Seasons2017-18Everton News
Leicester City vs Everton
149 Comments Match Preview
Morgan Schneiderlin could be fit following illness but would he be automatically selected?
Everton and David Unsworth travel to Leicester this Sunday looking to build on their performance against Chelsea in the cup and improve their standing in the Premier League.
The result in midweek may not have been a favourable one but there were signs to support the belief that the Blues are a far better team than they appeared to be in the final weeks of Ronald Koeman's reign — now they have to put a run together and prove it.
If Unsworth was on a hiding to nothing at Stamford Bridge, the King Power Stadium will be where the rubber meets the road for the caretaker manager. With a few more days under his belt to become more familiar with the entire squad and impress on them his methods, he will feel more ready for this his first Premier League game in charge.
As the build-up in the media will surely highlight, this is a meeting between two teams who made poor starts to the new season and whose impatient boards took decisive action in removing their manager as a result.
Koeman was dismissed after nine, Leicester sacked Craig Shakespeare just eight games into the campaign but the Foxes installed their new man this week, with ex-Southampton boss Claude Puel their somewhat surprising choice to take the team forward.
The Frenchman was accused of defensively-minded football at St Mary's which won't necessarily mesh with the attacking philosophy instilled under Claudio Ranieri that swept them to the title two seasons ago. Nevertheless, Everton should be wary of any “new broom” effect Leicester may exhibit of their own.
Puel is expected to make a winning start on Sunday, with the Foxes priced at 11/10 to defeat Everton. The visitors can be backed at 12/5, with the draw available at the same price, but play online casino games ahead of the match to give yourself the chance of boosting your bankroll.
“We'll do our homework as we normally do,” Unsworth said in his pre-match press conference. “We'll be very thorough and detailed in our preparation, regardless of whether there'a a new manager there or not.
“I want us to concentrate on ourselves and do what we do best. That's the most important thing at the moment.
Asked if he felt it was difficult parsing a starting XI from the pool of players he has at his disposal, some of them big names or with big transfer values who, like in midweek, might not get a look-in.
Indeed, the Blues' record signing, Gylfi Sigurdsson, didn't make the pitch at all against Chelsea in the League Cup defeat and neither did Michael Keane. Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez weren't in the match-day squad at all but Unsworth will find in the coming games — depending on how long he remains in the job, of course — that he may need to draw on a number of players while he tries to find the best team and combination.
“No, it's not difficult at all,” he said. “They're nice problems to have. Like I say, we'll do our homework on Leicester and we'll pick a team to win the game with the individuals we have available.
“So, no, it's not difficult working with top talent. I just have to get my message across quickly of how I want to play and so far the players have been fantastic in taking on board that information.
“Today was an outstanding [training] session. Most of the players who played the other night just had a recovery session so the players who weren't involved trained and that was a really decent session.
“The more time we can get on the training ground, the more it will benefit us in the long run.”
Quite what the “right” team to take on Leicester in Unsworth's mind remains to be seen. Idrissa Gueye is eligible again after serving his one-match ban for the two yellow cards he picked up in the defeat to Arsenal while Morgan Schneiderlin is likely to have recovered from the illness that kept him out of the Carabao Cup game.
One of those could come in for Beni Baningime — it would be harsh on the youngster given his impressive debut on Wednesday, but experience might win out — while the other could also start given Unsworth's penchant for two holding midfielders at Under-23 level, although James McCarthy can fill the same brief and may keep his place.
In defence, Ashley Williams's place is, perhaps, the only one under threat following his lapse against Chelsea and Keane could be the beneficiary if Unsworth is so inclined. Meanwhile, in attack he may look to address how isolated Wayne Rooney was and perhaps pull him back into a more withdrawn role or play him off Dominic Calvert-Lewin, either at the expense of a winger or one of his central midfielders.
Leicester have won both their games since Shakespeare's dismissal, a 2-1 victory at Swansea City and a 3-1 League Cup triumph over Leeds, but with both sides in unfamiliar territory when it comes to the man in charge in the technical area, there is opportunity here for Everton to take the positives from Wednesday and carry them through to this game, particularly if Unsworth is able to execute on his game plan.
If they can remain tight at the back by keeping the likes of Jamie Vardy, Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez quiet, then they will have the platform on which to express themselves in an attacking capacity and, hopefully, find their scoring form up front.
Kick-off: 4pm GMT*, Sunday, 29 October, 2017
Referee: Andre Marriner
Last Time: Leicester City 0 - 2 Everton
*UK clocks go back an hour on Sunday morning
Reader Comments (149)
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2 Posted 28/10/2017 at 07:38:30
3 Posted 28/10/2017 at 07:52:08
Pickford
Kenny
Keane
Jagielka
Baines
Gana
Davies
McCarthy
Lennon
DCL
Mirallas
Lookman off the bench, also with Rooney and Siggy, Niasse, even Sandro we actually have some firepower to come on.
6 Posted 28/10/2017 at 08:22:03
We are pedestrian at the back, Jags is still our quickest defender, just what Vardy likes.
I like Roberts team in every respect, depends how they game is going of course, but substitute in the second half Rooney for Davies, Niasse for DCL and Lookman for Lennon. Vlasic and Baningime in the squad.
If Barkley does indeed sign a new contact which I would like to see, its another midfielder to add to the stupid number that we have already have!
Wide open game as far as result is concerned, fingers cross for some kind of result.
7 Posted 28/10/2017 at 08:32:19
8 Posted 28/10/2017 at 08:54:00
9 Posted 28/10/2017 at 09:22:58
Kenny Keane Jagielka Baines
Idrissa Davies
Sigurdsson
Vlasic Niasse Calvert-Lewin
Robles, Williams, Holgate, McCarthy, Lennon, Mirallas, Rooney
10 Posted 28/10/2017 at 09:23:50
He was okay when he first came to us; but this season he has been absolute horse dung; as so many others seem to have gone; let's call it the Koeman Affect.
11 Posted 28/10/2017 at 09:28:24
12 Posted 28/10/2017 at 09:39:13
Kenny Jagielka Williams Baines
Gueye Davies
Lookman Sigurdsson Mirallas
Calvert Lewin
Subs Robles Keane Holgate McCarthy Rooney Niasse Lennon
I would like us to keep the same back four for a number of games. This area of the field is a big no no for chopping and changing. And apart from Kenny (who I think is an able stand in) it is the one that didn’t concede much last year.
13 Posted 28/10/2017 at 10:27:50
We aren't going to blow them away with the line up though - see how it goes and bring on Rooney or Niasse.
At some point it would be good to see some striking partnership, Rooney / DCL or Niasse / DCL - just to give defenses more to think about.
14 Posted 28/10/2017 at 10:35:37
I think that he’ll retain the Mirallas Baines partnership and the Kenny Lennon partnership. The latter mainly because of the cover that Lennon provides for Kenny opposed to Lookman.
Jagielka and Williams will stay as the centre backs for experience only.
I don’t think he’ll drop Rooney as he helps the youngsters out so it might be a choice between McCarthy and Calvert Lewin depending on how he sets the game up.
15 Posted 28/10/2017 at 10:50:02
I would be surprised if our defence can keep a clean sheet and would be satisfied with a draw.
We all want to see Unsworth get off to a fairytale start but 3 consecutive away games (including Lyon on Thurs) is a very tough start. He could very well have 3 losses under his belt before he gets a match with the Goodison crowd behind him.
I predict a highly entertaining 2-2 draw tomorrow and another improved and promising display.
16 Posted 28/10/2017 at 11:01:00
Paul Johnson’s side is the one for me , maybe with Lennon/Lookman sharing the 90 mins between them.
I am willing Dave Unsworth on , I want him to do well and get some momentum going.
2 wins against Leicester and Watford will be a new dawn for the club , and see Unsworth appointed as manager.
It’s all up for grabs ! An Exciting week ahead...
Come on you blues , make it happen!
17 Posted 28/10/2017 at 11:01:22
Okazaki is a smashing player and a danger man - I think Idrissa will get the job of looking after him but I think Baningime might also start. I like the look of this lad and his demeanour - I think we've got a real one here.
I also think David Unsworth likes McCarthy and Mirallas so they are back in contention - bit of irony their.
Because the new gaffer isn't compelled to play "anyone", it looks to me that he has lots of options. The youngsters will follow instructions and the new signings may find themselves fighting for their place in the staring eleven. Very healthy.
It all looks very different to me in the space of a week.
18 Posted 28/10/2017 at 11:05:19
19 Posted 28/10/2017 at 11:07:14
The way he wins penalties infuriates me. Gets side by side with the defender then sticks his leg out so the defender runs into him. Invariably they both collapse ina heap.
He does it every week and wins a good few pens from the tactic. When he tries it tomorrow I hope Mr Marriner books him.
20 Posted 28/10/2017 at 11:08:41
21 Posted 28/10/2017 at 11:24:45
26 Posted 28/10/2017 at 12:30:58
I think that Leicester will be no better than that Chelsea side on Weds, and I also have us down to win 2-1. Predicting a starting line up is tricky so I am not going to try, other than to say I think one of either Siggy or Rooney will start to give us that little extra creativity. Rooney can offer more imo but I think Siggy may have been rested in the week so we may see him start. A real tough call but I am thoroughly looking forward to it.
27 Posted 28/10/2017 at 12:37:20
I don't see Unsworth being too adventurous, possibly opting for a 5-3-2 (or 5-4-1) formation to combat Leicester's threat (Vardy plus width) and give Kenny and Baines licence to bomb forward though I don't think Baines has it in him anymore, perhaps Valsic.
Beni & Gana will be tried as a central mid pairing at some point, why not now ?
Mirallas / Lookman & Rooney to provide attacking guile in midfield and DCL / Niasse running the channels & pace up front:
For me:
Pickford
Kenny-Jagielka-Keane-Feeney-Vlasic
Mirallas -Gana-Beni-Rooney
DCL
.. Jagielka restricted to blocking and breaking up their play only.
28 Posted 28/10/2017 at 12:48:26
Bring Keane in for Williams, Sigurdsson for McCarthy and DcL for Rooney.
Worry less about Leicester and more about winning, something we’ve not done forever on the road.
29 Posted 28/10/2017 at 13:04:24
31 Posted 28/10/2017 at 13:19:22
35 Posted 28/10/2017 at 14:09:34
Watch the games against Atalanta, Lyon, Arsenal – the lad is a Championship player at best! Bring back Funes Mori – all is forgiven!
Keep Kenny at right back until Coleman recovers because a team with Keane and Holgate at right back will lose Unsy his chance of becoming Everton manager (the penalty against Lyon shows he is not Premier League standard at right back).
Don't take my word for it – watch the videos of the games I have mentioned. It's no coincidence that Everton played their best football of the season at Chelsea with those two missing.
36 Posted 28/10/2017 at 14:15:55
37 Posted 28/10/2017 at 14:19:22
Kenny
Baines
Keane
Jagielka
Gueye
Davies
Sigurdsson
Mirallas
Rooney
Lookman
38 Posted 28/10/2017 at 14:20:34
39 Posted 28/10/2017 at 14:31:28
40 Posted 28/10/2017 at 14:41:34
41 Posted 28/10/2017 at 14:47:10
I thought Williams was a desperate buy, and on the evidence of my eyes this season I find it amazing that anyone would put him in our best 11.
Given our defence's lack of pace and aerial ability , I fear for us against any team who gets in decent crosses &/or attacks us with pace.
No surprise if Macca's injured again – how long will it take us to learn that players who are semi-permanent crocked are more trouble than they're worth and disruptive? (e.g. Dunc 2, McFadden 2, Gibson & Macca) – if they're so frequently unavailable, their abilities are irrelevant.
42 Posted 28/10/2017 at 14:56:08
43 Posted 28/10/2017 at 15:00:29
44 Posted 28/10/2017 at 15:00:37
I also think whilst the incision was lacking he gave the side shape as did Mirallas. This helped both full backs to get forward. It gave the team structure not seen for a while.
At this moment, rightly in my opinion, Unsworth is looking for cogs in the machine to achieve a result as a team.
Under the last fella it was all about individuals. So I think he will retain him and look to introduce Vlasic & Lookman as the game wears on.
45 Posted 28/10/2017 at 15:10:34
47 Posted 28/10/2017 at 15:57:03
I would play Keane with Jags tomorrow. Jags can stay on pace with Vardy better than Williams who really is average.
It goes without saying that Everton need points from all games hereon in and if they play with the spirit shown against Chelsea, they could take this one but need that first goal even – if it's the 89th.minute.
48 Posted 28/10/2017 at 16:03:00
When Spurs blew the Bale money, at least it took a while for the errors to become clear, this lot have taken about 5 matches to be exposed.
49 Posted 28/10/2017 at 16:15:55
Charles (#48), I think they all still have a chance actually - including Rooney, despite my overall scepticism with regards to his return. Again, it depends on how they can be made to contribute to the team. I think everyone deserves a second chance post-Koeman.
50 Posted 28/10/2017 at 16:22:34
In support of that, Terry, I've noticed how often Keane drifts towards his fellow CB. And that often leaves the TRB exposed to a man that Keane should be picking up. Martina has suffered from this in several games.
51 Posted 28/10/2017 at 17:18:37
The trick is going to be in bringing these young talents through whilst making the most of the more senior pros at the club. I think we have a good blend. A top striker is a priority in January, but other than that I think we have all the personnel we need (especially when Coleman, Bolasie & Barkley are back). The tricky part is how to combine them with the older pros. We have too many midfielders at present. Who do you leave out? If you keep chopping and changing how does anyone build up a run of form? Having Barkley, Sigurdsson, Klaasen & Rooney in the same squad makes even rotation a problem. Do they play as the number ten once a month?
It's better to have too many players than too few, but picking the best team and keeping all these big names happy is no simple task. I'm intrigued to see how David goes about this task. My advice would be to pick the players on form that fit the system he wants to play, rather than shoehorning players into positions based on their status or transfer fee.
52 Posted 28/10/2017 at 17:26:59
Unsy still has the offensive failings to deal with and if they continue, then obviously January 2018 becomes so important no matter who is in charge.
This may be a time for the likes of Lookman and Calvert-Lewin to really show what they are really made of but it's likely Unsy will be under pressure to revert to the guys on big wages for these upcoming Premier League games.
Everton have a big squad of players both young and experienced, some of the experienced players being past their best and others underachieving. Unsy has lots of headaches regarding starting eleven choices but I think he may get them through this bad spell.
53 Posted 28/10/2017 at 17:42:10
Pickford
Kenny Keane Jagielka Baines
Davies / Schneiderlin / McCarthy / Gana (Any 2 from those four)
Lookman or Lennon Sigurdsson Mirallas / Vlasic
Calvert-Lewin.
Bench. Stekelenburg. Williams, Baningime, Rooney, Niasse and two from whoever is left out from those I've picked for the first 11.
I wonder what the chances of getting Pennington back are?
54 Posted 28/10/2017 at 17:52:30
No supporters on here can agree with any team Everton select, which is worrying as we're into November next Wednesday. I rely on my own judgement with the two eyes I was given (like everybody else) and imo I would play Williams and Funes Mori, or Jags and Funes Mori when everybody is fit for selection, and sell Keane as soon as possible; bad buy at £28 million!
55 Posted 28/10/2017 at 17:55:29
The subject of inherited players; would be the same whoever got the job until January at least, so time; although limited, is in Unsy's favour albeit for a couple of months.
Having said that, apart from the glaringly obvious lack of a Lukaku replacement; jury's still out on a couple; it's not a bad group of players. I know it's early days but the game at Chelsea did show; in a short space of time how quickly Unsy has lifted the spirits of a dejected and confused squad.
The acid test will be tomorrow, I have every confidence he will select the right combination to get something from the game.
COYB
56 Posted 28/10/2017 at 18:14:48
Tomorrow's game against Leicester is a must-win and we must see a massive response from the players for 90 minutes – not 45! Pace, power, grit, determination, teamwork, aggression, quality and importantly... goals! If we fail to beat this lot, then I have no idea how we will get out of this mess. COYB, 2-0.
Team:
Pickford
Kenny Keane Jagielka Baines
Schneiderlin
Lookman Sigurdsson Mirallas
Calvert-Lewin Niasse
57 Posted 28/10/2017 at 18:16:09
58 Posted 28/10/2017 at 18:21:27
59 Posted 28/10/2017 at 18:30:03
60 Posted 28/10/2017 at 18:34:00
We need to see greater contributions offensively from all players but when the passing play is so slow, opposing teams have it easy.
Hopefully Unsy has some strategies he can use that will get the best out of this team until the likes of Bolasie, Coleman and dare I say Barkley return.
61 Posted 28/10/2017 at 18:39:56
Selfish, arrogant and doesn't or won't track back. Petulant, with a childlike nasty streak. He is, has been, and always will be a weak link in this team.
I really cannot understand why fans think he is so good/creative etc. In my opinion, the guy is a showboating liability and should be discarded at the earliest opportunity.
62 Posted 28/10/2017 at 19:29:56
63 Posted 28/10/2017 at 19:34:03
64 Posted 28/10/2017 at 19:44:06
Shame, I'd put him in:
Pickford
Kenny
Baines
Jagielka
Keane
Gueye
Schneirderlin
Davies
Lookman
Rooney
Mirallas
65 Posted 28/10/2017 at 19:48:18
66 Posted 28/10/2017 at 19:56:01
67 Posted 28/10/2017 at 20:08:46
68 Posted 28/10/2017 at 20:25:17
It is a team game and if one player is struggling (for instance , the right back) then the right sided centre back or the right side midfielder or winger should identify the problem and help out.
It should be the same all over the park.
One of our problems (in fairness to Koeman) is bedding in so many new faces was always going to be difficult and in the helter-skelter world of the PL, little margins lead to defeats.
Unsie is right to try and simplify things, get a basic balance to the team and take it from there.
I heard someone on Five Live today extolling the virtues of one of the better teams, commenting on the fact that good players can play in different positions during a game, as colleagues get caught out or go on a run etc.
Siggurdson was often used on the left for the Swans last season, and it is possible to swap places during a game, it is just getting used to your teammates so it becomes normal.
69 Posted 28/10/2017 at 21:12:48
I must say, I'm feeling very positive ahead of tomorrow's game, following the team's second-half performance against Chelsea. I have the feeling that David Unsworth can and will have the team playing with confidence, working hard for one-another (off the ball as well as on the ball) and using the full width of the park.
David wants them to enjoy their football – the performance level of every member of the team will be raised as a result. I won't try to choose a line-up.
But think of these two facts Everton are the only side to have taken points off league-leaders Man City this season. And, back in 1986-87, following the departure of the goal-machine Gary Lineker, the team made up for the loss of all those goals, by sharing out the scoring and going on to win the league for the second time in three years.
If it was done then, it can be done again. The quality is there in this squad. I'm looking forward to listening to Darren and Sharpy on the EFC website tomorrow.
Evertonian since 1967.
70 Posted 28/10/2017 at 21:23:47
71 Posted 28/10/2017 at 21:39:29
It will be interesting to see how David Unsworth sets the defense up.
72 Posted 28/10/2017 at 21:55:02
73 Posted 28/10/2017 at 22:12:17
74 Posted 28/10/2017 at 22:28:12
75 Posted 28/10/2017 at 22:59:17
Lookman or Vlasic have yet to develop any positional discipline or defensive instincts. They are better affecting the game after 60mins or so.
Kenny was poor on Wednesday and has only fleetingly looked like he can handle the premier league. But as our alternatives are terrible, Coleman miles away from fitness he’s gonna get a long run at it.
76 Posted 28/10/2017 at 23:33:15
We'll have to agree to differ re AW & Keane.
You do make some good points though. I agree re FM when he's back - he's strong in the air, at both ends of the pitch, and gives the central defence a better balance being left-sided.
77 Posted 29/10/2017 at 01:05:25
Now He's done the hard part, he'll be worrying he's NOT playing rather than worrying about how he'll do if he is.
78 Posted 29/10/2017 at 01:09:38
79 Posted 29/10/2017 at 01:14:51
Sure Funes Mori is a liability at times, he has a mistake in him, but he adds crucial elements in terms of the pace, the left foot and ability to pass out from the back (although he's not half as good as he thinks he is!).
81 Posted 29/10/2017 at 06:03:14
For those advocating leaving Rooney out, it's worth remembering that our only two scorers in the league so far are... Rooney and Niasse!
82 Posted 29/10/2017 at 08:38:56
Or do we think the board have already decided who they want to appoint regardless of the Leicester and Watford game?
83 Posted 29/10/2017 at 09:13:45
At least that is until the end of the season. If he does well over the next 6 months he will get a longer term contract.
If he gets us 2 wins in my eyes he has proved he can organise and motivate . That as well as understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the squad. He would be the best man for the job at this moment.
It’s his for the taking. If the players want him as manager it’s in their power to make it happen.
84 Posted 29/10/2017 at 09:20:49
I think Unsworth will go with:
Pickford
Kenny Jagielka Williams Baines
Davies Gueye Sigurdsson Lennon
Rooney
Calvert-Lewin
Robles, Keane, Schneiderlin, Vlasic, Mirallas, Lookman, Niasse
85 Posted 29/10/2017 at 09:30:48
Pickford, Kenny, Keane, Jagielka, Baines, Lennon, Gueye, Davies, Vlasic, Lookman, Calvert Lewin.
I feel this team has enough to get around the pitch whilst still creating though. I think Unsy will play Rooney either up front or number 10. We have got to do something about our away record which is shocking starting today.
86 Posted 29/10/2017 at 09:54:28
I hope he doesn't play Schneiderlin, unless he can play like he did; when he first came to us, but I doubt that very much.
Fortunately for us, Leicester are in a transition stage; and dare I say it, a bit erratic; but having said that, not to be under-estimated either; not that Unsy would, as he has a lot to prove to those upstairs himself.
You could see in his post match interview after the Chelsea match; he had mixed emotions; proud of the spirit shown by the lads; but tempered by the defeat.
The contrast between that, in his first game in charge; to the after-match excuses regularly voiced by Koeman, is stark.
Sorry for bringing Koeman into a positive post, but I felt a diametrically opposed attitude needed to be made.
Looking forward to the game, hoping we carry on from the second half of Wednesday's Cup performance.
COYB
87 Posted 29/10/2017 at 09:59:25
88 Posted 29/10/2017 at 09:59:41
I’m not sure how many times I have said it in posts, that they can’t all play together and Unsy has stated that openly, which is the real point of my post.
2 good results and hopefully Moshiri will see sense.
Unsy is a risk, however, he’s not a novice. Other successful managers generally start in the lower divisions befor landing a top post. However, I would suggest that Unsy has served his time with the U23’s winning Premier League 2. Bit of a no brainier in my book.
89 Posted 29/10/2017 at 10:06:52
90 Posted 29/10/2017 at 10:16:29
--- Kenny -- Keane -- Jagielka -- Baines --
- Lookman - Gueye - Rooney - Mirallas -
----------------- Niasse -- DCL -------------------
Subs: Robles, Holgate, Williams, Lennon, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Vlasic
Let's go back to basics with a 4-4-2. Niasse and DCL looked to have the beginnings of a fairly good partnership. I think the pace and power of the two of them would scare a lot of defences.
Rooney can't do it up top anymore but still offers a great deal in terms of passing ability and shooting from distance and general team motivation and organisation - it's time to see him do that from midfield on a regular basis.
This team would see us start on the front foot with all players easily understanding their roles. The introduction of Siggy and/or Schneiderlin could see us change shape seamlessly.
COYB!
91 Posted 29/10/2017 at 10:22:34
Vardy needs space in behind defences so if we've been drilled right and play the right line, he can be managed. Keep tight to him and don't leave too much space in behind and Williams and Jags/Keane can handle him.
He can be out muscled if you play him correctly.
It'll be interesting since their new manager is generally very defensive in his setup.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a 0-0 draw.
92 Posted 29/10/2017 at 10:45:27
Pickford
Kenny, Jagielka, Williams, Baines,
Lennon, Idrissa, Baningime, Mirallas
Siguardson
Calvert Lewin
Up the Blues!!!!!
93 Posted 29/10/2017 at 10:54:50
Firstly, there are very few players that don't get criticised especially in defence where no one, who is fit, appears to be universally liked. All the selections appear to be the best of a bad job.
Secondly, there is very little agreement in team selection throughout. With unanimity going to the youngsters, which I can't help feeling is an emotional response as opposed to hard headed decision making and also giving them slack.
It will be interesting to see the actual team selection and performance. From reading the posts it would appear we don't have a team capable of very much. Goalkeeper aside every other player gets slagged off by someone or other.
In Rhino I trust!
94 Posted 29/10/2017 at 10:58:39
Firstly, there are very few players that don't get criticised especially in defence where no one, who is fit, appears to be universally liked. All the selections appear to be the best of a bad job.
Secondly, there is very little agreement in team selection throughout. With unanimity going to the youngsters, which I can't help feeling is an emotional response as opposed to hard headed decision making and also giving them slack.
It will be interesting to see the actual team selection and performance. From reading the posts it would appear we don't have a team capable of very much. Goalkeeper aside, every other player gets slagged off by someone or other.
In Rhino I trust!
95 Posted 29/10/2017 at 10:59:45
https://www.premierleague.com/players/2064/Wayne-Rooney/overview
5 goal - his last season at Man U: 25 App, incl. 10 sub): (2016/17)
8 goal - 28 Apps incl. 1 sub (2015/16
12 goal - 33 Apps (no sub.): (2014/15).
17 goal - 29 Apps (2 sub): (2013/14)
12 goal - 27 App (5 sub) 12 (2012/13)
1) Clear decline in goal performance from 2012/13 except for season 2013/ 14.
2) 26/ 27 goals from 33/ 34 Apps in 2009/10 and 2011/12 seasons. Prior to, there are lower goal ranges 6 - 12: (seasons 2005 - 2012).
3) We clearly took Rooney when he lost his striker ability. When you consider that Manu would likely have provided Rooney with much better service than at Everton, and based on his average performances over 3/ 4 seasons, Rooney is not likely to get more than 10 on average each season.
96 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:03:49
97 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:09:05
98 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:11:13
Lookman and Kev out wide with Siggi given a try behind DCL.
Jags and Williams at CB- Vardy is a nasty player and not a great game to play Keane if he is suffering from a lack of confidence as Vardy would be at him from the start.
99 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:11:53
100 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:14:49
Pickford
Coleman
Baines
Keane
Funi mores
Davies
McCarthy
Barclay
Siggurson
Rooney
Bolasie
Now that team excites me
101 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:23:41
I think he has to be given till Xmas to allow him a chance to get his methods working. The other reason to give him till then is we cant change this squad till the Jan window. I would think that he would accept that to give him that time would be a fair assessment and he at least would have a couple of months to get his ideas across. But I fear that if we fail to win at Leicester or away at Lyon or against Watford and the board will move for someone else. So I hope that he can turn things around and maybe push back a decision if things go well till the end of the season.
I am sure confidence is low at present and the only thing that will change that is winning games. Yes they played better in the second half against Chelsea but it was still a defeat however well they played in the 2nd half.
I did say after the sacking of Koeman that was the easy bit changing the form and mentality of this squad is quite another thing. I also said not to expect a massive turnaround in results whoever we appoint. Lets remember this team are not playing well individually or collectively and that will take weeks and months to change that around.
103 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:34:53
104 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:35:55
105 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:36:09
106 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:37:24
To stand a chance of being the full time boss Unsworth needs to win this match. It's harsh but I would discount him if he can't win one of the next two matches. As regards rumblings of big Sam or Dyche then we might as well stick with Unsworth.
My team would be Pickford, Kenny, Keane, Jags, Baines, Rooney, Vlasic, Davies, Gana, Lookman, DCL in a 4-1-4-1 formation with Rooney ahead of the defence in midfield directing play not running around like a headless chicken as he can deliver some clever passes to the more energetic members of the team further up the pitch.
107 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:42:03
108 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:47:24
109 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:54:50
Our league position says it all, and they will want to take three points off a rival and propel themselves away from danger.
A point today will do for me, just like I said last week prior to the Arsenal game. Our expectations have become unrealistic.
We are in the relegation places and we will need to get used to being happy with a point at places like Leicester.
Our away form has been shite for far too long now so if we avoid defeat there, it will be a step forward.
We will play a deep line which will help our geriatric defence and give them a chance to keep Vardy under lock and key, but I think we will have to score to get a point.
1-1 for me.
110 Posted 29/10/2017 at 11:56:26
111 Posted 29/10/2017 at 12:03:45
It is fair to say that they expect a decisive victory. As one of their fans put it commenting on Everton ' no attack, shit defence, 5-1'. He obviously, cannot rate his own team's defence if he thinks we'll score with no attack haha.
I have not seen their optimism mirrored here.
I want to see this game but I'm not sure I can endure the agony. Please tell to stop being so pessimistic.
112 Posted 29/10/2017 at 12:04:43
You put a man between the sticks - obviously Pickford.
You deploy a solid, traditional, back 4. Baines despite poor form is our only viable left-back, pick 2 of 3 of Keane, Jagielka, and Williams for the centre-back spots, and pick 1 of the 3 of Kenny, Martina, or Holgate for the right-back slot.
Play a winger on the left, and a winger on the right. We seem quite bereft of options here - Mirallas, Lookman, Vlasic, Lennon. A centre-forward up front, perhaps Calvert-Lewin, Niasse, even Sandro. And to fill in the space in the middle, we play our 3 midfielders of various stripes. Schneiderlin, Davies, Rooney, Sigurdsson, Gueye, Klaassen, Beni.
////////////////////////////////
You can call it a 4-3-3, a 4-3-2-1, a 4-5-1, a 4-1-4-1, a 4-2-3-1, whatever. It's all the same thing. Back 4, midfield 3, 2 wingers, and a striker.
With this in mind I'd like us to line up something like this:
-----------Calvert Lewin
Mirallas-----Rooney-----Vlasic
-----------Gueye-Davies
Baines-Williams-Keane-Kenny
-----------------Pickford
113 Posted 29/10/2017 at 12:21:16
115 Posted 29/10/2017 at 12:42:15
Pickford, Kenny, Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Mirallas, Gueye, Davies, Vlasic, Rooney, Calvert Lewin.
116 Posted 29/10/2017 at 12:42:27
No. To survive we just have to have more points than 3 teams. Irrelevant of where those points come from.
Leicester were champions two seasons ago and beating them away is a tall order for a team so low on form. But hopefully we are on an upwards curve.
I'll settle for 1-1, an organized team with players in their right position showing some fight and passion.
117 Posted 29/10/2017 at 13:00:35
118 Posted 29/10/2017 at 13:11:34
That's what I think Unsy will instil in the players (is already instilling into the players, along with a much more positive and agressive attitude. It still doesn't guarantee us a winn against anyone yet. We're starting from scratch with the class players we need, missing from several positions due to failing to get them in the transfer window.
Most, if not all of the premier league clubs, have more developed teams than us, some much more with much better players.
However, I think we've got enough good...and very good players to form a team who can achieve our first objective...get away from tyhe trap doo; and stay away. In January, we might be in a position to talk about recruiting players for one or two vital positons to start us becoming a difficult side to paly against. But for now, it's battling for every point that I want to our lads do.
119 Posted 29/10/2017 at 13:15:05
I'd take Christine's team, with Keane instead of Williams, Lookman instead of Mirallas and Sigurdsson instead of Rooney.
120 Posted 29/10/2017 at 13:17:39
121 Posted 29/10/2017 at 13:26:16
122 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:05:15
123 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:10:13
124 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:14:01
125 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:15:25
And welcome back Tony Marsh, regardless of your opinions!
126 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:17:41
127 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:21:18
I hope I’m wrong.
128 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:21:51
I don't think he has a proper position yet, he might just turn out to be one of those 'Footballers' like McFadden or Bily who were forever searching for a fixed position in the team.
Such skills in a young lad, mean by default, he's out on the wing...unless he learns to effectively contribute to a team. Managers are very reluctant to carry 'Fancy Dan's' now a days
129 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:22:23
130 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:25:27
Looking forward to the game, the anticipation of seeing the shackles coming off the team, but feeling a liddle noyvuss...
131 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:25:51
Here hoping for a win today.
132 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:31:26
I hope we win for our, and Unsy’s, sake.
133 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:31:41
Sure he's past his best but still a lot better than most in the team this season and is the one man who knows where the net is. The fact he hasn't scored more is due to the team performing poorly.
We all know the big gap left by Lukaku was not filled and the in an out form of other ''strikers'' has cost the team valuable points against normally poorer sides.
Until January we have to expect that the team will not score many goals in a game and so it's up to the rest to put in a good enough shift to at least give themselves a shot at the points.
134 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:32:06
Nine games is less that a quarter of a season, in case ya maths is shite, so it does seem a bit early to start fretting just yet, no?
135 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:32:34
Needs time out. Just not the player with energy and verve in the middle of the park.
Stick to your guns Rhino. 4-1-4-1.
136 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:37:51
They have kept only one clean sheet in nine league matches this season.
The Toffees have won just two of their last 13 games in all competitions.
Eight points is Everton's worst tally after nine games of a Premier League season since 2005-06 - although they ended that campaign in 11th place.
Wayne Rooney and Oumar Niasse are Everton's only goalscorers in the league this season.
I didn't realize we were this poor.
137 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:40:46
One day, Everton will smoothly and efficiently just get on with things, I hope.
138 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:45:13
139 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:48:35
140 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:50:19
141 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:51:05
142 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:51:21
143 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:52:21
144 Posted 29/10/2017 at 14:59:20
If Niasse had not scored twice against Bournemouth when he did, I think Everton's confidence would have been worse than what it is now.
145 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:01:38
146 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:02:55
Team to play Leicester: Pickford, Kenny, Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Lennon, Mirallas, Gueye, Davies, Rooney, Calvert-Lewin.
Subs: Robles, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Niasse, Holgate, Lookman, Baningime.
147 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:02:59
148 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:04:31
149 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:04:39
150 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:04:52
151 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:05:09
152 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:05:20
Kenny, Jagielka, Keane, Baines
Gana, McCarthy
Lennon, Sigurdsson, Lookman
Rooney
Pickford needs to work on his hands. I think he's a stopper in the same mould as Howard, but not as good. Will be, but not there right now. Haven't seen him cleanly hold a ball this season.
153 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:05:33
154 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:07:04
155 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:08:28
1. Good Martina is no where to be seen.
2. Slightly puzzled by vlasic commission- carrying a knock?
3. Rumours of another McCarthy injury appear true.
156 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:11:19
157 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:11:20
158 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:12:49
As for who's in the team, then Unsy'll have who thinks will do the best job in each position within a team structure. That'll make a change anyweay!
159 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:13:45
160 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:14:18
161 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:15:44
162 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:27:39
163 Posted 29/10/2017 at 15:42:15
Talking of "being on the front foot" and "having a right good go."
Also mentioning "Evertonians demand that."
Things we never heard from Koeman.
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1 Posted 28/10/2017 at 07:35:49
I would drop Rooney for Sigurdsson and Williams for Keane
I fully expect to win this match that will take us out of the bottom 3 and never to be in it for the rest of the season..
Pickford
Baines
Jags
Keane
Kenny
Mirallas
Gueye
Sigurdsson
Lookman
DCL