Everton v West Ham United

We are at home against a team devoid of confidence; we need to attack and take the game to them from the off. Get immediately on the front foot and create panic in their ranks. Blow their game plan out of the window.

We are facing the bottom team. Shouldn't we be more aggressive and take some risks?

I worry that Gueye, Walcott & Calvert-Lewin aren't 100% fit.

I would go with this line-up:

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Zouma Baines (c)
Gueye Schneiderlin
Walcott Sigurdsson Lookman
Tosun

Subs: Stekelenburg, Mina, Digne, Davies, Bernard, Calvert-Lewin, Niasse

And I'd bring Gueye & Walcott off after 60-odd minutes, so they aren't pushed too hard after coming back from injury & give them a break for the Arsenal game.

Subs (if the game is going well) would be:

Davies 🔁 Gueye
Bernard 🔁 Walcott
Mina 🔁 Holgate

I'd prefer Bernard, Lookman, Digne or Baines to be tried in a more advanced role.

Hopefully the injuries start to ease as it's a joke at the moment.

I think Silva should tell him straight from the off, if he thinks he's so good then get on and prove it.

Regarding the bench, I think Silva has to give young Hornby a seat. His confidence will be high and getting on the bench and a sniff of getting on can only bode well for him.

I expect a win. I also expect we will not keep a clean sheet and I finally expect we will continue to suffer from set pieces.

I don't think Calvert-Lewin is suited to playing wide as his natural instincts are those of a centre-forward not of a winger. That may open the door for either Lookman or Bernard to play wide left; if he does pick Lookman, we will want to see a different body language than he showed against Huddersfield. I like the lad but if he doesn't want to play for Everton then I guess there is only one option.

I also think this is an important game for Tosun: as a centre-forward, you are measured by one thing and that's goals scored; if he fails to hit the target again tomorrow, then I can't see Silva starting him against Arsenal. For me, although a willing worker, he has too many deficiencies to be our main striker: no pace, wins very few balls in the air, and is too often out-muscled.

Silva might even surprise us and put Sigurdsson out on the left and play Bernard in the Number 10 role, although I think that depends on whether he thinks Bernard is fit enough yet to play in that role.

I'm looking forward to seeing Zouma play, as he looked very impressive against Huddersfield, and I will be interested to see how he does against better attackers. Finally, I think Baines has been brilliant for us but he has to start Digne tomorrow – he looks a real class act for me.

I hope we really go at them from the first whistle as their confidence will be fragile.

I would like to see Bernard brought in at some stage to the Number 10 role. Everton have to threaten the goal more. Gueye playing will be a real help to Schneiderlin. Kenny will also help replacing Coleman, who was below par before his recent injury.

Hopefully we see some improvement in defensive organisation, particularly in awareness and showing an understanding of zonal marking. They have had two weeks to practice on the training ground. Everton have made an improvement on errors; hopefully it stays that way.

The main stumbling block will be Everton's ability to break down West Ham; this needs an improvement in specific areas which have let us down in previous games. A good stepping-stone for the Arsenal game. Silva's team selection and recent coaching are going to be vital.

I'm sorry, I know that is basically pointless information but I still can't help finding it slightly interesting.

Coupled with Sigurdsson's lack of dominance in a game, you can see why we struggled against Huddersfield to create chances. We need to move away from 'same old same old'.

3-0 to the banged up bloos!

While it is still too early to draw any conclusions, I am confident I was indeed correct in my evaluation of both Pellegrini and West Ham's transfer strategy. However, we are Everton. I cannot think of a team more gifting to clubs who are in an awful run of form.

4 losses out of 4 is something they'll want to arrest asap. A draw would be like a victory for them; I hope we don't give it to them.

If we are to be challenging Man Utd and Arsenal for 5th or 6th place, we should win this comfortably. However, I do feel in this first season of Silva, we will draw many a game we should win.

For the lineup, I would like to see Calvert-Lewin in the No 9 position, with one of Lookman or Bernard out wide.

And if Sigurdsson doesn't get going, I'd like to see Dowell given a chance in the No 10 role at some stage.

Also, I'm hoping Kenny can come in and really make a statement at right-back.

It is good to hear some injured players are back in light training and we hope that, sooner than later, they can stake a claim. Quite a few positions are still up for grabs.

Any kind of win would be welcome and you do expect it at home but a win with style is always a plus.

Hopefully, Bernard gets a start and can show us what he's all about for real.

What a pleasant change to have a game to look forward to, it seems ages since the last game. Let's hope we can produce a decent display, as opposed to the lacklustre performance against Huddersfield.

COYB

That said, I can't see us losing the game, but we might have to settle for a draw again, who knows?

Let's also make no mistake about it, if West Ham's players play to their very best, then this will be a very difficult game. They have Felipe Anderson, Yarmolenko, Arnautovic, Hernandez, Michail Antonio, Lucas Perez, and Jack Wilshere. That's a lot of firepower if they can make it work.

The issue is they have bought players like a fan would buy players. This means that they are front loaded and weak in midfield and defence. They are likely to line up in a 4231 with Arnautovic as the lone striker, but supported by Antoni, Felipe Anderson and Yarmolenko. We need Schneiderlin and Gueye to be disciplined and help the back four to deal with this front four. Their defensive midfield and defence is considerably weaker and this is where West Ham's issues are.

We need to play on the counter attack and pick them apart. If we go out all guns blazing and go toe-to-toe, then we will give them a chance. This is a game for caution and defending well and playing on the counter. If we show this discipline, then we should win easily.

I was so disappointed in the performance against Huddersfield, don't blame the opposition either, we should have had the wherewithal to open them up and get a least, a one-goal advantage.

I don't expect the team to be much different to Lyndon's projected one, but agree that Tosun and Calvert-Lewin should be an either or, and by virtue of his recent goals Calvert-Lewin shades it for me.

I would like to see Lookman in Charlie's role, it will give both him and the team more creativity on the left, and should match the threat on the right with Kenny and Walcott.

Let's hope we can burst bubbles, and not let them blow any!

I'd agree also with the Lyndon team bar Tosun, Calvert-Lewin up front with Lookman starting and Bernard coming on for him on 60 mins. Hopefully we'll keep a clean sheet, but I'm seeing a 3-1 win for us.

1. Three points: We're going places. We have a chance to break the top 6.

2. A point or a loss: We've got a long way to go. If we can't beat the likes of a studdering West Ham at home, we're destined for a meaningless season finishing top half with no dream of real success. Too many points lost already, it ain't gonna happen.

Fickle.

Tosun may well be in the last chance saloon anyway, barring further injuries/suspensions with the imminent return of Richarlison. I think it will be Digne over Baines as he has done nothing to put his place in the starting eleven in question.

Potentially, things could be different this season but, as of now, there are question marks over Dowell, Lookman and Bernard. Dowell has yet to make any impact at this level. Is he ready to step up? Lookman seems to be in a sulk; Bernard is brand new to England and facing a step up in pace and physicality from Ukraine. Just back from injury too, will Silva want to throw Bernard in the deep end by starting tomorrow? I suspect not. I think we are likely to see him off the bench.

Interesting point on the captain. Based on interviews, I think Walcott is a really smart, level-headed guy plus he has more top-level experience so I would go with him personally. But, if Silva wants more of a boisterous "personality", he may even go with Pickford or even young Kenny. Schneiderlin would be the boring, safe option I imagine.

We should be battering them tomorrow, not finding the same old lame excuses of “Oh, oh, but we've got injuries. In three months time, we will be this good and that good.” No excuses; no more “we will be this good next season”.

I want to start seeing serious progress in the next 6 games and not sit around waiting months on end to just still be making the same mistakes as we are now anyway (much like last season).

In life, the time to do stuff and achieve stuff is NOW! It's time Everton woke up and started making some waves in the Premier League, like those red scabs across the park have been.

We have no divine right to batter anyone, least of all a team like West Ham with a title-winning manager and an expensive collection of internationals.

I expect a tough game and I'll be delighted with a scrappy last-minute winner.

Anyway...time for a Lagavulin and maybe a Prozac chaser. Cheers.

By 'batter', I basically mean we need to start making a statement to teams around us.

Against Huddersfield we completely played into their hands, let's be honest about it, and never looked like making anything happen. In the Southampton game, we stuttered over the line.

Given the struggles in winning away games, which probably looks already on the horizon again this season, we need to beat teams like West Ham and Huddersfield at Goodison Park.

We haven't beaten a top 6 side home or away for 18 months so that's like almost 12 games with limited wins to expect from.

Without being disrespectful to the Hammers (and other teams below a certain level), we need to get at them and make a statement of real intent.

Blues to shade it tomorrow with a disappointing 2-1 win. But a win nevertheless.

Remember when we had a centre forward who could score!?

We're a team in transition (like West Ham) and I expect there to be good and bad days. And many in between. Both home and away. We won't make top 4 and we won't get relegated.

I think unrealistic expectations at this point (from match-going fans) makes life harder potentially for the players. Of course we will always want to win but degrees of patience and realism are needed.

I'll be happy with a decent performance and last-minute winner off Cenk's knee.

It doesn't augur well for games against the big boys, let alone our away form. While I appreciate, for yet another season, we are a work in progress, I would have expected, with a kinder fixture list to the start of the season, we would have had near to maximum points.

Kim, a disappointing win, although not ideal, is better than a disappointing draw, or even worse, a loss.

I feel like strangling that Richarlison for what he did at Bournemouth.

And yes, Derek, exactly my point. Whilst expecting a convincing result in our favour, I feel however we will make hard work of it and win disappointingly (I don't mean win, disappointingly).

This season we are better and Huddersfield and West Ham are worse than last season.

Why anyone is saying we shouldn't expect too much is strange.

We were shocking against Huddersfield. We have no divine right to win games but, if we don't get 3 points tomorrow, then, even after so few games played, our season is over.

I agree with you 100%! I really like Walcott & he's a really good option for captain.

I think Sigurdsson is the other option – and I think he might play better if given the captaincy.

The team itself is relatively experienced and there are no lack of leaders, so I'd be happy to play with Digne starting:

Very close call between Lookman & Bernard at left-midfield, as well as between Tosun & Calvert-Lewin up top.

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Zouma Digne
Gueye Schneiderlin
Walcott(c) Sigurdsson(vc) Lookman
Tosun

Subs: Stekelenburg, Mina, Baines, Davies, Bernard, Hornby, Calvert-Lewin

You must be (psychadelic) psychic, in that I have looked at the table and 4-0 will take us 6th. If your in the Winslow 2.30-2.45 I'll buy you a pint.

I'm the scouser with the southern (not cockney) accent. Blame my mother for taking me south in the 50's.

Pickford
Kenny Mina Zouma Digne
Gana Schneiderlin Sigurdsson
Walcott Tosun Benard

I can see the logic in bringing him in especially at Goodison against a team we should be beating (on paper) and if for any minute we feel he's fit enough, then yes he's got to start tomorrow... but I suspect Silva will feel it's too soon.

What we don't want is bringing him in for his first game next Sunday at the Emirates against Arsenal where we normally get arse-slapped.

I feel for certain that Mina and Zouma will be the main partnership going into the Fulham game on 29 September.

You say, "I expect there to be good and bad days. And many in between."

Very true. And we do need to be patient.

My issue is we've already had bad days and dropped points. I simply want to beat the teams we should. That will see us moderately successful this year, and keep the Silva train on track.

A 0-0-4 West Ham at home simply shouldn't / can't beat us. If they do, we've dropped way, way too many points early season with a relatively light schedule.

What I fear is if we're giving away points now, what happens when we play Spurs, Chelsea, Man Utd, and those whose name must not be spoken?

We just need to win these types of games. As you say, by any means at all. A goal in the 92nd minute off Cenk's backside would do for me too.

This is a bigger game than what it appears. West Ham will be rabid to win, reversing a terrible start. It's a statement game as Jim Bennings alluded to, in my opinion at any rate.

Just win.

Does any one remember the Jim Arnold howler, years ago against the Hammers, 1983, at Goodison Park?

Scary days... and what's happened since is a lifetime of everything.

That was a pot shot, but summed up that season. We don't need a first Premier League win v EFC.

Tomorrow we must see The Hammers off. No excuses, a win is a must.

We need to start making teams worry about Everton.

We are still of the mentality when we face the top 6 home or away that we are massive underdogs (still in many ways stuck in the Moyes era psyche) and shouldn't be on the same pitch as them.

We need to start making teams outside the top 6 fearful of Everton if we are to be taken seriously.

We are okay spending tons of cash nowadays but there needs to quickly develop a cockiness that the top sides have in abundance.

Digne has looked fine, a good player. Zouma outstanding. Holgate has looked alright. Kenny is a player I have a lot of time for and I still hold massive hopes for him to be the long-term successor to Coleman at right-back. He is a more than capable second choice at the moment.

Gueye, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson. No questions with that midfield.

This is Tosun's last big chance. For the time being, Calvert-Lewin remains on the left (he scores goals... therefore he plays!). Walcott on the right. If Tosun goes goalless for a 5th game straight, then next match play Calvert-Lewin up front flanked by Walcott and the returning Richarlison.

I really want to see Bernard off the bench. God alone knows when we're going to see Yerry Mina, or especially Andre Gomes.

Must-win match! I would personally love to see West Ham suffer another defeat. An incessantly annoying club who think they are much bigger than they are. West Ham United are, always have been, and always will remain, an absolute Premier League paper tiger.

This one will test our mettle.

Talk of dropping Tosun is nonsense. Talk of starting Lookman likewise. Calvert-Lewin to start on the left with Bernard coming in on the hour. The rest of the team picks itself.

I'll relax when we're 3-0 with 5 minutes to go.

Now Sigurdsson is another matter, he is the player I feel is vastly overrated and I am still waiting to see the creativity he was supposed to be bringing to the table.

Two equally matched teams IMO.

Anyway, the game is on NBCSN at 11am your time, so if they have cable or satellite TV where you're staying, no problem.

If not, your best bet is to go on Yelp.com and search "soccer bars" near you. You should be able to find plenty of places that will have the game on at least one screen instead of the NFL. Try this link:
https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=sportsbars&find_loc=Long+Island%2C+NY

With a fit Walcott and unsuspended Richarlison either side of him, he will be a very good player for us this season.

West Ham to cheat, foul, play-act and time-waste their way through the game. First booking is nailed on to be a blue.

Walcott with a late winner.

COYB

I really hope we get 3 points today but win, lose or draw I'd still expect we'll be 6th-10th this year. Don't see how this game in particular is a must win.

Dean @64, I don't think people are hating on Sigurdsson and it's true he may be our smartest player (Bernard may change that). But that doesn't necessarily mean he's good enough. His stats throughout his career show that he's excellent from set pieces but very middling in terms of creating chances from open play. He's certainly a good player but I'm not sure he's a great one and is a way behind the likes of Silva, Eriksen, Mahrez, Hazard, Ozil etc. If we are ever to compete genuinely with the top 4 then we will need a better No 10 in my opinion. Though he's probably good enough for where we are at currently.

Totally agree. I don't wish to insult anyone, personally, but if you can't see Sigurdsson's quality then I really don't think you understand football.

He's the player we should be building the team around. If we could just have some more players around him willing to link up and make some movement around him.

Silva will be desperately wanting to pick Mina but it is too soon. I have got massive faith in Holgate, but I think his tender years leave him a shade vulnerable aerially. If he starts today it will be a great test for him. To be targeted and come through it will bring him on. To fail will set him back and maybe sidelined when injured players like Mina and Keane return soon.

I am willing him to get through this crucial period in his career and push on to become a world class defender.

That is why at home Baines should get the nod.

So will DCL on the left. Theo on the right and a Gana, Schneids and Sig midfield.

Tosun up front.

West Ham will be dangerous and have bought some special players that can grab a goal or two out of nothing. Yarm and others may not be up to speed yet but they will soon and their manager will have been drilling them hard. They have to click soon - so not expecting any formality on this one.

Silva is aggressive and progressive and with 2 weeks of the likes of Bernard in training he would have had plenty of time to design an approach today and get the players drilled. Hope this latter situation arises than a SWest resurgence - both are plausibly on today - so no surprise if we are truned over or we stuff this lot 4-1

A complete overhaul.

I wont be underestimating West Ham who after a pointless start will see this as a chance to kickstart there season after the international break.

I hope we start with a natural wide player instead of Calvert Lewin if things don't go are way it can always be changed during the game.

It's still like a dream for me going to the game. I have sort of made my mind up about Everton - -always have been Blue for all my 69 Years - - but lately it is in the “going” that does for me - - I feel everything else is becoming irrelevant in this media fed false meaningless world.
Going to Goodsion Park, passing my old childhood haunts - - memories, memories - - walking towards The Dark House is all a dream for me.
I can certainly live without the paraphernalia built up around everything to do with “The Big Four”.
Being a Blue all my life, well it's obvious that we are still Blues. Not for us the dressing up for a game, taking a selfie stick and ensuring that you are “seen” and in that the match becomes a tourist trip. For many now going to certain games, for certain teams, is like going to The Louvre with your camera phone and taking a selfie with The Mona Lisa and saying that you love art. We are Blues. We go to The Musee D'Orsay - - just around the corner from The Louvre - - across the Park - - and really enjoy the paintings and art because we “love” them not just to be seen there - - but because it is full of history, of art, of love and passion.
How could we not be Blues Forever - - especially with the friends here on TW - - and those from Scotland Road - - St Alphonsus, Daisy Street, St. Anthony's The Priory, St.Gerard's and Cardinal Godfrey and yes even John Hamilton - - we have that sense of loyalty - - of belonging and caring - - and loyalty - - our Mam's taught us it - - my Mam told me it was important to be true - - I used to lay on the couch and listen to my Mam and her sisters talking - - the men were at sea or working - - they were beauties - - all of them - - wisdom and strength - - Sophia's and Athena's everyone of them - - my Mum - - like Ma Joad - - ran our Family - - she had a belief in family, in loyalty, in working class togetherness, in strength, in giving - - no wonder we are Blues - - you see that's why I am not interested in all the periphery of football - - I am interested in the game - - the match - - going and watching - - everything else is irrelevant - - I know that no matter what I will be there today, tomorrow and the day after.

I still get excited about going - - I dreamt last night of the walk to The Hallowed Ground - - to The Dark House - - that moment when I open the door and a corridor of light makes the dust sparkle like Silva(sic) in the air - - the door closes and I remember why it's called The Dark House - -for a moment I saw the gang in their naked beauty:

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep”.

So I am here at my Apple - - in my writing room - - in New Brighton -- and soon I will shave and shower and get The Magic Bus under The River and walk along Scotland Road - - but for now I sit with my music on - - Groovin (Little Rascals - - right now) - - I let my fingers float almost uncontrolled on the key board - - my mind floating up “Into The Mystic” - - Dreaming - - The Reality in Football is almost too much to think about - - money, corruption, power - - no - - no - - not for me - - of course I know where football is and where its going - - but as Poe says:

“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”
I do not edit myself nor prepare my little bit for TW - - I just let my fingers and my mind float around for a while - - see where they land but attempting to create on line my own world of dreams and memories all linked to going to Goodison - - “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - - most importantly I am with Mr. Lennon here: “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

I do this to get myself in the right frame of mind for the game - - knowing that of course I want us to win - - I will do my 4-0 as usual - - remember last time we played WHU - - Yahooo - - I will sit and watch the game without ever thinking of reaching for my phone - - but no matter what I will enjoy the experiences of going to the game - - seeing and talking with friends - - feeling that little sparkle on my neck when the team come out - - saying “hello” to the “usual's” sitting around me - - walking up from TDH and onto Spellow Lane - - I am in The Park End - - and right now I feel that things are going to change - - after last Season - - I am already thankful to Silva and Brands for daring me to smile around Goodison:
“And we'll walk down the avenue again
And we'll sing all the songs from way back when
And we'll walk down the avenue again and the healing has begun
And we'll walk down the avenue in style
And we'll walk down the avenue and we'll smile
And we'll say "baby, ain't it all worthwhile?" when the healing has begun
I want you to put on your pretty summer dress
You can wear your Easter bonnet and all the rest
And I want to make love to you yes, yes, yes, when the healing has begun
Louder, when the healing has begun
So good
Whoo
All right, whoo
Yeah
Aah
Whoo
When you hear the music ringin' in your soul
And you feel it in your heart and it grows and grows
And it came from the backstreet rock and roll and the healing has begun
That's where we come from, man”

I/we cannot give this up - - we live for it - - we love it - - it's in our Blue Blood - - you know I have been ill for the first time in my life - - - I had to go to see a heart specialist - - they put dye in my blood - - I told them it had to be Blue - - they laughed - - I told the Doctor to be careful with me and he was a WBA fan - we talked about Jeff Astle and 1968 - - I still have my ticket for that game - - 7 &6p - -less than 50p - - would you believe it - - we joked and I told him I was nervous and had never had an operation or been ill before all this cancer and heart stuff - - he said that The Surgeon who would be doing my Heart was a Blue Season Ticket Holder - - you see - - you see - - you cannot make it up - -these Cosmic Happenings are there all around us - - just close your eyes and see - - I went to Broadgreen for the beginning of tests last week and the Doctor said “we wont let you go - - we need you Blues” - - You see - - You see.

So now I will get ready - -meet my daughter and grandson - - go to TDH and onto the game - - remember I am in New Brighton - - anytime you fancy a cuppa and a gas - - call me - - always happy to meet up.

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.

I send my cosmic grooves to you all with a firm handshake and with a slice of my heart and a little bit of my soul.

Your friend - - George

Apart from the Michael Keane goal our defenders don't chip in with many either, so without Richarlison I don't see many goals in this game. So I am hoping for a 1-0 today as win will mean we have had a decent start a draw or worse a loss will make it a different case. Mind to get a 1-0 we have to keep a clean sheet something we have managed yet this season.

Those cosmic grooves will always take care of you so you shouldnt worry too much about the physical side.

My only worry for the game is Arnautovic who will bully the likes of Holgate and Kenny and I can see Holgate losing his rag.

Other than that we should have too much in the tank for this mob.

I would love to see our first clean sheet but just cant so 3-1 to the blues it is.

https://www.facebook.com/105117249592273/videos/257108958270723/

Cosmic grooves.

Karl (76), you are right not to underrate WHU, three of their four losses have been against Liverpool, Arsenal and Bournemouth and they haven't been too bad up to now, I expect a win but don't think it will be easy.

Well that's your opinion and like me you are entitled to yours.

We have already lost 6 points out of a possible 12, 4 of them from winning positions. We are already 6 points behind 4th position. Compared to last season this has been a relatively easy start for us and a great chance to not only get points on the board but more important confidence in the players and supporters sky high.

Tottenham bought nobody in the close season, Arsenal are in transition. We have a good chance of getting in the top 6.

We cannot allow teams above us to get too many points ahead so early in the season, playing catch up is difficult at the best of times.

I expected a higher position finish after last seasons horror show and if we keep throwing points away I doubt we will achieve that.

So in my opinion should we not get 3 points today then, again in my opinion, my season will be over regards expectations.

Anyway I'm off to see if we've learned anything over the international break.

You can't see the emotional attachment George has to Everton?
A feeling beautifully described by George?
Must be hard to get you going Phil.

Of course at some point West Ham will get a point or 3 and the Evertonian in me naturally see's that happening today!

I just hope we can perform well at home, and have no traces of that last performance against Huddersfield.
I know it's only early days but we need to climb that Table and preferably stay there.

COYB

I hope Bernard is matchfit soon and could provide creativity from one of the wings.