James set to miss Saints trip

What was it Fergie bizarrely said about such gamesmanship from Italian managers, "Every time I go to the Italian restaurant I check under the spaghetti." What a peculiar practice. Why even go a restaurant if you're thinking there's a nasty surprise hidden under the food.

I can see a change of tactics for Sunday being more defence based so I would see Doucoure and Allan in the middle with Gomes playing left and Siggy and Iwobi completing the lineup.

I would like to see Nkoukou give a chance in front of Digne but cant see it happening.

Richie's absence was expected, and to a degree self imposed by a rash late tackle, but he did have the genuinity to make a public apology to Alcantara.

The other side of my thinking is this, if we are to be genuine contenders for a top four finish we can't just rely on our conceived best starting eleven. Injuries and unfortunately suspensions are going to happen, but I didn't expect them this early.

We should have enough strength in depth, with Siggy/Bernard/Iwobi/Gordon, to either start or give options from the bench if needed. I don't in anyway underestimate Southampton either.

They have shown enough already to be taken as a team to be wary of, especially at home, they have some decent players too, in Ings, Redmond, Adams and Ward-Prowse. All capable of causing an upset if given time and space.

With Villa facing Leeds, and the RS at home to Sheffield United we can't let our position slip or concede points, keep the momentum going at all costs.

COYB

News Now mentioned JJK back to training on Tuesday and could possibly feature for Coleman

He got pulled by the cops for driving urgently up the motorway shoulder in traffic with an impending diarrhoea ejection some years back. Word was, he didn't make it. Funny as f*ck.

Pickford was going for the ball, was a bit late, and flattened Virgil Van Dijk.

The difference was that VVD looked like he was putting an intentional marker onto James at the start of the game. “You won't have it easy with me mate”

Whilst Pickford was just a dog going after a bone incident, stupid but no malice whatsoever.

Will Liverpool now be apologising for us being without a key player whilst we are trying to to stay top of the league?

Don't hold your breath

That's hilarious

I will still be pleasantly surprised if he makes the Southampton game though.

So, in for Richarlison, I would select Gordon. Then either Bernard or Iwobi for James. I think Bernard is better at emulating James by cutting inside and finding space and playing those passes. However, Bernard (and Iwobi) are right footed and so you'd need to inverse this by playing either of them on the left and then Gordon on the right.

Pickford
Godfrey Keane Mina Digne
Doucoure Allan Gomes
Gordon Calvert-Lewin Bernard

lmao that's horribly funny

I understand from someone who watched Liverpool against Ajax the commentator mentioned VVD 5 times and he wasnt even playing.
So I guess we had better get used to these senarios for at least a few games until something else becomes the talking point. All of a sudden we are being painted as an over aggressive side, maybe they much preffered the Everton of last year were we really didnt do tackling in midfield we had more of an after you Claude approach. So I quite like the fact that we are no longer considered push overs, and we arent a side now who will lie down and be walked over.

Hate to say it, but JP clobbered Ings at GP last year or the season before, "following through" on a clearance high up on his thigh.. and it actually looked pre-meditated.. he got away Scott-free that time.

Hope he has the right mindset this weekend.

COYB

Walcott is on loan so, as far as I'm aware, he can't play.

GK Olsen
RB Kenny LB Digne CD Mina CD Keane
CM Dacoure CM Allan CM Sigurdsson
AM Bernard AM Iwobi
CF Calvert-Lewin

Subs Pickford, Delph, Gomes, Godfrey, Gordon, Davis & Simms.

As Lyndon says, this game becomes even more of a test now, it was going to be tough to get 3 points anyway but, with no James and Richarlison missing, that's our main threat gone and the link up with Calvert-Lewin.

I think Iwobi has to play in Richarlison's position as he seems to be better on the left side than the right and has had a couple of assists from there. If James doesn't make it, then who goes in for him? Tough one...

At least, I blooming hope so as what do I do for my fantasy football team now!?

Bench. Pickford, Bernard, Gordon, Simms, Delph, Davies, Kenny

Several important match winning saves and a need to look resolute and behind our player has him in goal against Saints for me.

And obviously screw the Kopites for injuring our star man. Dirty team them lot, have always said it.

Sigurdsson is not a natural replacement for James - he just isn't forward looking enough and no longer provides the goal threat of his first season. I'm hoping that Gordon comes in for James, Kenny for Seamus and Iwobi for Richie. As 'like for like' as possible with the available players. To keep the momentum going we must maintain the forward threat and not retreat back into last season's shell by playing too deep and leaving DCL isolated and feeding off scraps.

I'd not drop Pickford, just on the principle of never, ever giving the RS what they want. I'd also give Gomes a final chance to recover some form, but have players ready to come on at half time if there's no improvement. I'd bring Nkounkou onto the bench with Simms.

We will have to be tight, give sod all away and work our little socks off with everyone on it from the off on Sunday. I believe we are now capable of that. Go to it boys. Bring back 3 points and here's to Lundstrum stunning the RS too.

Pickford, Godfrey, Mina, Keane, Digne, Allan, Doucoure, Siggy, Gomes, DCL, Iwobi.

I am not doubting that James will not play this weekend, I think he got injured in the tackle, but Carlo has used the situation to Everton's advantage and taken the heat off Pickford.

Southampton will be a very, very tough game. They ran circles around us in the game towards the end of last season, they were almost Liverpool good. Our midfield was pretty much non-existent that day, only Davies came out with any credit.

I would go 3-5-2 with Godfrey, Mina and Keane as our CBs and Digne and Kenny as wing backs. Or maybe Davies instead of Kenny as our right wing back to provide additional solidity and attacking intent.

Pickford
Godfrey Keane Mina
Davies Doucoure Allan Gomes Digne
DCL Siggy

Subs: Olsen, Kenny, Delph, Nkounkou, Bernard, Iwobi, Gordon

I would feel pretty confident about this team, hopefully we can get the points from this tough fixture.

If I met van Dijk, I might say "Sorry to hear about your injury" (or I might not!), which is using sorry in the context Ancelotti used it rather than as an apology.

I interpreted it the same way you did. It wasn't an acceptance of guilt it was "sorry for your luck" type thing.

Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Bernard are all senior players, fresh, fit and should be reading to go. They can make their claim to be integral to the season. Also, Gordon and Nkounkou will be ready to step in if Carlo thinks they are flying in training.

I think we will have a more of a defensive look to us for this match. With Carlo knowing we can pick them off from a corner , free kick or one sublime cross from Digne and win it narrowly.

I am thinking along the same lines as Ajay @ 42, with regards the 3-5-2, a set up where we can shut down the midfield battle and then grab the win.

Pickford
Kenny Mina Keane Digne
Allan Dacoure Sigurdsson
Iwobi DCL Bernard

That's my team

Big game, win this without a couple of our big players, and the confidence throughout the whole club, will become massive, and this would help create even more momentum for the players.

Both team and bench will be a lot weaker on Sunday but the new found confidence should be enough to at least get a point.

Once again, the media have isolated one phrase, taken it out of context, and put their own spin on what Carlo actually did say.

Carlo Update

Whilst Carlo uttered the words 'We are really sorry about Van Dijk's injury and hope he recovers quickly', that doesn't equate to submissive subservience, accepting culpability, as some are trying to portray it. It is a football man expressing sympathy to an opponent. That's all.

He clearly goes on to defend Jordan. That it was not premeditated, malicious or stupid. That the resulting feeding frenzy is too much and simply not true. That it was a football injury that can happen at any time, to any player, in the high-speed game of the PL.

Carlo does a pre-match presser every week. Under the pandemic, this takes the form of a Zoom call with him on camera, answering the questions of 5-6 remote journalists you hear, but don't see. Comically, in recent weeks, the final journalist you always hear is an enthusiastic lad from Colombia who Carlo jokes with.

'Let me guess. You are going to ask me a question about James!'

Usually they go out live on the day. That has not been the case with this one. This is clearly a less-than-five-minutes section, lifted from what is usually a 15 minute broadcast, with Carlo answering a single journalist.

Everton has not yet posted the full presser yet.

This strikes me as the club - and Carlo - being discreetly pro-active over the inevitable questions about last Saturday that were going to arise. WE are controlling the narrative here.

They have put up a short clip from a fuller presser addressing THE talking point, as part of a weekly routine, without making any official out-of-the-norm statement.

And Carlo's and the Club's view is a very clear one.

'Sympathy for VVD (as we would have for any fellow professional out injured), but that's football. It was a football incident which can happen to anyone at anytime. Jordan Pickford is innocent, was not premeditated, malicious or stupid in his actions. The resultant feeding frenzy is unjust.'

To me, Everton and Carlo have played a blinder here.

'No case to, m'lud.'

Once again, the media have isolated one phrase, taken it out of context, and put their own spin on what Carlo actually did say.

Carlo Update

Whilst Carlo uttered the words 'We are really sorry about Van Dijk's injury and hope he recovers quickly', that doesn't equate to submissive subservience, accepting culpability, as some are trying to portray it. It is a football man expressing sympathy to an opponent. That's all.

He clearly goes on to defend Jordan. That it was not premeditated, malicious or stupid. That the resulting feeding frenzy is too much and simply not true. That it was a football injury that can happen at any time, to any player, in the high-speed game of the PL.

Carlo does a pre-match presser every week. Under the pandemic, this takes the form of a Zoom call with him on camera, answering the questions of 5-6 remote journalists you hear, but don't see. Comically, in recent weeks, the final journalist you always hear is an enthusiastic lad from Colombia who Carlo jokes with.

'Let me guess. You are going to ask me a question about James!'

Usually they go out live on the day. That has not been the case with this one. This is clearly a less-than-five-minutes section of what is usually a 15 minute broadcast, with Carlo answering a single journalist.

Everton has not yet posted the full presser yet.

This strikes me as the club - and Carlo - being discreetly pro-active over the inevitable questions about last Saturday that were going to arise. WE are controlling the dialogue here.

They have put up a short clip from a fuller presser addressing THE talking point, as part of a weekly routine, without making any official out-of-the-norm statement.

And Carlo's and the Club's view is a very clear one.

'Sympathy for VVD (as we would have for any fellow professional out injured), but that's football. It was a football incident which can happen to anyone at anytime. Jordan Pickford is innocent, was not premeditated, malicious or stupid in his actions. The resultant feeding frenzy is unjust.'

To me, Everton and Carlo have played a blinder here.

'No case to, m'lud.'

Really is time for whoever comes in to step up - prove their worth and perform. Our goal threat looks instantly weaker in my opinion.

Hopefully we have enough to come away with the win - be a great boost for the players coming in.

But the last week has not been normal circumstances at all, I just hope we can have a week where we are not talking about Jordan Pickford again all the time.

Undoubtedly Richarlison and James are huge losses and it will deprive the team of a productive source.

Ancelotti seems to have no time for Bernard, something that surprises me because if the little Brazilian could replicate the form from when he first signed and linked up with Digne, there is a player there.

I don't know what's gone on with Gordon but he's another one that seems to have fallen out of favour, can only assume that Iwobi is training the best out of those three?

Sigurdsson for Gomes for me has to happen, Gomes has been a passenger for too long now, maybe the challenge could revitalise Gylfi?

Another thing I would like to see is Doucoure breaking forward a bit more than he did last week, I think there's more to come from him as we witnessed in his time at Watford, out of him and Allan, he's the one that needs to get forward more.

A tough game awaits on Sunday that's for sure.

We'll certainly be a lot blunter up front but with Allan and Doucoure in the midfield our defence will hopefully not revert back to type.

Would have predicted a low scoring draw under normal circumstances but given the crazy results this season, could be anything. Just can't see us creating that much without Richie and James.

Class all round at EFC..NO SURPRISE...
Still top of the league..NO SURPRISE...

Deary me what moaning plastic so called supporters we share this city with unfortunately..NO SURPRISE...

As for Southampton, I have watched most of their games of late and I think the blow hot and cold. The good news for us is that in their last outing Walcott was a catylist for many good things and his absense will frustrate them.

We simply have to avoid defeat. A point on the road would be decent, a win super, but we must not lose.

The competition for places should mean better performances from any that want to grasp their chance. We haven't had this for some time so it's up to Gordon, Iwobi, Davies, Bernard and Sigurdsson to stake a claim.

On to Sunday and I expect Siggy to come in for James, Richarlisons spot a little tougher, could be any from Gordon, Bernard or Iwobi, but reckon Gordon will be on the bench with either Bernard Or Iwobi getting the nod..

If it was not for having so many available on the left, I would have liked to have seen Nkoukou given a run further forward.

Also I see BBC Sport is using the "Everton is 'sorry'" (in quote marks) headline, whilst the wording around James makes no mention of VVD's 'mis-timed' tackle - "James Rodriguez will miss Sunday's trip to Southampton with an injury sustained in a challenge with Van Dijk."

Surprising to see that rag report it in a fairly balanced way although maybe it's because their hatred of Liverpool fans trumps their dislike of Evertonians?

Might have been better to acknowledge without that "S" word, as this has given them the ammo for their twisting.

He will be rueing the absence of Richarlison and James on Sunday, knowing they are two players who are very important to us. But he won't be having an attack of the vapours, he will assess his options and put out the best team, with the best plan, he can.

You yourself played the same game as the tabloids as soon as the video appeared in the public domain on the 'Richarlison Apologizes' thread, presuming the worst about Carlo's statement.

You described Carlo's words as a 'regretable precedent' and that the club has 'now folded under the pressure.'

Nonsense. Just like the tabloids.

Take the key word 'sorry'.

Possible definition of sorry:

1. expressing sympathy with someone else's misfortune.

"I was sorry to hear about what happened to our neighbour's and the world's best-ever centre back"

2. feeling regret or penitence.

"I am sorry that during the short time that the world's best-ever centre back was on the pitch that he saw fit to gratuitously foul our star player twice, which means he will be unavailable to play for Everton this weekend"

I have no doubts in my own mind which of the two definitions Carlo intended.

The longer term view; the errors he made on Saturday are part of a prolonged poor spell of form. He deserves to sit and see if that provokes a positive reaction. I'd go as far to drop him for the Newcastle game too, he's already proven he cannot handle particularly well. That might make him reflect further, Indeed his own mental health cannot be great atm, it's sensible and measured, ignore the hysteria around last weekend.

Then go from there, if Olsen is error free then he should keep the shirt. If he fails to impress, bring Pickford back in.

Next time there's a similar incident, RS or not, you may see why I said precedent.

Edit - it wasn't a video I saw, but transcript.

I appreciate Southampton away is tougher than Brighton at home, but we were without Allan, Gomes and Richarlison was gone before half time versus Brighton and we stuffed them, so relax!

Even allowing for injuries, still expect the blues to win.

Well there you are, Jay. You just outlined how it works. You have no doubt - but you are not the rest of the readership.

Grab your torches and pitchforks! Let's scream to our friends in the press to take up this ridiculous injustice on our behalf!

Who's with me? We riot!!

Nah. Sorry. I've been influenced by the major media outlets to be dramatic and over-react wildly. Apologies.

I have no doubts behind the scenes how the club responded (or not!) was discussed extensively. I cover that in an earlier post. Everton has not gone out of its way to make a standalone statement on last Saturday's events. The video is part of a regular weekly feature.

You presume the worst of the club and take the extreme position that they have set a 'regretable precedent' and 'folded to the pressure'. I don't.

As explained earlier, I consider the club has played this very cutely. You don't.

I'll leave it to others to listen and watch Carlo and reach their own conclusions of his words.

The bias permeates the national broadcaster, oh good. Who would have thunk it.

And thank YOU for helping me reinforce how manipulative others can be in misrepresenting the words of others.

You wrote: 'Well there you are, Jay. You just outlined how it works. You have no doubt - but you are not the rest of the readership.'

Convenient of you Will to exclude the second part of the full phrase I wrote: 'I have no doubts in my own mind which of the two definitions Carlo intended.'

That clearly qualifies that I am expressing my own opinion, not presuming to speak for all.

Pickfords however was more clumsy but not pre meditated to hurt Virgil, yet now 5 Days later they are still going on about it.

On a final note we have had sly digs from Klopp, Souness, Wijamen whatever his name is about the tackle, do we do the same with Son, no our Captain Coleman led the Everton players into the Spurs dressing room to console Son, sheer class from one team, gutter treatment by the other.

Digne to push right up with say Bernard to supply the crosses in for Calvert-Lewin.

Means Iwobe on the right, not his favourite position, but with Allan and Doucouré behind, might be a different player on the right for us this season.

In Calvert-Lewin, Keane and Doucouré, we've still got goals in us. I'll take a 1-0 Serie A away performance special.

Maybe Keane for the pre-assist or assist, with one of his Pirlo 30 yard specials we're seeing more and more of.

Goes without saying, Carlo's got a game plan already so can't wait to see how he works with what we've got.

Win without our best two attackers and our captain and you'd got to say we are the real deal and serious contenders?!

I should know better but this feels different!

How did you get that I accuse you of speaking for all? I was making the point that others don't see your take, and will fall victim to the media "Adjustments" that are their stock-in-trade. Perhaps it doesn't read so well.

I don't think the worst of the club, simply I think a mistake has been made by saying sorry. The video may accurately convey but that's not the issue; the potential headlines based on extraction from the video may be.

The precedent part simply means that similar will now occur every time a player gets hurt.

I think the British press understand very well...

Fuck 'em!

You talk of a variety of ways 'very diplomatic and subtle ones' in which Carlo could have spoken.

I suggest you watch and listen to the content again. He achieves just that.

The 'sorry', as I have suggested, is one of sympathy, not of contrition or remorse, an admission of guilt or of wrong-doing by his player or the club.

He subtly refers to VVD 'mistimed tackle' and a 'coming together' with James which means the Colombian is unfit to play this weekend.

He uses a similar phrase in describing the Pickford-VVD collison as 'mistimed contact.'

In doing this he has very subtly linked VVD to two similar football incidents - 'mistimed coming together'. In one, he injured our player. In the other, he got injured.

Why? Because, as Carlo goes on to say, PL football is high-speed and sometimes injuries happen. 'That's football', the Italian concludes.

He is also very subtle in denouncing the charges laid against Jordan Pickford. He refutes that our keeper was 'malicious', 'premeditated' or 'stupid' in his play.

Without naming names, he very subtly, but directly, is calling out pundits, journalists and Liverpool's Wijnaldum who labelled Jordan such.

I repeat, Carlo and the club have played this very cutely. IMO, of course.

Like 'Sorry' is an appropriate word to express sympathy (as Carlo does), 'naive' (IMO) is an appropriate word to describe your position if you truly believe Carlo could have used alternative words that would have excluded any possibility at all of the media miscontruing his words.

You have clearly signalled in your time on TW your contempt for the media as harbingers of truth. Nothing Carlo could have said or done would have prevented them from fabricating a headline and presenting 'The Story' in the manner that best serves their interests. 'Truth' is incidental.

Suggesting you are naive because of what you have expressed in this thread goes against the profile you have built for yourself on TW is a legitimate observation.

Nothing 'personal' about it, at all.

Moving on, James is a massive miss. Gomes came into the club as a passer, a creator but James clearly shows the difference between world class and very good.

Both James and Ric will be missed.

I'd like to see Bernard start as a creator from the right and Iwobi or Gordon on the left as more direct runners.

I prefer Doucoure deep to help the defense but has energy to get forward when the opportunity arises.

I expect Sigurdsson and Iwobi to replace Richarleson and Rodriguez. Hopefully Godfrey keeps his place. I expect a tight game with whoever comes out better between Ings and DCL winning the game.

Godfrey looks a natural and also I'd swap Siggy for Gomes, and between Gordon, Bernard and Iwobi to take Richarlisons place.

Always a tough fixture, hopefully the players can take the chances and get 3 points.

Looking forward to this match.

There is no right answer...not for the press, who will write what they want anyway.

All we can do is hopefully beat Southampton which will annoy the rs even more.

The rs have an aging team (on massive wages) just on the wane - but won't admit it.
Again hopefully with Fenway not flush with cash poor replacements will be sourced and the slid will accelerate like Everton and united in the early 70s and klopp who is only only 1 smart arse ball boy away from a melt down.

I get your point and a shudder went down my spine when I heard James was out. But, in calmer reflection, we really haven't seen the attacking side of Doucoure yet and while defensively he's been excellent I think his offense is his strength. This is a chance for him to shine. Additionally, while there is pervasive negativity around them, we have won games with Sig, Iwobi etc. Michael Keane is having a Steve Bruce 92 season, DCL is on fire. So I'm confident we can put in a good performance. But Soton, are so unpredictable. They seem streaky going on terrible runs then good runs. On their day they are brilliant. If they perform we could lose even if we play well. I'm just banking on them being due for another dip in form but I think it will be an exciting game.

Maybe it's best both take their rest at the same time.

Just means we have to show some real character and gring this one out. Creatively, we'll be back to a similar level of personnel to parts of last season. Now we see what a good base in midfield can do for those players, and what a good run of form can do for their confidence.

I'll predict 1-0 to the Premier League's hatchet men. Long range goal from Gylfi.

But on the matter of personal comments, it doesn't bother me personally what is said, but there's simply no point in making them. A point being made should stand or fail on its substance.

3-1 to the Blue Boys.

Derek@109: Good post, that last line sentence was spot on and very funny.

Yes, 2 very key players out, but that happens throughout a season. Only Liverpool have freaks last year hence their constant whining because St Virgil got whacked last week.

We still have pretty much the same back 4 and I for one have no concerns with Godfrey coming in for Coleman from what I have seen of the young man. One of our most potent sources of supply for DCL has been down that left hand side, so Digne is key. Also, we still have a very strong midfield 3 of Allan, Gomes and Doucoure with one of the most in form strikers in the country in front of them.

There is no falling out of favour for Gordon, Bernard etc. We now have better quality from which to select and although very different times, I think Carlo is very much like Howard Kendall. Most of the time, if his best 11 is fit, it starts, the rest have to live with that and wait their chance to be part of something on the rise.

Parts of the same media have concentrated on sorry, because it fits the narrative of the way this incident has been reported, but the word sorry, is often used to tell people it's gone now, so let's forget about things that can't be changed, and let's move on.

Let's concentrate on the next game, and stop arguing about something that's gone, unless it's with Liverpudlians of course!

I'd play Tom Davies on Sunday, because I want us to roll up our sleeves and scrap, just like we did to stay in the game last Saturday

Still expecting three points from the game!

What a tragedy that no one was allowed to be there to see our greatest start in years which will soon be forgotten. Steel yourselves for a return to reality !

Derek, getting us Derek's some bad street cred there dude! :-)

James didn't miss St Virgil's trip - he got knocked over - and that's why he's out against Southampton.

8-1 to the blues with Southampton scoring first, obviously.

Fingers-crossed.

This game against Southampton now is the barometer. How we play without James and Richarlison will say a lot about this "new look" Everton side.

Depth and health are the keys. With our two best players out of the squad, we're about to see if we can handle the challenge. If we can win games like these while depleted, the sky is the limit. We don't have the congested fixture list presently, and we need to take advantage of that and pile on as many points as possible.

COYB. We are Gonna win the League

On Saturday we lost one defender (Coleman) who was very capably replaced by Godfrey and we did not fall apart even against an 'as usual aggressive lfc mob'.

The game against Southampton will be different and will under Mr Ancelloti's new 'take your chance to gain a first team place' spirit, give the other players an opportunity to show their pedigree.

Every player will be fully aware that Bolaise, Ramirez and even Walcott have not performed and have been shipped. This is a different manager if you don't perform, sign no signs of effort or simply don't want to be here you will be shipped out ask Kean. He in turn should ask Francis Jeffers or Jack Rodwell if you should leave Everton when they want to improve you.

James to be replaced by Bernard and Gordon and Richarlison by Iwobi and Tosun.

So tomorrow who ever comes in will hopefully amaze us with their previously hidden skills because they can concentrate on attack.
I think we might see Niels Nkounkou on the bench. To keep our defenders on their toes.

Nothing to do with us or our next game. We have our own concerns.

James the creater is out, I'd pick Bernard to fill the void with the same licence to move infield when space opens up.

Ric the runner, the forward line engine also out. I think Boloasie may be the nearest thing to him in terms of pace, strength and goal threat but that's sadly not an option. So for me Gordon starts because of his energy and defending. Iwobi to replace either in the 2nd half.

Lastly a question. Who's turn is it to take out Ings and let the media moan about that whilst we get on with our title charge.

My answer, surely that should have been Besics role? Never mind..

And he made his point about Virgil the Martyr!

Next day James has miraculous recovery and should be fine !!

What's the bets he starts on Sunday and scores🤞🤞.

Carlo has been around the block!

I was very impressed with Ben Godfrey who slotted in seemlessly when replacing Seamus at the week-end, so would think that his name will be on the team-sheet from the off. Also doubt whether it would be necessary or counter productive to replace Jordan.

It would be like admitting he has done something wrong, which I don't believe he did, mistimed and a bit mindless maybe, but not in any way intentional. The vacant slot if James doesn't make it will most likely be Siggy or Bernard. Gordon or Iwobi for Richie makes good sense too, probably Iwobi, as he has been included more recently.

If it's the latter, then it's A grade stuff!

Some on here were asking for a response in support of Pickford. Looks like he went all out!

Hi Christine [135] I must confess that I've never seen the Mary Poppins film although I have seen a few clips over the years, and aptly the song "A Few Spoons of Sugar" has proved to be of comfort to me when it comes to the fortunes/misfortunes of Everton. I hope you weren't offended by my indirect insult to Virgil Van Dijk, it was the only way I could get my point across without swearing.

Hi Derek [137] I trust that you understand that it was a tongue in cheek post, and it led to my reference of the "Saints vs Saints and Sinners" quote, of which I'm claiming copyright.

Carlo's Full Presser

First up, a Sky reporter asks him to confirm if James is definitely out. Before he completes the question, Carlo is breaking into a wry grin. 'No. His recovery was really good. He trained partially today. He will train tomorrow and he is better now and maybe he can play.' The injury was 'quite a big hemotoma (bruising).'

JJK not ready yet. Must train more.

Asked specifically about Wijnaldum's comments, Carlo dead bats him away. 'Did you hear what I said yesterday?' Pressed, he simply repeats yesterday's words.

Asked if Jordan Pickford is 'in the right frame of mind' and whether he is considering taking him out of the spotlight, Carlo is matter-of-fact. 'No. He trained well. Is really focussed on the game as are the other team mates.'

On Southampton, he acknowledges we didn't play well against them at Goodison and that we need to be at 100%. On being top of the league, he speaks of our new-found consistency and resilience which we simply need to maintain.

A lass from Premier League Productions then references NSNO and asks if Carlo has his own motto he asks the players to live up to.

Carlo says the club motto is a good standard to try to live up and is a good motivation for all.

She then asks how crucial is DCL to Everton. Carlo gives a little chuckle and shares a story from the training ground this very day.

'I was joking with Dominic what was his most important goal. Dominic started thinking, and I told him 'Don't think! The most important goal is the next one. The past is past. Because he has done so well everyone expects a little bit more, so that has to be his motivation - to show a little bit more.'

He then talks about Southampton's compact game and how we need to be clever with the ball to win the game.

The BBC guy was next up, Alistair Magowan. He always strikes me as the dullest, least imaginative journalist in these pressers.

'Has Jordan Pickford personally apologized to VVD?'

Carlo said Jordan spoke with Henderson after the match, tried to contact VVD, but really he has no idea if he managed to talk to him.

Asked about the absence of Coleman, Richy and possibly James, Carlo says all the players who haven't featured so much this season have trained really well, very competitively, and it is going to be a hard decision who plays.

Another journalist then asks about Ben Godfrey's performance. Carlo spoke that he was out of position and after initial adjustment difficulties against one of the best wingers in the league Mane he performed really well. He has trained at right back this week, Carlo has no doubts he can play there and he even confirmed 'He is going to play at right back' on Sunday.

And THAT is as far as I got!

The screen went blank and YouTube where it is hosted showed a message that this video is unavilable because it is 'private'.

Some temporary cock-up by some techie, I imagine.

Bruises generally are not serious. In contrast, a hematoma is a leakage from a larger blood vessel. The mark that it leaves might be dark blue or black, but it can also cause significant redness. More severe traumas cause hematomas, which may be serious and require medical treatment. ( I googled then copied and pasted this bit. 😁😁).

Oops posted that before I read all of Jay's post.

The link to it has been taken off the Everton website too?

Temporary down. Be back up soon.

I always like to listen to the last journo who is a cheery Colombian since James joined us.

Carlo teases him: 'Let me guess. You are going to ask me about James, right?'

A decent dead leg can take a couple of weeks. Can also come good in a few days. Though I'd expect James gets better treatment than I used to get.

Kieran, Regarding Gordon, your finishing statement would explain why he never made it as a porn star. :-)

Put Siggy in for Gomes and then we have Nkoukou covering defensively for Siggy when necessary and making the overlaps for Siggy to feed and give DCL a chance for a hat trick.

Simple isn't it (If only).

Depends if Carlo feels Nkounkou has the nouse and experience for it. It's an option for part of the game also.

Asking carlo why he named van dick in the James injury and one or two more nasty questions.

Carlo wasn't fazed. Joyce is obviously a Liverpool supporter and should be banned from Everton pressers

Carlo Saints' Presser

To continue where I previously left off, a different journo asks about Everton's away form this season. Carlo speculates that in general it is maybe easier to play away without spectators, but our improved ambition and motivation is also a contributary factor.

The same journo flags up that Michael Keane will play his 100th PL game for Everton and Carlo praises his performances and the fact that he is scoring goals as well.

Finally, Carlo beams a big smile when the Colombian journalist comes on asking his inevitable question about James. Where is the hemotoma and will he play on Sunday?

Carlo says he can't answer the first and if he plays will be determined by how he trains Saturday and if the swelling goes down further. The Colombian journo follows up with a question about Mina's performance last week and Carlo expresses his satisfaction with him, whilst noting he did 'a little mistake' which allowed Salah to score. No throwing his player under the bus.

I think carlo acquitted himself well. Although I see a few comments on YouTube. People saying carlo said fuck off.

It cut out before I heard it

The Thought Police.

Guesses please for the next rs player to come out and have a whinge on it?

I really don't understand why they're persisting with this. I mean, what could they be trying to achieve?!!!

Well done Carlo you could have asked those people a few more like the one you asked “Didn't you hear what I said yesterday”? He kept his composure well and never looked uncomfortable or ruffled, Klopp could learn a lot off Carlo, staying nice and calm and agreeable, he goes off on one when the questions don't suit him, I think he will be getting asked some of those questions in the next few weeks.

Yes they are compulsory unfortunately. Other than injury updates they're vey tedious

It was the same You Tube clip I watched on the Everton web page but the sound was excellent.

Every week I have the same issue. I can hear Ancelotti just fine but can hardly hear the questions. Does anyone else have this problem?

I wouldnt worry too much about Carlo. Joyce wouldnt have even registered.

My reservations about Mr Ancelotti are well documented, but you could land a 747 in this fellas back garden and he would shrug his shoulders and give his customary "tis normal" answer.

The guy simply doesn't do flustered

Rhys Williams - 19 years old. Champions League Group appearances 1

Everton Football Club - 142 years old. Champions League Group appearances 0

Obviously this is very sad, on a number of levels. My only response was, if Everton had won the CL and then the PL, the last thing I'd do is think about Liverpool. I think you should focus on Liverpool, not Everton, and enjoy the moment, you don't know how long it might take to get another such moment.

There's clearly a fixation with Everton, and it seems the derby has increased that fixation. The derby, plus us being top of the league.

This is good, we're clearly a threat.