Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion

If Richy is out he is hard to replace. I’m sure it’ll be Iwobi or Bernard in, but I’d like to see Gordon unleashed if our Brazilian can’t play.

Nkounkou should be on the bench at least, if we’re level going into the final fifteen his pace could cause all kinds of problems.

Looks like Kean is on the move too - a shame but I guess he keeps his value at the very least.

They’ve looked decent in the Carabao, now they need to repeat it in the League.

It's amazing under the tutelage of someone who is not only Globally famous but hugely successful, how most have been transformed. Many fringe players like Delph and Iwobi who hitherto seemed ill conceived buys have suddenly started to show signs of why we bought them in the first place.

Hopefully that improvement continues and we have so many options to confuse the opposition, and cover ourselves should injuries etc, kick in.

My gut is Richarlison makes it, because he’s made of rubber. Allan doesn’t and should give himself the full two weeks to get ready for the Derby.

I think we are going to see lots of goals as BHA looked very good against Utd. I'm going with another 5-2 home win taking us nicely into the break.

I don’t know the full extent of Allan and JJKs injuries but I doubt either will be available for selection this weekend bearing the manner they limped of the pitch.

Allan does a huge role, the heart beat of the team, so hopefully Delp can step up playing alongside Dacoure.

It will be interesting to see also if Delph hasn't got a Friday injury, so he too can’t play tomorrow. I say this as he rarely puts 2 or 3 games together in his time at EFC.

Richarlison is everywhere and his presence everywhere, the sparkle he brings to the team his immense.

This will test the squad but Anthony Gordon I’d like to think will be in the squad, Siggy, Bernard, Tom Davies, Iwobi, and maybe even Walcott.

These players are playing for their futures, and have massive challenges to stay within the squad.

Tomorrow I expect a tough game and each player must be fully focused and I’m sure Carlo will lay down the must, and I expect a few goals but EFC, to win 3-1.

I think Allan is a very different player than Delph. It is more likely that Doucoure will replace Allah's role and Delph or Gomes will do the box to box role Doucoure had. Gomes is a better playmaker than Delph going by his last performance.

The international break may have come at the right time and fingers crossed all the guys selected for their national teams get absolute no or minimal playing time!!

Their front 3 work tirelessly, chasing and closing opposition players down and midfielders all appear good on the ball with good energy.

Easily could have and maybe should have put 5 past man utd but for the woodwork and unlucky rebounds.

It should be a good entertaining game with plenty of goals. This is a mental test as much as anything. Players not rested in the midweek Cup, several injuries and our lack of pace at the back could be exposed.

Full focus, commitment and energy every game. I don't want another 'easy 3 points' chat or slack performance. But hopefully a thoroughly entertaining winnable game.

I’ve had the same thoughts as you, but with Nkounkou playing further forward. His crossing is very good and he enjoys taking a player on. It wouldn’t disrupt the back four either.

I wonder if if we will swap Doucore to the left of the midfield 3 to deal with Lamptey who's a real threat (what a bargain at £3m, where were you on that one Brands?!).

Allan will be big miss and not sure Delph will be able to play another 90 mins after having been out for so long.

Great to have decent options rather than fingers crossed, hope so and so, can contribute as we have nought else.

Justin @11, Yes I too have been a bit surprised with what I've seen of them this season, he already had some good players Maupay, Trossard, and Connolly and now Lamptey is earning, and deservedly so, rave reviews. Not to be taken lightly, they will try and hit us on the break down the channels, but I think we will have, despite being under-strength too much for them, plus home advantage (?).

I will happily take a narrow scrappy one goal win, go into the rather stupidly timed international break with a 100% record and hopefully no injuries.

Predicted starting XI:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Doucoure Delph
James Gomes Siggy
DCL

Bench:

Lossl, Nkounkou, Davies, Iwobi, Bernard, Gordon, Kean

Use Gordon and keep Fabian.

Play Matt Peninggton too in place of Mina.

Does anyone know what the situation is with Gbamin? Is he likely to be back fit this side of Christmas?

This game is another potential banana skin. As Derek says, we've had good runs, mainly at Goodison, in the past and tripped up when it's started to look promising. If we could get a win and have 7 wins from 7 games before the international break then it almost takes some of the pressure off the derby game. Even if we were to lose to that lot, it would still have been a great start to the season given that many of us thought we'd lose our opener at Spurs.

As Lyndon has said they have a couple elf very decent players. Maupay is on form and will be a thorn all afternoon, Allan would have kept him in check. Delph will have to keep him out of the game.
Pickford has been a bit better the last two games, keeping it more simple. He needs to keep improving though to convince he is up to the job.

I agree with the sentiment that we have more quality than Brighton and if we match them for fight and stay focused we will win. James is in a different dimension from anyone in the Brighton team and would bet on DCL or Richie (if fit) not scoring?

In short, there’s too much quality throughout the team for Brighton to cope with.

Everton 3 Brighton 1

Right now, they have three points. Our adjusted team should be capable of taking the win, provided there is no slip-up in attitude with the changes.

They should be worrying more about James than we are about them.

However, it is the strength of character in Landon that I admire. It is this strength of character that has been missing from our team over recent years and I think, with Moshiri, Ancelloti, Brands, James, Allen, Doucore and others, who are now on the board, we are starting to build a strong culture back in to the club that is being and will be further reflected in our performances on the pitch. Build a solid base and then grow from there. Wasn't there a saying some years ago "don't build a house on sand" or something like that?
COYB

Watching the recent performances, we're not the polished article yet but we certainly have a strength that has been missing in recent seasons. Up to Carlo to decide the strategy fro this game but I doubt we will go defensive. Wide in attack and narrow in defence I expect. Simples (if only?)

To me that puts Sigi and Delph in,

Hope Richie doesn't have to play whilst on the margins of fitness, we can't afford a longer absence.

Even more impressive is that by forfeiting they knew they were eliminating themselves from playoff contention, and still did so on principle.

Yeah, I mean he only made 34 passes with a 94.4% pass completion rate.

Delph will presumably play for Allan and Sigurdsson (or possibly Iwobi?) For Gomes.

Hope Richarlison passes the late test as I'd say (with many worthy contenders) that he's been our best player so far this season and his goals/threat from the left wing can not be replicated by anyone else we have currently.

With regards to the latest addition to the squad it looks to me as if he will be a starter in the near future as he adds pace at the back and Mina has proved to be one of our weak links.

Carlo Brighton Presser

Not dire news on the injuries. The worst is JJK, minimum 4 weeks out. Allan out but will be 100% fit after the two week break. Richy touch and go. Will have a fitness test before tomorrow's game. Gomes just misses out. Could have been fit for a Sunday/Monday game.

The only player of that quartet we can't adequately cover is Richy. What he brings to the team is unique.

As for Brighton, Carlo expects an open game and the winner will be who has the best defence. Yes, we have to be focussed or the bubble may burst. He has made the players aware of that.

There seems to be some inflated concerns on TW of the 'threat' Brighton carry. Yes, they played well (in the league) against United, but the truth of the matter is they have conceded 3 goals in all 3 home games they have played this season, once to Chelsea, twice to United. Their only league points have come away to Newcastle.

I would argue that currently we are comfortably better than all 3 of those teams. Nothing less than a record-breaking 7th consecutive win for me tomorrow.

With Gomes also injured I would like to see Bernard start in his position as he has the necessary skill and guile - but I am sure it will be Sigurdsen. Delph should replace Allan. Iwobi will replace Richarlison. Gordon, Bernard and Davies on the bench. It's a decent team still.

With doing this and the weeks break, we will then have them all back for the Derby apart from Kenny, but sure Coleman would have started anyway.

Been a very long time since we went into a Derby, with a full strength squad.

I think we have enough cover to see Brighton out, well as they may be playing, I fancy Everton to keep their momentum going.

These coming in are now realising they are not going to get an easy ride and picked, they now have to fight for their places.

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Doucoure Delph
James Siggy Richarlison
DCL

If Richarlison is also unavailable (God forbid), then I think Iwobi will be his replacement, although I would prefer Bernard myself.

SUBS: Lossl, Nkounkou, Davies, Iwobi, Gordon, Bernard, Simms

New, quality signing out, decent options on the bench. This is why Delph was Signed last season, to be in and around the first team but not a iron clad starter. Allan out? Delph in for a game or two.

Having Siggy as a sub option? That’s where we should be. He is a capable operator when playing in his preferred role but we now have real quality in the first 11.

If Kean goes there will be someone else inbound.

Not sure what they can do for the Brighton game apart from playing Kean with DCL and hopefully it will work out well unless they play Gylfi behind DCL in a 4-4-1-1 formation so that Gylfi can possibly add some firepower following up from knockdowns.

As always every game is tough in the Prem. so they need to get the upper hand early before Brighton can settle in to a comfort zone.

They are dangerous and can play good football but, as long as Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Sigurdsson are playing, we have more firepower.

Delph and Doucouré can cover for Allan and my only concern is Yerry Mina who has not been in good form so far. I would even consider playing Digne there again as this Brighton team is no longer a 'punt the ball up to a big lump' style of football and are quite quick on the break which is not Mina's forte.

If Richarlison is out, I would not play the headless chicken and Gordon seems to be out of favour at the moment so it looks like Bernard for me.

Pickford
Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne
Delph, Sigurdsson or Bernard, Doucoure
James, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Bench: Lossl. Nkounkou, Gordon, Davies, Iwobi, Kean, Bernard or Sigurdsson (depending on who is in the first 11).

This side should still be strong enough to defeat Brighton.

Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Doucouré Sigurdsson Delph
James Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

Nkounkou a cert on the bench so, if Mina takes a knock, Digne can step in at centre-back.

Bernard, Gordon and Iwobi are a bit unlucky to be on the bench (if that team is right ) but it's up to them to force their way in.

We must be watching different Minas. The one I've been seeing has been very, very good except for one half of one game.

Nobody has mentioned Gordon, but if Richarlison is out I'd like to see the kid get a start on the left flank. He shares Rich's attack-off-the-dribble philosophy and works equally hard tracking back.

Kev #66, good shout but it wasn't just Landon, it was the entire San Diego club. They forfeited a game they were leading 3-1 in order to protect an openly gay teammate. The most bizarre part was when Landon was arguing with the opposing coach, the guy asked him "How long have you been playing soccer?”

One of great things about our fair City are our links with Ireland, and so there are so many Irish expressions in use. "gobshite" is one such.

My other favourite is the word "banjaxed", which was one of our son's first words, learnt from his Mayo grandad.

It's going to be a long season this and we just can't take chances on him. If he's not 100% then max a place on the bench to at least show the oppo he may come on but let the kid recover properly. You can not recover from strained ligaments or tendons in 3 days, just not possible.

Sigurdsson or Iwobi need to step up. I still don't know why we signed Iwobi but he's got to show up at some point. We know what Sigurdsson can do but he has no pace. Him and James in the front 3 would give few options

Problem for Carlo, it's why he's paid £1m/month.

Won't be easy but think we can grind something out. James is class and will again be crucial to the outcome.

If anything, at least the injuries came at a good time. Players can recover and not join the international squads.

If Mina plays tomorrow I will put a different pair of glasses on to see if I see him differently but to me so far this season he has looked unsure of himself and uncomfortable.

You also need to change your glasses because I mentioned Gordon in the very post you picked up on.

I rate Gordon and he seems desperate to get on the score sheet but has been ignored by Carlo recently and I don't think he's injured.

Seamus and Digne really need to be on their toes as Connolly and Maupay will run the channels cleverly. Breath too heavily on Connolly and he'll go to ground. I've watched him come through the Irish underage system and he's intelligent beyond his years. Reference last season when he put his foot under Keane's foot and the ref pointed to the spot.

Any sort of win tomorrow will do. In off somebody's arse in added time or a cruel deflected goal; yes, we'll sympathise with them... but 3 points and it's then a happy fortnight

I wouldn't risk Richarlison, not least because if Dom gets injured, who else plays up top? It should be Kean, but they are saying he is 'ill' and that is often code for being unsettled or in a funk. Hope I'm wrong.

I am concerned, however, that Rodriguez might not make the derby due to having an international match 3 days before and travelling back to the UK.

It will be our luck he doesn't start against them.

He's also the team clown and one of the best scenes features him sledging the beast that is Ederson, during keeper training, who then boots a ball full on at his head before chasing him down the tunnel.

“Gobshite” a vulgar noun Irish /English to describe a stupid or incompetent person.

Ergo, “All Kopites are Gobshites”.

Bit of good news, Derek Knox just emailed me that he's out of hospital and back home, albeit with more scans ahead.

With back-to-back losses, I am sure Brighton will try and put that right tomorrow, they went to Newcastle and scored 3 in about 15 minutes a couple of weeks back, so they do carry a goal threat.

I guess Doucouré will start and maybe Delph in midfield. I know after the international break we have a tough run of games, so it will be nice to pick up a win tomorrow to keep the confidence sky high.

I'd expect Delph to slot in for Allan and Sigurdsson for Gomes. Sigurdsson was very good against West Ham so I'm not worried about Gomes being out.

I agree with you regarding Gordon and I love his pace and directness but I just have a feeling that Carlo is trying to dampen his expectations, likewise with Kean who he said had been ill and didn't train all week which seems a bit of a porky to me.

Either Kean is off or he is being told to knuckle down and behave himself and not get his agent, who was so keen to bring him here, to try and engineer a loan move back to Juventus.

Carlo specifically said in his presser that Kean was a big investment and his "future" was at Everton. We shall see on Monday night. He also said there would be some surprises?

"Banjaxed" has been one of my all-time favourite words since I met my wife's Waterford family 35 years ago. James Joyce would have been proud of it.

Delph? I don't think so, particularly after playing a full game on Wednesday.

7 from 7? I wish. Maybe if Richarlison is passed fit. If not, I fancy a score draw and the end of our winning run. I hope I'm wrong.

Full support. Onward Evertonians! 💙

It’s not just the telly though, surely the league should have changed the venue, considering the last Merseyside Derby, was also played at Goodison behind closed doors.

Brighton first though, no easy games in this league, so hopefully the blues can get another three points tomorrow, even with these injuries in our squad. It’s another big test, because it’s impossible to achieve anything without a big squad nowadays, so let’s hope the players are up to the task.

What is your wife's family name and what part of Waterford?

But I truly think this man has our essence; everything about him. Grace, that's the word.

As for the season: keep on, beautifully; game after game after game after game; next up Brighton.

Shut the RS, and everyone else, right out; until it is their turn. Stay calm and within ourselves. Just like James.

Yes (if fit to travel) Mina and James will play in Colombia on Saturday v Venezuela at the same time Richy plays at home v Bolivia. They both then play away on Tuesday at the same time. Colombia at low level Chile. Brazil in high altitude Peru.

Lest we forget, Liverpool also has 3 players likely to feature for Brazil - Alisson, Fabinho and Firmino.

Arguably, their players face a more daunting pair of fixtures than our Colombian pair.

Subs: Lossl, Nkounkou, Davies, Bernard, Iwobi, Kean or Simms and Gordon.

Nice part of the world, up the deise and up the toffees!!

It's inevitable that we feel this way.

But this is Brighton - a good team who don't know how to win. Trossard and Lamptey are teh two players we need to watch out for.

But we've got the leagues in-form striker, we've got a world class creator, we've got a beast of a box-to-boxer.

We'll win. 2-0 the blues. DCL and Doucoure. Then Ross Barkley will score a late equaliser against the shite and we'll go 2 points ahead of them.

Didn't realise such a big Waterford connection here on ToffeeWeb

The Mrs converted me into a deise and munster fan and she is now a proud toffee lady.

Coyb

Tomorrow will be a tough game and another 3 pts will be a massive statement of intent just before the international break.

Lived there until I met my wife and we have lived in Tramore Co Waterford for the last 20 years or so. Where in Waterford are you from yourself Richard?

Last time I visited Goodison was with another big Toffee's fan Tom Beglin, brother of Jim Beglin who of course played for the dark side and was born across the road from us in Gracedieu Road.

Living in Dublin now. Get down every couple of months for a few pints.

Craig @102. Few things nicer in life than a red lead blaa in the morning with a mug of tea.

I'm ok with Sigurdsson for Gomes. I reckon both will rotate quite a bit through that 3rd midfielder role this season.

Allan missing concerns me, not just because of how good he is, but because Brighton are really good where he operates. Trossard moves cleverly into that space. He's a player I like a lot - he could have scored 4 against United, and probably should have scored at least two. He won't always hit the woodwork.

If we select Delph then that shows just how finely balanced our improvement is. He did really well in the Carabao cup, but we all know he's not the player we want in the Premier League. If he's the Allan replacement then our lack of depth makes us an upper mid table team.

Honestly, I'd ask Davies to play with Doucoure. We're not going to get a good replacement - might as well have some energy and bite. And can Davies look better in a better side? It's untested so far, and I think he has earned the chance to prove how he can look with better players around him.

Personally I'd go with (Richi's fitness permitting):
Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Doucoure Davies
Gylfi
James DCL Richarlison

If Richarlison is out then maybe Kean out wide. I don't rate the kid at all but he's a willing runner - and James spraying the ball out wide ahead of Richarlison on the move from wide left has been a huge part of our game. I don't see Iwobi or Bernard giving us that. Kean can keep Lamptey honest in his wing back role. Lamptey has been good, but he overcommits and will leave space.

Suddenly feels like we need to be back in the transfer market.

Were this at the AMEX, I'd be a bit more wary, but with the game being at home, I fancy our chances more, even with the injuries.

Another comfortable win, and a DVD entitled The Magnificent 7 😉

Come to think of it, wouldn't mind a bit if that for Everton.

Delph played in a fine City side at fullback and performed well. I would take his extra bite in midfield before Davies, we have seen Delph perform with better players around him the same can not be said of Davies although the whole squad should now be more confident and hungry if a chance to play comes there way.

Be nice to go into the International break with another win. The injured players would hopefully be fully recovered but the Premier League is tough and the it will have to be earned.

The other one is just a wind-up, because I find it hard to watch BT SPORT, without getting the impression that it definitely favours our neighbours.

Fuck Liverpool though, the only match that’s important to Everton right now, is the one this afternoon. I just wish I could go inside a packed Goodison Pk, to witness it.

Our manager has said that quality players make football look easy and consequently have far more time and vision. Bolasie failed to score an open goal and showed none of the above qualities. Contrast that with Iwobi hitting the post twice in consecutive cup games and providing an assist.

Once again in the Cup games he tried Digne in the centre-back position and that worked really well. Now he hopefully has bought Ben Godfrey, who has played in many positions, one of which is a defensive midfielder. His aim was to have him in place before this game so he could slot into Allan's role. He can also play right-back.

I would be amazed if Richarlison was available for today's game and Kean is ruled out. So who can move around the oppositions half drawing players and creating space for Calvert-Lewin, Sigurdsson and themselves? It has to be either Gordon or Iwobi.

I think Ajay Gopal (59) has the correct subs list. I would not be surprised if we saw 15 mins of Ellis Sims. I think I am correct in saying Ellis has scored more goals than the number of games he has played in which is quite a feat. The only players close to that statistic are Ronaldo and Messi.

A lot of debate about defeating Liverpool has taken place. Beating them is important; our team visibly deflated when we lost to Pickford's and Origi's goal. When we beat them, it will say to the rest of the Premier League, "If you want to match us, then you need to beat them as well."

In today's game Calvert-Lewin may have as many as two or three players on him thus creating space for shots and slot ins from other players.

Gone are the days when we closed for football after scoring a goal. Now the thought is: "Why not go for 5?"

Just imagine a packed Goodison and the effect and uplift that would give to the likes of James and Richy.

I am sure it would boost their flair even further, to know they are loved and appreciated by the faithful and success starved hordes of Evertonians.

And yes, I did vote for Richarlison.

Players fly off to all corners of the planet this week mixing with different groups of people, surely a recipe for disaster.

Otherwise I agree with Will #125, it's all become a farce.

Is there any news on Richarlison? I think we’re going to really need his forward running today.

Really hope that Richarlison is fit as though they are good players none of Bernard, Iwobi or Gordon can come close to what he does for the team and the goal threat that he offers.

The first test of our squad depth. I think the raised the bar of the first team should hopefully bring the best out of the likes of Delph, Sigurdsson and Iwobi if they feature. But Allan will be missed.

Hoping for another happy blue weekend.

Brighton look like a side that are more comfortable attacking than defending, and with many of their regular first team rested for their Caraboa cup in midweek will come here fresh. There is no doubt the new players seem to have energised the whole squad, with a more positive outlook, that Ancelotti was calling for. I do think if Richarlison misses the game he will be a big miss, but with the confidence of winning 6 on the bounce I think we will have enough quality and just as important the desire to want to keep this run going. No game in the Premier league is easy and being home behind closed doors isn't the same as having 40,000 Evertonians cheering you on. But a win before an international break would be ideal.

From my view it's most football fans Brian (#132). My mum and younger brother are (sadly) RS and they were sweating the end of the long unbeaten run they enjoyed. When Watford finally rolled them I think it was almost a relief, even though they were desperate to beat the Arsenal record.

It's a big squad so we shouldn't be too worried about Allan and Richy missing out.

Enjoy the moment blues!

I remember our bubble bursting big time at home to United in the 70's I think we were 28 games unbeaten and they came to GP and thrashed us IIRR 6-2 I seem to remember Macari scoring 4 I think it was. George Wood's back was never the same after that bending to pick the ball out of the net.

So a 7 game run would not make you as completely deflated as that but I don't want it to end all the same.

As to Waterford, I went there once, to visit the Waterford Crystal factory it was shut!!

Or, maybe he is supporting Wigan now! :-)

I have to go back in, probably as an Out-Patient for Heart and Lung Tests, nurses were brilliant but some of the Doctors didn't seem to be reading from the same hymn sheet, and not in liaison with each other either.

Thanks for asking, and all TW'ers who wished me well.

I Posted this on TDH FB Page this morning - - https://www.facebook.com/The-Dark-House-Blues-105117249592273/videos/344348733676103

Says it all.

“Oh my dear, oh my dear sweet love
Oh my dear, oh my dear sweet love
When I'm away from you, when I'm away from you
Well I feel, yeah, well I feel so sad and blue
Well I feel, well I feel so sad and blue
Oh my dear, oh my dear, oh my dear sweet love
When I'm away from you, I just have to sing, my hymns
Hymns to the silence, hymns to the silence”

Before we move towards 3.00 clock let’s try and keep the “posso” waves going. We have as Evertonians endured years' on poor results, false promises - - let them go - - enjoy this moment - -soak it all in - - shout it out - - sing and dance - -I am not reading a single post that has “bubble bursting” or the likes in it - - I am floating on The Big Blue Astral and enjoying every single moment of it.

“And in the quietness we sank into restful slumber in silence
And carried on dreaming in God.
And it's always being now, and it's always being now
It's always now
Can you feel the silence?”

I absolutely love the Songs/Videos - - even the crazy ones - - it’s about time - - It’s Our Time - - Now - - Love It.

When I was in hospital I manged to ensure I saw all the games - - I had all the staff asking about Everton - - even The Consultant on her rounds would say “Everton doing well “ Come On Everybody - - let’s enjoy it.

I ask the Live Forum to maintain “posso” waves:

Oddball: Don’t hit me with them negative waves so early in the morning. Think the bridge will be there and it will be there. It’s a mother, beautiful bridge, and it’s gonna be there. Ok? Have a little faith. Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?”

I am sitting inside my room - - the weather is dreadful - - wet and windy - - but who cares - - we are all under a wonderful Blue Sky”

“The weather is frightening
The thunder and lightning
Seem to be having their way
But as far as I'm concerned
It's a lovely day
Let the rain pitter-patter
But it really doesn't matter
If the skies are gray
Long as I can be A BLUE
It's a lovely day”

Let’s wallow - - roll about - - drink - - eat - - sing - - jump - - laugh - - in our Blue Blue Heaven:

“Hurry to my blue heaven
Turn to the right, there's a little white light
Will lead you to my blue heaven”.

I am going to check the team news now - - and whatever team Mr. Ancelotti picks - - I am with him and fully behind them.

I am sending Blue Posso Cosmic Waves right out of the window, into the air, above the grey clouds, into The Blue and on to The Astral to all Fellow Blues - - with a firm handshake - - your friend - - George - - sending good wishes to you all - get well Derek - - glad you are Home.

Plus, the rest of our squad have a lot of different type of players, so it's hard for the opposition teams to prepare any plan.

For example, if you see Gordon on the sheet, in the past he's played left centre, left midfield and forward, so his name on the team sheet gives nothing away at all. Plus the shape can change at any moment and top players will still play exceptional there, like James or Doucoure or Digne.

Blimey, I know Davies splits opinions on TW but...

I’m hoping unlike the WBA game we start with intensity and blow these guys away.

George (155), glad to see you back on form, George, you’re right “ It’s a lovely day today” and I hope it stays that way never mind the weather.

Take your recovery nice and slow George, don’t get too excited when that fourth goal goes in and your bet comes up!!