Season › 2017-18 › News
Everton vs Manchester City

Idrissa Gueye's absence through injury leaves a hole in Everton's midfield
Everton enter the home straight of a turbulent season with the first of two challenging home games as Champions-elect Manchester City come to town for the televised late afternoon kick-off on Saturday.
Any lingering threat of relegation has been banished by the first back-to-back league victories the Blues have recorded since December but the mood among the fanbase will be tempered by frustration with a lost season and uncertainty over the managerial position — and, possibly, the director of football role above him — heading into the summer.
Certainly, there won't be the same feeling of optimism and expectancy for what could be achieved as there was after the last time City came to Goodison Park… or, indeed, after the 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium last August.
This was, of course, the fixture last season that had most Evertonians believing that Ronald Koeman's reign as Toffees boss was finally starting to beat fruit. Despite starting his time at Goodison with four wins in five, his first campaign in charge had taken a stark turn for the worse over the autumn.
Starting with a stirring win over Arsenal in mid-December, however, Everton's home form began to turn around and they would win seven more of their next Premier League games on their own turf, with the 4-0 demolition of Pep Guardiola's men standing out as the jewel among them.
It was an afternoon where anything felt possible — Tom Davies announced himself to the rest of the top flight with a brilliant goal, Ademola Lookman scored with practically his first touch as an Everton player and… well, Everton smashed the much-vaunted Guardiola's team off the park. It doesn't get much better than that.
Sadly, a repeat of that result couldn't look further from being possible, not least because City have improved significantly and are coasting to the league title while the Blues have only just reached the 40-point mark.
Under David Unsworth (the calamity against Atalanta notwithstanding) and Sam Allardyce, Goodison has once again become something of a fortress but they haven't been tested at home by a top-six side since New Year's Day when they were easily dismantled by Manchester United.
Allardyce has used home form to tell anyone who will listen how well he is doing but with the visit of City this weekend and then Liverpool the week after, Everton face two of the best teams in the division in successive games. They will reveal an awful lot about just how strong the current manager has been able to make his side in front of their own fans.
He will, unfortunately, be undermined somewhat by the loss of another key member of his midfield. With James McCarthy's season already over and Gylfi Sigurdsson looking hard-pressed to avoid the same fate, Idrissa Gueye became the latest injury casualty when he reportedly tore a hamstring in training prior to the international break.
Senegal's manager suggested he was facing a three-week lay-off which would see him miss both the City game and the derby and hand an opportunity to either Beni Baningime or, more likely, Morgan Schneiderlin. The 19-year-old was a revelation when called upon by Unsworth at a difficult time earlier in the season but under Allardyce he has suffered a similar fate to many of the other young players — namely, demotion back to the bench and beyond.
At the back, Mason Holgate will be missing after undergoing ankle surgery while Ashley Williams serves the final game of his three-match suspension but the smart money would overwhelmingly be on Phil Jagielka and Michael Keane resuming their partnership in the centre.
City, meanwhile, are in far better fettle and could be in a position to welcome star striker, Sergio Agà¼ero, back from a knee injury. The Argentine didn't figure for his country over the current international break but will be assessed before a final decision is made for this weekend.
Bernard Mendy is ruled out with a knee ligament problem but Fabian Delph will undergo a late fitness test.
Guardiola and his men know that it's just a matter of time before their coronation as Premier League champions is confirmed but that doesn't appear to have diminished their appetite. Not surprisingly, My Top Sportsbooks picks Manchester City as the strong favourites in this clash with Everton with odds as low as 1/3 to win while the Toffees are a tempting 9/1.
Though they were checked at Burnley in a 1-1 draw at the beginning of February, they have travelled to Basel, Arsenal and Stoke and won handsomely and also swept the Gunners aside to win the League Cup. On their day, they have proved to be unplayable but their recent FA Cup defeat at Wigan coupled with the fact that Everton have become something of a bogey team for Guardiola will give Allardyce hope.
Nevertheless, he will need to find a way of nullifying the ever-present threat of David Silva while also shackling Kevin de Bruyne, neither of which will be easy without the tenacious presence of Gueye.
It will be a big ask but with Leicester away at Brighton and Burnley making the trip to West Brom, there's a chance that the Blues could move into eighth place in the table and, perhaps, level on points with the Clarets in seventh if they can get a victory.
Kick-off: 5.30pm, Saturday 31 March, 2018
Referee: Paul Tierney
Last Time: Everton 4 - 0 Manchester City
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Jagielka, Keane, Baines, Schneiderlin, Rooney, Davies, Bolasie, Walcott, Tosun
Reader Comments (135)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
2 Posted 30/03/2018 at 08:57:28
3 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:04:12
4 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:07:03
Unless Lardiola has changed his ‘style' dramatically he will put Schneiderlin back in and set the team up to defend deep and hope to grab a goal on the break or from a set piece: this of course is absolutely thrilling and has earned him such a warm place in our hearts.
A regular criticism from previous clubs is that younger players are overlooked; the tried and tested dour formula is stuck to rigidly at the expense of youth. There are some exciting prospects who will hopefully feature next season, Dowell, Lookman and Vlasic spring to mind.
Forget the obscene wages and look at attitude. Schneiderlin clearly can't be arsed even in a World Cup year and 𧵎 grand a week will still be trousered irrespective of whether he breaks sweat or not.
There are many lessons to be learnt for next season and change is surely on the way. Hoping Lardiola will adopt a new approach is undoubtedly pointless, a bit like standing on Crosby beach and telling the tide not to come in.
It also feels ridiculous that we all know better than someone on ٤million a year. I wish I didn't love the club because it feels like an abusive relationship.
5 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:11:40
6 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:11:55
I guess the same goes for the derby which follows. Just so glad I don't pay to watch this stuff these days!
7 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:12:03
For me, this and the derby are Sam's job interview and I hope Moshiri sees them that way too!
8 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:13:31
9 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:14:07
10 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:16:58
11 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:24:06
“I hope Sam DOES... not 'dies'.
[LAT]
12 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:30:31
I was flabbergasted that Sam either didn't see their tactical change (because they had tried it a few times without success before their opener) or did, but was unable / unwilling to do anything to alert our players to it.
I never enjoy it when we play Man City; they're my father's team and he hates these matches too, for the same reason. We kind of have each other's club as our unofficial "other team".
13 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:44:29
14 Posted 30/03/2018 at 09:55:22
Phil is right: Moshiri and Allardyce will have this down as an expected defeat. Very depressing, to say the least.
Hopefully a massive summer clearout and the appointment of a tactically astute manager will change our world.
15 Posted 30/03/2018 at 10:00:25
Guardiola, by and large, has played the same players for most of the games, and despite their ages, Silva and Aguerro play as many if not more than the other players with the exception of De Bruyne. I suppose Allardyce will have been drilling our team all week on getting 10 men behind the ball. Seems its his go-to tactic when playing away or a decent side at home.
Worryingly I read that Craig Shakespeare has now moved his family up here, and Jagielka was saying yesterday to judge Allardyce next season.
16 Posted 30/03/2018 at 10:31:00
If anyone thinks we are getting any type of positive performance or result, you need your head testing. You obviously haven't been watching the dross served up every week. And I don't give a shit if it's negative. I pay for 4 season tickets every year and spend a small fortune on kits for my sons, so I can say it as I see it. This manager's style is prehistoric and anti-football; I can't look at him across from where we sit anymore it just crushes the soul out of me.
Two of my sons aren't going; two haven't decided yet... Just because this dinosaur won against two very poor teams, one with 10 men for an hour, doesn't mean he has turned us into a football team capable of beating Man City. For everyone who supports this manager from now until the end of the season, don't start crying when he is in charge of our team next season.
For those who want him here next season, I despair and you will get what you deserve watching anti-football run by a dinosaur who takes the plaudits when things go right and throws his team under the bus when things don't. I could call him all kinds of names but in truth it's just how the team performs that counts. I haven't seen anything that makes me think Sam is the man for our great club.
I really couldn't be more embarrassed, disappointed and sick to my stomach as I am now of Everton but I'm sure they will top what they've done this season, if they keep this dinosaur at our club for next season.
17 Posted 30/03/2018 at 10:46:01
"EEK!"
18 Posted 30/03/2018 at 10:50:22
Guardiola will win, comfortably.
You're welcome!
19 Posted 30/03/2018 at 11:18:11
2-0, 2-1 or 1-1 my prediction(s).
20 Posted 30/03/2018 at 11:21:26
We're safe now, so maybe the pressure will be off and the fans can relax a bit. In reality, they'll probably have too much for us, but Goodison offers up a stern test.
21 Posted 30/03/2018 at 11:36:05
Avoid defeat and we will be the only team this season, City have not beaten in the Premier League.
Nothing surprises me with Everton; I have a good feeling about this game.
22 Posted 30/03/2018 at 11:44:08
Unless Man City are not mentally prepared I can't see Us getting many touches of the ball and without Sigurdsson there's only a flair presence with Theo.
There's little expansive football these days at Goodison Park, And that's what's draining the life out of many these days, truly the worst season in my time on the park and the mysteries of what may happen in terms of a new stadium.
Will we get a nice Easter surprise and put us in good hope for the Red Shite next week?
23 Posted 30/03/2018 at 11:47:12
If what you say is true about Shakespeare and Jagielka, then I despair and will not be renewing my season ticket after 39 years. This club of ours is already embarrassing itself with this dinosaur in charge. To have him here next season will 100% show everyone the full lack of ambition of our billionaire (ha, ha, ha, ha) owner.
[I have to laugh otherwise I will cry.]
24 Posted 30/03/2018 at 12:02:40
I totally agree. I'm looking forward to going the game and to see the Guardiola way of playing football on the deck. I've loved watching Silva and De Bruyne... then, to spoil it all, I watched Henderson and Oxlade-Chamberlain for the national team. Brought me straight down to earth.
25 Posted 30/03/2018 at 12:21:40
My starting XI:
Pickford
Coleman Jagielka Keane Baines
Davies Rooney Baningime
Walcott Tosun Bolasie
Subs; Robles, Funes Mori, Kenny, Schneiderlin, Klaassen, Calvert-Lewin, Niasse.
Beni and Tom would do the running off a deep-lying Rooney. Walcott, Tosun and Bolasie supported by the overlapping Baines and Coleman will provide the attacking threat. 2-0 to the Blues!
26 Posted 30/03/2018 at 12:28:11
2-2 and onwards to the derby!
27 Posted 30/03/2018 at 12:31:33
28 Posted 30/03/2018 at 13:19:01
I expect at least a point tomorrow and against the Red Shite next week; otherwise, what's the point in going to the games?
30 Posted 30/03/2018 at 13:29:39
Consider us fans for once... we should be worth thinking about at least once in a while.
31 Posted 30/03/2018 at 13:33:33
I have a feel it will be a draw for Champions League reasons. The stats and form say that is stupid and the tide around my ankles says similar!
32 Posted 30/03/2018 at 13:42:44
"𧸖 million that will have a bit to do with it."
Well, he may not be my favourite manager (huge understatement!) but credit to a bit of wit in an industry so short of it.
33 Posted 30/03/2018 at 13:45:27
Yeh, I really want us to upset the odds and upset City's star studded line up. Do I think Allardyce has it in him (or the team for that matter) to come up with a master plan and beat them? Errr no! I hope I'm proved totally wrong though.
If fate really exists it just may happen as I'm terrorizing the slopes in Italy and Everton usually reserve their best performances for when I miss the game.
COYB.
34 Posted 30/03/2018 at 13:51:09
We have a manager who laughs at the fans and thinks we have got no idea on football matters. I could go on but this manager and squad aren't worth a carrot so I won't bother. When the owner tells us we shouldn't expect a fucking thing from these games, that filters down to the manager and players, so why would they fucking bother? To that point, why should I? This is why I won't be going today or for the rest of the season... is that okay, lads?
35 Posted 30/03/2018 at 13:52:32
It was mentioned when Aguero was injured the other week that he'd be fit to return against us. I personally don't think he will be risked tomorrow. I'd also expect not to be facing City's strongest team tomorrow, even though the team they put out will probably still be stronger than ours.
36 Posted 30/03/2018 at 13:55:08
37 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:06:42
Since then, they were given a ground and a nation decided to buy the club. The only big thing about Man City is they share a first name with a real big club: Man Utd. They epitomise everything I dislike about the game I love. Still, that's just the way it is these days. Up the Toffs.
39 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:18:22
Are you not hoping we emulate them?
40 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:19:24
He is a one-trick pony seemingly devoid of imagination or guile up against about the best in the business. So a degree of negativity is inevitable really as blind optimism will crush you in a season like this.
The very least I expect is commitment and passion against top sides. So again with the negativity but even those most basic of requirements appears to be beyond the reach of Lardiola.
41 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:20:41
42 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:24:55
If we have the right mentality Saturday and we get at them, get the crowd going, anything is possible.
Absolutely no question City have been on fire; however, with two big Euro ties coming up and the fact Everton are safe and the pressure off, everything is going Everton's way.... and, if the players step up, there's every chance Everton can get a result.
43 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:28:49
I take your point, mate, but it never seems to be us that steps up and pulls off that sort of result.
We seem to be the team who the striker who hasn't scored in three months scores against, the team who the opposition haven't won a game in three months beat.
44 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:29:11
Now you tell us that. I have changed my approach and now accuse you of not being a real fan!
45 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:29:48
Good to dream, eh?
46 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:31:33
I fancy us to score, but you can expect them to score as well!
47 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:37:46
You do what you want; I, for one, won't be missing a game for as long as I live regardless of who owns us, who the manager is, or what division we are in.
Is that okay?
48 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:48:06
I'm more concerned with us injuring any of their players. I want them at full strength against the devil's club.
49 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:53:36
50 Posted 30/03/2018 at 14:54:00
If you've got a derby ticket, let me know as I know a few people who will be interested in taking it off your hands.
51 Posted 30/03/2018 at 15:07:19
Nor have they taken their foot off the pedal in any game this season. Even in the games where they haven't played well or their attention has wandered, they've done the business. None of the whining or excuses or bullshit we always hear from Mou's drama queens across town.
I usually root against them because of the "best-team-UAE-can-buy" factor, but their players have earned my respect this season, and Pep's the best manager in the Premier League, no contest.
Our best chance of beating them isn't to hope they send out a "B" side or look past us to next week. Our best chance is to come out and play our asses off with a committed, spirited effort in defiance of not only the odds but the giant dispiriting lump patrolling our touchline.
Just one such display would help salvage this miserable season for me. Just one.
[LAT]
52 Posted 30/03/2018 at 15:10:32
53 Posted 30/03/2018 at 15:14:36
54 Posted 30/03/2018 at 15:20:01
55 Posted 30/03/2018 at 15:23:18
This one's going to be controversial...
Man City's (and Spurs') massive asset is their full backs joining the attack, pressing and keeping the other full-backs guessing. By playing wingers or 3 midfielders, we play into their hands as they will continually double-up on our full backs, allowing their wingers to drift inside, causing confusion and mayhem for the centre-backs.
I think we need to counter this by playing two defensively disciplined wide midfielders who are capable of swinging early, quality deliveries into the depths of Man City's half, then trying to pounce on a flick-on. It will be a lonely thankless task for the striker given the nod, and will need a central midfielder with the legs and eagerness to break forward every time the ball is with a wide player, while getting back just as quickly. Ideally this would be Sigurdsson.
So...
Pickford
Coleman, Jagielka, Keane, Baines
Right Midfield: Rooney – he has played disciplined games before and has shown in the derby how effective a ball he has got from these areas.
Left Midfield: Garbutt – he has one hell of a delivery and will be defensively minded enough to help Baines. Plus at left midfield, he is not that accountable last line of defense, so will release pressure on him.
Central Midfield: Schneiderlin – all I'm thinking is experience.
Central Midfield: Baningime – he will tackle everything in sight, while leaving Schneiderlin to mop up behind him.
Central Midfield: Davies – I don't see anyone else to play the role of surging forward and getting back equally as quick, unless we take a punt on Klaassen.
Centre-Forward: Calvert-Lewin – causes far more problems than Tosun (without the goal threat) and Man City will have bad memories of him from the first match.
We still have Walcott, Bolasie and Tosun to throw on if it goes wrong.
56 Posted 30/03/2018 at 15:43:49
I can't understand why you'd leave Tosun on the bench, his confidence must be sky high, with him scoring 4 goals in the last 3 games.
If Gueye doesn't make it, I hope he starts Baningime, ahead of Schneiderlin... but, knowing Sam, he won't.
57 Posted 30/03/2018 at 15:44:33
I just hope it's not a sign of Moshiri considering retaining Allardyce for another whole season... :-(
58 Posted 30/03/2018 at 15:49:48
Yes, I'd say that's controversial. You're basically advocating not only parking the bus but slashing the tires and pouring sand in the gas tank. (The latter is a reference to Schneiderlin.)
And you're leaving out our best wing attacker and our 4-in-3 striker while including a long-ago-and-deservedly-forgotten putz, playing out of position in midfield no less.
I salute your courage. Better put that helmet on quick.
59 Posted 30/03/2018 at 16:18:09
City will want the chance to wrap up the title at home to Man Utd to really rub salt into the wounds of the Red Mancs so you'd imagine they will make relatively short work of what limited resistance we put up tomorrow teatime.
60 Posted 30/03/2018 at 16:54:49
61 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:06:15
Today it WAS the other way round. Legs wouldn't work properly today at all!!
62 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:19:15
Pep knows his team have won the league, and I really don't think he will be bothered when they finally cross the winning line. Deep down I think he will be more concerned about picking up any injuries tomorrow before facing the RS during the week.
Imagine if the likes of Sterling, Sane, Silva or De Bruyne (jeez, what a scary team they have) got injured tomorrow and missed the RS game, the Man City fans would be going ballistic asking why they weren't rested? It will be more the fans wanting to win the league against Man Utd, rather than Pep and his squad.
I'm not saying he will rest all of them, if indeed any. At the moment, it's all hypothetical. Stones is definitely out, and I've heard Aguero won't be involved.
63 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:21:18
Never quite sure why that is? Do we still think they're the noveau riche who jumped the queue?
Sometimes I think it's because they were most like us and Reid, Kendall etc found a home there too.
Whatever the reason, I always think we have a chance against this lot.
That is almost neutralized by the manager, his presser he suggested he wants to copy Bristol City's approach, care for an original thought Sam?
I do think they will have one eye on the Champions League game. So a committed full blooded performance might get us something. If as is likely we sit back they we have to expend little energy and will win at a canter.
The shadow, the little devil in me kinda hopes for two monster wallopings that might get the ogre sacked but Sod's Law is he'll find a way.
64 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:24:17
Stones has only started 16 league games this season. Missed a few through injury but he's down the pecking order now.
65 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:34:57
You see George gets it. Of course he could have just agreed with the "knowledgeable" who think they are telling people something they didn't already know, but he still believes in the magic of the beautiful game. He probably didn't have to queue up for his winnings, but without that belief that something special can always happen, he wouldn't have even put the bet on.
We didn't just beat this crew last year, against all odds – we fucking hammered them and we had a miserable twat manager then too.
Everyone knows we are miles away from Man City... but surrender – before a ball is even kicked???
66 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:43:04
67 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:44:02
You both said, you don't get why people were writing us off before a ball was kicked? Well, I just stated the bleeding obvious, lads, that's all. I never said once you shouldn't go the game. I said I wouldn't because, imo, a full house for every home game might, and I stress 'might', go some way to convince Moshiri to keep Sam as our manager? I for one shudder at the thought.
Look! If my post came across wrong then my apologies, lads. We just have different ideas about Everton? Neither of us are wrong I hope.
68 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:45:00
You are most likely right!
Sadly, Man City have that big a squad with so many great players that they will start the best team tomorrow night and do enough without getting out of first gear to win comfortably at 2-0 and then, with half-an-hour left, substitute the big hitters.
69 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:47:12
Got to. Otherwise what's the point.
The most important thing tomorrow is that no City players get injured.
Also that Mr Allardyce is 1 game closer to the door.
70 Posted 30/03/2018 at 17:53:51
But then I never saw last year's 4-0 thumping coming, so what do I know???
Let's just hope that with the relegation pressure off, the players feel this is an ideal opportunity to do better than their usual best! I fear they'll not bother, like previous seasons after being safe, though...
Let them know their conduct for the next two games will determine their futures at the Club! Maybe that will help the money-sated lot making up most of the team!
71 Posted 30/03/2018 at 18:14:39
I'll always prefer Man City over Man Utd, bought success or not. In fact, they're the lesser evil out of the so-called big 6 teams for me. Might have something to do with us having a good record against them too. Long be it continue.
72 Posted 30/03/2018 at 18:23:02
Their fans seem much more Manc than Utds too.
Best of all is my mate Daz, a lifelong and committed Citeh fan who still thinks it will all go pear-shaped soon.
To me, our brothers the other end of the M62.
73 Posted 30/03/2018 at 18:50:22
Then Ferguson came and managed them, providing more football that was great to watch with the bonus of looking at at all the red gobshites going more paranoid year after year as Ferguson was knocking them off their fuckin' perch, I wish it would have been us doing that to them.
I wasn't fussy on Ferguson as a man but what a manager.
At the same time, I didn't mind Man City, so good luck to them and their fans having something to crow about after years of being in the shadow of their neighbours. Football goes in cycles so maybe it will be our turn in the near future.
74 Posted 30/03/2018 at 19:06:12
75 Posted 30/03/2018 at 19:22:41
Things have got to change. Allardyce is not the man to take us forward. Thanks for dragging us out of the mire, here's your last year's wages and a pint of wine. Good luck for the future, Sam.
Let's spend the remainder of this season working out who to keep and who's just going through the motions. Let's give some of the youngsters a chance to show what they can do. You never know, we could still finish 7th with a couple of good results. New manager, some new signings and we go again.
We've been through worse. It sucks, but we have to put a brave face on things and keep on dreaming of a better tomorrow. One of these days it'll click and all this will seem like a distant nightmare.
And yes, I am a little tipsy whilst writing this!
76 Posted 30/03/2018 at 19:25:50
I reckon if Big Lad manages to get a win out of either of the next two games, he's here to stay!
Looks good for you, mate. You can bleat either way!
77 Posted 30/03/2018 at 19:46:35
78 Posted 30/03/2018 at 19:50:26
79 Posted 30/03/2018 at 19:59:43
Ironic, really!
80 Posted 30/03/2018 at 20:53:22
81 Posted 30/03/2018 at 20:55:00
82 Posted 30/03/2018 at 20:57:42
83 Posted 30/03/2018 at 21:21:36
City have looked a bit tired lately and we are their bogey team.
City have looked a bit tired lately and we are their bogey team.
City have looked a bit tired lately and we are their bogey team.
I figure, if I keep repeating it, I might convince myself that we have a chance.
84 Posted 30/03/2018 at 21:42:08
Tomorrow's another day, hopefully no further decay at Goodison Park, imagine if we draw and if we beat them? The RS game would be a great game to be at.
Here's to hoping and all at TW, and Evertonians across the globe, a Happy & Safe Easter, hopefully blessed by a win tomorrow.
85 Posted 30/03/2018 at 21:50:04
86 Posted 30/03/2018 at 21:54:19
87 Posted 30/03/2018 at 22:30:33
"They've been through so much more than us" Have they fuck! I don't know, Daz, and I have no brothers at the end of the M62. I hate them all!!!
88 Posted 30/03/2018 at 22:42:06
89 Posted 30/03/2018 at 23:29:30
90 Posted 30/03/2018 at 23:40:31
That would be so very nice! We usually only have this "roll-over on our backs" approach to big games!
91 Posted 31/03/2018 at 00:46:55
Either way, big change is needed, starting with Bill, Bob, two Sams, Dunc and so on. Plus nine new first teamers plus Lookman and Dowell in squad.
92 Posted 31/03/2018 at 01:06:27
93 Posted 31/03/2018 at 02:54:47
94 Posted 31/03/2018 at 03:03:52
Too soon? Bad taste? Hell, it wuz the Romans that started it. I blame Brian.
95 Posted 31/03/2018 at 04:33:26
We've got as much soul as they have until we sack Sam and start again.
I want Everton back next term, not this nightmare.
96 Posted 31/03/2018 at 04:45:05
I have a good feeling about this one so do you think I could swap whisky for the incense and enjoy the smell of that instead.
97 Posted 31/03/2018 at 05:17:52
"City have looked a bit tired lately and we are their bogey team" must be pronounced crisply and clearly to have the proper effect.
98 Posted 31/03/2018 at 05:20:50
99 Posted 31/03/2018 at 05:56:50
Seriously though, I would play Beni, he has shown, as many of the fringe players have, a no fear determination and attitude, that is seriously lacking with a lot of senior players, especially Schneiderlin.
I don't know about anyone else, but with the way the season has been, and all these International breaks, I can't wait for it to be over.
100 Posted 31/03/2018 at 07:00:11
Both managers will have their plans for sure, Pep will be looking at our weaknesses and how to exploit those with expansive and intelligent one-touch football whereas Lardiola will be planning how to expand his thriving investment portfolio and next season's [mis]adventure in football management, which I hope will take him elsewhere.
If the stars are all aligned and we can get results in the next two games, that will be great, of course. Moshiri's plans for next season must not include Lardiola.
101 Posted 31/03/2018 at 08:31:42
104 Posted 31/03/2018 at 09:06:14
There's no doubt that they will have Wednesday's Champions League match on their minds. Hopefully their lineup will reflect this and De Bruyne and Silva will be rested.
Allardyce is on a hiding to nothing. Go defensive, lose or scrape a draw, and get slaughtered on here for being negative. Go offensive, get smashed by a vastly superior team, and then get slaughtered by everyone on here for not making bog-standard players compete with possibly the best team in Europe.
105 Posted 31/03/2018 at 10:01:10
The next two games are against much better sides and any kind of positive result will be noteworthy and to Allardyce's credit. You can look at city and think the priority is clearly Champions League and hope we can then capitalise. If we were to set up and try and match their flair players it would be folly as we would almost certainly come up short. In that respect, it may well be that a defensive minded counter-attacking formation is prudent and may play to his tactical strengths.
I am objective enough to not rush to a judgement and also will not consider this game in isolation: a good result would be welcome, of course, as defeat is always painful. It could be that, now safety has been achieved he can open up his style and play a more attractive brand of football; but that won't be today or against RS as they are far superior. So it may be the games afterwards that he can look to impress and win over the fans.
My criticism is that, in so many of the games he has managed we have been a foul shambles, outmanoeuvred tactically with absolutely no response to circumstances: I'm thinking in particular about Dyche's comeback, the horror shows in London, and the general absence of any form of progressive football, both here and in every other club he has graced throughout his lucrative career.
He is for me symbolic of the depths the club has fallen: soulless, spiritless and utterly without class. His boundless ignorance is probably his only redeeming feature and it is little short of tragic that his appointment was the product of such colossal board level ineptitude.
The concept of an idiot billionaire (excluding Trump) still troubles me: surely the two cannot be? Moshiri, please impress us.
106 Posted 31/03/2018 at 10:13:24
107 Posted 31/03/2018 at 10:14:28
No matter what happens, it's Goodison and we can't be afraid, we have to give it a go, Wigan did, so why can't we?
I wouldn't be surprised if Allardyce watches this from behind the dug-out such is his fear of so-called "bigger teams".
I shall be with gin, expecting a fight Allardyce!!!!
109 Posted 31/03/2018 at 10:48:51
110 Posted 31/03/2018 at 11:11:46
Allardyce was brought in to achieve safety and stability. Nothing more. He has successfully achieved his target and will most likely leave at the end of this season. So why not give him some support and a little credit? (Not you; fans in general.)
I was shocked to hear that if the league started on Allardyce's first game in charge, then we would be 6th and 2 points from 5th. He isn't the man to take us forward, but I can't argue with those stats. From a results/points perspective, he has done well when considering the shambles he inherited. With Allardyce in charge, we have taken more points than Arsenal and only 2 less than Chelsea.
There's lots to criticise but plenty to praise. When he goes in the summer, he'll be leaving with a "Thanks and enjoy your retirement" from me.
111 Posted 31/03/2018 at 11:37:47
Hopefully we will make the right appointment in the summer and then start to see big improvements over the next season.
I have seen nothing from this team or manager to be encouraged by. Most them are not good enough to be here.
112 Posted 31/03/2018 at 11:49:32
Coleman Jagielka Keane Baines
Gueye or Baningime Klaassen
Walcott Rooney Bolasie
Tosun
Subs: Robles, Funes Mori, Kenny, Davies, Vlasic or Baningime, Calvert-Lewin, Niasse
Davies needs a rest and Klaassen will put a shift in.
Schneiderlin must be nowhere near the squad.
113 Posted 31/03/2018 at 12:06:03
I remember Easter when you wore your new clothes and went to Half Ten Mass at St.Alponsus - - short grey “kekes†with a crease down the middle that you could cut your finger on and a little dickie bow choking you with elastic around your neck - - but a match on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday and with your Easter money you could go to the home game in the Gwladys Street instead of The Boys Pen.
We are the Present and the Future. We are Alpha and Omega - - We are The One. Today is The Oneness.
It ‘s good to have beautiful memories but we - - Evertonians - - have to move on - - trying to ignore the new times and to preserve to the bitter end the old habits and illusions.
It is necessary to dream your own revolution. (Are your reading this Mr.Allardyce)
“There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my harmonica and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again, no no.â€
This time last year I was filmed by French TV and I did Everton to beat City 4-0 - 100:1 - - great stuff but there is only Now. So I will be off to The Dark House for fun and merriment with old friends and of course will donate to Mick The Bookie's Holiday Fund by giving him my £1 for 4-0 - - and I firmly believe that I/We will win - - no point otherwiswe.
“Your everlasting summer
You can see it fading fast
So you grab a piece of something
That you think is gonna last
But you wouldn't know a diamond
If you held it in your hand
The things you think are precious
I can't understand
Are you reelin' in the years
Stowin' away the time
Are you gatherin' up the tears
Have you had enough of mineâ€
I am absolutely full to the brimsical of cosmic waves - - feeling good - - ready for anything.
Yesterday was Vincent Van Gogh's (A great Evertonian) 165th Birthday and I spent the day dressed in Yellow and friends from all around the world posted photos of themselves dressed in something Yellow - - “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything†- - felt good - - and now it's Blue Day - - a Day for Everton - - from the moment I get up I am preparing for the game - - Everton games are like Christmas for me including some of the presents that you don't quite like but nevertheless they were given to you in good faith and you carry on in good faith:
“The sky is clearing and the night
Has gone out
The sun, he come, the world
Is all full of love
Rejoice, rejoice, we have no choice
But to carry on
Carry on
Love is coming
Love is coming to us all
Where are you going now my love?
Where will you be tomorrow?
Will you bring me happiness?
Will you bring me sorrow?
Oh, the questions of a thousand dreams
What you do and what you see
Lover can you talk to me?â€
Not too long to go now before the Fool departs the Palace (and it took the Child to shout the King has “no clothes onâ€) - - “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony†- - thank you Mohatma (another great Evertonian).
“Saturday Morning Game at Goodison in The Afternoon
What have you got to lose?
Tuesday morning, please be gone, I'm tired of you
What have you got to lose?
Can I tell it like it is?
Listen to me baby-
It's my heart that's suffering
It's a-dying-
And that's what I have to lose
I've got an answer
I'm going to fly away
What have I got to lose?
Will you come see me Thursdays and Saturdays?
What have you got to lose?â€.
So I am up and ready for it all - - Life and Love - - Beauty and Poetry and Art:
“To Great Mersey Street, feeling wondrous and lit up inside
With a sense of everlasting lifeâ€
On along Wessie Road:recalling my Harris Tweed Herringbone Suit - - Silk Hankie - - Ben Sherman Shirt - - Ox Bloods:
“When they see me walkin' down the street (hey, hey, hey)
None of the fellas want to speak (hey, hey, hey)
On their faces they wear a silly smirk 'cause they know I'm the king of the cool jerk, whoo
ha, ha, ha
Look at them guys lookin' at me like I'm a fool (cool jerk, uh-huh)
But, aww, deep down inside they know I'm cool (cool jerk, uh-huh)
I said, now, I said now, the moment of truth has finally come (cool jerk, uh-huh)
When I'ma to show you some, some of that cool jerk (cool jerk, uh-huh)â€
I gaze up Wessie Road and see The Dark House and over it the roof of Goodison - - something happens - - my heart and soul leave behind me the worries of the world and lift me into that Golden Vision - - the world I am now entering of friendship, eternal hope, laughter and song and jokes and camaraderie and solidarity - - and of Oneness - - All of our Thoughts - - Energies - - Hopes and Dreams Only on Being Blue - - No Neggo waves in TDH Man only Possos:
“My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;â€
And for a moment I am Risen - - Lifted:
“And you went into a trance
Your childlike vision became so fine
And we heard the bells inside the church
We loved so much
And felt the presence of the youth of
Eternal summers in the garden
And as it touched your cheeks so lightly
Born again you were and blushed
And we touched each other lightly
And we felt the presence of the Christ
Within in our hearts
In the garden
And I turned to you and I said
No guru, no method, no teacher
Just you and I and nature
And the father in the gardenâ€
You may think I am too romantic - - unreal - - but I am a dreamer - - every great dream begins with a dreamer.
Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
Victor Frankl said that even in Auschwitz he could see the stars in the puddles.
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.
Sitting listening to Satie, Debussy and a bit of Van - - Let your soul and spirit fly,into the mystic.
So off soon - - take care Evertonians - - remember we are family - - but as Ma Joad said last time she was in TDH with Tom - - We Are The People.
I send Blue Cosmic Grooves Across The River and Into The Clouds For All Blues Everywhere.
Hoping for My Bet to Come In - - 4 – 0.
Just having a blow on my harmonica.
On A Saturday Afternoon - - Ahhh - - Yea.
Your friend - - George
114 Posted 31/03/2018 at 12:06:09
115 Posted 31/03/2018 at 12:08:55
Hope your bet comes in again!
116 Posted 31/03/2018 at 12:20:12
Have one for me, George I shall raise a gin to you.
117 Posted 31/03/2018 at 12:25:01
118 Posted 31/03/2018 at 12:51:15
Brimsical! Full to the brimsical!
119 Posted 31/03/2018 at 13:08:39
Still sticking to my belief that we certainly have a chance today.
120 Posted 31/03/2018 at 13:18:56
The same could have been said about this fixture last season.
121 Posted 31/03/2018 at 13:22:24
122 Posted 31/03/2018 at 13:22:35
This season is lost, but the good Shepard always finds something to inspire me though, so enjoy the game everyone, and especially you George, Shine On!
126 Posted 31/03/2018 at 13:39:33
Anyway, George, enjoy your day, hopefully with a win for the Blues, thanks for putting a smile on my kipper and on loads of ToffeeWebbers on here, best of luck George with your bet.
127 Posted 31/03/2018 at 13:42:30
131 Posted 31/03/2018 at 14:03:34
Up the Blues!
135 Posted 31/03/2018 at 14:39:16
My predictions – Everton 2 Man City 0; Everton 1 Liverpool 1.
I still want fat Sam sacked ASAP.
138 Posted 31/03/2018 at 14:51:29
Still, realistically Everton do not have what it takes to trouble this City team but they do have a big game coming up against Liverpool and may just take their eye off the ball having basically sewn up the Premier League.
We can but hope and, if not a win, I would like to see at least a solid Blues performance. Midfield is where games are won and sadly Everton are outgunned here.
143 Posted 31/03/2018 at 15:12:31
146 Posted 31/03/2018 at 15:25:04
You're right but I just had a bit more hope last season.
147 Posted 31/03/2018 at 15:32:52
148 Posted 31/03/2018 at 15:35:10
149 Posted 31/03/2018 at 15:40:50
150 Posted 31/03/2018 at 15:41:05
151 Posted 31/03/2018 at 15:47:13
I hadn't heard anything about that.
152 Posted 31/03/2018 at 15:50:56
By the way, will you be making the short trip to see Van the Man at Liverpool Feis on Pier Head in July? Great line-up.
153 Posted 31/03/2018 at 16:05:20
154 Posted 31/03/2018 at 16:11:54
155 Posted 31/03/2018 at 16:12:43
Forget what City have done, it is on the Day, they hate playing at Goodison, so anyone who thinks this is a given for City and old enough to remember, Carlisle utd did us over cost us the title and Carlisle got relegated that season
Will not cost City the league, we all know that.
Come 5.30 I will not be hiding behind the settee, I think we have a decent chance.
159 Posted 31/03/2018 at 16:37:34
160 Posted 31/03/2018 at 17:25:18
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


1 Posted 30/03/2018 at 08:35:14