Millwall vs Everton

If Gomes is on the pitch and Lookman is not, we're simply not playing our best 11.

This game therefore means even more than it normally would. I hope the players and manager realise this. One of Silva's perceived frailties is this psychological aspect of the game, turning round struggling form and so on. He really needs to prove himself now.

Gomes in and Sigurdsson out for me. Calvert-Lewinas striker, Lookman and Richarilson out wide and Bernard at No 10. Kenny at fullback and Mina for Keane (just because I think he might be a bit tougher).

But what do I know, and we will just have to get behind the boys Silva puts out and hope something sparks them into life.

If we played a striker who would score as many or more goals than him I would agree. The lad scores, though, and we haven't many who do that.

Anyone know if the game is on TV over here in Australia? I know it is being shown by the BBC in the UK, but can't find it on our channels over here.

Lack of form and composure is right throughout the team; he shouldn't be singled just because he can't demonstrate his strengths due to lack of meaningful possession in the right areas.

According to a friend, you can steam it from the SportsBet website or App.

The way the team are playing, it really doesn't inspire you to get up at 4:30 am.

To be honest, unless Silva gets his tactics correct and gets his team to get the ball down and pass it with transitions going through midfield, as opposed to last week where a lot of the play went direct to Richarlison upfront, bypassing midfield, then it'll not matter who plays. We will probably still get beat.

I am sick of seeing us Lump the ball into the box from 40 or 50 yards out from goal in set play situations in hope more than anything. How about taking it short and quickly and work the ball into a better position! It's not rocket science, it's about having the courage to get on the ball and create something, as opposed to relying on a mistake from their defence or a fluke.

Even when we kick off the first thing that happens is the ball is hoofed long in a diagonal direction up the field usually surrendering possession. How about passing it about and getting a feel for the game?

Finally, I'd like to know has Silva got a philosophy or way of playing the game? Reluctant to use the term philosophy as people I think associate it with Martinez! All I've ever heard from him is to play with intensity and speed. Does he even know what way he wants the players to play, ie, pass it mostly on the deck or go the direct style with a big man up front?

I really hope its not the direct style as I can't stand this agricultural style of football favoured by the likes of Allardyce and Pulis. I've noticed this style gradually creeping into our play more and more.

If Silva can't get his players to string some passes together to create opportunities to score, then we need to move him on quickly. I feel that not many others on here seem to be too bothered about how we go about playing the game style wise as long as we win... I don't understand this. Known as the beautiful game what we've watched recently is far from beautiful, it's been horrible.

If we want long term success then we have to stick to the principles of passing the ball and not resort to route one football.

Apologies for the length of post... I had a lot to get off my chest there. : )

He has not always had options to make the passes but in a team awash with players out of form, it is usually he who unlocks defences or scores the goals. Pick on many others who are contributing far less.

If he scores the winner tomorrow, it will only shut the knockers up for another week. If he has rolled-up only costing 㿀 million, the critics would be less severe, but he didn't set the price.

We need to use him more effectively, especially early in the game.

I am therefore hopeful of a Cup win against Millwall but not in any way convinced that will happen, such has been our erratic form both home and away, that I have almost given up any predictions or expectations, but nevertheless live in hope.

As usual I will be watching the Match with a large box of Kleenex and a bottle of red wine – which one I will be opening first is anyone's guess!

I watched Millwall play at home against Blackburn on the telly a couple of weeks ago, a game which Blackburn won with 2 late goals (Millwall have conceded a lot of goals in the last 15 minutes this season). One of the goals was from the left wing with the player cutting in to shoot with his right foot, something which might appeal to Richarlison.

Millwall's main attacking threat looks to be the high ball to the back post to their centre-back, Cooper, who has an attempt at goal or, more likely, knocks it down for someone to score. It's a pretty basic tactic, but he has something like 10 assists this season. The threat was dealt with successfully by Jack Rodwell, Blackburn's centre-back.

I hope all those travelling have an enjoyable, successful, safe day.

I'd definitely start Calvert-Lewin – Richarlison can't lead the line when we are playing like this.

Maybe give Richarlison the left-wing back for a game and give Bernard a rest or bring him on later.

Lookman gives us that missing spark and we need to build his relationship with Calvert-Lewin – so start both.

Gomes needs a break. The lad had no pre-season and was injured for weeks and it's now taking its toll on him.

Only thing is, has this team got the guts to dig out a win here??

Having a number 10 who can beat players like Bernard will give opposition a lot more to think about. Bring Sigurdsson back to play the box-to-box role with Gana told to sit deeper.

I think we are in the top 4 for crosses into the box in which case we need a forward who might actually win aerial battles, which is surely Calvert-Lewin.

Pickford
Kenny Keane Zouma Digne
Sigurdsson Gana
Lookman Bernard Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin

We lose possession in midfield too easy and we are under immediate pressure because our midfield is too open and is out of position. Normally resulting in a goal chance for the opposition.

Kill me. I would drop Richarlison and go 4-4-1-1

Baines, when he came in a few weeks ago, was one of the best players on the pitch for us; he looked fit, fresh and lacked none of his quality and intelligent play. I'd get him in to play with Digne on the left and fire in balls to Calvert-Lewin.

Pickford
Kenny Zouma Mina Digne
Sigurdsson Gueye Gomes Baines
Lookman (a free No 10 role)
Calvert-Lewin

Lookman for me is marginally the best for the role... virtually on a par with Bernard, maybe.

Sigurdson should be left out on form, imo.

And you know if he even remotely struggles, people on the Live Forum will be screaming for him to be hooked at half-time.

It is over two years since we won a match in the southern half of the country. That was at Crystal Palace when Seamus scored the last minute winner. Since then we have won at Newcastle, Stoke, Huddersfield, Leicester and Burnley.

After last week's debacle, something must be done about the midfield. We need an extra body in there but I don't think that should be Sigurdsson. He is ineffective defensively and only comes to life in the final third.

In many ways he is a luxury player but he is our main goal scorer in a team which usually struggles to create many chances, let alone convert them.

While obviously hoping for a win, I will be very happy with a draw.

We desperately need a big muscly target man providing an aerial threat and holding the ball up. The only candidate for such a role is Zouma. Mina and Keane could cover his job and Kurt could always drop back to defend against free kicks.

He is capable of scoring goals and its goals that win matches. To say we need to drop him is crazy.

Our problem is that Sigurdsson and Gomes are tired and need resting but our squad is so poor we can't rest them as the replacements in Schneiderlin and Davies are bloody dire.

So much unintended comedy gold.

Daniel @38: Spot on about Sigurdsson. Up to December, the midfield three (the three Gs) of Gomes, Gana and Gylfi were cooking on gas, with this combination freeing Sigurdsson up to do what he's very good at. The problem is our overall lack of strength in depth, which is a massive problem given the intensity of games in the Premier League.

Why should our players need motivation from a man on the sidelines to play in a hostile environment in the FA Cup?

Easy to put the blame on the manager but, if my players can't motivate themselves to wear our shirt, then they themselves should not be representing my club.

That, not men or formations, is the biggest imponderable.

‘Motivation' is a broad term. I'd say it's a managers responsibility to create a system where all the players feel they can trust and get the best out of one another. Right now, we are so far from that, we have fans suggesting our centre-half plays up front.

When a few players don't play well, you can question them. When the whole team plays badly for a sustained period, you have to think the problems may run a little deeper.

So he should be replaced by Kurt Zouma? — Certifiable.

A defeat would also set us up perfectly for the Huddersfield game who will have a fresh spring in their step following the appointment of their new manager. I can hear the rusty old shutters on the official Everton charity shop rolling up as we speak.

Please, please prove me wrong Everton.

Just what we need. Zouma the new Latchford who would have thought it.

I reckon we could get a tune out of swapping Pickford with Bernard.

Bernard would command the 6-yard box with ease and trick his way out of situations. He could wear long studs to bolster his height similar to Cuban heeled shoes.

Pickford could then turn into a dashing winger, probably still have to wear gloves as his hands would get cold.

Silva: "FFS, Kurt put that ciggie out. And where'd you get that can of Stella from? Listen, I want you to go up front today. Why? Because you're a big muscly target man. But make sure you drop back to defend against free kicks."

Priceless.

I'm just glad you're not manager of Everton!

Kurt Zouma up front would be totally different though. He'll be coming short, Cruyff turn a la nutmeg, drop the shoulder, step over, step over, rainbow flick and wallop... Top corner.

Well who is it that selects those players who either can or can't get motivated in the cause?

To expect self-motivation from today's prima donnas is a bit over the top, methinks!

Cons:

Our current form in general is patchy at best.
Silva still does not know his ideal starting line-up or formation.
Our terrible away form in general.
Our away record verses clubs in the "Smoke", League or Cup.
Our bad record when playing home or away when we're Live on TV.
No current leadership on the pitch.
A general apathy from the Boardroom down that has plagued us for far too many years.
No new faces in January to at least freshen up things, give us a new option or dimension to our play.
A majorly disappointing season so far.

Pros:

The Red Shite are already out!
A replay is still available if we draw this one.

1-1 methinks... and the dream will still be alive, folks!

What about playing Schneiderlin but telling him to face the opposite way to the expected norm?

This way when he keeps turning to play the ball backwards he'll actually be passing it forwards.

Just reading about Hazard, a great player undoubtedly but his response to comments from his manager leaves us in no doubt who's in charge.

After the game, Hazard said: "It doesn't matter what the manager said."

Players can seem to do what they like these days. I would be interested to know how the NFL, NBA etc handle player power?

It's the ESPN streaming service. You can sign up for $5/month or $50/year.

I would drop Richarlison because I think his antics would wind up the Millwall players and he will probably end up getting sent off for retaliation or something.

The NFL handle player power but basically kicking out anyone who seems to rock the boat, eg, Colin Kaepernick.

The NBA does nothing about player power. The owners just say "Okay, Kobe, LeBron, Carmelo... I will go ahead and fire the coach and sign your mates."

I would bring Kenny in for some spirit and fight and give Mina another chance. I would also find a place for Baines who at least can still pass to a blue shirt, as he showed against Lincoln.

Sigurdsson works relentlessly, always up among the Premier League leaders in miles run per game. He defends all over the pitch, marking attackers in his own end and closing down on opposing defenders at the other end. He's continually moving off the ball, making himself available for passes, getting himself into the area to score. Lots of folks here question his effectiveness, but you're the first I've ever seen question his work rate. And Richarlison at the #10? Uh-huh.

Rob #47, David #48, Scott #50, you took all the best jokes already.

Jamie #55, it's free if you subscribe to ESPN The Magazine.

Kieran #56, "Skeletenburg"? Really skinny guy?

We have to be physical on and off the pitch and that means getting stuck into the chavs at London Bridge...

Everton are constantly over-worked in midfield. Gana wanders and doesn't hold. It forces Siggy to work in areas a No 10 should hardly ever venture to.

His main role is to service and be available for the attacking players, in the attacking third. Because our midfield is very poor, he not only gets sucked back but pulls the two wide forwards with him. One isolated centre-forward, which turns to frustration and ineptitude. Everton's goal output just falls away.

If I was Sigurdsson, I'd tell the rest to fook off and hang up the park. His nature is too selfless and as such he helps out too much, masking the real issue. Gana, and the fact we have no ball-playing centre-back.

As for the game, anything less than a comfortable victory will leave me disappointed. Tick tock.

Being a hard worker does not equate to being a world class player, which he certainly isn't

Obviously, though, I have missed all these world-class performances Siggi has been producing. . . nor did I realise that he is playing poorly because all the players around him are of such low quality. I will watch with bated breath whilst he produces such magic against Millwall. . . . Not!!

My team would be:

Pickford,
Kenny, Zouma, Mina, Digne,
Gana, Sigurdsson, Baines,
Richarleson, Lookman,
Calvert-Lewin.

Querky line up, Calvert-Lewin in a centre-forward role; if Baines ain't working then replace him with McCarthy.

We need more Yanks!

Works fine if you have an address to anchor it from in the UK.

The espn + is a superb deal. Get loads of stuff not just footy a stack of documentaries which are well done. Cup and Europe

NBCSN gold offer a similar service for the league games. However the streaming quality and reliability is knocked into a cocked hat by ESPN.

Ironically the streaming on NBCSN good was better before they put up a pay wall.

They charged $50 last year, but such was the poor reliability I ground them down to a $40 refund.

Much better this year. Really very lucky, and unlucky at the same time to get all the Everton games 😵

We ned to move away from the arms folded " warra ya got for me. ?"

Those yanks start the party long before the game .

Mike Gaines . .Jamie C ? wanna explain yourselves ?

Its crazy that ESPN don't put it on cable but put it on the internet. Same shit with NBC and Gold but at least we get some games on TV.

Thanks for the tip Mike. I had already subscribed to ESPN for the CAraboa cup but will look into the magazine aspect after the game tomorrow.

As for the team it would be crazy to drop either of our 2 leading scorers Richy and Siggy and I think DCL has done enough to warrant a start in this one. Bernard does not do it for me especially in a game like this one.

Gomes may not enjoy the intensity of the FA cup so I would give Tom Davies a run out if only for his energy.

I would also complete the U20 world cup winning players with an appearance by Jonjo who at least will be familiar with each others game.

I cant imagine the fear factor entering the players minds as its not exactly Old Trafford but with our bunch you never know.

At least I hope we play to our dtrengths rather than theirs.

Silva has lost the players and lost the plot. If Sigurdsson plays he should be part of a midfield 3 and not in no-man's land behind a wandering striker. That's why he runs around so much instead of being able to have any control of the game.

I think we have a good top 14/15 players that are just not being coached right. We should still have enough to best Millwall... but this is the FA Cup!

Sir John @ 70 - Never, ever had an issue with NBC Gold / their streaming service. Been absolutely 100% reliable and fantastic for me.

Darren @71 - That Wisconsin thing in particular is one of the single coolest USA sports "things" in the country. I lived in WI and actually had a good friend who was at the game in (I believe) 1994 when "Jump Around" started. Wisconsin was going into the 4th quarter, and the temperature - not that poos-whah barometer called "wind chill" - the actual temperature was -2!! That's Fahrenheit, converting to -19 Celcius! That . . . is. . . fucking. . . COLD!
So at halftime, they played "Jump Around" and everyone started jumping like wild men just to stay warm and get their blood pumping.

It took off from there. Before every 4th quarter they do it, and it's like a 70K people mosh pit. It's the coolest thing ever.

I actually posted a vid of it here at TW when we won, and Laurie Hartley posted that he was traumatized by seeing all those people in red jumping with glee.

Never felt so stupid in my life. But colo(u)rs be damned, it's very, very fucking awesome at Camp Randall Stadium just before the 4th quarter starts!

Exactly. Sig gets frustrated, drops back, wins the ball but there is no one to play it to since he is the one who should be receiving not retrieving. It is the same thing that happened with Saha, Naismith, Johnson etc under Moyes. No service coming in, the run out wide into the channels, get the ball and have precisely no one in the box to pass it too.

I feel this is something that shows Silva's weakness rather than Sigs. The manager should say "I appreciate your work rate Sig, but we need you to stay in the number 10 role to use the ball when we get it. Gomez, etc get your $#it together so he can do his own job instead of everyone else's."

I hope to tempt fate the same way year after year after year but it never works.

The BBC must feel that Everton will get rolled. I hope Everton show guts and determination on the pitch and every player wins his battles, and we take any chances presented.

Take care and good luck those travelling from near and far to the match tomorrow. Typical BBC take no account of the last ordinary back to Lime Street and staging this game so late.

Tomorrow we must win this game, coming back to GP is not a good option for Everton.

Let's kick start the season tomorrow.

Humansville girls rolled to a 45-28 win at Everton Tuesday night, Jan. 22, in a battle of the Lady Tigers.

Born in Boston, MA. Lived in 11 different places in my life.

WI was two days before my Sophomore year in high school at 16 until I graduated at 18 years old - 3 years in WI.

Great place, great people, Bambi lives in fear, too fucking cold mate.

No predictions for tomorrow apart from there will be no place to hide on that pitch. Get stuck right in, lads, and show everyone what you're really made of.

It (hopefully) will be Run of the Mill, if he doesn't gamble too much on team selection, remember Southampton, in the Carabao Cup?

Or, it could be backs to the Wall, because they are in in their own intimidating Lion's Den, and at the end of the day they have everything to gain, and little to lose.

So over to you Signor Silva, show us that this FA Cup means something to everyone at EFC, don't dilly dally and dither with team selection in a one-off game.

Finally, I don't know whether it's a good omen or portent of doom, but Paul Merson has made a very bold statement in he believes that Everton has their name on the Cup this year!

If we do not make a raft of changes, I see a comfy 2 or 3 nil win.

Absolutely a feature, a weakness of the manager. It's a system ill suited to our current midfield roster. Any no10 would struggle and end up helping out as the midfield gets ruined by all and sundry.

Weak in midfield we need a system that recognizes that and protects the team in transition with numbers since the quality isn't there yet.

Perhaps 3-4-3 is the way forward, I'm afraid bin Gana too, his lack of position discipline pulls at the thread of any formation. Until we get two all-round midfielders 4-2-3-1, needs to go back in the drawer.

JaC. How is Wi cold when you were brought up in Ma? Love the snow me. 🥶

Canadien airflow dips south, no warming factor of the Atlantic, way colder in WI.

Pat Kelly @88 - I couldn't agree more about the psychological test tomorrow. Millwall, I have to believe, will be a bear-pit.

And I'd expect some aggressive play from them. Not only will we see how mentally strong this group is, but we'll also see how tough some of our players are. If Richarlison does his "roll over and act like my shin is snapped in half" act, he'll get kicked off the park.

Time to toughen up Everton.

Whomever flinches first will lose. The strongest team will prevail. We simply can't back down.

Let's just hope and pray that we don't get KFC'd.

Will the manager play his strongest eleven? Or will he be tempted to put a few in the shop window?

For this reason, I think Tosun will start tomorrow.

I feel for Tosun. It's hard to judge a player if the team is playing poorly. He's been feeding off scraps, usually coming on when we're playing shite. His conversion rate must still be quite high.

The goals he's scored he's taken very well. His last goal against Brighton was a good finish. He had plenty to do. He's had other attempts that have been heading towards goal with venom only to be blocked or fizz over. I hope he does well tomorrow and earns an extended run in the side.

Prediction 1 - 3 (Tosun 2, Baines pen)

Stekelenburg

Coleman
Keane
Mina
Baines

McCarthy / Schneiderlin
Davies

Lookman
Bernard
Richarlison

Tosun

To be below the likes of Watford, like a dagger... Oh and to pay them for the privilege.

Apologies if I've missed any official announcement from the manager or the club.

Surely if you have better players and you are playing an inferior team, you pick the superior players and play to your strengths, not find a Championship-level player from your squad to match up for a physical contest?

Tomorrow is a game for our best, most creative players to find their mojo.

Millwall won't be able to live with Bernard, Richarlison, and Walcott or Lookman and Gana is going to make sure there is no space in behind.

Back to Silva's first-choice line-up for me and save the out-of-the-box thinking for when we play Man City, Tottenham et al.

Subs
Stek, Zouma, Baines, Gomes, Bernard, Walcott, Hornby

This game is everything for the season. Please don't be season over in January again!!

Must match their passion!

Can anybody please suggest how to watch coverage of Millwall vs Everton live or even recorded?

If DCL is a “Championship level player, what is one goal, injured, £19m Solanke?Is he better than DCL.As I have said on here before, we should be giving encouragement and backing to our younger players.
I believe that DCL would blossom if he had a run in the team as a CF and not a winger.

Some players (EGO) started to say they didn't need a manager and so, at the end of the season I resigned. 3 years later they were back in Div 4. Does this mean I was a good manager? No! Does this mean we built a good team of players? No! But is does mean we had a great team of players and manager working towards a common goal!
Just what we need at Everton. So we need to get rid of the bad eggs! My suggestion would be to start with those who have been in the playing and coaching staff for the past 5 to 6 years and cut! Start afresh! Something is rotten and it goes back quite a number of years.

As far as the Millwall game is concerned, I think we will win 3 - 1.

Richarlison Calvert-Lewin Lookman
Bernard
Gomes Gana
Digne Keane Zouma Coleman
Pickford

I live in Spain and watch any BBC live games / MOTD via TV Catchup (no VPN needed). Find it more reliable than most streaming sites. COYB!

I assumed that was BST, and awoke 10 or so minutes ago at 7 a.m. here, ready to watch, only to discover the listed time was EST.

Five hours until kickoff!

Unbelievable. I could have slept in today. . .

What else would an American do on a Saturday morning?

So stupid.

John P, very good point about the formation, and the at times selfless Sigurdsson, doing too much work further back, which also helps to isolate the centre-forward.

I think the bigger problem, is high and wide fullbacks, which make the pitch too big, when we lose the ball, but either way we have got to tighten ourselves up, because the first thing a team must achieve is to be hard to play against.

Good luck today Everton, go and fight, then go and play, and this should make us all feel a lot happier at 7pm tonight?

It can feel at times we play 4-2-4! I think Richarlison's move to CF has many issues but we forget when he plays left, he's actually a very good two player offering the full back cover. Just another element we lose playing him upfront and makes us less compact.

I think 3-4-3 would make us more compact, but I expect Silva just to put the same old out today.

Fire up the lads to perform and give our superb away support (stay safe, Blues) a reason to cheer and be proud of our team. But, most of all, believe that we can win this tie and then the Cup itself!

COYBB

Any kind of accountability from these players would be an improvement today. A game that should be won by a team that struggles to win.

My punting head is tempted by the 4/1 for Millwall. We have another horse, Parody, running in a bumper at Doncaster today. Watching rather than backing today.

Silva has not had much experience of this competition but I suggest Moshiri has indicated he wants us to do well, which will ensure that a near 'first team' will take the field.

This formation may work in the future but not currently with the personnel we have. It was clearly shown last week that we were totally out-fought and out-played in midfield which is the engine of the team. This I believe is the major problem at the moment.

On top of that, we really only have 2 or 3 goal scorers in the team so I do not see how we can drop Sigurdsson. For me, if we play his normal formation with the same players as last week I think we will lose.

I am thinking of a 3-5-2 formation. If we have 5 in midfield, at least we should dictate play and with 2 up front, maybe more opportunities in front of goal. While I am thinking this formation would be the best for today, I am not sure who I would play...

My possible formation would be Keane, Zouma and Digne at the back. Then, across midfield, Bernard, Sigurdsson, Gana, Gomes and Richiarlison. Then up front I would have Calvert-Lewin and Walcott.

I like Lookman but, until he finds the position of the onion bag, he pretty much is a luxury. At least with Sigurdsson, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and Walcott, you have all of our goal scorers on the pitch.

Milwall 1 Everton 2

We've been here too many times before... Millwall will smell blood today and give us a proper test.

If that goes south and we lose, to me that'll be the last straw. There'd be no difference between that and the stubbornness of Martinez.

If I see Richarlison up top and Gomes in midfield, I might lose my mind. Richarlison isn't effective there, and Gomes clearly needs a rest.

Even if I'm wrong, we need some change. A shake-it-up as it were.

I think we'll find out a lot about Silva today.

Baines
Gomes
Sigurdsson

Lookman
Richarlison
Bernard

How in the world did that guy score so many headers? Aussie with kangaroo legs. Insane. Loved to watch him. We need a player with the same spirit Cahill had in this side.

But Everton need someone tougher than Gomes in the midfield. I would drop Gomes and play Sigurdsson deeper, bringing Bernard inside into the No 10 role. I would have Richarlison and Lookman on the wings and Calvert-Lewin leading the attack.

This would sort out the midfield problem, but making it less static, since Sigurdsson would be less likely to be isolated and it would bring more play into Everton's central attack. The obsession that Silva has with wing play without link passing allows the opposition to play a high defensive line and pin the wingbacks back. Coleman is now too much of a weakness.

If Silva names the same starting eleven set-up as last week, he really doesn't have a clue.

Cahill was quite simply a unique footballer and it was his never-say-die attitude and difficult upbringing that lead to his mentality as a professional footballer.

The reason he was so good at headers, well the answer is in Tim's very own autobiography.

Cahill said he would always make sure he kept his eyes open and on the ball when connecting with heading it, as it's not about just luck when scoring a header, it's a skill that is worked at.

Brilliant player with a mentality that should be bottled.

Coleman and Baines in your side spells no pace and a disaster waiting to happen. Time and time again, the old guard have proved they wilt at the first sign of pressure.

I'd make an exception for Tim Cahill; a half-decent player who worked himself into a very good player, making the most of everything he had.

I'd pay whatever takes to get him back at the club. He embodies the mindset, attitudes and personal standards we are desperate for. Mind you, judging by the ex-players we do employ, I can see why he isn't with us!

Silva said McCarthy isn't match-fit yet in the presser as he "needs more game time" which is an ironic reason not to play him. Also, a bit weird given he was a sub a few weeks ago. Even weirder when you consider we could easily have given him game time with the U23s over the last few months.

Paul Tran @145

We haven't had anyone like Tim since he left. He was fearless. Who in the current squad would have the balls to try and overhead scissor kick to earn a point at Chelsea? Even if he wasn't having a great game, I always felt like we had a chance to get on the score sheet when Tim was on the pitch.

I fully expect a nail-biting encounter and would happily accept a draw and return at Goodison Park. This lot beat 3 Premier League teams at home 2 seasons ago. They have no reason to fear us. We are an inconsistent shambles.

I don't know if I fancy a replay at a nervy, half-empty Goodison Park.

Since his career-threatening leg break a year ago James has barely played any match football. Just a single 90 minutes for the U-23s against Man City at the end of October, then 2 weeks later just 30 minutes as a sub in the exhibition match against Gor Mahia. That is a full two months ago now.

Since then, the closest he has got to the first team was on the sub bench against Lincoln. He didn't cross the white line to play at all.

Don't you think, given the team's form in that time, if he was close to being match fit and showing some of the ability he undoubtedly possesses, Silva would be looking to give him some game time and easing him into the team?

That he hasn't suggests to me James, in Silva's eyes, remains well short of either the fitness or ability levels required to force the manager to play him.

On a similar note, I've recently read on TW the assumption that Beni Baningime cannot be rated highly by Silva as he is not getting a look in.

This ignores the fact he has been injured pretty much all season and is only now on the road to recovery. He is back training with the first team again, as this photo gallery from training at Finch Farm this week shows:

Link

Both players can be assets to the first team, but only if they are fit for purpose. The game time they are NOT getting strongly suggests they aren't ready and able.

Jamie #121, have another bagel and enjoy the fact that it'll be a bit safer to fly next week.

Finally, some considered and intelligent comments on McCarthy. If the lad was ready, he'd have been given a chance before now.

Yes, the exact game he should be playing in.

I do wonder if some people have any knowledge at all about football.

Play your strongest team, whatever that is, and try not to lose the game. I never agree with Lawro (the RS bellend) but today I do - he has us down for a 1-1, get them back to Goodison and win the replay. I'd take that, which shows how shit we are of late.

"I do wonder if some people have any knowledge at all about football."

I think that's a bit harsh. The likes of Neil Cremin are pushing McCarthy based on the fact about two months ago the manager said he was fit. If he isn't playing games to get minutes for the under 23s that suggests he is indeed match ready. Given his attributes and the struggles of the team, it is a reasonable suggestion to play him -- based on the aforementioned info. However, I suspect that there is more to the story than we know. Perhaps he has had a setback with his fitness and maybe the club want to keep it on the downlow because they are sensitive to his "sicknote" reputation.

Jay has the advantage though because he is able to deduce all kinds of information about fitness and player relationships by looking at publicity stills of training or video snippets of people celebrating goals.

Those who are not already stocked up. You've got just over an hour to get yourself enough booze to get you through this.

COYB

They have no leadership either on or off the pitch currently and that suggests a very tough game to win today.

A match fit McCarthy, is about as match fit as me!

"One thing to note, rarely is it worth even attempting to read any truth into anything managers say about anything these days."

I absolutely agree with that sentiment.

We are getting worse week by week. Gomes was the new saviour a few weeks ago now he cant last the pace. My point is we do not have a solid midfield. We need somebody with an engine (as per Macca of old). If we are told he is fit then why is he not getting game time. I agree with Kieran we are not getting the full story.

If Macca is not the answer then send on loans but we still we need somebody who can drive the team forward or hold the midfield together in the transfer window. What we have now is not good enough. We may hope for a good run in the FA Cup but I would be more concerned that our upcoming league games have playing the top 6 teams at home and those below us away in general. Worrying time I fear.

"Jay has the advantage though because he is able to deduce all kinds of information about fitness and player relationships by looking at publicity stills of training or video snippets of people celebrating goals."

I did no such thing. That's your own invention.

No psychic powers are necessary to take known facts and make reasoned deductions from them.

Try it for yourself sometime Kieran. You might come up with something intelligible and intelligent for once.

James McCarthy is clearly fit to train.

So am I.

There is a considerable difference being fit to participate in physical exercise and being fit to play in a PL, or FA Cup tie.

Silva has said he wants to trim the squad and logically an unfit(?) unwanted(?) McCarthy would seem to be the first out the door but Silva also said

"If you ask me what I want, I want James to be part of our squad. To answer directly to you," Silva told the Echo.

"Even if it looks strange because he is not playing often or he is not making the squad list often, but if you ask me directly I will tell you it is something I want, for him to be part of the squad until the end of the season and then let's see in the future because he has a contract (beyond that).

“To be honest, he has never knocked on my door to go until now."

No-one should be rested, only left out because they aren't in his best 11.

I'll try it. I know Cardiff just fired Bellamy for bullying, I am trying to figure out from pictures if they have replaced him with someone who has similar qualities :)

Sadly, most of the quotes are useless information anyway so I probably need to spend less time listening to the crap managers speak.

We are all true Everton supporters here airing our opinions on what we want best for the team. No need for infighting we have enough problems on the pitch.