Leicester City vs Everton

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.

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.

Robles, Williams, Holgate, McCarthy, Lennon, Mirallas, Rooney

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 㿈 million!

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

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

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.

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.

Shame, I'd put him in:

Pickford
Kenny
Baines
Jagielka
Keane
Gueye
Schneirderlin
Davies
Lookman
Rooney
Mirallas

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.

It will be interesting to see how David Unsworth sets the defense up.

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.

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.

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.

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!).

For those advocating leaving Rooney out, it's worth remembering that our only two scorers in the league so far are... Rooney and Niasse!

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.

Pickford
Kenny Jagielka Williams Baines
Davies Gueye Sigurdsson Lennon
Rooney
Calvert-Lewin

Robles, Keane, Schneiderlin, Vlasic, Mirallas, Lookman, Niasse

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Pickford
Kenny, Jagielka, Williams, Baines,
Lennon, Idrissa, Baningime, Mirallas
Siguardson
Calvert Lewin

Up the Blues!!!!!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Pickford, Kenny, Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Mirallas, Gueye, Davies, Vlasic, Rooney, Calvert Lewin.

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.

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.

I'd take Christine's team, with Keane instead of Williams, Lookman instead of Mirallas and Sigurdsson instead of Rooney.

And welcome back Tony Marsh, regardless of your opinions!

I hope I'm wrong.

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

Looking forward to the game, the anticipation of seeing the shackles coming off the team, but feeling a liddle noyvuss...

I hope we win for our, and Unsy's, sake.

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?

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.

One day, Everton will smoothly and efficiently just get on with things, I hope.

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.

Team to play Leicester: Pickford, Kenny, Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Lennon, Mirallas, Gueye, Davies, Rooney, Calvert-Lewin.

Subs: Robles, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Niasse, Holgate, Lookman, Baningime.

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.

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.

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!