Everton vs Burnley

Imagine the damage a team with Lookman, Niasse and Vlasic could do. It might not work but it's got to be worth a try.

Pickford - Kenny Holgate Keane Baines - Gueye - Mirallas Davies Vlasic - Sigurdsson - Niasse.

Every person on that team is in their natural position. It has pace and width, and one No 10... one central defensive midfielders!!

Think I'll miss it, what optimism? No wonder we are struggling.

Fire up and get behind the team. As usual, it's the fans that will need to get the motivation going.

Come on, for god's sake.

But unfortunately, come Sunday, we'll again see the likes of Rooney, Martina (who does have a good cross but seems a woeful defender) and Schneiderlin in the team.

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Keane Baines
Gueye
Davies / Vlasic Lookman
Sigurdsson
Niasse Calvert-Lewin

Pickford
Kenny Keane Jagielka Baines
Gueye Davies
Lookman Sigurdsson Vlasic
Calvert-Lewin

Depends on Vlasic and Lookman both working hard to get up and down but at least they have some pace to do so.

Or play a 4-4-2 with Niasse for Davies and Sigurdsson dropping back. Just play some width and pace for pity's sake

But we all know that Koeman will not go down that route. I love him anyway but Ross gets better every week.

My team (4-1-4-1):

Pickford
Kenny / Martina Holgate / Keane Williams Baines
Gueye
Davies Rooney Sigurdsson Vlasic
Calvert-Lewin

Niasse to come off the bench to replace Rooney around 60 mins, Schneiderlin or Lennon to replace Vlasic, hopefully with us leading 2-0.

Subs: Stekelenburg, Martina / Kenny, Besic, Schneiderlin, Lennon, Lookman, Sandro.

I'd give Rooney an extended rest until he sorts his life out, he is very poor at the moment, and up to now his best hasn't excited many fans.

Height is a problem. Holgate and Williams do not dominate aerially like Keane does. With no Keane, crosses to Wood will be plentiful and we need to be energetic down both flanks.

Two defensive midfielders is not the answer – Burnley have no David Silva or Coutinho in their ranks. We should be trying to win positions out wide or up the pitch.

(4-3-3)

Niasse
Rooney Vlasic
Davies Sigurdsson
Schneiderlin
Baines Holgate Williams Kenny
Pickford

Jordan Pickford and Leighton Baines are shoo-in's in their respective positions, and it appears that despite the weaknesses of the Williams/Holgate central defensive pairing, we are forced to persist with it with because of the injuries to Keane and Jagielka.

I'd still prefer to see Kenny at right back rather than Martina despite Thursday's poor performance; Kenny is the future. We've got an opportunity to give him first-team experience while Coleman is out – let's utilise it.

We have to drop the two defensive Midfielder system we've been using and play two more attacking players. I'd put Schneiderlin as the holding midfielder and put Sigurdsson and Davies in front of him. We're playing Burnley! No need to slow everything down.

There does seem to be a clamour in some quarters to see Rooney dropped from the team but that's not for me. He has proved himself somewhat capable of kicking the ball into the opposition's net this season which is more than most of our team are apparently able to manage.

For the Number 9... it has to be Oumar Niasse. 3 goals in two second half substitute appearances is more than enough to warrant a start. And Vlasic – well, he was absolutely magnificent in that second half against Limassol, ran the show, with power, quick pace and trickery, pulling shots off left right and centre, getting a deserved goal for his efforts.

We can all see it, but that stubborn manager cannot. I also think Niasse could be better as impact sub as Mark also suggested, but Lookman and Vlasic from the off is a must.

Talking of the former, I read somewhere that Tottenham may try to prise Lookman away in January, as they feel he is being wasted, and more often than not, excluded from even the bench.

Clearly yet another case, of people recognising the mis-management by Koeman, and that is from outside the Club.

I hope for a win tomorrow, but will be very surprised if we do. This manager has to go, and it seems fairly obvious he can't or won't recognise he is to blame, so therefore will not resign, he will have to be sacked.

Got to stick with Kenny, Davies and Vlasic. Put in Calvert-Lewin and Lookman to give us plenty of energy then we have Baines, Gueye. Central defence looks very weak but we've got no one else. Then either Rooney, Sigurdsson or Schneiderlin as the number 10.

Niasse on the bench I think to come on for a bit of impact. But we all know it's not going to be.

Will be same old slow players with no speed or movement with the same tactics of no width. Surely he's got to learn to change or he's got to go.

I think part of the problem with the way we are playing is trying to shoe horn these 2 in all the time.

Drop them and play Mirallas and Lookman/Vlasic on either side with Davies and Gueye in the middle.

I read this morning that Spurs are looking at Ademola and I was raging again. I could feel my spleen needing to be vented and I have to stop. I started this weekend hoping to read or hear that Koeman had been given the Spanish Archer but deep down I know that Moshiri is not the saviour I had hoped for. It's all become a very wet squib.

So I'll need to be realistic. Problems will start for me if we are losing and he brings Oumar on and we still lose. The blonde assassin will simply say "See, we needed Giroud for £40 mill" and he'll be off the hook again and then he stays for another game. See I'm starting to go mental again. I'm gonna stop posting for a week cos it's driving me nuts.

C'mon you blues for tomorrow and Lookman, if you get a chance for Gods sake take it cos I don't want to see you heading back down to the Smoke in January. Where's me tablets? Nurse !!

Now rumours of Lookman. A player that Koeman himself bought and has barely played or included. Other teams will be looking at our assets and just knowing they can do more with them than Koeman. Lookman's been here for nine months and played less than a dozen games.

Would it really be Koeman wanting to get rid or would Lookman be another player that's seen enough. Davies, Calvert-Lewin or who knows who will be "Linked" next? How much more ridiculous does this have to get?

Up to a point, Will. Cairo belly did for me this week. Exacerbated by Thursday night's latest poo.

And if he continues to favour Schneiderlin over Gueye then we risk losing him in the summer.

Lookman is presumably on a longer contract, but his advisors won't want him continually sitting out games either.

This team is 'reactive' but to be able to react you have to have the right players (on the pitch), the tactics and the right mentality to battle back. Under Koeman we are sadly lacking in all areas.

Personally, I would go with the below team in a diamond shape, and fullbacks pushing on when possible -

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Keane/Jagielka Baines
Gana
Rooney
Davies Vlasic
Sigurdsson
Calvert-Lewin

Gana to sit and protect the back 4 doing his usual job, Rooney as a central midfielder, getting himself about and dictating play to the forward thinking players, Davies and Vlasic playing wide midfield, but not hogging the touchline and with a license to cut inside, Sigurdsson in his favorite No 10 role and Calvert-Lewin splitting the centre-halves and making runs.

Niasse to remain as super sub and rescue us if it all once again goes to pot.

GK - Pickford
RB - Kenny
CB - Holgate
CB - Williams
LB - Baines
RW - Lookman
CM - Davies
CM - Sigurdsson
FW - Calvert-Lewin
FW - Niasse

Subs:
Stek
Martina
Rooney
Mirallas
Schneiderlin

Finding the whole Everton dream becoming a nightmare. All the summer optimism has evaporated and been replaced by deep rooted fear of what is to come. Let's not forget the U23's won the league and the U20 World Cup was dominated by Everton players. Why won't Koeman give them a game???

That's my team too Sam- the youngsters will inject pace, energy and desire plus teamwork, supported by enough experienced players to make it work.

We must field a balanced team with width and pace – the only time we have done it this season was Split at home and in the first half we were dangerous.

We can all see this, the owner can surely see this; so can Ronald?

If he won't or can't drop Rooney then he should play him on the right and ask him to put in a disciplined shift staying out wide and supporting Kenny/Martina with their defensive duties and forward surges. Too often they have had no support.

At the moment Rooney just goes where he pleases and it isn't helping. Allow Sigurdsson to take control from the middle and see if he can get us moving forward. Vlasic to his left, Rooney to his right, and Calvert-Lewin up front. If Rooney can't play this role and keeps on going wherever he pleases then bring him off and give Sandro another opportunity.

Lookman has struggled in the league in his most recent appearances, and we mustn't forget that he hadn't played many games for Charlton before moving to us. He's still got a hell of a lot to learn and unfortunately we've been so poor that it's hard to give him the game time he needs to develop. Hopefully we will soon be in a position where he can get some opportunities.

Chris, correct – and due to? And why has he sometimes looked uneasier than he did earlier?

Something grossly wrong if a promising young player might want to leave a "Big" club in less than a year.

I like the look of that team with Vlasic and put Davies in instead of Gueye.

There's a team there somewhere it just needs the right players in the right positions. Koeman needs to start putting the jigsaw puzzle together sharpish.

I'd go with Sam @9 regarding the team selection. Mirallas worth a shout?

I do agree that Sigurdsson should play the No 10 position and Rooney up front with Calvert-Lewin.

I would not rush Keane or Jagielka back unless they are 100% fit. Holgate has been a good deputy and it would be him, not Williams, who would make way. I hope Kenny's average performance against the Cypriots will not give Koeman an excuse to chuck Martina in. Kenny was solid defensively at least and I think he deserves another opportunity.

In the middle of the park, I would like to change out Gueye. I think he has been poor. I think Schneiderlin has been slowly getting better, and perhaps him and Davies can link up better, and they certainly showed their partnership last February.

Schneiderlin makes my team week-in & week-out by default. His role is to pass it to the wings, and to get it forwards. He is the only one who can do this within our squad, and until we sign a young Barry, then Morgan is in the side every week.

I understand the two defensive midfielders complaint, but they do not have to play so deep, they should be forced 10 yards further forwards, and I think Davies is the one to pull Morgan forwards.

In the attacking areas, I would like to see some pace and trickery from Lookman down the right. I think he can do a job here for 60 minutes, and I would let him know that's all he is playing and to make sure he has nothing left in the tank at 60 minutes. Then, it's Niasse time!

Rooney has had a couple of knocks in recent games, to the eye, to the shoulder I think against the Cypriots (he was popping painkillers mid game), and he still has his wrist bandaged up, I think he needs a rest, but could be an option from the bench. Sigurdsson and Klaassen would benefit from Lookman's pace and the absence of Rooney.

Klaassen tracks back well, and would link up better with the defensive two. For me, Sigurdsson needs to improve and he's looked best on the left wing. Of course, he plays "from there", rather than actually be a left winger, but his passing is improving and he should be given some pitch time without Rooney.

If we don't play Rooney, then it can only be Klaassen for me, Sandro was terrible against the Cypriots and for now, he needs to be an impact sub, until he gets some luck and can use that to build some momentum. Like Sigurdsson, I think Klaassen needs some pitch time without Rooney.

Upfront, it has to be Calvert-Lewin. He is not the best at holding the ball up, but he is the only, yes they only, player we have who can lead the line and provide a focal point without dropping 30 yards to come looking for the ball. He is an energetic terrier and will get after the back 4 all game, not giving them any peace.

Yes, he hasn't scored a league goal, but he has 3 in all competitions. The goals will come for him. I would have Niasse in reserve and bring him on after 30 minutes for Lookman if we are not ahead. Sandro would be option number 2, perhaps as a left forward to play off Calvert-Lewin or even Niasse, moving Sigurdsson behind the striker and taking off Davy.

------------------- Pickford -----------------
Kenny - Holgate - Williams - Baines
Lookman - Davies -- Gueye - Vlasic
------------ Sigurdsson -------------------
-----------------------Calvert-Lewin -------------------

Subs: Stekelenburg, Martina, Schneider in, Lennon, Rooney, Mirallas, Niasse.

Vlasic was very impressive on Thursday night and think he deserves a chance out wide to give us some natural width.

Siggurdson has been pretty dreadful thus far; I would like to see just the one number 10 starting – instead of two or three shoehorned into the team– to add balance and width. I would go with Rooney as he's the best at linking up play.

Pickford
Kenny Keane Holgate Baines
Lennon Schneiderlin Davies Vlasic
Rooney
Calvert-Lewin

I see him more as another number 10! He was great against Apollon though, and I think he deserves games, but I'd keep him on the bench for now, and start him in the cups and Europa League.

He's very interesting indeed (I would start him tomorrow but understand your point about keeping him on the bench), and who knows where he'll end up playing. I'm just glad we've got him.

Sorry, I've answered your question addressed to Mark but this fella's promise excites me very much.

Nikola must have given up some leg length to sis.

He looked very at home on the left wing when he came on. He is known for being very versatile; players don't always need blistering pace to play out wide – did Arteta or Pienaar have much pace? No they didn't but they were very intelligent players with quick feet, like Vlasic.

Anyway, in my line-up, I have Lennon on the right who does have pace and always puts a shift in.

We have so many Number 10s – maybe it's Vlasic's best position, but with such a congested area, I don't see him getting much playing time in that particular position.

Goalkeeper is too small, stays on his line and the amount of goals we are conceding so far is not being addressed by the management, despite the fact we play with two holding midfielders?

Pickford
Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Baines
Davies, Gueye, Sigurdsson, Mirallas
Calvert-Lewin, Niasse.

If either of Keane or Jags are fit I would play them and definitely have Lookman and Vlasic on the bench.

As for pace, I agree you don't need pace to play wide, add Limpar to your list. But Everton do need pace, and I'd like us to get pace into the side wherever we can.

As for Arteta, it always disappointed me that Moyes played him wide and never trusted him centrally. He was never a winger. It was only after the crippling knee injury that he lost most of his speed that Moyes played him centrally, and even then he was no longer guaranteed a start (correct me if I am wrong, but didn't he start most of his last five games on the bench?).

Arteta would be great in this present Everton side in the Schneiderlin role. Playing deep and passing long. Although he could also pass short and drive us forward. What a player, and of course, he was the best little Spaniard we know.

Unless we sort out at the back and stop putting ourselves under pressure through elementary errors it doesn't matter much who else plays... in whatever position.

If he can stay in the Prem and keep making hefty profits from the new model (ie, find/nurture/sell at huge profit) then he and Kenwright will be happy. I doubt there really is any further ambition.

I hope I'm wrong but I don't think the players we have bought are anywhere near Champions League quality. They are only intended to keep us mid table. As is the Manager; a mid table option. It is a kind of asset stripping.

As for Spurs in for Lookman, I don't blame them to be honest, and I wouldn't blame him. In fact, Spurs, a club renowned for developing talent from other clubs, Lookman would fit their bill.

Question is, why can't Koeman play him more for us?

I would like to see a midfield with Gueye Barkley, Vlasic and Lookman. Schneiderlin as the DM. Davies as an attacking mid/ more No 10. Calvert-Lewin and a world class Lacazette type up front.

I'm not even looking forward to tomorrow and its on the TV where I am… Heading out for a beer. Where's George McKane? George... George… help!

Let's see how many more bad results are needed for more spin. Not even a glimpse of a stadium plan after all these months Koeman has gone past his sell-by date. Time to let Unsy loose with what, on paper, is a fantastic squad.

What can't you get your head around? Barkley wants to leave, he just didn't want to sign for Chelsea. He is out injured as it was announced he would be out for months.

But regardless of that, Barkley is the one who wants to leave. And don't think for a second he's not looking at and speaking to Lukaku and Stones as reinforcement for his desire to leave.

Yes, okay it may be just for the money but if you are from Liverpool you know the London 'lifestyle' is a chimera; endless miserable faces everywhere and traffic jams and people selling eels. Why would you want to go there?

What worries me is why he wants to leave? Is it that he just doesn't rate Koeman or worse, he knows there is something rotten in the state of Everton….

Where would I play Barkley? For me, on the right of a front 3, as at the end of last season. It is obvious that he lacks the mindset to defend adequately. So by playing as a wide forward he can have very limited defensive duties.

On to his attacking role: as a right sided forward, he would be required to come inside onto his left. There's no one else at the club who can come in off the right onto their left and hit a thunderbolt into the top corner. He's the only one with that ability in his left (except Baines maybe, and he cannot play there!).

Barkley is right footed though and he can still go outside and put crosses in.We all remember that beaut for Lukaku at the end of last season. So we would have a player who can go both inside and outside. He can also back a defence up and force them back by keeping them guessing as to whether he goes inside or outside, this makes it impossible for a defender to dive in.

By playing wider, he has less men to beat, he simply got crowded out when more central. He can also come in off the wing and play centrally as well. imagine Rooney is in the number 10 slot, then we all know he will drop or move from that position, Ross can come inside and take up that position and enhance Rooney by giving him someone to play off.

This is how I see Barkley developing. I cannot see him dropping deeper. He shows no signs of ever developing a defensive game. Anyone watching him now would not believe that this lad once played as primarily a centre half!

There's no reason he cannot develop his defensive game, it's just he's 24 soon and there's not point talking potential, physically, he's at his peak now. It's all about whether he can develop mentally and improve his game there before the physical side starts to diminish.

The breakdown in communications at vital times is spoiling many promising moves and also affecting the defensive side of things. This may come together in time providing Koeman and his staff can motivate a team lacking in spirit and intensity. Without that, all the talent in the world will not be any compensation.

Rooney tries hard but the team is crying out for a Peter Reid type player.

I posted early in the week that we will start with the same team that started v Bournemouth, and, injuries excepted, I'd be surprised if he changes it.

Bit of a stubborn twat is our Ronnie – you might've noticed....

I reckon I'd go with this line-up to start (first name where two names if fit):

Pickford
Kenny -- Keane/Holgate -- Jagielka/Williams -- Baines
Rooney (yes, in the Schneiderlin role)
Davies -- Gueye
Sigurdsson
Calvert-Lewin -- Vlasic / Lookman

Subs - Niasse the super sub and 6 others<./p>

Rooney would make an excellent anchor in my opinion, reads the game better than any other, plays the longer balls better than any other, gives him a focussed role so he's not bombing around the pitch like a blue arsed fly. My only concern is he still may bomb around the pitch like a blue arsed fly!

However, all 8 will play more football, and at a competitive standard, out on loan than they would have done had they stayed. Therefore next season we have 8 young players (actually 9 with Onyekuru playing in Belgium and the Champions League) returning hopefully hardened up and more ready than ever to be Everton players.

But why have two more defensive minded players ahead of him in Davies and Gueye. Of course Davies does get forward, but he's always been a defensive midfielder throughout his youth career. It's just Ronald Koeman doesn't seem to want to pick him ahead of Gueye.

Also if Rooney plays deep, then you will need two specialist wide players for him to hit. So why not both Lookman and Vlasic?

He is that arrogant to believe it would be an admission of failure to be flexible and change his system. He's even more arrogant than Mourhino who will change things when a system is patently not working.

I don't see Davies as a defensive midfielder at all – he has been involved in more goals this season than any other midfielder we have. I think back to that first goal v Man City last season and the same with the first last week – exquisite through-balls that no-one else seems to be able to pull off at the moment.

Equally, why can't people get their head around the fact that he may feel forced to leave due to his treatment by Koeman? It's not like Koeman's man management discounts the possibility.

The man in the suit decides the line-up time. He's not interested in what any fan wants – only his own ego matters. Stubborn prick.

I think Koeman will pick a very similar team to the one which started against Bournemouth with the same formation. But I think Davies will come in for Klaassen and Keane will play if fit.

4-3-3:

Pickford
Martina Keane Williams Baines
Davies Schneiderlin Gana
Sigurdsson Calvert-Lewin Rooney

Not the team I want him to play... but the team I'm expecting him to select.

His judgement about players is highly suspect.

Under the buy back terms, Barca had to have Geri in the first team squad for a season. Do you think for one minute that if they had retained Neymar or bought Coutinho, Geri would be playing at all? No, of course not. Barca bought him simply because in the super inflated market the £10-12 million buy back clause made financial sense as they will likely sell him for £20m or more.

Geri will have a great career I have no doubt. But it wont be at Barca and wont be in the Premier League where he simply isn't suited to it – no shame in that, lots of great players are not suited to it. I'm starting to think that maybe Sandro is in this category too (just not suited to the Premier League).

Go for it!

Second wish would be to see at least one of Mirallas, Vlasic or Lookman in the starting line up so we have some pace and width one one side at least.

I'll stop the wishes there as I'll be amazed if the above two happen anyway.

I've had a bottle or so of wine. It'll be very tight and we need an attacking formation. However, with our lack of pace, that may be difficult. Please don't lose through a stupid defensive error, Williams, please note.

We can argue all day long about team selection, formations etc but if the whole team don't have a work ethic and not enough of them are prepared to take responsibility on and off the ball, we end up looking very ordinary, if not downright awful.

I think we will win tomorrow but only if we match or better Burnley's workrate. As for those panning the Goodison faithful and blaming them for the players' loss of form or inability to reach an acceptable level of performance, I can't agree.

It is frightening to think what would happen if we are involved in a dog fight towards the end of the season if the players we have bought in and those who were already at the club are made of such flimsy stuff.

Good players who have a winning mentality don't have to rely on their fans to produce the goods, they play to win – no matter whether they are playing in front of a hostile away crowd or in front of one man and his dog. If the players have a go at Burnley or any other opponents we might face this season, the crowd will get behind them to a man.

It's not too late to make serious inroads into all the competitions we are involved in but the turn around, if it is to happen, has to arrive very soon, before Goodison does indeed become 'toxic' – as it will if the fans have to witness too many more half-arsed, half-hearted performances aided and abetted by half-baked tactics. l'm hoping the game tomorrow provides the beginning of that turn around.

My side, for what it's worth:-

Pickford
Kenny
Keane
Jagielka
Baines

Vlasic
Gueye
Davies
Sigurdsson

Niasse
Calvert-Lewin

For the first sixty odd minutes how was it possible to respond in a positive way to the mind numbing football that was on display, the crowd did well not to turn on the team and especially the manager who is responsible for the poor selection and tactics of the team.

Koeman will do well to have a good think about his team and the tactics he uses. If they are not changed there is the likelihood of another poor display and the crowd will not hold back, we have been more than patient and will not be treated like idiots.

By the way, Lawrence, as much as I like watching Man City I'm not sure I'd like Everton to buy their trophies, but this has been argued before on ToffeeWeb so I won't push it.

When the tactics and team selection are wrong, the players have an uphill struggle, even when they give full commitment, and I don't believe full commitment can be sustained like that.

Everything depends on the manager getting the tactics and selections right. That's why the top ones get paid so much, and until we get a manager who in this sense knows what he's doing, we'll struggle.

The fans are holding it back, trying hard not to get on the players' backs. A fast start and a continuous high tempo is a must tomorrow.

Calvert-Lewin with Vlasic in behind for me. Both direct and both with the first thought of going forward. No Rooney, no Klaassen and no Schneiderlin for me.

Blues can kick off when it's not going well, we can be a difficult crowd to play in front of. On the other hand it's dead easy to get them onside. 100% effort, throw a tackle in and play a high tempo and they will back you to the hilt.

Dave (#101), I would gladly buy a trophy and stick it in the cabinet. The reality is money buys success. I agree with your principles but the reality is Everton may not win another trophy in my lifetime without significant financial backing. Please let me be wrong!!

Manchester City fans are living the dream and their fans have been through hard times. Good luck to them.

It is so demoralising when they start the game in that slow, over cautious manner and keep checking back. The fans forgive mistakes if a player is giving 100%. But they don't forgive players who hide in games and never take a risk – quite rightly.

A few others seem out of favour, such as Mirallas and Lookman, but Vlasic deserves a start too.

If Everton give Burnley a goal start, as seems to be the norm these days, then it will be another frustrating afternoon.

For me the things that I think need to happen tomorrow are:

1. Start with Calvert-Lewin up front (which I think he will);
2. If Sig is selected then he has to start #10 or don't play him at all (50/50);
3. Schneiderlin has to be 'rested' (not likely);
4. 1 defensive midfielder only (not likely);
5. Width and pace - has to start one of Lookman, Vlasic, Lennon along with Calvert-Lewin (50/50);
6. Don't play Klaassen or Sandro at any point in the game unless we are 12-0 up;
7. If all the above don't happen then Burnley need to play really, really, super shit (like Sunderland-level shit).

Jesus... worried by Burnley at home? Thanks, Ron.

Pickford

Kenny
Keane
Holgate
Baines / Martina (he can play left-back)

Schneiderlin / Gueye at the base
Davies
Sigurdsson
Rooney at the tip as a true Number 10

Calvert-Lewin
Niasse

However, this will not happen. It will be more complicated. We will win, I have no doubt about it. We will win well, I have no doubt about it. And, it will cloud the Koeman problem good and proper.

I never, ever, back our club to win or lose. Today, though, I have had my biggest bet in the last 10 years for us to win. No correct score, just win. If I do not collect I will not be responsible for my actions. and will expect this post to be part of my diminished responsibility defence.

He had plenty of option. Like not sending him out on loan to Milan, or trying to negotiate with Barca to keep him. "He had no option" paints it as Barca coming back in for him and taking him from us. It wasn't like that. Koeman didn't want him.

'It wasn't like that'.

Oh yes it was.

But hey just rewrite stuff to have a go at Koeman.

Barcelona say we want him there is nothing - absolutely nothing - that we can do about.

'" He had no option" paints it as Barca coming back in for him and taking him from us'.

Is exactly how it was. So sorry there is no room there for you to bash Koeman Will although you could of course make something up.

Everton obviously didnt, but then neither did Seville or AC Milan... so none of his former clubs wanted him. Korman's tactics and team selection are giving us all plenty of sticks to beat him with, so no need to make any up.

Before accusing me of making things up, answer those questions for yourself. The answers to them could all be found online in minutes.

Of course, you could always cite alternative facts to what I posted, to disprove what I said; more credible than acccusing me of invention.

Obviously, If Barcelona had appeared out the blue and said they wanted him back and could do it contractually, there'd have been nothing we could do - except perhaps negotiate.

What I posted is in response to what Kim wrote, worded as Koeman having no option, which implies he lost Deulofeu against his will, which was not the case at all.

Steve, yes - "...even if he wanted to keep Deulofeu", which is the point I was making. Koeman did not want to keep Deulofeu. If he had, the club may have negotiated, and Barca may have been willing, who knows. As you observed, he was not wanted here and hence off he went.

No-one's making anything up. It's just too simplistic to say Koeman had no choice, as if the player leaving was against his wishes.

You don't say what you would plan to do should Everton lose today, however under mens rea (Latin for Guilty Mind I think the ex-Christian Brothers schoolboys will confirm) for English Law they could try to use elements of your post against you, should you go on to be accused of committing murder or GBH. (I don't think you're US-based but if you are, it would be Malice aforethought in many states if you were to be accused of murder in the first degree).

I'm sure in the worst case the good folk of TW will support one of their own. Maybe a fund for legal representation. A plane banner at the next home game demanding "Free Andy (and Sack Koeman)".

Although the way Williams, Martina and Holgate have been exposed recently, I would not rely on the Everton defence.

Let's just have a go and you never know the journey back home for us might be a happier one than of late.

If left on the bench to stagnate, he will become not only disillusioned, but may seek to leave, which I for one would regard as a travesty.

I am becoming increasingly frustrated, as I am sure, many others are too, by Koeman's team selections, and dare I say tactics. I have said the last bit hesitantly, as there does not appear to be any recognisable game plan.

I do not feel confident today, in fact, unless he turns things round dramatically, and I doubt that will happen either, I fail to see a win for us today.

I watch most of the other Prem teams, either through Mod or Sky/BT, and they all seem more dynamic than we are, we are playing with little or no confidence at all, I can never recall feeling this bad about Everton for a very long time.

Yet, we have a rich investor now, and have spent an unprecedented amount on players this last window, admittedly a few were overspend, but we appear to be worse if anything, I know about the settling in and gelling, and all that, but there is something more than that here, and it worries me.

That won't happen will it? Nah. I will keep my optimism but just tell me today the players will show some backbone and a sense of adventure.

If they don't I hereby commit to posting the same criticism 10 times a day for the next 14 days. (Back to that definition of insanity)

Won't that be fun!

I loved Rooney as a player, didn't want him to come back because I was convinced his best days are long gone. I wanted to be wrong;it's looking to me I was right. I get absolutely no pleasure out of this if I am right.

Look I'm not saying Moyes was the best thing since sliced bread, but I enjoyed the football back then, a few weeks back I was on here saying Koeman out and picking teams for us; now I feel what a waste of time, this man will do it his way even if we all see the writing on the wall.

I could see us winning today, saving himself again, next big game we will get hammered. Look if we are going to write this season off would love to see Unsworth given a chance, he knows what we are and need the passion of putting on the blue of Everton. Anyway I for one am so sick of it, same old same old, but one thing I know is I am sick of Koeman's negative attitude.

There will be a good few waiting to see if Ron has learned anything yet about his set up.

Fortune favours the bold.

If he is forced to play the latter two, then he will feel that he has to protect them with his usual two defensive midfielders. He may well stick to this plan even if the first two are fit.

This will obviously dictate the balance of the side. If he was more confident, he could opt for a back three and push the wingbacks on especially as Burnley will most likely play with only one up top, but the acid test is what he does with Rooney.

I hope he gives Sigurdsson the ten spot and finds a different use for Wayne, perhaps bringing him on for the last half hour. I certainly don't see Koeman taking too many risks from the start. He usually waits too long before making any big changes.

“Early one mornin' the sun was shinin'
I was layin' in bed
Wondrin' if she'd changed at all
If her hair was still red
Her folks they said our lives together
Sure was gonna be rough
They never did like
Mama's homemade dress
Papa's bank book wasn't big enough
And I was standin' on the side of the road
Rain fallin' on my shoes
Heading out for the east coast
Lord knows I've paid some dues
Gettin' through
Tangled up in blue”

Sitting in my writing room now - - just listening to The Lark Ascending Vaughan Williams - - slightly melancholic to start but then tremendously uplifting. Had a stroll around the house changing the Calendars - - I have lots of them - - and the one in the top room overlooking The River today shows Hieronymous Bosch The Garden Of Earthly Delights. I am always looking for symbols and maybe this is it. Gosia will take me under The River in our Black Gondola with me sitting back and dreaming of better days and hoping for a New Beginning. Yes, I think I/we have to really believe in a new start or what is the point if we truly believe that nothing will happen nothing will change.
“The chief beauty about time
is that you cannot waste it in advance.
The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you,
as perfect, as unspoiled,
as if you had never wasted or misapplied
a single moment in all your life.
You can turn over a new leaf every hour
if you choose.”

I am not happy with Koeman or his Management and actually watching something you love fading in front of you - - like Old Shep - - but I love Everton and I Love the whole Matchday Experience - - I wish that Koeman for all his so called Dutch Courage would stop washing our undies in public:

“The splendid thing
about falling apart
silently...
is that
you can start over
as many times
as you like.”

Maybe Mr.K should read Francis Bacon( another great Evertonian) for a while this morning: “For better it is to make a beginning of that which may lead to something, than to engage in a perpetual struggle and pursuit in courses which have no exit."

But whatever I will be on my way to The Dark House pretty soon - Gosia has just popped in and asked “what time are you going” - - 11.30 - - please - -
“Sunday in the afternoon
What have you got to lose?
It's my heart that's suffering
It's a-dying-
And that's what I have to lose”
Thanks to CSNY.

I will arrive at TDH around 11.50 and will have my first pint with Paul and then go around taking photos for TDH FB Page - - my goodness what days we have had in TDH - - brought together from all corners by Being Blue - I remember running around the block in my undies after we won the league in the 80’s - - I just have to lean back in my chair at my writing desk - - close my eyes and let my mind drift (Come a little bit closer Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin' We could dream this night away) - - Back - Way Way Back - - to Those Days - - getting the train to Kirkdale and walking up to TDH:

“While riding on a train goin' west
I fell asleep for to take my rest
I dreamed a dream that made me sad
Concerning myself and the first few friends I had
With half-damp eyes I stared to the room
Where my friends and I'd spent many an afternoon
Where we together weathered many a storm
Laughin' and singin' till the early hours of the morn”

No one can ever take your memories from you - each day is a new beginning, make good memories every day. So no matter how hard some try they cannot and never will stop us - -all of us Being Evertonians - - we have no choice – these are not clichés - - we are True Blues - yes of course it has been a long time since we won things - but we are still here - - just standing up for a moment looking out of my window overlooking the River - -
Still glaring from the city lights
Into paradise I soared
Unable to come down
For reasons I'd ignored
Total confusion
Disillusion
New things I'm knowing
I'm standing on the shoreline
It's so fine out there
Leaving with the wind blowing
But love takes care

Back in at my desk now and thinking that I have to go and get ready - for nothing - nothing - will stop me going the game - - thick and thin - - good and bad - - richer or poorer - -

Sad, deserted shore, your fickle friends are leaving
Ah, but then you know it's time for them to go
But I will still be here, I have no thought of leaving
I do not count the time
For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?
And I am not alone while my love is near me
I know it will be so until it's time to go
So come the storms of winter and then the birds in spring again
I have no fear of time

Maybe I am just rambling now - - so time for a shower, a shave, clean Battle Vest and Drawers on Onwards to Goodison.

Cosmic grooves all the way Blue Boys. Your Friend George.

Just a little bit of Curtis Mayfield to lift us up:
"When you wake up early in the morning
Feelin' sad like so many of us do
Hum a little soul, make life your goal
And surely something's got to come to you
And say it's all right
Say it's all right
It's all right, have a good time
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right"

Pickford
Martina
Holgate
Williams
Jagielka
Baines
Sigurdsson
Gana
Schneiderlin
McCarthy
Rooney

A 1-5-5 formation. Keep it close for 8 7mins and then hope Calvert-Lewin or Niasse come on to rescue a point.

I've just watched match of the day Chelsea v Man City pure poetry.

They will both be in top 4 at the end of the season.

When did you last see Everton play one touch attacking football and positive defending. Shows how far we are behind!

We have the players but they are not a team.

Last chance saloon for Koeman this afternoon in my book.

We might see Moshiri flexing his muscle, because Kenwright won't.

Calvert-Lewin and Vlasic to start, work the rest around that.

It's a mad and mysterious world George. Here I am sitting in a hotel in Bangkok on my way back to Australia while you are on the way to Goodison, thinking "while George was at his sisters wedding 55? years ago I was watching Everton beat Cardiff 8-3 on the Goodison Rd terraces. Memories George - what a wonderful idea.

Keep the faith George - we will be back.

Fairport Convention : 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes'
Love : 'Alone Again Or'
The La's: 'There She Goes'
Crosby Stills and Nash: 'Marrakesh Express'
The Byrds : 'Tribal Gathering'
The Clash : 'Spanish Bombs'
Curtis Mayfield : Move On Up.
David Crosby : 'Traction in the Rain'
Gil Scott Heron " Lady day and John Coltrane.'

Keep on Keeping on blues!!!

Pickford
Kenny Keane Holgate Baines
Lennon Gueye Davies Lookman
Sigurdsson / Niasse
Calvert-Lewin

Wetting myself at the thought of you running round TDH in your undies when we won the league, brilliant!!

I would love Brady in our team – Dyche may be old school but he has his team well drilled defensively and they're a threat from set pieces. I can see a 1-0 loss coming. Hope I'm wrong!

Even if we win, Koeman doesn't convince me.

Thing is Ray, even were we capable, Koeman doesn't have that kind of football as an ambition. His intent is slower and less direct. We won't see that kind of attacking football anytime soon.

They reckon Dylan, wrote the first ever rap song Brent, but tangled up in blue, will do for me.

If I was Koeman, I would read George's post to the players, and tell them to go out and play with the same freedom as George, honestly!

'The time has come and I must go, I bid you all adieu,
The open highway calls me forth to do the things I do.
And when I'm trampin' far away I'll hear your voices call,
And please God I'll soon return unto the homes of Donegal'

As Oscar Wilde once wrote 'Some people light up the room when they enter it, some light up the room when they leave it': I think Mr Koeman is one of the latter, but I hope he puts a smile on our faces today, like you do George.

ps: George make your 4-0, 3-0 today, just a thought.

No matter how many comments are put on the web. Despite all the team selections put forward, good bad and indifferent. It's like watching 'Millionaire' when everyone in the audience and watching on TV just knows that the contestant is making the wrong choice. Even shouting at the telly doesn't help.

It's the sheer frustration of watching all this unfold and the feeling of helplessness.

I must have painted a forlorn picture standing in front of of the big screen. As I left the Thai barmen said, "Very sorry, Sir". They are very humble and polite people the Thais.

You have to be resilient to be an Evertonian. I will walk out of the hotel tomorrow morning then into the airport with my blue Everton napsack over my shoulder.

Apart from anything else, what would my family think if I put it in my suitcase?

It's always darkest before the dawn.

You got it.