West Ham United vs Everton

We will have to be stronger in the middle of the park and hopefully the weeks rest after so many games together will have given the lads time to recharge their batteries. Plus Carlo has had more time to spend with them which it is hoped will bring further improvements.

Sidibe has been a bit off the last couple of games so I would go for Lyndons team with this change at RB.

Personally I’d drop Siggy. Schniederlin and Davies, Bernard and Walcott as a diamond.

Bonnie and Clyde up front. It’s West ham, we always win against them

Pickford
Sidibe
Keane
Mina
Digne
Delph
Holgate
Bernard
Richarlison
Kean
Calvert-Lewin

It's going to be a Keane and Mina pairing this week as he will continue to rotate the centre-backs.

I’ve just been googling what happens when two black holes collide. I was hoping that it was going to throw up some kind of double negative situation that would end up reducing the overall size of the black hole.

Apparently not.

Let’s just stick with Sigurdsson.

West Ham are hardly free scoring and, with that new keeper coming in, we should be aiming to put him under pressure from the off.

Hope Carlo gets his substitutions right this week. Again.

Did I mention Schneiderlin ? No, no, no.

Full support.
Onward Evertonians 💙

Schneiderlin - no.

Sidebe
Keane
Holdgate
Digne

Bernard
Chocolate tea pot
Ash tray on a motorbike
Chocolate fireguard

Richarleson
Dcl

I thought he was past his best, which of course his best years now are in the past, he’s still got a lot to offer with that left foot and football brain.

Digne could have some games to recharge himself and get himself in a better place, I’d more than happily see Baines start tomorrow or on Tuesday night, he’s capable of doing it.

I'm with Lyndon's lineup.

Ancellotti appears to want the ball played forward more, so let’s hope the players follow his tactical instructions.

We have enough quality to beat them, but it will be an arm wrestle. 2-0 Everton.

Rob @ 12, too much chocolate there in midfield, not enough Crunchie in tackles, Twirl in tricks or Lion in courage.

Seriously though, I obviously want us to win, and think that can be possible but only with a fully spirited Duncan's first game style of approach. The Hammers seem to have improved slightly under Moyes, now that he is ' back home ' but they can be hit and miss!

Phil@15 i'm not a big fan of Keane (never was) but you can't say he's 'not great in the air'. He wins more headers per match than most CBs in the league, beaten only by Tarkowski, Maguire and Van Dijk I believe.

Think I'd probably start the same team as played Brighton given the lack of alternatives. Hope Gordon and Kean get some minutes and maybe a goal.

Should be a feisty game, we will need to battle it out head to head. The boys in the middle of the park will have to match Rice etc. for aggression to win the match.

The way our boys are creating some good chances I fancy DC-L and Richie to bag one or two between them. Antonio is injured for West Ham and he one of their biggest threats so I am hopeful of a narrow hard earned win.

West Ham 1 Everton 2

As for Everton, I wouldn’t attempt to predict any result until the midfield is sorted out, very, very weak at the moment and not sure it will be improved when the injuries clear up, or at least to see how the injuries have affected those coming back.

Picks
Coleman Keane Holgate Digne
Bernard Davies Baines Rich
DCL Kean

Won't happen, but hey-ho, that's what I'd love to see.

One thing is for certain - we can not lose to Moyes. Jesus, please no.

I like Michael Keane. Keane's problem is he was put in a Silva system that plays a higher line. When poor Michael is back-tracking and turning like the QE2, he's comedically ugly and ineffective.

When Keane is played to his strengths, playing deep and just defending, he's a more than capable, dare I say damn good CB.

Play him deep. Keep everything in front of him. Old fashioned CB. He's fine.

Link

Not good news. Yerry Mina is available, but both Richarlison and Siggy out. Could be available Tuesday.

He really is the one player who has real, top class talent. That's trouble.

Holgate will move into midfield with Siggy out, and pair with Davies. Holgate was excellent with Davies the last time they paired up.

Like I said before I hope we do win, and believe even with what we have got available, we can do it, but will have to be on the top of our game.

The added spice of having Moyes in the dug-out should be the spur for most of the ones that remember him, although there are not many left that do.

On transfer speculation, very specifically the Everton Soares rumour, he was quite curt. "Just to be clear I am not going to talk about players that are not here."

When pressed again, he replied: "We are looking at a lot of players and there are a lot of good players around the world."

No hints as to who is being drafted in for the injured players.

Gotta go with Holgate in for Siggy in front of the back four -- Mina's return makes that an obvious move.

And yes, definitely Baines in this game. Give Digne a bit of a break.

So:

Pickford
Coleman-Keane-Mina-Baines
Sidibe-Holgate-Davies-Bernard
Kean-DCL

Not much firepower in that lineup. Tough game.

I think that glorious win at OT in December 2013 (I will love Oviedo forever) was the last real Moyes "revenge" game. Since then he's just been another opposing manager.

I’d plat Baines for his tactical nous, and delivery, as Digne, as effectively lost his delivery skills he showed so well, last season.

But the forwards will get opportunities and they must take them.

I’m sensing a few goals tomorrow so Ill settle for a 1-3, victory and no doubt Ginger Gollum, will have his plan, but also Duncan, will be key in his nous to counteract this plan.

Hopefully a good game tomorrow and victory for EFZc.

Sam - 26
Interesting stat but I had a look and Keane wasn't near the top ten for headers won for what I could find. In fact Zouma and DCL have both won more than him this season

Jamie - 33
I completely hear what you are saying and I think when he played for Burnley he looked better due to the reasons you mention. However, we want to play a higher pressing game and it appears to be the most effective philosophy in the league at present.
Therefore, I think it only substantiates why he isn't suited for us

He knows he's on a decent contract and will milk it like many others until it runs out!

As for that other waste of space Cuckoo Martina, that was another Koeman getting mates in on the Gravy Train, with little concern that he would not improve Everton one iota!

Can we give the 'I hate Scheiderlin' fest a rest please, its become boring.

And Niasse has every right to reject Championship loans if what he wants is to be sold. Meanwhile, according to Unsworth, he's working with young Ellis Simms as he did before with DCL on work rate and movement.

Sam and Philip, not sure about overall headers won but Keane is currently 18th in the Prem in headed clearances with 44.

Just to wind people up, if things go well I'm sure we'll see Schniederlin come on midway through the second half to shore things up...

Carlo is clearly mindful of playing players with knocks. That's why he has managed Mina's game time as he has.

They are clearly our three best centre backs at the club. A big step up for the likes of Feeney and Gibson (himself just returning from injury).

Constantly playing all three together, if one or more gets injured it leaves us seriously depleted at the heart of our defence.

He has some serious issues upstairs with his confidence and lack of awareness.

Concentration throughout the game is key to CBs and he just doesnt have it.

With Mina carrying an injury it would be dangerous to play them both together but we may have no choice if Holgate has to play MF.

With our 2 best goalscorers out I feel far less optimistic than I did last night but hopefully with the rest they've had the lads can put some energy into this one. I see a low scoring game with us winning by the odd goal (hopefully).

Arent we unbeaten against Moyes since he left. Perhaps one of the stattos can confirm this?

Some tittering about selecting Schniederlin early in thread for my team.

You are all right, he should never play again for Everton. However, we have two games in 4 days and Ancelotti will pick him for one of those games. It’s more likely the away fixture rather than at home, we’re we are less likely to have the ball.

Ancelotti to date has picked a team with balance and selected players in their given position. The idea of Holgate playing CM is unlikely simply because we lose more from him not being at centre back than we gain him being in centre midfield imo. Moreover, mix in Mina’s fragile fitness, you want a centre back on the bench, like for like, rather than moving the team around if Holgate is in midfield.

Revised after injury news 4-💎-2

Pickford
Sidibé, Mina, Holgate, Baines
Schniederlin
Walcott Bernard
Davies
DCL Kean.

Chin up guys this ones there for the taking.

To just abandon him is a joke, especially as bare bones as we are in midfield.

We all need scapegoats and Siggy and Schneids seems to be our double act at the moment.

If fit we have to use him. Plus you cant compare Schneids to Shandy Andy.

Cant comment on Schneids being a prick don't really know the lad.

Most people seem guardedly optimistic. And that's good. It seems every single time we think Everton can bank 3 points before a ball is kicked, we shit the bed.

Here's hoping they are confident and hungry.

Three points, climb the table, nothing less please.

Agree Holgate comes into the centre mid position.

Think he may give Richie's role to the more experienced Walcott, initially.

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Sidibie Holgate Davies Bernard
Walcott / DC-L

Kean on for the last 30mins and scores the winner

The thing is, Ancelotti’s pragmatism will see him pick Schniederlin. One of the key reasons we won both the Newcastle and Burnley games in short order was utilizing the squad even if several of them are not up to snuff.

This double header is no different. It is also very likely he’ll have a couple more players to choose from come Newcastle.

Let’s also remember he paired him with Siggy v the RS. For me that had so much down side, I was surprised he did so. That’s a very valid point you make.

Right now he is the only genuine holding midfielder we have available. He’ll deffo get picked, regardless of how bad he has been. Asking others to play there is not a good idea, play players in their preferred position. Occasionally a guy can pull a performance out of the bag playing out of position, but it’s a big ask.

Who is the alternative without taking away the balance from the team?

I attend every football match with an open mind, hoping that the Gods are on our side. Of course, I'm disappointed when things go against us, but accept that this is the way of football. At the age of 81, I have come to terms with the vagaries of the game, and enjoy or suffer whatever comes my way.

A game next Tuesday coming quickly, why risk having a rookie centre back on the bench and a centre back in midfield?

Surely it’s more likely to pick Holgate and Keane, with Mina benched and give him the time to heal properly? Play him Tuesday, when Ancelotti will have more players to pick from?

Pickford
Coleman, Keane Mina. Digne
Davies Holgate Delph
Walcott Calvert-Lewin Bernard

I think the manager will play safe to get points and have Sidibe,Kean Baines on the bench for cover.

With regards Holgate playing at CM ahead of MS, my heart just sinks when I see Morgan's name on the teamsheet. I would feel more confident of a result with Holgate. As you say though, Mina's situation will determine it.

Key defensive matchup will be Digne versus Lanzini, who has caused us problems in the past. Keep him quiet and we should be able to keep a clean sheet.

In the home v Der Hammers, our midfield of Davies-Gomes-Iwobi ran them ragged. Rice didn't get a sniff all game. We coasted to a 2-0 win.

We have shortcomings in midfield. So do they. That's why they are still in the sticky smelly stuff.

My team would be:

Pickford
Sidibe Kean Holgate Digne
Walcott Davies Delph Bernard
DCL Kean

Mina seems to be a doubt. We should consider bringing in Baines at left back and pushing Digne to left midfield if we need to shuffle things around. I’d be interested to see him on the left side of midfield, I’m sure he could do a job there, a bit like Sidibe has done on the right.

What I don’t want to see is Schneiderlin, either from the start or as sub. He has let us down too many times. I’d literally play anyone at the club there ahead of him. Sigurdsson is on borrowed time also unless he miraculously picks up. Let’s hope Kean can get a goal, there’s not many goals in this team so we could do with him breaking his duck...

That's an excellent point. Rich's backtracking will be sorely missed.

I agree Kean has to break his duck soon and cant wait for it to happen especially given the opportunity of a less than capable west Ham defence.

My concern for some time has been our MF even before the injuries. I would have hoped Gordon or Adeniran would have warranted some first team game time.

Jay, have you seen Adeniran play much? I don't think there is anything he does very well, and if you consider him to be an elite Premier League player, then I'm afraid he's not good enough. He's a kid and he can get better, for sure, but better players for the u23s than him have failed. It says a lot that he remains with the first team, but it also says a lot that he's failed to make the bench even once this season.

If Richarlison and Tosun are not available for West Ham, then surely that's Niasse and Gordon coming onto the bench. Can't see room for anyone else. It'd be great to see Simms in contention though.

Dunc an£ his insight of working with Moyes is also key, but I still expect EFC, to win.

Jordan Pickford and the defence won’t be playing any kamikaze back or side pass’s in or across the box, and I’d start Baines for his guile, experience and deadball prowess.

A tougher game but still winnable. Win this one with such a depleted squad, the confidence and belief will set us up nicely for the Barcodes.

Tomorrow first and Moise to break his duck.

We go with what we got

You mean...He does fuck all.

As John senior says it's hard to predict games but I'm hoping we win.

The Frenchman must play and play well to get his move away.

Carlo I trust... it's the players I doubt!

Everton have to get a grip on midfield and high press, because Moyes is going to try to push up and compress midfield.

Playing Schneiderlin tomorrow will only signal one thing to me, defeat!

I would rather play the tea-lady, who can boot a mean muffin across the floor to it's target, with more accuracy and purpose than that overpaid piece of detritus.

I also apologise for starting a running theme now, but try and lay off knocking the players on here. i'm sure they get to know what the fans think anyway. Give them your opinion but try not to denigrate them; we just don't know their personal situation either, never mind their apparent footballing skill level.

The reason being, this is the squad Carletto has to work with. (For now) We have injury problems for tomorrow/today. This is the last double header with a four day turn around for a while, so Carletto will have to utilise his remaining squad members the best way HE sees fit. In order to try and win the game for EFC and the Fans! Then he can properly rest and coach/train the squad.

Try and get behind the squad, the whole squad, and cheer the lads on!

Confidence, as we know, is low and very fragile, just try and get behind whomever gets picked. If a mistake is made don't boo the player, urge them to try again and rectify it. If a player does some good work, applaud it. If we score, or win, go nuts!

As John McFarlane Snr. said @64 (With a little editing, and no permission to repeat.)

"Attend every football match with an open mind, hoping that the (Football) God's are on our side. Of course be disappointed when things go against us, but accept that this is the way of football. At any age come to terms with the vagaries of the game, and enjoy or suffer whatever comes my way."

May the best team win, which of course is EFC :D

Good luck and good wishes, Simon

Steve@80. Tosun???? Isn't he at Palace now?

Annika @75 , I have noted your views on Sigurdsson but I am of the opinion that the lad is very talented but needs the right set-up. I fear we may rue him missing tomorrow. I hope Bernard can get on the ball in that No 10 position. It's a big pitch out there in Stratford.

West Ham are a crap team who may well be relegated. We should beat them tomorrow.

Derek and Brian.

You can beat him up all you want, but if you really want him taken out, you need to hire the services of a proper assassin.

Snodgrass is fantastic at set pieces and will cause our defence all sorts of problems.

You've also got the othet reasons not to play him, he's a non trying, couldn't care less, deliberately hides from receiving the ball, waste of space.

We'd be better starting with ten rather than him.

2-1 win, DCL and Keane.

Enjoy the day blues.

I have no doubt he was telling the truth, but what is more worrying to me that there could only have been one person, who initiated that interview. It is highly unlikely that Marcel Brands or even Moshiri would have had any part in it.

The sooner Kenwright is booted off the Board with his poodle DBB, the better. Okay DBB has done well with EITC but did that merit a place on the Board?

And just to put things into context Brands told me my interview was the best that day.

Mind you he may have said that to stop me stalking him around WK marine lake. 🤪

On the train looking at the beautiful English countryside, and although I haven’t been for years nothing’s changed because it’s still full of familiar faces everywhere, drinking beer when Saturday comes, so let’s hope we see a good performance full of spirit, which will only happen if certain players get nowhere near the pitch.

That’s not a criticism, we all know that’s a fact, and although we will all get behind anyone who is wearing our blue shirt, it’s also a fact that this only happens when the players have a proper go. If they can’t do it for us, I hope they can at least do it for themselves, because nobody really wants to give the players stick, it’s much better when we’re all on the same page!

Speaking to a Hammers mate this morning and apparently a protest is planned around 1215 outside the stadium against Gold and Sullivan, so things could get interesting if its a repeat of last season.

I'm going as its like a home game for me, 25 minutes to Stratford. COYB.

Gordon apparently stalling/refusing to sign a new contract which expires in July, wonder if today's inclusion on the bench is to persuade him he is in the future plans?

Not a bad side with what we have available, just hope we get all 3 points again.