Gomes an early doubt for United clash

Expect this line up
Pickford, JJK / Coleman if fit, Keane, Godfrey, Digne, Allan, Doucoure, Davies, James if fit otherwise Iwobi, Gordon and DCL.
please no more Delph and SIggy enough is enough and they never do enough !

I'm not sure also if Andres will ever cut it in the EPL. We had a few decent games but never consistently bossed games.

We need mobility and unfortunately his style of play isn't adding any value to the team and I don't expect him to be more than a squad player, at bes.m

I had high hopes for him, but it ain't gonna happen, unless like Lazarus, he makes a remarkable come back.

We need guts, and belief against United and I hope, Carlo, has also learnt from the last two weeks.

I'd replace these x3 with Gordon, Davies and Iwobi, assuming Hames won't be fit.

The subs on Saturday will have to be up for it too. A chance to relight the flame, hopefully the team will be up for it.

GK, will be interesting, I'd stick with Olsen, but l reckon, that Carlo, will play Jordan if it's true what's been said in the press.

Let's hope United will be fatigued by the trip to Istanbul, and Everton will be refreshed and ready, and get the 3 points.

Olsen
Kenny
Digne (back from suspension?)
Mina
Keane
Allan
Doucoure
Delph
Iwobi
Gordon
DCL

If we pose no attacking threat (as per the weird formation at NCL) then manure will just commit men forward at zero risk of a counter attack.

Iwobi does create. Gordon can run.

Bernard has talent (as do Gomes and Sigurdsson) but just doesn't seem to affect a game (again like Gomes and Sigurdsson).

Gordon or Bernard to play left wing.

The fact that we won't miss Andre Gomes is disappointing but very true because he just has no impact on games anymore, even prior to the injury you are talking about at best a one good game in six type player.

Sadly now he just looks shot, no energy, no spark, no mobility, just becoming rather invisible and a million miles away from the player that ran the show at Anfield in December 2018.

We've got to go for the throat against Man Utd, they will be masking fatigue, but they will be suffering a bit. We really need to get right at them from the off with a high tempo and intensity and keep it up for 90mins.

4-3-3

Olsen
Kenny Keane Mina Digne
Doucoure Allan Delph
James DCL Gordon

If James is still injured swap for Iwobi.

Time for a positive reaction from the squad, the last two performances have been well below par and no where near good enough.

I've not got any stats, on the Soton and Toon games, but I'd take a guess and arguably they could be Everton's worst attempts on goal for a couple of seasons.

Let's hope this week at FF, the coaches are getting the players intune and players are self motivated and up for this game.

Sigurdsson will only ever be effective against teams who are open. Leave him on the bench and bring him on if the other team are chasing the game.

Iwobi rivals Sigurdsson for the biggest waste of money ever by our club. £80m on them two beggars belief.

Gomes just isn't doing it.

Why has Carlo reverted to the same as previous managers in playing experienced pros who are blatantly not cutting it over younger players who will actually give it their all to play. I'd rather have Davies and Gordon in than any of the above. I believe that Davies will shine alongside Allan, Doucoure and Rodriguez, while Gordon will find space for either himself or Digne to be found by Rodriguez.

On Bernard I still think there is a player there maybe not in the starting 11 when all fit / available. But he has something but struggled quite to reach his potential...so far.

We should have signed Max Aaron's before Godfrey as right back is a bigger need right now.

I wanted to see Nkounkou linking up with Gordon on the left, with Tom or Bernard acting as the midfield link. Unfortunately Barnard is too ineffective for me - a fart in a bottle player - so I'd prefer to give Tom the chance of working with some decent midfielders for once. Tom at least tries to move the play forward. With Digne back, I still hope Carlo picks the other two to fill in on the left side.

I cannot fathom why Gordon is getting so little game time, especially after his League Cup performance and his cameo against Southampton, where he was the only player who threatened to turn the game round. I wouldn't be surprised to see a transfer request in January if he continues to sit on the bench being forced to watch the crap being preferred to him.

I'm still a bit hopeful that Gomes might yet get over his injury, like Seamus finally has. Curing the afflicted is one thing, raising the dead is an entirely different matter. So the sooner we can say bye bye Gylfi the better.

Olson
Seamus Keane Holgate Digne

James Allan Doucoure Nkoukou

DCL Gordon

Pace, defensive solidity and goalscoring ability.

Like I said on another thread Barcelona don't offload their best players, and there is usually a reason why they have let them go. I would say Lucas Digne is an exception to that. Although there is the ' horses for courses ' analogy.

I don't go for the excuse either that whoever (insert name as appropriate) had a ' bad game ' because he was played out of position? Here we have a decent chance to play an Manure side that is off at the moment, and to redeem some semblance of early form, and more importantly 3 points.

We have already become a laughing stock with our flirtingly brief spell at the Top of the Table, and none more so than with our beloved neighbours from across Stanley Park at Mordor. Let's restore that and prove we are not a ' flush in the pan '.

Gomes wouldn't have played anyway.

Can't believe how much we miss Richarlison. Not realised how much of a difference he makes to how teams set up against us.

Not feeling confident ahead of this weekend. Even with James and Digne back.

It speaks volumes that the seven or so players we tried to offload, the ones we struggled to get buyers for, are still here. All this doesn't really excuse the vision and knowhow we needed by Carlo in the last two games could easily have been avoided by playing maybe Simms or Gordon right up to support Calvert-Lewin.

No disrespect to the likes of Southampton and Newcastle but we played totally how they wanted us to play. Precious points lost. Easily avoidable.

The game against Man Utd is massive for both clubs, I think Solksjaer would be in danger of losing his job if they loose this game. I think if we lost that would be 3 on the bounce and all the positivity that we had would disappear very quickly. Also it would lead some to ask questions of Carlo Ancelotti, I personally think he will need more than 1 transfer window to get us anywhere near were we need to be. As the stats prove no wins since 2018 without Richarlison in the side, that just sums up everything about this team. I hope in the jan window we look for attackers who have pace and have a record of scoring goals. then when Richarlison or James or DCL are not available we don't become a side with no attacking options as happened on Sunday.

When Gomes joined us he was an instant hit, not just over a few games as some like to rewrite history, but consistently so, with arguably his best game being the Anfield derby where he was a class above everyone else on the field, both in my opinion and according to the then comments on ToffeeWeb. But folks have very short memories, and there are some who have only negative comments about players, and appear from nowhere to strike with their negativity when players hit bad form.

Some on here would have us change the entire team, and start again, every season if they don't feel satisfied. But fortunately these people aren't in charge at Everton. Each player seems to have their turn at being vilified, and some folks on here are still going out of their way to point negatives at DCL for example.

Currently, Rodriguez is the golden boy, but I'd bet my shirt on it than as soon as he struggles with bad form the whipping boys will be out in force, adding Rodriguez to their list of so-called 'dead wood' who need shipping out. It's as predictable as the Sun rising in the East tomorrow morning.

Gomes has disappointed us all. He really did look the part early on but now looks utterly ineffective. Is it his injury? Or does he not fit in with the players around him? My guess is the injury has affected him, he was never quick but the ease with which one of the the barcode midfielders ran away from him, breaking out of defence, reminded me of Gareth Barry chugging after Thomas Mueller in the world cup. Problem is, we are running out of back up options as each flops. There is Davies who has not been seen for a bit and that might be his strongest asset right now. He is not the messiah, as I have frequently said, it's more a case of can he be any worse than Gomes or Siggy? Maybe alongside Allan and let Doucoure play further up? Albeit the latter is not playing as well as he did at Watford.

Let's assume- pray?- James is fit. Then surely it's time for Gordon. We might as well see if he can surpass the low bar provided by Iwobi and before him, Walcott. He must be in with a shout. I sometimes wonder, given his lack of opportunity, if he just looks bad in training. Or Carlo has discovered he is shagging his daughter.

At the back I'd be mildly tempted to play Godfrey. Mina's lack of pace was cruelly highlighted in their second and Keane is no racehorse. But Carlo won't do that. We have no option but to persevere with Kenny but at GK? Well Olsen was our man of a crappy match so it would be perverse for him to pay the penalty if others don't. And if Jordan pulls out another headless chicken act, then that might be that for him. So it actually strikes me as very risky bringing Pickford back for such a high profile game.

Unless he comes roaring back to his best during the season we should be looking at moving him on next summer.

I think the lad shows bags of potential - as a fullback - and needs developing as understudy to Digne, who can teach him the position inside out.

As regards United they look very good on the counter so I'd be wary of pushing up high and attacking them. The approach Arsenal took might be prudent.

Assuming James is fit I'd go 4-3-3 with possibly Godfrey replacing Mina, who made a bad error vs NUFC. Think Kenny will play as he's fit. Midfield 3 of Allan, Dacoure and maybe Bernard at left-centre. Give Gordon a shot on the left. If we are focused on controlling midfield maybe Davies instead of Bernard, though I'd prefer some creativity. If James misses out then I guess it's Iwobi on the right. Decent cameo from his at the weekend but I don't trust him as a starter. They'll be looking to hit us on transition and Iwobi arses about in possession too much for my liking.

Recall Inchy after Marsood done him, whilst he came back which was a miracle based on medical science in them days he was never the same.

Same with Braces after that mad dog Whitehurst done him at the Toon, a terrible injury, and never the same player, after his return.

I've wanted Gomes to flourish, but like you've said, it look increasingly like he's either never gonna get fit, or has some belief issues. Let's hope JP, comes back fully fit and well.

Difficult for any player coming back from a terrible injury, but as much as I hope, I don't see any real focus and desire and he jogs around the park. The odd 75degrees cross field ways pass or odd forward ball isn't enough to warrant a place.

I've said earlier on this thread, it's like playing with x3 players down, when Siggy, Delph, and Gomes play, and there's no team in any league, that can be successful in the longer term, with such a team, and squad with no strength in depth. Also the manager and coaches must take stock of themselves and their training and tactics, as the last x2 games, have been well under the bar set earlier this season, pre the RS match.

Yes, we are whacked by injuries, and suspensions, but the squad depth in strength is limited, I'd be interested to see the squad and started 11, this Saturday morning.

Hopefully, Everton can put United away and rebuild the confidence and belief.

The season is looking a bust already if the full squad isn't available soon.

Ok Wembley is a lot closer for Bill, but I know which game I would have attended.

I certainly hope we get some better days of real football enjoyment, that we used to enjoy and what we pine for now, in the very near future.

Not sure what your general feelings are towards women's football. I actually enjoy watching some of the matches although wince at the general standard of goalkeeping.

Woman's football is improving, but for me, if they clash with the first team, then it is the first team, everytime for me.

Surely now with Rodriguez back, we have to play Gordon on the left, he is the only one who will attack and try to get behind them, I might even be tempted to try Bernard in a more central role in place of Siggerson, or bring Gordon more in the middle and put Nkounkou further forward on the left.

Feel for Olsen if Pickford gets the nod, done all he could last week and deserves another run out.

Scored a goal sprinting away, drew a yellow on another run (which could have been red if the pass had been closer), and dummied elegantly for their second goal.

Gives all us old farts some hope.

Besides, the game was spectacular, lots of great plays and physical stuff. Thrill-a-minute at times. Unlike the mud pie the men served up.

All planned and setup for him to takeover at Man Utd next week, I reckon. Lost tonight and Saturday will be the last straw.

He'll be in the hotseat soon enough.

Wouldn't write him off just yet. Probably not going to be our long term Coleman replacement but he's not terrible either. If we can get into a decent rhythm again then I'm sure he'd be okay.

I remember a certain Bobby Collins who was just terrific for Everton and Leeds and was small in stature.

The Holy Trinity, Golden Vision, Reidy, all not giants physically but were fine footballers, brains, heart, desire, courage and skill, in abundance

Maradona, Iniesta, Messi, etc., were arguably some of the best players of their eras in the world.

Everton have had plenty of such players over the years.

Especially given the limitations of players around him

" Says the ballet dancer has a mark on his foot to prove it was a penalty.

What a gobshite - got a worse memory than Joe B

That's good!

I've said for a while that I think many of our fans over-estimate him but it seems that is starting to turn. And I don't think the injury is wholly to blame as I had my doubts before it happened.

It's yet another problem for Brands/Ancelotti as his wages are among the largest at the club and no-one else will match them. We are suffering from overpaying players on large contracts and I expect Gomes will be here for the long term. He's definitely got talent and played alright in the first few games of this season (was still the weakest of the midfielders) but those who think he is capable of re-capturing his Benfica/Valencia form are going to be disappointed. He's just too slow for this league and his slowness is highlighted when played with other slow players (like Sigurdsson or Davies); it also accounts for him giving away so many costly free kicks (and recent penalty).

On an unrelated topic sorry to see you didn't feature in the recent Olivier Awards. Maybe next year ( if the theatres reopen).

We need more dynamism, aggressive closing down willingness to drive forward, willingness to make explosive runs to get behind a defence.
With the these static midfielders we become one dimensional and entirely predictable for opposing managers. “Close down these slow midfielders and Everton's game falls apart”.

It's a constant battle for Marcel Brands, but he has no alter to try at least to move on two out of Sigurdsson Gomes and Delph. Then bring in a midfielder with more energy, pace and desire. One who will play at a higher tempo. Davies is the obvious candidate already on our books but Carlo mustn't think he has the quality for the job.

We talked about Diatta, Sarr the other day as the type of pace and direct threat we are lacking when Richarlison is out, but this energy and dynamism in midfield is not far behind in terms of priorities.

Davies certainly provides energy but he's not the quickest over the ground. I Still wonder whether you could try Iwobi in that central position, the most attacking of the three. He's not quick enough to be a winger but he's no slouch and is a good ball carrier on his day. Doesn't seem likely to happen and i'm not sure he's deserved more opportunities to be honest but I don't see any other dynamic midfield options unless we start looking at the kids and the likes of Onyango, who I don't think will be ready for another year or so.

I think Gomes will work better once we have the hard working Richarlison back to help provide the pace on the left side of the pitch. Another thought of course is Gbamin who should be back soon. Difficult to know what sort of condition he'll be in but pre injury he was very quick and athletic. If fit it will be interesting to see if Gbamin sits and Allan goes box to box or the other way around.

Speaking of Davies, he wasn't even on the bench against Newcastle but he's not listed as injured. Anyone know what's going on there?

It's not Bernard's size that keeps him out of the middle of the park, it's his instincts and lack of physical strength. He's the same size and weight as Xavi and Rui Barros, for example, but they could keep the ball in heavy traffic and Bernard can't. He naturally gravitates to the wide-open spaces -- doesn't like crowds.

As we saw in Istanbul pace will beat united so for me it is important that Gordon gets a game up front with DCL and Doucoure gets told to be more box to box rather than standing guard with Allan.

Hopefully Coleman and Digne are playing so that will give us pace and strength on the flanks.

So that leaves a space on the left side of MF. I know Carlo wont do it but I would play Nkoukou there.

We need more pace, power and goalscoring capabilities and not rely on DCL or MIchael Keane to get the goals.

Good as it is that we have the best set piece success (still, I think?), there needs to be more from open play. It's a real miss that needs sorting, quickly.

Haha.

I admit he wasn't the only one - but with him especially his absolute gutless refusal to play balls forward or look to create anything was a disgrace. Constant safe sideways or back ward passes - even when he had clearly seen space and angles that were on infront of him - were a major reason for the utter static, mind numbing, boring shite that laughingly called itself a mid field. Again - he wasn't the only one but was definitely the chief crab.

He's a legend in his own head and like Kevin at 20 - I don't want to see him in a blue shirt again.

Whilst not the full answer - putting Bernard through the middle gives us half a chance of creating forward momentum and bad as Utd are at the moment, unless we take it to them - don't expect any improvement on last week.

I've said on previous posts, that in my view, we invite massive trouble by playing, Siggy, Gomes and Delph, as they can't run at a jog, with a head wind behinds them.

United looked poor and a shambles for much of the game last night, but they'll be fighting for their pride and I hope Everton, go for the kill, early doors on Saturday.

If Hames if fully fit, then start him, with Gordon, starting on one side with Bernard or Iwobi on the other side, all fitness depending.

I'm not sure what's the sketch with Anthony Gordon and Tom Davies of late, but they'll give 100% effort, which you don't get from three aforementioned players, whom make Everton, perhaps, the slowest transitioning team, from attack to defence in the EPL.

Massive game, looking forward to it, and let's believe.

Surely, our cliche on TW, they can't be worse than last weekend?

Lets hope not.

I'll be shocked if Carlo manages to get us 3 points without Richarlison in the XI.

Shock me, please.

Both Sigurdsson and Gomes have been atrocious of late. I had hoped that Gomes would eventually show signs of his form prior to the injury but it's just not happening.

It's clear we have little quality to call upon once the first choice eleven is not available. Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Delph and Gomes, are hardly going to worry Man Utd, are they? Some quality in depth is urgently required over the next two or three transfer windows.

Agreed, very simple task: forward passing... running.

Guess what? Delph – advocate of backward passing, slows everything down;
Sigurdsson always disappears during the match – especially when he gets to start – and, needless to say, slow;
Iwobi – young but not fast... can pass but ball control is atrocious

What do we have left???

Bernard – good at playing central, shit at wings;
Gordon – fast and willing runner, not in favour.

Hopefully there would be good surprise against Man Utd.

I totally agree. If I had my wish, I would never see him in an Everton shirt again.

Understand the alternatives are limited if James is still unfit but he is not the answer.

As for Delph, Allan has taken his place. He is a handy squad member but nothing more. He can play in the league Cup and be Allan's understudy for the rest of the season. He then needs to be moved on to a provincial theatre to see out his playing days.
I hope that Seamus is back as he gives us a natural balance epecially with Digne returning on the left.
We can overcome the loss of Richarlison if we keep our shape and bring in Gordon to support DCL.
We need some pace to undo Maguire and Lindeloft and Gordon is about the only one with it is spades.
However, United will pick us off if we throw too many bodies at them and Rashford has been in good form.
The last game before more of these damned internationals.

When Richarlison comes back, I think we will see a return to the exciting form we showed before losing him. The midfield as a whole plays much better when there is a genuine chance of a scoring outlet; that's what Richarlison gives us. It's up to Carlo to find more fire power up front in upcoming transfer windows – that's the key to further success.

My point is that we are woefully short up front. We don't know if we can't win without Calvert-Lewin, but we do know we can't win without Richarlison and that's a fact.

I have to admit we are obviously better with him in the team and that goes for Dominic whose work rate and goals are just as valuable, more so this season.

Using your theory, Chelsea 'dumped' De Bruyne, Salah & Lukaku. Barce 'dumped' Neymar. Barce also 'dumped' Digne. I could go on, but you get my drift.

Can't argue that Gomes hasn't played well of late, but there's a class footballer in there. Seems as though you and some other posters on here are not prepared to let the guy play back into form & regain his confidence after his injury.

There were a few calling for Seamus's head not long ago, saying he wasn't half the player since his injury. All eating their words now.

I'm not sure there is a class footballer in there with Gomes.

Realistically his performances for us have been generally poor, give for I'd say half a dozen good performances. Including his loan spell.

This is a player who was on the receiving end of a chorus of boos from his own fans when playing for FC Barcelona.

Technically I think he's quite accomplished. If he was allowed to play the game at his own pace and under little pressure he'd probably be able to do some outstanding things.

But the reality is that he's faced with aggressive and energetic opposition in a high pressure environment. And he struggles, continually