Newcastle United vs Everton

Carlo Newcastle Presser

It's actually an extremely funny watch. Not for Carlo's actual words, but for the instant sub-title translation that the club used for the first time.

I'm guessing the speech-recognition technology they used struggled to deal with Carlo's accent. There were some beauts...

'Newcastle' was translated as 'the Custards'.

'Anthony Gordon' came out as 'buddy God'.

And 'Sigurdsson' as...'a pair of kidneys!'

There were plenty more too.

Try and listen and read the sub-titles at the same time. Good laugh.

Pickford
JJK / Keane / Coleman / Nkounkou
Iwobi / Allan / Doucoure / Gordon
Siggy
DCL

I'd take an ugly three points right now

Having said that, the optimist in me is looking forward to seeing what Nkounkou can do bombing down the left. His crossing has been brilliant when he's played, so maybe we'll see another DCL hat-trick?

Pickford
Godfrey Keane Mina
Kenny Allan Doucoure NKounkou
Sigurdsson Gordon
DCL

But he won't

No decent replacement winger, right back, or creative mid. And should DCL get injured, no striker. That's the quality of the squad. And we've only played 6 PL games.

Personally I think it would be a mistake to play Iwobi.

I think Delph deserves a chance on the left of MF and as I felt with Southampton I would go 4-4-2 with Gordon and DCL up front.

JJK is more logical than Godfrey and I certaily would not go with 3 at the back against Newcastle because they will exploit the space behind the wingbacks due to their block defence and hit on the break style.

Pickford
Godfrey Mina Keane Nkounkou
Delph Allan Doucoure Sigurdsson
Bernard
DCL
With the understanding that Siggy goes forward and will not track back effectively so the other three will have to cover. Late bring in Gomes for Bernard if he's fit. Gordon on the left if Siggy sags. Nkounkou stays in defensive mode.

4321 just to help us get a strangehold on the game. Lose one of the three centre mid players as the game goes on - to be replaced by Sigurdsson's potential goal threat.

However, as I write this, I realise Sigurdsson would be our set piece taker in the absence of Digne and JR so may be shoehorned into the first 11 for that reason.

However he probably won't. We lost the balance in the team last week. He might go.

Pickford.
Kenny, Godfrey Keane, Nkounkou
Gomes Allan Doucoure
Iwobi DCL Gordon

That midfield should be enough to get us on top in the game. They're without Shelvey and if we play high enough (Godfrey gives us cover in behind) it will nullify the supply to St Maximan.

Gordon is the closest to Richarlison and will need to stretch the play to get Nkounkou into the game and not isolate DCL. Despite the universal slaughter of Iwobi I'd pick him on the right because well he's most likely, despite the obvious flaws, to find a killer pass. This is a big game for Gomes and his midfield mates. We win if we dominate the middle of the park and get close to DCL we should win without the drama.

Personally I'd play Iwobi's granny instead of Iwobi.

Obviously in the hope that it's that the side of the family Jay Jay got his skills from.

I feel like Sig has done fairly well coming off the bench like he has a point to prove. When he starts he seems to think he's on easy street and jog about aimlessly. I'd bench him for Gomez.

I worry about the left side because nkounkou is lax defensively and neither Gordon nor Bernard are exactly equipped to help him out. Iwobi meanwhile is just no good. We have to go narrow and chuck Davies into the mix just to provide a bit of defensive aggression.

Actually I like yours the best of the ones posted so far -- can't understand why some want to slot in Godfrey for Mina.

JP #23, me too, but I do think Delph earned a midfield start with a solid sub performance against Soton.

The right side will be a nightmare and the left not much better, with creativity at a bare minimum.

Their prompter in chief Shelvey is out, so Everton should be able to push high and dry up the supply for their forward line and keep corners and set plays to a minimum and far from goal. We need to play closer together as a unit, higher up as team we cannot do that with Mina & Keane.

Kieran, I get the reaction and need to play narrow but it will neuter us as much as stops Newcastle then it becomes attritional and shit and we gone from a team who should have the upper hand to a 50/50 shoot out.

We cannot retreat into our shell here, compact yes, but play in their half.

This is exactly what Kevin Campbell was say a after the transfer deadline day passed. Quality is lacking in the squad even though new additions have been top.

Think Gordon will be on the bench at first with maybe Bernard starting. Interested to see what Nkounkou has got.

Big game this as we've had our bump in the road, but even with the 2 most gifted attacking players missing we still need to react and bounce back. I expect a tight game, maybe a DCL header to scrape a hard-fought 1-0.

Sigurdsson in the no 10 position.

As I've tried to pick the team it's clear we don't have as much strength in depth as I thought! We need another creative player and cover for DCL. Can Simms do a job on the bench this week!

I'd love a scrappy 2-0 win

Don't think Gomes looks comfortable playing left hand side of a midfield three, his best performances came on loan in the centre of midfield playing with Idrissa Gueye, albeit pre-injury. Would have Gordon playing on the left of the midfield, while Allan sits deep.Would have Siggy play as an orthodox number 10. Bernard would be interesting in that role, but Siggy would carry the greater goal threat. Hopefully JJK and Gordon can get forward down either flank. Think Carlo would want to, at least, avoid two successive defeats.

I'd like to see Gomes, Gordon and Davies start. I know Tom isn't everyone's cup of tea but he knocks his pan in. None of the three mentioned above can say that.

Nkounkou firing in crosses for DCL will be a sight to behold and I can see DCL bagging another couple of goals.

2-0 win. COYB

You're right if you were asked name 4 players you wouldn't want to be without then James, Richarlison, Digne and Coleman would be high on that list!

That midfield won't hide and will compete.

"FFS why is it only our best/key players are the ones who get injured."

You mean like Alcaraz, Kone, etc

Doucoure Allan Gomes Delph
Gordon
Calvert Lewin

This would give us some cover in front of our defence and Gordon could be given a free role behind/beside DCL and Nkounkou could bomb forward with Delph ready to cover.

If it fails to produce then Siggy/Bernard could be introduced but I wouldn't even give Iwobi a place on the bench after his impotence last week.

Gives us more of a goal threat with Gordon alongside DCL and strength in MF with Delph and Gomes relieving the pressure on Allan with Doucoure box to box and due a goal.

As Carlo said let them worry about us.

The only trouble is I worry about us too.

Sorry I was reverting to type and putting on my Moyes tinted glasses. We still have Doucoure I guess which is a much better state than when it was Schneid playing

Not 100% sure what that means, but it made me laugh out loud

Pickford
Keane Godfrey Mina
Kenny Doucoure Allan Delph Nkounkou
Bernard DCL

I want to see us on the front foot here, it was difficult to watch us being comprehensively outplayed in midfield last week.

David #43, "knocks his pan in"? You always educate me, my friend. Translation?

Dale #48, Bruce is not merely the ugliest manager in football. He is the ugliest human in football... a title he assumed when Iain Dowie left the game... and for which he has been seriously challenged only by Di Maria and The Straq.

Tom #52, I'm a Kean supporter too, but his CL goals the other day came against a Turkish side most people have never heard of. Let's see how he does against top clubs before we get too upset.

Re. Dale 48, timely discussion as the sadly departed Nobby Stiles used to own that title

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/oct/30/nobby-stiles-obituary

And you're right, Kieran, he was definitely a looker. Fit his name perfectly.

DCL will certainly need more help than he got in the Southampton game, his quietest to date this season, for that reason alone I would play Nkounkou from the start as he can deliver a decent ball from out wide. I wouldn't actually mind if Nkounkou played in front of Delph which may mean we carry more threat than starting him at full back.

It will be important to get back to winning ways on Sunday and prove it was just a blip and we will be around for the long haul. I think if we can win without Coleman, Richarlison, Digne and Rodriguez it will be a massive statement and a great confidence builder, knowing we can cope evem with our best players missing.

I'd like to see that World Cup semi final again though Mike, because if it wasn't Eusebio he mauled it was definitely someone else with a terrible tackle, red card, no bother, but he got a walkover, I can still remember that Anfield tackle though- - - - with pride. RIP Nobby.

Sadly the lack of options underlines the importance of bringing in atleast another 5 or 6 players over the next two transfer windows. The players stepping in for those out suspended and injured just aren't up to the mark.

I expect this match to be a relatively drab affair, regardless of the actual result.

Nobby was a tough tackling midfielder but he wasn't in the same class as Tony Kay he could do everything Nobby did but better. he was a better tackler than Nobby, and a better passer than Nobby. I am sure if there hadnt been that scandal Kay would have been in that England team not Nobby. But both never gave an inch on the pitch and one things for sure you wanted them to be on your side and not in the oppositions team.

Doubt jjk will start and think Davies deserves a shot but whatever we do not want iwobi or siggy in the starting 11 plz.

This gives us some pace at the back, down the wings and up top.

None of this sideways stuff, if not on route 1, push the team up the pitch, pick up the 2nd balls, we need to use the high press and put pressure on the toon to make mistakes.

Also wing backs up and down and plenty of early crosses into the box that is what dcl needs and has thrived on this season.

Sorry to be pessimistic but doubt we will play like that and a draw at best for me but happily eat humble pie for desert sun afternoon.

COYB

Delph is underrated on here, by the way. Not, perhaps, a bundle of charisma but he's a very good player when he's fit, and he is prepared to stand up to the opposition and to referees.

To be fair Mike, if Kay had been available Stiles would be in the same category as Paine, Connolly, Flowers or even Callaghan. Good players but squad players. Kay could do everything that Stiles could do but much better.
Of course, you'd rather have Stiles with you than against you but choosing Stiles over Kay? No way.

Hopefully Dacoure will have a bit more freedom to express himself as he won't have to do the running for Rodriguez.

I know people have mentioned Bolase as being useful but I would also include Besic in the squad as he can at least put a tackle in.

I would leave Iwobi and Sigurdsson at Finch farm in a wet paper bag to see if either of them could escape.

I may be wrong, if I am, what is the point of submitting 25 names by a deadline? Only to be able to play anyone not on the submitted list!

Something that Tom deffo does.

Gomes
Doucoure
Allan

Gordon
Calvert Lewin
Bernard

My team would be:

Olsen

Kenny
Keane
Mina
Nkounkou

Doucoure
Gomes
Allan
Delph

Bernard

DCL

We have to be more tough to beat away from home. I'd take a point anywhere - 3 points would be a bonus. Pickford needs taking out of the firing line for his own good. His tackle on Van Dijk was like Gazza on Gary Charles. He's a nutter who's likely to blow up again on Sunday against the Geordies.

Unfortunately I fear the worst on Sunday...

The most noticeable thing to me last week above anything tactical was the resurgence of the Koeman-Silva Karma. Get rid of this totally and we're on the right track.

Personally I hope DCL, is not left playing in isolation like last week, and we have a game plan, and shape to stick to.

As many have said on thread, this is test of this squads strength and character.

The players hopefully will be playing to win and to regain the tempo of the first x4 games.

I'd like the players to focus on shooting and finishing, we can't playing games without working the goalie.

Tough, game and there's no excuses, the squad has got to be up for this game.

Hopefully they will be.

We've been conceding goals frequently and relying on out scoring teams. Without Digne, Coleman, Richarlison and especially Rodriguez we have lost that supply line.

I have defended Iwobi frequently but he was woeful against Southampton and Bernard does not produce enough end product.

Our best bet I suspect will be to sit a bit deeper and hope for a counter attack or more likely a set piece. Giving Sant-Maximin, Fraser and Almiron space to run at Mina, Kenny and Keane will go badly I fear. Pick a hardworking team and hope for an old fashioned KITAP1!

I think yours is the best Selection. As you say its a midfield that will not hide. This game will be determined by control of midfield. Prefer Gordon. With Nkounkou will make a good combination.

Heresy perhaps, but sadly that's how things work out sometimes.

Things don't even out over a life, let alone over a season!

RIP Nobby Stiles. You had your chance and you took it.

Just passing on what Don Carlo said:

“He's showing good quality in front, he has to improve defensively, but in front, he has a lot of quality."

Thus we have all and sundry...including Ancelotti...trying to find a least worst formation to shoe horn in one from Iwobi, Siggi, Bernard, possible Davies too and Delph...who, tbh, wasn't that poor in his brief spell last week.

Any thing we get out of this will be a bonus.

Pickford
Mina, Keane, Godfrey,
JJk Nkounhou as wing backs
Doucoure Allan Delph
Siggy and DCL

A grafting 1 o or 2 nil win. We need to start getting clean sheets. Get nothing on Sunday, then January can't come quick enough. I'm sure having to pay Bolasis and Besic meant we didn't have the readies to go out and get a forward, after Kean left. Or we did as Kean was off the wage bill but couldn't get who we wanted. Either way its vital we get another forward in come January.

I'd deploy Gordon in a 10 role. Give these lads a chance. Siggy off the bench. He's not a 90 min player.
On another maybe silly note( few wines on board) Coleman has a huge role although injured. As a personality and somebody with respect and leadership qualities, does anything disallow him from coming onto pitch at the start to encourage our lads. It's a shame our club captain with a groin injury is sitting at home.

Pickford
Kenny Mina Keane Nkonkou
Allan Doucoure Gomes
Siggy DCL Gordon

I still don't think a clean sheet is on the cards but we will win a tight 2-1 win away and remain top of the table for another week. DCL will get both from set pieces.

Ironically the injuries and suspensions happen to be to our key and probably best players thus far. At times like this you would expect, those who have deputised, being generally on the bench or peripheral, to have seized that chance and grab it with both hands when given a role to play.

Like someone said before, I can't remember if it was this thread or another, not going back through to check, the majority of Carlo's inheritance (squad) has been largely comprised of Koeman and Silva's mistakes, and expensive one's at that.

Newcastle won't be easy by any means with what we have available, but I think with the right tactics and personnel, we should be able to salvage something. Even if we achieve that through an ugly win, I will accept that now, but there again that choice is not mine to sanction!

I haven't seen Nkoukou but by all accounts he likes to get forward and is a good crosser of a ball. We have to put out a savvy midfield for this one. This would be my starting 11.

Pickford,
Kenny, Kean, Mina, Nkoukou
Doucoure, Allan, Gomes, Delph
Sigurddson
DCL

Davies, Bernard, Gordon, Godfrey

Sigurddson playing just in behind DCL. Big opportunities for Siggy and also Kenny and Nkoukou.

Up the Blues !!!

Siggy / Bernard off the bench if required.

Iwobi a definite non starter, even off the bench.

Whoever sanctioned 35 million for him must have had blinkers on.

We had a glossy black n white picture of Nobby's double V sign to the kop in our house. He certainly had a twinkle in his eye.
An uncle was a free lance Photographer back then who often got into GP and Mordor. The picture disappeared when my older brother got his hands on it - He made more things disappear than David Nixon back then.

My abiding memory of "Our Nobby" was a tussle between him and Colin Harvey. He had CH hemmed in by the corner flag. Harvey using his low center of gravity turned him one way then the other. He then played a give n go. Nobby was having none of it. He chased Colin with determination.
Harvey received the ball and did it again. Turned him one way then the other, played it and set off again.
15 yards up the pitch the ball once again come back to CH. Nobby was still tracking him full of determination. CH (who could be a cheeky bastard back then) did it a third time. turned him one way, then the other. This time Nobby was having not of it. He was over him like a fucking octopus, forcing him to hit a poor ball.

Both men collapsed blowing out of their arses. They helped each other up all smiles and respect.

Two humble men off the pitch. two fantastic competitors on it

He was only a peripheral player at Arsenal, but what I had seen from him, I thought maybe he'll turn out okay. Marcel Brands obviously knows what he's doing there. Having seen him play, he does have some skill but only tends to show it in Cup Matches and against weaker opposition.

Last week just about sealed it closed for me at Southampton, he hardly got involved, couldn't wait to get rid of the ball quick enough usually to a Saints player, his passing and tackling was non-existent.

I can't fathom out these players at all, deep down, they must know they are not first choice in a starting eleven, but rather than grasp that opportunity when given a start, or indeed as a substitute, you'd think they'd bust a gut to impress and make it very hard to drop them for the next game, but no, no such sign of what I expect most of us, should the roles be reversed, would do.

I also notice some derogatory remarks about Iwobi that could be avoided if Carlo didn't include him in the 18 names on the team sheet.

It will be up to Ancelotti and the coaches to focus the players, and make sure they are loose, so they can perform at an optimum level.

It's gut check time!

Iwobi and Walcott both spring to mind being similar in that they have never shown the desire or levels of application when given the chance to cement their places in the side. 55 - 60 million for the two combined is madness and highlights the failures that Carlo has had to deal with.

If you are not prepared to put your foot in or commit to headers then it shows how much heart you have for the game. Both lack this consistently and are very adept at jockeying space instead of commanding that space with crunching tackles and letting an opposition player know that you are up his arse.

I have a nephew aged 9 who is in the academy at Liverpool (his choice) who can put it about even at his early age and closes down and presses like an angry canine but was deemed to aggressive at our academy for lumping other kids and left because he was told to tone it down on a number of occasions.

Could send a video of him to a number of Everton players to show that there is no place to hide on a football pitch. Full commitment is a pre requisite for any member in any team sport. Sadly we have 4 - 5 players who don't have the balls to stand up and be counted when the going gets tough.

Football ability is a gift especially when blessed with pace but sadly if the heart is not there, then the end product is usually not there as seems to be the case with a number of our big names.

Pickford
Kenny Mina Keane Nkounkou
Davies Doucoure Allan Delph
Siggy
DCL

Davies tends to play well on the right side of midfield - he has scored a few goals from there. Plus he will provide protection to Jonjoe on the right side which has been very vulnerable recently. A similar double team on the left with Delph providing experience to help out Nkounkou and also staying back when Nkounkou bombs forward. As others have mentioned, our goal scoring opportunities are likely to come from set-plays - so Siggy is a shoo-in in the absence of Digne. I would personally prefer Branthwaite to Mina, as the latter always looks likely to make a mistake, whereas Jarrad looks more composed and solid in his defending. Mina provides more aerial threat at corners, plus Carlo might consider playing 3 green-horns in the back 4 as too risky.

Subs bench: Olsen, Godfrey, Gomes, Bernard, Iwobi, Gordon, Simms

I feel strangely confident that we will get the 3 points - Allan will be fired up about being selected for the Brazilian national team, and Nkounkou will be trying to emulate his compatriot Ait-Nouri (also a French U-21 LB) who scored on his debut start for Wolves against Crystal Palace yesterday. Hopefully I will be smiling at 9:30 pm on Sunday evening here in Bangalore.

I always thought that Iowbi was a last minute purchase by Brands to prevent the purchase of Zaha and get back control of the transfer window. I also think he was not interested in Rojo and Smalling, . By that stage he was having doubts about Silvas strengths as a Manager,

Let's take the game to Newcastle they are a poor team who are there for the taking:

Pickford

Kenny
Keane
Mina
Godfrey
Nkounkou

Allan
Doucouré
Gomes

Bernard
Calvert-Lewis

Give Bernard a free roll.

I'd be tempted to play Davies for his energy but Delph is a lower risk option. I think a midfield three of Delph, Allan and Doucore should be pretty decent and good enough to control the middle. It's out wide I'm worried about.

Big opportunity for Kenny to stake his claim and if he can keep Sant-Maximin quiet he'll go some way to deserving a run in the team.

Out wide the options aren't that appealing but Iwobi does not deserve another start so almost by default it has to be Bernard and Gordon, both of whom are quite hard working but lack end product.

I'd be tempted to try Godfrey for Mina but with so many other changes this probably isn't the match.

Pickford
Kenny Mina Keane Nkoukou
Doucore Delph Allan
Bernard DCL Gordon

We'd be much better off with Bolasie on the left. Iwobi should be competing with Gomes and Sigurdsson for a central slot. Too late for that now though.

Godfrey as Wilson and S-M are really quick players and like to dribble.
Delph there to double up with in-experience of Nkounkou.
Doucoure to double up with developing JJK.
Davies - why not try him, he scored after that run against City on the right, and can get back and win us the ball. Just needs to play in-field or chip forward to DCL, keep it simple all game. If in doubt play towards corner flag and close down with DCL and try and win a throw-in or corner. Just get up the pitch like rugby.

Or Gomes instead of Davies in the free role like James

Grind out a boring game, but just hang in there for a 1-0 if we take the lead.

65 mins - first sub odds are it's Siggy, and odds are again Gordon or Davies off.

Let's hope the players are absolutely sure in how to take the opportunity this week and we play with football intelligence in match situations.

Definitely winnable if we can cover all the gaps and players are quick to recover.

Doucoure, Gordon, DCL, Nkoukou can all cause problems.

Hopefully some players show Carlo what he wants, good options due to end-product performances, don't have to be goals.

Come on lads, do it for Carlo.

Women's team, go for it!

A win is a must but sadly cant see us getting a result...

Derek yesterday described Iwobi as an enigma. I think it is a good description and as Mike 121 says, he is better suited to a no10 position floating between coming inside or attacking the right back.

I would, with some reluctance, give Iwobi one last chance in that floating no10 / right sided attack role that he ‘should' perform in.

Steavey @89 rightly flags up that we have no striker cover . Kean should have been replaced to give us more threat and options up front.

Pickford
Kenny Keane Mina Nkounkou
Davies Doucoure Allan Delph
Iwobi DCL

It's a massive opportunity for Iwobi to put a marker down, his opportunities will rapidly diminish if he doesn't. Time for him to put it all on the table in his best position.

In midfield I thought we were lacking in competitiveness, energy and bite so Davies is in for Gomes/Sigurdsson.

Delph is in on the left to work in tandem with Nkounkou, helping defensively and covering Nkounkou's overlaps down the left.

My dream goal tomorrow would be a DCL finish from a pinpoint Nkounkou cross. It will be another test for us, but I am excited about the game and think we will do well.

Newcastle 0 Everton 2

Very true. Iwobi out wide is a nightmare waiting to happen, play him just behind DCL or not at all.

Whats gets me is that we were scoring for fun, even against the RS we had chances but against Southampton, we created fuckall. Absolutely nothing. The players, whoever Carlo picks, must support DCL in the final third, he was not only isolated against Southampton but I'm sure they had about 14 players on the pitch as he seemed to have 2 to 3 players man marking him.

Changing the 11, with 4(?) Missing must lead to changing the system...cutting your coat to suit your cloth, I think the saying goes.

Surly Ancelotti can cobble together an 11 And a system?

It's been a bad two weeks since the RS game and in no small part two all the whining by the media and many has-been players not to mention some RS players, Just wish they would all shut up about it.

Players get injured, end of story !!!

We have to get focused and get the win at Barcodes as we just know RS will go top today by playing 24 hr's ahead of us.

Hopefully Carlo has got them all back up after the Soton game and even without James and Richarlison they should beat the Barcodes. C.O.Y.B.

Eddie, I could have written that post myself. It encapsulates my thoughts to a tee. I do think a lot of his problem is nerves, arriving for a big fee and feeling he has to justify it, which, of course he has to. The less pressure in the Carabao Cup probably enables him to try things he wouldn't normally in the Prem but what you state, ' taking too many touches' is classic 'trying too hard'.

With missing so many influential players I am sure Newcastle will see this as a good chance to pick up all 3 points. But lets hope the stand in players give Ancelotti a win and a good performance, and give him a selection problem for the next game.

Midfield 3 has to be more competitive, so Allan, Doucouré, Delph.

The most likely source of a goal is probably a set-piece so that is partly why Sigurdsson has to start. He also has the third most goals in this squad.

Gordon is more effective, pacey and direct and offers more than the perennial underachievers Iwobi, Bernard and to a lesser extent, Gomes.

Our creativity does look bleak for this one, I don't think it will be pretty.

Who are we relying on to create the chances?

I think he may go with a midfield diamond, Allan holding, dourcore and Gomes with Sigurdsson ahead. Possibly Gordon/Bernard free off DCL. Lacks width though

I've included Iwobi in my side, I see you've revised yours! I agree. Our creativity has been ruined for this game, the outlets need to be Nkounkou and Iwobi. People might not think it but Iwobi is the closest profile of player we have to James, he's likely to receive the ball on the right and drift into the 10 like James execute in executing! His touches here will take him to goal, last week his touches were always inside and back.

Gordon is the more likely to penetrate on the left, get in the box and stretch the play, leaving space for the left back to run into. That potentially leaves three in the box and a midfielder to join in.

That's how we occupy the opposing team and keep it in their half. Gomes will be vital in creating the switch of play, if it's not don't quickly then we won't get anywhere, so Allan has to set the tempo. That's what was so problematic last week, either he was completely nullified by Southampton or he wasn't fit. Both are a concern.

I'm also miffed that Carlo does seem to lean on players, even when there not 100%. They might be our better players but it's a very dangerous game.

The 'stars' have to justify their ridiculous salaries, you know '.

Frankly I wouldnt have Sigurdsson anywhere near the starting line up.. the problems he creates when he plays are insurmountable.

I'd let Bernard play number 10.

Better still, sell and keep him on someone else's bench!

I suppose the answer is that he sees nothing in him, but in the current injury situation and given that no-one has snapped him up, yet, Carlo is limit and probably feels that putting him in the shop window will get rid come January sales!!

Left back at Finch Farm! :-)

Due to suspension and injury, four of that default starting XI will not be available tomorrow: Coleman, Digne, James and Richarlison.

Those absentees seriously undermine the default game plan in which Coleman and Digne keep the opposition midfield and defence more 'honest' and 'stay-at-home' with their supporting wing back play, in harness with James and Richarlison in front of them with Allan and Doucoure sharing the covering roles.

Replacing them and settling on an alternative tactic is disruptive enough without making further unforced changes as some propose.

Presuming JJK is match fit, he and Nkoukou seem the obvious replacements for Coleman and Digne. Godfrey is no full back and it is way too premature, based on nothing, to suggest he assumes one of the centre back positions, as inconsistent as Mina has been.

The greater dilemma is further up the pitch. There is no like for like replacement for either James or Richarlison. And without those two feeding him, DCL's supply line is completely choked off.

Personally, I would go for Anthony Gordon over Iwobi or Bernard for his pace in a wide forward role. This week is 'make do' for me and I would prefer to see us more compact in midfield, so envisage a role for Delph or Davies joining Allan and Doucoure in midfield.

For the supposed 'creative spark' for me its heads or tails on Gomes or Siggy. Bernard just isn't cutting it.

Last season at Newcastle we totally bossed them with Davies and Siggy rampant in midfield. Yes, they can be dogged and resilient, but this season alone Brighton and United have put 3 and 4 past them at home.

This is yet another mini-test for us which will tell us a lot. Can we eke out a result when a number of key players are missing? It's what good sides do.

How good (a squad) are we?

I would have went with Gomes and packed midfield, but Bernard may be better as you suggest since he has a higher tackle rate.

It just a pitty that the Management team got it so wrong In their analysis of Southampton and Ancelotti followed with such a poor selection. The compact formation should have been used against Southampton. I don't think Southampton did anymore than they would have done against a Silva Everton and a obliging Sigurdsson. If he is selected tomorrow I shall fear the worsed.

Plus Aston Villa still have a game in hand. Come on Blues grind out a win no matter if it is ugly, and get back to where we think we belong.

Time for a bit of optimism? After all, Man City just recorded a less than dazzling 1-0 against Sheffield United. We're not the only team with problems to solve, far from it.

Last weekend's team sheet was pathetic. Playing Iwobi and Sigurdsson in the team together just slowed everything up and dragged the rest of the team down to their level. Neither should start a match again.

Iwobi... the Teflon Don, has to be the luckiest man in the country. I'm not sure he is Sunday league level. Sigurdsson, the 2nd luckiest guy in the country, was drinking in the last chance saloon 2 years ago but still getting starts. Unbelievable really.

We have the january window and the top teams playing midweek games so I expect us to do better in the new year.

Having said that I fully expect a win at Newcastle and team selection and tactics are key once again.

with the absentees as I said earlier I would go 4-4-2 t o beef up the MF woith Delph and Gomes reintroduced and play Gordon up front alongside DCL.

That gives us a strong MF reasonably strong fullbacks with JJK and Nkoukou and 2 players cpabale of scoring goals in different ways.

Newcastles only threat is from breakaways so this is a KITAP1 type of game.

Pickford
JJK Keane Mina Nkounkou
Delph Allan Doucoure Gordon
Bernard
DCL

I would tell Delph to play on which ever wing St Maximan plays as neither JJK or Niels will cope with him defensively and he is the barcodes only realistic threat.

Bernard was really good playing in the 10 role in the Carabao. Give him a chance in the same role.

Subs Olsen, Siggy, Gomes, Godfrey, Davies.

Apparently too, that Santiago Sosa, the young S American lad was gutted at not getting his dream move to us because of Work Permit issues. I believe that may have been overcome now so a couple in January is a distinct possibility, and dare I say a necessity if we can offload some too.

I've said a couple of times on here that these people will keep going until they get what they want and that's extremely good news for us because they will propel us on regardless. Should we be concerned that we are supping with the devil? Probably, but probably not.

Managers in my experience tend to be much more conservative than we supporters

Pickford, Kenny, Keane, Mina, Nkounkou, Allan, Doucoure, Gomes, Sigurdsson, Davies, Gordon.

It'll be halftime before anyone has worked it out but at least we'll have had a head start and then complete the mystery by playing Bernard as a deep lying centre forward and some time in the second half move Mina to play alongside him.

One for the record books!

If you think this is a bit harsh and inappopriate, you're probably right. But have a look at their comic for simpletons, The Mag, about us. They're horrors.

So yeah, let's go there and do them, like we usually do. A comfortable 3-0 win.

Things could be looking rosier come January, still think a few have to got be cleared out as well for all this to go ahead.

So, please don't comment on this post and clutter up the thread.

Another home win for the Mariners today in the final qualifying round of the FA Trophy. A hard fought 3-2 lead against Stalybridge Celtic was brought to a crash in the last second as Marine's goalie dropped a high ball in the swirling wind, then brought down the Stalybridge forward - penalty. One shot to take the tie to a penalty shoot-out. Unbearable tension amongst the 400 capacity crowd, deep joy as the pen was blasted high over the bar.

Remember the first rule of Marine Club - no follow-up comments please.

Start with the case of Desperados first. Then give him a tender, beef laden, bowl of scouse, who could then refuse 80k pw ?

Brian, if we get Marcel on the case he may be able to talk them into taking Iwobi and a wagonload of others as part of the deal as a sweetener (?) then run like the wind! :-)

In the ground I have been attending, I have felt comfortable. In the standing areas, footprints are painted on the ground where people should stand. In the stand, every alternate row of seats is taped off, in the rows where access is allowed there is a grouping of 2 seats, a taped off section of 3 or 4, then a group of 3.

People are generally respectful of the situation. In an open stadium with a breeze blowing, it feels a lot safer than Sainsbury's.

It's a chance to put a stake in the ground.

Fekk the media. Let's do the business on the pitch, a massive 3 points at stake tomorrow.

Regarding tomorrow, we were bound to lose at some point, so its important that we make a stand, especially after they won.

Was last Sunday a one-off, or were the previous games an aberration?

We'll find out tomorrow - hope its the former! I'd play Gomes instead of Siggy and play Gordon.

The question for Ancelotti and the Team is this - are we just this seasons Sheffield U. or serious contenders.

I think a lot of predictions are based on what they think Carlo will do rather than their preference. Pretty sure no one bar Carlo would pick iwobi

Since we don't have the two attacking wings perhaps 442 is not a bad choice...given we were playng this formation last 10 or 15 games of last season. question is who can be slot in another striker(we don't have one). so attacking midfielder?? who? Iwobi or Bernard or Siggy?

Let's hope Newcastle continues their inept form tomorrow...COYB

Sorry to disagree but fucking hate Geordies

Agree with every single word.

I would go with the idea Lyndon muted last week. I would like to see young Gordon get the chance to play alongside Calver-Lewin. Give their defenders more than one lone striker to worry about.

I'd also asked JJ and Davies to cover the right side. I don't think they would let each other down

We just have to be patient until the real players return.

I hope Carlo doesn't reward failure by starting the usual suspects. That means no Iwobi or Gylfi I'm afraid.

Gordon and Bernard are better options and both out- performed the two I've mentioned above. (Only just I know !)

Full support.
Onward Evertonians 💙

Likewise with JJK, who always puts a decent shift in to the best of his ability, I'm sure he wouldn't have been injured if he had been a shrinking violet. Bernard, like most people I love his skillset, but unfortunately as has been well documented, he is a bit too lightweight for the Premiership.

Iwobi is an enigma, and again has skill but seems reluctant to produce it, except against lesser opposition, but I suspect there is a player in there somewhere, otherwise Marcel Brands wouldn't have shocked us all with the massive fee for him.

I like Tom Davies and his attitude but not as a player for Everton, okay in emergencies, but that's about it, he has had more than enough chances, but has produced very little in my eyes.

Having said all that, when we have injuries and suspensions, which are both going to unfortunately happen, throughout a season. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect those given a chance, to bust a gut to impress and make it difficult to drop them next game.

At the end of the day, these guys are not just doing us a favour by playing for Everton, they are extremely well rewarded, so again it should be expected that they perform to utmost of their ability in whatever capacity that may be.

I certainly don't confess to watching much women's football but I certainly would have tuned in to the FA cup final. It's now unlikely the women have thousands of fans not watching as we tune in to the Newcastle match!

On Iwobi, I watch him and I'm desperate for him to do well due to his fee but I'm afraid it's now clear we have been well and truly tucked up. Can we recoup some of the fee in the summer?

Now if that had been Man U or Liverpool women I doubt whether that would have happened! Forgive my suspicious nature but history has dictated otherwise too often.

https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1881326/young-fan-who-launched-petition-to-change-fixture-clash-meets-everton-duo.

Derek, you're right. Our fixture today could easily have been swopped with the man Utd v Arsenal game, and put back to 4.30pm. It's not like there are any fans to consider, only ours, which the FA or premier league don't give a toss about.

Thanks for that, I hadn't seen it. Well done to the young girl for doing it and it's a shame it didn't gather greater support. It was probably against the time.

It does show a total disregard for Everton supporters particularly young girls like Anna ( who started the petition).

Ray I will record it but never quite the same!

Let's hope for two victories to provide two fingers to the powers that be!

Good luck to both Everton teams playing today. Let's win the cup and go top of the league again.

All teams have injuries and they have to get on with it. Had Mason been fit he probably wouldn't start considering Carlo would want stability and this will be physical. Our full backs will probably be Delph and Kenny who are on a par with our opponents and would expect to push for starting berths this season.

The issues are trying to compensate for Ricky and James and the likes of Theo and Moise would have been great options for Carlo. However this is the type of game I personally think the manager excels in where he can do a tactical number on his opponent with slightly better players as we seen in this fixture last year and Palace this season. I was more worried last week coming up against a more energetic, intense team like the Saints.

Go and win ugly Everton, and see how much confidence it would give us for the rest of this very open season

Kenny's not really good enough but should do a better job than the new lad did out of position last week.

Let's hope Pickford can keep a cool head without the fans goading him!

Unfortunately, like a number of posters I think Ancelotti may select Delph at left back ahead of Nkounkou. If Iwobi and Sigurdsson are in the starting line up, time to switch over to the Women's FA Cup Final.

There are some already looking for reasons why we shouldnt win.

The four players signed this year all played last week and would have all had to improve dramatically in order to muster a Weston between them. I know the excuse factory will go into overdrive, but the fact is. They were all crap. So was the manager.

Most of the players people are moaning about would walk into Newcastle's team. If the players available improve on last weeks shit show (not the highest bar). We win this game.

Injury's are like shit. they happen. You can either go with what you got, or get your excuses ready before a ball is kicked. I hope the players take the first option, because taking the second will lead to an inevitable defeat.

We're better than this crew. We just have to believe it

There is no excuse to not have a good performance and win this game. Carlo is being paid megabucks so we win these games and should be held to account.

I'm confident he expects to win and we should demand it from him and our team. What's a great chance we have this year to challenge / no excuses, COYB.

Nkounkou, Keane, Mina, Kenny,
Gomez, Allan, Doucoure, Siggy, Gordon
DCL

I would have Gordon play on the left. I think it will be a tough game for Kenny as he will have to show he is good enough going forward and be a creator and not just defender - he's had a whole season in Bundesliga - up to him to show he can step up and play this level.

Just how does that Brands guy sleep nights ?

Well, I believe he lies down in a prone position, puts his head on a pillow, or possibly two, shuts his eyes and possibly counts sheep. Simples! 😜

Have got to give that club credit for sticking with Ralph Hassenhutl after that 9-0 dribbling last year, a prime example of managers needing a chance at clubs, in less than a year he's given that club a clear identity.

Not the most exciting looking team but the bench is interesting... one defender, the rest creative midfielders and attackers. Oh, and Pickford.

We need Allan and Doucoure to do much better. As for pure pace, DCL and Nkounkou have lots of it.

Or maybe it's just because his mind Is not right anyway.

What I will say about the team is there is an awful lot riding on Nkounkou's performance. He is providing all the pace. I would expect him to be almost permanently up the pitch. That midfield looks quite pedestrian. Still, we have some quality, if we can stop Wilson scoring we are in with a chance.

Gomes And Sigurdsson behind DCL

Doucoure Allan Delph in midfield in front of back 4

Pick the bones out of that

If all 3 subs being used, and no keeper change, then we'll see Simms? Tosun?

Why is Davies not even on the bench? Whereas the useless Iwobi gets there? He did well against Brighton playing in for Allan. I am left slightly frustrated with this selection, although the only change from my predicted XI is Gomes instead of Davies (and of course the Pickford situation).

23/10 - Marginaly better than evens for those who don't bet.

I think thats a fair price, although I will not be burdening the boys with my bet

He was never going to drop Pickford last week after all the rs media hoo-hah...big balls

Crowd out the midfield, get Nkounkou and Kenny timing runs out wide, then banging in early crosses to DCL.

Sigurdsson will be told to latch on to any loose ball around the 18 yard box and get some first time shots in.

As has been said, our fortunes will be hinged on Nkounkou and Kenny's ability to get quality crosses in.

Really looking forward to seeing Nkounkou again, he looks a cool customer to me an I think he will handle this well. But at nineteen we have to give him some time and breathing space whatever the outcome.

Come on you Blueboys !!!

Big things expected from our midfield today if Delph is the sitter. Sigurdsson likely to be in his favoured position, has to deliver. Unhappy Gordon isn't in the side to stretch the play.

Is the side better balanced than last week? Yes I think so. 3-1 the Bloos

Come on Siggy lad

We are 23/20 the draw is 23/10

Picks benched? I'm stunned.

In Carlo We Trust. Some of this shakeup is brilliant managing to let all and sundry realize they have to continually fight for a place in the team.

Where's the LF??

I fear we're going to see some dourness today, and hope I'm completely wrong.

We don't know what is happening behind the scenes. Here's hoping the dropping of Pickford doesn't open the media floodgates on him, which is about the last thing he needs.

Vijay - I mentioned Ward-Prowse the other day; do I remember rightly that we were "Linked" with him a couple of seasons back?

Sigurdsson on because he is the only dead ball specialist available.

Some are enforced but it looks like DCL will plough a lone furrow again.

If we struggle against the Barcodes then I guess we can say ''here we go again'' as far as the season goes

Other option is 4-2-3-1 with Allan/Delph sitting deep. All the width on the bench so Carlo anticipating a change of formation if things go badly.

I mean, can 2020 get any worse? I look forward to game days and the LF ALL WEEK LONG!

Pathetic? Yes. True? Yes.