Everton vs Rotherham United

I also hope we take this competition by the scruff of the neck.

So with Everton, Wolves and Fulham all splashing the cash it is only one of them who will be able to attract players with the promise of European Football. If one of these cups is won by a team other than a "big six" then 7th will not be enough to get into Europe.

And gone are the days when the runners-up in the cup qualified. It is now only the winners who get the European Place.

So this competition is important for the silverware but it is also important for the ability to attract players in the future.

ps: There is one of the "big 6" whose only silverware (the League Cup (twice)) since our last trophy and we have won the league 4 times since their last win. "Rich Six" is a better phrase. Or "BBC/Sky Darlings"

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Zouma Digne
Davies Gueye Dowell
Lookman Calvert-Lewin Bernard

Only concern would be that's quite a small team and set pieces have already proved an Achilles heel.

Pickford, Zouma, Holgate and Gana should all be retained to give a solid foundation to the team. I'd keep Coleman in, despite the temptation to play Kenny, and this is a perfect chance to give Digne a game. We're then choosing between Davies and Beningime in midfield, I'd be happy with either.

Where I'd be radical is in rotating the entire front four. I'd go Lookman and Bernard wide with Dowell behind Calvert-Lewin. Rotherham are no mugs, but Dowell has produced at Championship level and Calvert-Lewin deserves a chance at No 9.

I am going positive for tonight's game anyway.

7-0 with a Bernard hat trick thrown in.

if Lookman is not involved, then I suspect he'll be on his way. I would like to see him given a chance though.

Like many have said we should take this Cup seriously for once, and play a strong side in order to progress.

Everton are not in a position to pick and choose what trophies we want to win, that's for the Manchester City's and Chelsea's etc.

We have totally starved a generation of Evertonians of success (proper success — not 7th place finishes as some will have you believe).

23 years without a trophy and just a mere ONE Cup Final appearance in that time is a disgrace for our football club.

We should be swatting Rotherham aside tonight and have no excuses no matter what team is selected, if the young players come in, then it's time to start showing that all this clamour and rave is justified.

I would guess Lookman had to play some part tonight; if not, he's probably on his way in the next couple of days.

FA page detailing Everton suspensions: http://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/discipline/suspensions

The Metro explanation of this season's Carabao Cup rule changes: https://metro.co.uk/2018/08/13/league-cup-rule-changes-season-carabao-cup-ditches-extra-time-7833098/

I'd rather see him given the start tonight ahead of Davies, surely he's more attack minded and again everyone has been raving about him so start him and see what he's got.

Calvert-Lewin just hasn't proved his worth as a central striker yet. His goals to minutes ratio is actually quite poor. He does have a tendency to rush his shot or show poor decision making in and around the box.

With far fewer minutes, Niasse has a far better strike rate, and would probably put the fear of God into Rotherham's defence with his direct running and unpredictability.

Stekelenburg
Kenny
Holgate
Zouma
Digne
Gana
Dowell
Walcott (or Lookman)
Sigurdsson
Bernard
Niasse

It's bloody Rotherham at home!!

Although I would like to give the kids a chance I would look for no more than 4 or 5 changes.

I believe Lookman is gone so no game for him but I would give Kenny a game based on Seamus recent form.

Pickford is a no-brainer (sorry, Stekelenburg, but you don't inspire confidence)

Zouma and Holgate (no choice) and Digne make up the back 4.

Gana and Davies as anchors with Dowell providing the creativity.

Walcott Niasse and Calvert-Lewin to complete the attack.

Stekelenburg
Kenny Holgate Zouma Digne
Davies Schneiderlin
Bernard Sigurdsson Lookman
Tosun

Let Tosun play so he gets an opportunity to get on the score sheet and boost his confidence ahead of sterner tests. Not sure if Schneiderlin would be fit, but if he is not, then I would pull Siggy back alongside Davies and play Dowell in the advanced role.

Subs: Pickford, Pennington, Coleman, Baines, Gueye, Calvert-Lewin, Walcott.

Lookman in behind Niasse as this is where he has success on loan with Dowell out left and Bernard out right. All can interchange causing their defence problems. 3 -1... Up the Blues.

You say he hasn't proven his worth as a central striker yet, but how can he if he doesn't get a chance in games like this? We need to balance the immediate with the longer term, and Calvert-Lewin both has the chance to be effective now and needs the chance to develop if he's to become the player we hope he will.

You also say his goals to minutes ratio isn't very good, but I think it's perfectly reasonable given that he's often played as a sub, in wide positions and in a directionless team under a poor manager.

You prefer Niasse, but his career stats (in England at least) show that he is far more effective as a substitute than when he starts, so it makes more sense for Calvert-Lewin to be given the chance to impress from the start. If not, then it's hard to see what future he could have here. By your logic, he's not established himself, therefore he doesn't deserve the chance to do so.

I think he will start Bernard on the left, as this is an ideal chance to get some game time in.

Also, let's give Sandro a chance.

One thing we will have to be good at is set pieces. It's Rotherham's particular strong point and they are very good at them. Saying that, if we defend well, there should be no great problem.

So let's hope Zouma shows us how good he can be and Holgate continues to progress. Because they will try to hit us with their set-piece routines.

The objective in the Premier League is to get into the top five so there is extras income and fans get to see football at a higher level throughout the season.

Since Everton are not in the Champions League or the Europa League, they should be looking to perform in the League Cup and FA Cup as preparation for this.

I do not buy into second-string teams and concentration on the Premier League for what is nothing but underperformance in these two cup competitions, I expect that the best team is picked and excuses, such as "too many games" and "tiredness" — for players on such contracts — don't exist.

If I am only following Premier League games involving Everton in the second half of the season, as far as the Silva era is concerned, I will know that nothing has changed.

This is the test of Everton's performance this season — not getting into the top 5 this season. Getting into these positions in the Premier League without good performance in other competitions is a false dawn because, in the following season, they will have to perform in the associated competitions. How will they be fit to perform at that level? They will be straight back into mid-table in that season.

By all means give some lads a run, but unless Rotherham decide to do the same, I don't see this being easy.

Sadly, I don't see it happening. I think the club are resigned to selling him.

I don't think there will be wholesale changes either tonight, Silva will field a very strong starting line up with a view to putting the tie to bed before the hour mark. The youngsters will be given the last half an hour (if all goes to plan!) and when has that ever happened?

A) These ‘second string' players are good enough to be in the first team, and thus win this game.
B) They're hungrier to prove themselves, as they're behind in the pecking order.
C) They lack experience and will become improved and developed players by playing.
D) We'll need them ready to come in and produce at some point in the season. Playing now will help that.

One of my pet hates is the phrase "there for the taking", no team is, even the lower league sides. How many upsets occur in the cup?

If we play a full strength side, you will expect a good win, but how many times does that happen in a cup match?

Respect the opponent, not too much but don't expect a piss easy ride.

They will be there kicking lumps out of us and spoiling play and will have seen how shite our zonal marking is so expect shed loads of punts into the box or trying desperately to get corners.

Good strong side out, as internationals coming up soon so no reason to rest too many after just 3 weeks into a new season.

Many people have mentioned that we need to win a trophy and the League Cup is the easiest to win, so I don't want us experimenting too much and having to bring on the big guns in the last quarter. It is better to pick our strongest team and if we can get a few goals, then bring on some lads for the experience.

I am sick of us bombing out of this competition when resting first-teamers.

That is a cracking quote by the Rotherham manager. Someone knows their 'istory!

A wee warning signal that they will be well up for this tonight.

I agree with some squad rotation, but I still want to see a competitive side out there.

This is definitely a competition we should be targeting to land some silverware this season.

The only option I see is audio only from the official site? Doesn't look like it's televised.

Anyone know different?

The most interesting part might be the bench, in the hope they get a run if and when a good lead has been established.

Anyone for pens?

Link

From around 6:30 minutes in you can see a couple of minutes of the Blues warm-up session. Earlier in the video you see the training staff meticulously count out the strides, laying down disks as markers.

From the glimpse offered, even our warm-ups look very structured, with different pockets of players separated into different groups.

This is something non-match-going Blues don't get to see in detail.

Any match-goers able to give deeper insight into what goes on in our warm-ups under Silva?

It certainly looks a considerable step up from everyone taking pot shots at the 'keeper typical of park football!

Might be worth checking out mate, hope we take this Cup with serious intent this time around.

Rotherham knocked Wigan out earlier and they have been playing well, so not to be under-estimated.

Yes a lot of them play a "weakened" team early but to be a top team the "weakened" 11 are generally still very strong.

I'm so spoiled with the NBC Gold pass that I simply can't stand dodgy streams any longer. If that firstrow option is remotely shite, I'll listen while at work.

The announcers on the radio - I've only heard them a time or two admittedly as I watch on TV - are absolutely freaking hilarious and fantastic. I can't recall their names and can't be bothered to look it up. I'm sure almost every single TWer can name them immediately; ignore the bastard 'Merican.

But for the folks over yonder, they're really lucky to have that entertaining and excellent audio option.

So I'll probably join that audio brigade today.

And yes I'm with you - we should be targeting this competition. If we don't take it seriously I'll be pissed.

Tosun needs a goal.

I've been chomping at the bit to see this kid. I think he's going to be a wonderful player and I'm very, very excited to see how he does.

We've been screaming out for a creative, tricky little shit of a player. I think he's our answer.

Pickford, Coleman, Holgate, Zouma, Digne, Gana, Bernard, Dowell, Lookman, Walcott and Tosun.

Subs: Baines, Davies, Baningime, Niasse and Kenny

Regarding the lineup, I would definitely give Coleman the day off and fire up Kenny. And of course I would love and expect to see Lookman and Bernard.

Stekelenburg,
Kenny, Zouma, Pennington, Holgate, Digne,
Davies,
Dowell, Baningime, Lookman,
Calvert-Lewin

Bench: rested first team players! They all seem like contenders for that to me.

If Dowell doesn't get any game time tonight then when will he? We're down Richarlison and Schneiderlin and probably need to protect Walcott, so now is surely the game? If not, then he may as well go out on loan.

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Zouma Digne
Gueye Davies
Bernard Sigurdsson Lookman
Calvert-Lewin

That's 6 changes, albeit two have to be made (Richarlison and Keane). I think we need to keep as much as the first team as we can, so really use the subs. Coleman and Baines are key for us and need a rest. Digne is a big money signing and needs a run out. Kenny needs games. Holgate needs to bed in. Zouma needs games and those two have to play anyway (with Jags back for the weekend). Pickford behind for stability and to get used to the two centre-halves with Davies and Gueye adding some first team stability (but Baningime, McCarthy, Schneiderlin and Gomes are injured anyway). Richarlison can't play, so Lookman needs to come in. Bernard also needs a game so he could come in for either Walcott or Sigurdsson. Walcott looks more in need of a rest for me. Tosun has been battered in recent games and he needs a rest. Calvert-Lewin needs games, and Niasse is best off the bench.

I'm very interested to see what a beefed up (he's put muscle on) Calvert-Lewin can do. It looks like he's kept his pace despite the weight gain. I know I'm in the minority, but I honestly believe that there is a goal scorer there. I don't think he will be another Shearer, but he can be better than Tosun is now. Like Tosun Calvert-Lewin has a good all round game and can be heavily involved in the build up. He can pass, he has neat flicks, he has height, he has strength, and he has pace to beat most defenders. I think he will get real goal scoring opportunities in this side. I want to see if he can take them, if he does, then brilliant we have the player we need. If not, then the likes of me can shut up about him.

What I don't see is Calvert-Lewin in training. I don't know how accurate his finishing is. Silva and his team will. I heard that they were very impressed with Tosun and he was smashing in the goals in pre-season. I can't really remember him getting any good opportunities so far this season. But he lacks that pace to get away from defenders, which is why I'm interested in what Calvert-Lewin can add. Niasse is a great impact sub. A real handful against tired defenders and can turn a game from the bench. I don't think he's anywhere near as effective from the start, and is less of a team player, in that his build up play is not as strong due to limited abilities in passing, vision, and awareness.

Pickford was late back for pre-season so is still getting up to speed. Why does it make sense to "rest" him for the cup? We have a makeshift center half partnership as it is which breeds uncertainty at the back. We exacerbate that problem if we change the keeper also, not to mention we may well have rubber playing at LB so basically only Coleman of our regular back 4.

I understand we "should" be Rotherham, but how many times have we heard this play out down the years as we have put out weakened teams and been dispatched by "lesser" opponents.

I would put out the best possible team with the only exception being made where we have players who are legitimately at the level of the players they could replace, e.g. Rubber for Baines, maybe, maybe, maybe, Lookman for Walcott.

Tosun isn't about goals in this system - that's my opinion.

He'll be lucky to get 10 this season.

But he's already up and firing.

Watch him if he plays today. It's not about turning to goal like a traditional striker.

He harries, chases, and his distribution is sublime. Watch him lay the ball off for the guys streaking down the sides.

He's doing exactly what's asked and required of him in this system. Goals are a plus, but not necessarily the be all end all for him under Silva.

I stand to be corrected by Steve Ferninihdo.

However, it could be interesting today under a new manager when some of those other players can serve notice of intent but, if you can't shine in this competition against a team like Rotherham, then what chance do you have of getting a starting role with the first team?

I quite like Tosun and Niasse although neither are comparable to Harry Kane but they do work hard in an unenviable role which last season was even harder. With some new midfielders in the mix, like Bernard, these two may get some better reward.

Now I am sure there will be many who will come on and defend Tosun and Calvert-Lewin and that's fair enough football is all about someone's opinion. But before defending either I would just ask, tell me one of last years top 6 who would have either of our lads up top.

Is rubber dinghy a clue.

Get it? Rubber? Stretch? Ha-ha-hee-hee.

I'll leave by the back door.

As I said earlier it's about a balance, we need to take them very seriously, but that is compatible with giving opportunities to other players who should have the quality and the hunger to win this match.

Sigurdsson has been in great form, and this competition is one I'd take serious as it keeps up momentum and gives us a real chance of silverware, so I'd start a strong side.

With Holgate and Zouma playing together for the first full game, we are already stepping on new ground, I'd hope Pickford starts and I'd probably start with Digne and Kenny so the back line would be brand new.

Davies and Gana would give us a good solid base in front of the back line, so Siggy would give us craft, Tosun up top may start his goal trail off, and wide I'd play Bernard and Walcott.

That should be enough to blow away Rotherham or we have problems within our squad.

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Zouma Digne
Gana Davies
Walcot Sigurdsson Bernard
Tosun

Dowell, Calvin-Lewin and Niasse as subs if all goes according to plan.

I've not mentioned Lookman as I'm not sure he will be here after next day or so, but if Silva really is keeping him then he has to start, possibly over Bernard who is still catching up to speed fitness-wise.

At the end of the day, it is a chance to try some young or fringe players, or integrate new buys.

For me:

Pickford
Digne Holgate Zouma Kenny
Baningime Dowell Gueye
Bernard Calvert-Lewin Lookman

All players here should be aiming for a first team place, so wouldn't call it a weakened team.

Cheers and thanks for that!

He might be a bit "glass half-empty" but the audio is hilarious. For this American, listening to them call the game is wonderful. I really need to play their audio more often and mute the NBC fellas.

Let's win this. I really hope we're playing in this competition, dreaming of silverware, in February.

I saw him warming up with Pickford and Stekelenburg against Southampton and he looked a class apart. I think he is special and got MotM rave reviews when the U23s played Leicester and won 1-0.

He is very tall, agile, athletic and when he catches the ball you can see his finger tips feel the ball into his hand… He made not one error as Jordan looked to be fumbling and have a World Cup hangover hovering over him …

Next time, I will video it for my own academy and teams – just brilliant from the dynamic stretches, pressing routines, passing drills to the players they play with, right through to the in-match formation and passing routines with almost dress rehearsal role playing break-aways from centre of midfield via diagonal balls to the wingers/fullbacks who interchange passes to delver strong high tempo crosses with the defenders trying to block and the attackers alternately attacking the ball from the edge of the area – the goalkeeper coming out where they could to take the cross.... very choreographed – Loved it!

The S is silent so it's 'Luca'. The surname is close to Dean as in Dixie. Call him Luca Dean and you're not far wrong.

Call him Lucas Dig-nay and you are. To be 'nay' you need an é at the end.

The yay sound needs to have a é at the end. That I know from my own French.

Stekelenburg
Kenny, Holgate, Zouma, Digne
Gana, Davies (would love Baningime in there)

Bernard, Dowell, Lookman,

Calvert-Lewin (Niasse 50/50)

Gomes off the bench for last 15 mins; Tyias Browning for second half to rest Holgate or Zouma as we need both on Saturday.

He also said feel free to do it anyway as he does not get offended.

Who is on penalty duty tonight? Baines if he starts?? Sigurdsson???

Get the game buried with three goals before half-time and then make the substitutions at 60 mins (Kenny? Pennington? Calvert-Lewin/Niasse? Lookman?). Oh well, I can hope.

Virginia
Coleman or Kenny, Zouma, Holgate, Digne
Gana, Davies
Walcott, Bernard, Dowell
Tosun

Subs: Pickford, Pennington, Baines, Niasse, Calvert-Lewin, Baningime, Sigurdsson.

I think Tosun could open his account tonight.

Don't break the momentum we've gained by fielding wholesale changes.

Change where it is needed. Lookman for Richarlison, Digne for Baines, Zouma for Keane.

Bernard to feature as the game wears on.
The whole team needs as much game time under Silva's system as possible.

Tosun needs a goal to match his efforts to date, he deserves one. If Silva understands the club then this must be an avenue to pursue.

UTFT!

I thought Schneiderlin's first name was pronounced simply as Morgan, but the general consensus seems to be it's pronounced "Fucking Schneiderlin" — who would have thought!!

Cheers for the insight on our warm-up.

Very professional by the sounds of it, sharpening both mind and body for the battle to come.

If and when you film the full session and if there is a way to share it with us, I for one would be interested in watching it.

Thanks again.

It's universally agreed that we want to see Digne at left back. Holgate and Zouma is going to have to be our centre back pairing. Personally I want to see Kenny at right back. Coleman wasn't great on Saturday and I am a massive believer in Kenny.

Gueye and Davies are pretty much our only central midfield options at the moment. They start. Would be nice to have Gomes fit soon.

Ahead of them is where I want to see some other players come in. Calvert-Lewin as the centre-forward (he excelled in a similar fixture last year... bagging a brace in the 3-0 win over Championship Sunderland at Goodison in this same competition). Behind him Kieran Dowell. And with Bernard and Lookman as the wingers.

I believe that should be enough to see us through. If not, the bench should be strong enough to change the game.

Starting XI:

Calvert-Lewin
Lookman Dowell Bernard
Gueye Davies
Digne Zouma Holgate Kenny
Pickford

Subs: Stekelenburg, Baines, Coleman, Sigurdsson, [U23 midfielder], Walcott, Tosun.

What will that achieve? :-)

23 years without a Cup is one thing but 59 years and counting trying to win this Trophy is killing me slowly.

This year eh Blues... please.

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Zouma Digne
Gueye
Bernard Dowell Sigurdsson (c) Lookman
Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Stekelenburg, Jagielka, Coleman, Baningime, Davies, Niasse, Tosun.

I would like to test out Gueye as a #6 – and this is the perfect game to do so. However, I would only play him for 60 mins maximum (game dependent) and rest him for Saturday.

If we dominate the game, I'd do the following:

Baningime <—> Gueye (55')
Davies <—> Sigurdsson (55')
Jagielka <—> Zouma (70')

Ending with a team of:

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Jagielka (c) Digne
Davies Baningime
Bernard Dowell Lookman
Calvert-Lewin

Giving Sigurdsson, Gueye & Zouma some rest before the Saturday game. Against Huddersfield, I'd go:

Pickford
Coleman (c) Holgate Zouma Baines
Gueye Davies
Walcott Sigurdsson Lookman
Tosun

Subs: Stekelenburg, Jagielka, Digne, Schneiderlin, Bernard, Calvert-Lewin, Niasse.

The tickets are heavily discounted for tonight anyway. I got a senior in the lower Bullens for ten quid.

Would be good to get it video'd from the middle of the Street Upper Tier.

I am not there Saturday, was planning for Fulham on the 29th but I am now moving house, so if anyone else is there this Saturday against Huddersfield, And has seats in the Street Uppper would love to see the warm up video'd

We can then get Steve Ferns analysis from the build up and even a pie eating analysis t'boot!🙏🤗

Either play him or put him on the bench and with Pickford continuing; Stekelenburg is the past and either now or soon should be third choice.

Out wide I think you can afford to be more adventurous and give both Bernard and Lookman starts.

I do realy hate it when we play with 8 or more changes.

More worryingly — No Bernard? Why??? Yet he is playing Sandro who is leaving. Davies as captain... Oh dear.

Subs: Virginia, Baines, Walcott, Tosun, Schneiderlin, Coleman, Pennington.

Lookman on his way?

Sandro staying?

Made up for Davies, he'll be buzzing and will hopefully reflect this in the game.

Kenny
Calvert-Lewin
Lookman, and
Dowell

And they dominated the assists, goals and leadership of that team. And some of us are concerned about keeping momentum?

These guys are winners and will stand and fight. I hope and believe Mr Brands has this vision in mind. He would have watched the final and see these guys take on the world and win.

They just wouldn't risk that, would they?????

BTW, hoping they are sitting on Lookman.

I reckon it's Davies sat in the Schneiderlin role with Sigurdsson and Dowell further forward, Sandro and Calvert-Lewin as inside forwards flanking Niasse.

I reckon he's not predicting a lot of defending.

Bizarre if rumours Sandro is leaving are true, and Lookman seems a long way from the first team for 㿂m to be rejected.

I forgot the kock-off was 7:45.

Thanks for the team news, shocking that it is for the front players, our record signing Siggy is showing his metal, and the boss is giving him more fitness tonight. I think he is a bottomless pit on energy and pressing; it will be interesting where he plays tonight.

Surely this game should have been tailor made for him to get up and running?

You put additional pressure on the game this coming Saturday which under any regime we should win hands down. By resting those players, you ultimately break the rhythm of the team.

I really hope it works but I'm far less confident about both fixtures now. With the international break following Huddersfield it just doesn't make sense to me.

Oh well.

Silva has referred to his preferred midfield formation as a ‘one and two', it looks like we'll see it tonight.

Looks like Lookman's leaving and Sandro's staying, which surprises me.

"Couple of injury concerns for the Blues ahead of tonight's game...

Idrissa Gana Gueye strained a knee in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday.

A groin problem has also ruled out Ademola Lookman, while deadline day arrival Andre Gomes has suffered a minor setback in his return from a hamstring injury and is expected to miss a further three weeks.

Fellow summer signing Bernard picked up a muscle strain in training and will be assessed tomorrow.

Club captain Phil Jagielka has sustained a knee cartilage injury and will be sidelined for the next three weeks."

COYB!