I really am struggling to try and work out how Koeman's mind works. My only conclusion is that somewhere along the way, our manager has had his entire sense of logic amputated or undergone a frontal lobotomy that has left him with a single train of thought that he is now incapable of deviating from.
To put tonight's game into perspective, we face the might of Apollon Limassol, currently 9th in a league of 14 teams, mostly based in Nicosia and a couple in Limassol. With respect to our opponents, the Cypriot league is hardly a hotbed of European football and most people would struggle to name half a dozen teams from their first division.
Here are a few of the teams currently above Apollon in early season, Anorthosis, Doxa Katokopia, Omonia Nicosia, Alki Oroklinis. Get the Picture? If we can't run up a decent score against these giants of European football, Koeman should resign and let a competent manager be appointed to take us forward.
40 Posted 28/09/2017 at 06:38:47
44 Posted 28/09/2017 at 08:02:54
I'd like to see an early goal for us to settle the lads down. If so, we will go on to win by 2 or 3.
45 Posted 28/09/2017 at 08:03:00
Just a thought but if Barkley does leave in January, will that free up a spot in the squad?
If Giroud did come in January, we would not be able to add him anyway, unless group stage matches do not cup-tie a player in the knock-out stages.
46 Posted 28/09/2017 at 08:03:21
'Barkley obviously doesn't want to play for us'.
No!!! Barkley doesn't want to play for Koeman, and I suspect neither do other players.
47 Posted 28/09/2017 at 08:36:39
48 Posted 28/09/2017 at 08:59:26
35,000 better than 20,000 for the team, the atmosphere and getting the bluenoses of the future hooked.
49 Posted 28/09/2017 at 09:18:04
Pickford
Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Baines
Mirallas, Gueye, Davies, Lookman
Calvert-Lewin, Sandro.
50 Posted 28/09/2017 at 09:27:56
Brian (#39) – did you read the link to John's post at 21?
Tony (#48) – the pricing (in particular concessions) for this and other home cup games is extremely reasonable and cannot be used as an excuse for not attending by any locally based supporter.
51 Posted 28/09/2017 at 09:32:05
Taking the lads to all three Europa League games probably as they love the evening games and it is affordable.
52 Posted 28/09/2017 at 09:54:50
53 Posted 28/09/2017 at 10:03:27
54 Posted 28/09/2017 at 10:36:19
Lookman should definitely start as his pace and manoeuvrability cause no end of problems for defenders but Koeman is thick-headed and will revert to type again, playing a defensive formation with 2 holding midfielders who don't hold.
The omission of Niasse from the Uefa squad will haunt Koeman and his refusal to admit it being a mistake is systematic of his pig-headed refusal to admit when he is wrong.
55 Posted 28/09/2017 at 10:44:58
Kenny Holgate Williams Martina
Davies Gueye Sigurdsson
Vlasic Calvert-Lewin Lookman
56 Posted 28/09/2017 at 11:13:15
Kenny Holgate Williams Garbutt
Rooney
Lennon Sigurdsson Vlasic
Calvert-Lewin Sandro
57 Posted 28/09/2017 at 11:59:17
I don't rate Stekelenburg either so would like to see Pickford play in goal. I feel Robles is the better back up option too.
As some others have commented it would be nice to see Lookman get some game time tonight. At the weekend, it looked with his substitutions that Koeman is finally learning something! About time.
58 Posted 28/09/2017 at 12:02:05
59 Posted 28/09/2017 at 13:09:22
60 Posted 28/09/2017 at 13:22:07
Just reading the OS; apparently these guys have a red on loan: Allan Rodrigues de Souza – a Brazilian 20 player.
Surely he can't ruin our night; could he?
62 Posted 28/09/2017 at 13:35:39
Vlasic played against Atalanta, so is eligible to play. I would like to see him start along with Sandro, Sigurdsson and Calvert-Lewin in the 4 attacking roles.
63 Posted 28/09/2017 at 13:37:06
64 Posted 28/09/2017 at 13:48:54
65 Posted 28/09/2017 at 13:54:43
66 Posted 28/09/2017 at 13:58:45
"Tonight, 'neath the silvery moon, tonight
Tonight, 'neath the silvery moon, tonight
And the leaves, shaking on the trees, in the cool, summer breeze
And the people passing, in the street
And everybody that you meet, tonight
You will understand the oneness
Tonight, you will understand the one
Tonight, 'neath the silvery moon, tonight
Tonight, let it all begin tonight
You will understand
The Oneness,
The Oneness,
The Oneness,
The Oneness,
The Oneness,
The Oneness
The Oneness,
The Oneness
And it's real, what you sing about in your song
And it's real, what you sing about in your song
I say, Come back, baby, can we talk it over?
One more time, tonight
Tonight
You will understand the oneness
The oneness
Tonight, beneath the silvery moon, tonight
Tonight, let it all begin tonight
You will understand the oneness
The oneness
The oneness
The oneness, inside
And the truth."
Enough said and to think about.
Cosmic grooves all the way - - George
67 Posted 28/09/2017 at 13:59:38
68 Posted 28/09/2017 at 14:14:54
Vlasic is a named player in the Europa League squad. He was the last one added. Check the Uefa website. It lists all of the squad.
69 Posted 28/09/2017 at 14:15:00
Kenny Holgate Williams Baines (c)
Davies Besic
Sigurdsson
Vlasic Sandro Lookman
Subs: Pickford, Feeney, Martina, Schneiderlin, Besic, Lennon, Calvert-Lewin
70 Posted 28/09/2017 at 14:32:02
All you do under Ronald Koeman is pick a keeper, 5 defenders and 5 number 10s... Job done!
No doubt tonight's team will lack width, pace and attacking intent. I mean it – the Cypriot giants must be wary of them. The whole thing is a joke.
71 Posted 28/09/2017 at 14:55:30
As a club, we need to get used to playing in Europe, playing midweek fixtures, mastering the travel schedules, and the finer points of effective squad rotation.
Baby steps, if you like. I hope you're going tonight to cheer them on!
72 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:20:00
Like the confidence, Michael: we need to get used to it! Steady on there.
73 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:20:47
74 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:27:59
Maybe this would the be a good time for the club to approach the Dutch FA and offer them Koeman? Surely when the Dutch are not qualifying for the World Cup they'll need a new coach.
It's one of Koeman's remaining ambitions after all. That and Barcelona... Yes.
75 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:31:13
The Europa League is a good competition these days, and anyone bemoaning the opposition tonight would do well to look at some of the teams in the Champions League as well.
I love European games – they feel less pressured than the Premier League games, which are mainly quite hellish to watch!
76 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:32:27
I tell you what, I'll give them a bell myself.
77 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:32:33
78 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:33:19
79 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:35:45
It doesn't matter how its dressed up – the Europa League is a very inferior competition compared to the Champions League. Also, the fact that the 3rd worst group in the Champions League are allowed to enter this competition, then Uefa have rendered their own competition a joke.
I wish I could get excited about it but I can't. Yes, I will be there tonight, as normal, but excited? Definitely not.
Whenever any of the top 6 end up playing in the Europa League, they invariably play some youngsters – can you imagine that happening in a Champions League group match?
80 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:41:10
81 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:42:01
You seem to have Besic playing and warming the bench at the same time. Now that's what I call versatile!
82 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:43:25
83 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:49:09
Read the link from Paul Tran @ 20 to understand why Barkley is in the squad. Niasse doesn't qualify under the same rule that Barkley does so couldn't fill that spot even if Barkley had left the club and it left the slot open.
It also explains why we didn't submit the full 25 players due to the different pots/lists of eligible players
84 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:54:18
Yeah, we all want to play in the Champions League, and win titles, but we're Everton, a traditionally (in the last 25 years) mid-table team.
85 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:56:43
I went for Martina because we don't have any other defenders (failed transfer window item #2) and he had a reasonable game for us out there earlier in the season. Besic for Gueye may be a good shout and I also pondered Lennon on the right – as much as anything I think he would work well with Kenny as they could effectively interchange should the need arise. The new Bainar? Kenon or Leny?
In any case, not long to go and whatever side we put out we should still have enough to scrape a 1-0 win!!!
86 Posted 28/09/2017 at 15:57:13
2-0 Blues...onwards!
Oh yeah, win this "Useless" Cup & Champions League awaits after the Super Cup Final... Another pot we've NEVER won!
87 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:14:35
88 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:15:03
I remain hopeful that we see at least one of Lennon, Lookman or Mirallas in the side and that we start Kenny at right-back. I would also start Besic as he needs games and he is aggressive and can drive us forward with his passion.
I would also start Klaassen as he is not ready for the Premier League, but he needs games and has loads of Euro experience.
Pickford
Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Baines
Besic, Gueye
Davies, Klaassen, Lennon
Rooney
Subs: Stekelenburg, Feeney, Martina, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Lookman, Calvert-Lewin
89 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:21:12
90 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:25:29
I watched Man Utd last night, who always looked like scoring while Lukaku was on the pitch.
91 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:31:03
Huh in those days Russians weren't buying London West End clubs, Arsenal had season tickets under �, Man Utd & LFC weren't American owned, City had Platt Lane, the Kippax and Peter Swailes, and Everton (the then Champions) did not have a certain Bill Kenwright. It was more of a level playing field wasn't it?
30 years later we are still in shitty Goodison and with him (Kenwright). Sorry about all this, but every now and then you realise how far we have fallen behind. Just wish we had Benitez spending the 𧵄 million and not who we do have.
92 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:38:08
If, and as they say, it's a big word, Ancelotti was both available and willing, Moshiri's ambition would be in no doubt should he go for him. He is better than what we have. I say that regardless.
At least have a word, although he was sacked by Chelsea on the steps in the Main Stand at Goodison.
Liverpool sacked Rogers on the very same basis once Klopp was available.
It is fanciful but got to talk the talk Everton if you wannabe considered a 'player'.
93 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:39:23
3 days before match – High hopes, confident of easy comfy win.
2 days before match – reading ToffeeWeb, doubts creep in, hope we can scrape a win or at least a draw.
1 day before match – Negativity becomes overwhelming, doubt we'll win. Praying for a draw.
Match day – Confidence comes back, thinking of the great games gone by. Fully expect a comfortable win.
Koeman announces team – FFS, two defensive midfielders at home against this shower!! Its all doom n gloom – again.
Anyway, I guess its a roller-coaster for us blues even before the game starts.
94 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:48:21
Goodison is not shitty. A new one may be nice, but it takes a long time to develop a soul.
95 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:51:50
96 Posted 28/09/2017 at 16:54:42
Or is that just what we've been told about having to stick with Koeman?
97 Posted 28/09/2017 at 17:01:21
We met up for dinner and got stuck into all things Everton. We reminisced about better and worse says, including a trip to Elland Road in the fag end of the ‘94 season. Unable to get tickets for the away end, we got some in the home end, walloped 3-0, never been as scared!
But it gave this exile a chance to take the temperature of a regular match goer.
Often from afar now and down the rabbit hole of social media and forums the view points, including my own, can feel extreme and myopic.
My mate has never been the rabid kind of Evertonian, more the patient reflective kind, as was I until the back end of Moyes's years.
I said "So what's the temperature like, is he really under pressure?"
He looked at me as if I was from another planet and said. “It's his team, no doubt, and he's clueless, the Spurs game changed many people's viewâ€.
I followed up, if he thought it would go full fume on him.
He said “Probably not" ... but his 10 year old Eve said to him in the Spurs game, "This is crap, Dad, isn't itâ€.
From the mouth of babes...
98 Posted 28/09/2017 at 17:03:56
Very cosmic George -- very cosmic.
Up the Blues!!!
99 Posted 28/09/2017 at 17:33:32
I am usually talked down from the top of a tall building by about 3:00 am and manage to shake off the suicidal thoughts by dawn.
Match day I rebuild my psychological health with a few Optimism Recovery Sessions and by now I am back in the same mindset as most fans.
So a quick check for the Live Forum and oh God, it's starting again. Mummy!
100 Posted 28/09/2017 at 17:34:08
I bypass the considered and pragmatic posts as they are too sensible. The windbags with their way too long posts also get a swerve and I search for my favourite bits. They are.
(1) Delusional. This lot often can be heard muttering."Top players should be crying out to join Everton" or "Why do young millionaires prefer London to Liverpool" or "Let's play the Under-23 team" or "I told you Niasse was a winner". "Cavani is coming" (should we choose to have him) is next – what a laugh!
(2) Experts. All areas are covered with this lot. Team selection, billionaire financial advice and I cannot wait for their advice on stadium design and construction.
My favourite group are however: (3)Morbidly pessimistic. Fresh from renewing their subscription to Dignitas, this band of happy blues are doom, gloom and unquestioned disaster. Relegation is a certainty if a point is dropped.
My advice to the majority is never get into an elevator with a category 3 as it will be curtains for you! .
COYB 3-0 tonight!
101 Posted 28/09/2017 at 17:44:27
Ronnie had time to register Niasse, we registered Vlasic to the squad and held back two slots, so in all one slot and three injured players in that submitted squad.
We registered all three goal keepers just for the group stage yet for all the weaknesses we have in attack, we neglect that very area manning limited options in attack. Paint the picture as pretty as you like, but it was one big clanger not putting Niasse in the squad.
103 Posted 28/09/2017 at 17:52:19
104 Posted 28/09/2017 at 17:58:32
105 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:03:29
You my friend fall into both categories.
Yet another nice post.
106 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:05:25
Brilliant
107 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:11:31
If Moshiri is really serious, he'd have to at least have a go for him, wouldn't he? Dereliction of duty if he doesn't, if you ask me.
108 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:26:29
109 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:28:23
110 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:34:42
You're not on your own mate. ðŸ‘
111 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:45:23
That sounded like a very long winded "Shut Up And Get Behind the Team" post. Essentially, you seem to question the purpose of ToffeeWeb in general, other than to come on here and say how great things are. No posts analyzing performances or decisions by the manager as apparently these people are delusional experts that just make you laugh. Okay.
Rumour Mill. I guess you want that section removed from the site. I'm sure the editors will make note. How silly of people to call for us to sign a player like Cavani when clubs like Man City did similar in order to establish themselves before they had won anything.
I can't wait for you to lead the parade for another 7th place finish. But you're right, I and others really should have focused on the positive in our last Europa League match. There was so much to praise, wasn't there?
112 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:50:19
Hopefully you will all overlook the managers selection shortcomings when we get a convincing result with the team you evidently would not have chosen. Such is the fantastically fickle finger of football fate.
113 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:57:27
I've been humming The Clash, song in my head all day, but George has just swung it for me, and I can't wait to see the famous old stadium all lit up now!
Darren, I used to play for Godfrey myself, loved it even though I had to wear my school uniform on the bus, every Saturday morning, and felt like a right divi, but it was always worth it though.
Now let's hope Koeman can pick a side that makes it worth it tonight!
114 Posted 28/09/2017 at 18:59:23
115 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:04:07
116 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:05:42
117 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:09:59
Positives are Pickford in goal, Kenny at right-back:
Pickford
Kenny Holgate Williams Baines
Gueye Schneiderlin Davies
Rooney Sandro Sigurdsson
Subs: Stekelenburg, Martina, Klaassen, Vlasic, Lookman, Mirallas Calvert-Lewin
118 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:10:14
Absolutely nothing learned in that selection. Kenny and Holgate out of necessity and pressure.
Two DMs ugh!
Our dynamic duo of sloth No 10s. Poor Calvert-Lewin.
119 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:12:54
120 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:20:05
Pickford
Kenny-Holgate-Wiliams-Baines
Vlasic-Gana-Davies
Rooney
Calvert-Lewin-Lookman
Lookman should play; with his pace, he can cause trouble. Davies had a brilliant match against Bournemouth and changed the game with Niasse.
121 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:20:54
122 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:21:52
124 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:25:07
125 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:55:26
David (#111) – sorry I did move into "windbag" territory but unless you reconsider your views that Cavani is ready and willing to join "the project" you are certainly heading for Category 1!
COYB
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 27/09/2017 at 18:45:09
We really need a convincing win for several reasons: firstly, to get much needed points; secondly, to boost confidence; thirdly, to send a message to the other teams in the group.
They are probably looking at us, after the dismal performance against Atalanta, as an also-ran.