Seasons2020-21Everton News
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton
Match Preview

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's absence will be a significant blow to Everton as he misses out through injury for the first time this season
Everton get back to Premier League action this evening with a trip to Molineux to face one of their rivals for European qualification in the form of Wolves.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side begin this round of matches sitting in 13th place, however, seven points below the Blues having won just once in their last six Premier League matches.
That victory came at home to Chelsea almost a month ago and their run of less-then-spectacular form has largely coincided with the loss of striker Raul Jiminez who fractured his skull at the end of November and has been sidelined ever since.
In his absence, the Midlanders had scored just four goals until they went to Brighton on 2nd January and put three past the Seagulls in a match they should have won but ended up drawing 3-3.
Wolves followed that with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Third Round last Friday, a sign perhaps that they are stabilising their form in the absence of their marksman.
For Everton, this fixture marks a return to one of their more depressing results from last season, one which they lost 3-0 on the back of as poor a performance as Carlo Ancelotti has overseen in his time in charge.
The Toffees will also be without their main marksman and their best alternative will have to undergo a fitness test before it is determined whether he is fit enough to play.
That's because Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury Richarlison is a doubt for the game at Molineux, potentially leaving Cenk Tosun as the only fit striker.
Calvert-Lewin striker has been practically ever-present for the Blues in the Premier League but played no part in the FA Cup win over Rotherham on Saturday and he has now realised one of the Blues' biggest concerns by picking up a problem that deprives the team of its top scorer.
“He had a little problem during the week before the game against West Ham," the manager said of Calvert-Lewin today. "The fact that he'd never had this kind of injury before meant he was not able to judge 100 per cent himself.
“He played against West Ham, so this means it's not a really important injury, but we want to keep him safe and to be 100 per cent when he comes back.
"Richarlison, we have to wait to train today to make a decision on this."
On Allan, who has been out of action since he suffered up a hamstring injury at Leicester in mid-December, Ancelotti said that the Brazilian could be back "in around 10 to 15 days”.
It means that the usual suspects are options in midfield where Abdoulaye Doucouré, a player who has emerged as a vital presence in the centre, will almost certainly walk back into the starting XI having been named on the bench against Rotherham.
Gylfi Sigurdsson could also return to the line-up, with Tom Davies as the anchor, James Rodriguez deployed on one flank and Alex Iwobi on the other.
At the back, Jordan Pickford should rotate back in and as harsh as it would be on Ben Godfrey following his sterling efforts as an emergency left-back, it would not be a surprise to see Yerry Mina come back in to partner Michael Keane.
Lucas Digne, expected to make his second start since making a rapid recovery from ankle surgery, might have the most testing role, though, as he will have to contend with the pace of Adama Traore while the midfield and defence as a whole will have to be mindful of the invention and movement of players like Daniel Podence.
With their respective injury concerns to their strikers, this one has the hallmarks of a draw which wouldn't be the worst result in the world for Everton when you consider what happened here last time out.
However, Ancelotti will be keen to get back to winning ways after dropping points against West Ham on New Year's Day and if his charges can keep it tight and perhaps repeat what they did at Leicester and Sheffield United, no Blue would be complaining.
Kick-off: 8:15pm, Tuesday, 12 January 2021 on Sky Sports
Referee: Martin Atkinson
VAR: Jonathan Moss
Last Time: Wolverhampton Wanderers 3 - 0 Everton
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne, Davies, Doucouré, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Rodriguez, Richarlison
Reader Comments (181)
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2 Posted 11/01/2021 at 14:42:00
3 Posted 11/01/2021 at 14:48:45
4 Posted 11/01/2021 at 14:49:14
Why does this club never see potential for injuries during a season?
The fact we have to play Tosun now, a poor Sam Allardyce signing, away from home in two tough looking Premier League matches, it's just embarrassing.
Sort it out Carlo lad and get that Brands in the office today and tell him to start delivering or get him shipped out.
5 Posted 11/01/2021 at 14:53:04
6 Posted 11/01/2021 at 14:53:36
7 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:05:59
We have been lacking goals from MF for years. Some thought initially Tom Davies might solve the problem but while United bring in the likes of Fernandes we still have not brought anyone in to help with the goalscoring.
I guess we will keep on relying on Mina and Keane for a KITAP1 tactic.
8 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:14:50
9 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:18:28
10 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:19:43
Fair point, in truth you should expect a combined 25 goals from midfield, wide men included.
Look at Gomes, Allan, Sigurdsson, Davies, Bernard, Iwobi and how many will they get between them, about 6 if lucky.
James and Doucoure should but don't score as many as I first envisaged.
A striker as cover for DCL is imperative however.
As a whole unit though we just don't committ enough men to score goals under Ancelotti.
11 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:20:26
12 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:20:29
13 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:26:07
15 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:30:00
16 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:34:13
17 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:35:04
18 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:44:25
Hard to see much reward at Molineaux tomorrow without our main goalscorer and maybe Richie to boot.
This is where we lag behind the top teams by not being able to go to the strength in depth as they have.
With the options of Tosun, Bernard, Siggy or Gordon it is likely a rearguard action might be employed which never works out much for Everton.
19 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:48:17
As has been mentioned many times, the lad is a technically good scorer but only when it's on a plate, the game generally seems to pass him by, as being too quick for his style of playing. This was exemplified on Saturday when he was anonymous before getting the first goal. His second which was well taken, but disallowed again proves that point again, where was he in any build up? (which were few and far between)
20 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:50:10
21 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:51:19
22 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:51:50
23 Posted 11/01/2021 at 15:55:18
If you offered me the 0-0 draw now I'd snap the old mitten off you.
24 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:05:16
25 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:07:13
26 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:11:12
The middle field performances of the Rotherham game has no chance against Wolves. That's where the biggest problem could be.
Sims probably will. be back up, unless Ancelotti has someone in mind as a make shift Centre Forward.
Oumar Naisse is still living in Liverpool , trying to. link up with Big Sam in Birmingham.
27 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:11:55
Ancelotti has shown he can adapt the horses for courses technique, so it will ben interesting to see how Tosun performs.
28 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:19:05
29 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:20:59
30 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:24:04
I'm feeling positive, we have a history of young strikers coming in and doing really well in their break through season before they end up being average at best. Simms therefore should do well tomorrow. Bring it on. Richarlison will play, kidology from carlo
31 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:25:25
Come on ToffeeWebbers, nothing has changed, yet, from the season start. We have selection difficulties so the fringe players must roll up their sleeves and play for the, badge, shirt, contract, fans, whatever. Carlo will devise a strategy to be performed by the playets that he has available and we will see what happens.
I am looking forward to the team applying themseves collectively for the cause and to put last season's embarrassment behind them.
Until the club can change personnel, it is what it is. Come on blues, show the wolves what you are made of. COYB.
32 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:26:27
33 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:26:27
34 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:26:53
It's the ability to run into a through pass and the fact that James and Gordon can provide such a pass is the main hope. Tosun has only played twice with James and once with Gordan. . In the Rotherham game and as a isolated sub in the West Ham game.
Throughout his career at Everton Tosun has never played with a player who could play a through pass till now.
35 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:30:29
.
36 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:40:00
Wolves have struggled to score goals themselves so this could be a very dour game.
Another chance for fringe players to stake a claim for the shirt and players to show some character.
This just highlights the lack of strength in the squad. Man city have recently played without a recognised striker knowing that their 6 man midfield have enough quality and goals in them to control games. I would love us to try something similar but we don't have the quality in midfield to be successful.
Personally I would leave Digne on the bench and put Godfrey against Traore.
Slot Holdgate in as a holding centre mid with dacoure, iwobi, Sigurdsson. Rodriguez free role with Cenk up top.
Pickford
Coleman,Mina,Keane,Godfrey
Iwobi,Doucouré,Holdgate,Sigurdsson
Rodriguez
Tosun
37 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:41:06
38 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:47:23
39 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:47:41
Would prefer to be watching football, but fringe benefits 'n' all that.
In the meantime it has to be Tosun and Richy (have they had any serious game time together?) with Gordon, as Jerome says.
40 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:50:09
41 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:51:10
We all knew after the last window slammed shut that if DCL gets injured we are bolloxed with letting Walcott and Keane go, and guess what yup.
I take it we cannot reacall Kean? Even if we say to PSG you can buy at the end of the season.
42 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:55:06
With DCL he was never going to be able to play every game so we have to get on with it.
We have been poor the last two games, surely not a hatrick ?
43 Posted 11/01/2021 at 16:56:31
Pickford
Coleman Mina Keane Godfrey
Davies Doucoure
Iwobi James Siggy
Tosun
SUBS: Olsen, Holgate, Kenny, Digne, Gomes, Nkounkou, Gordon
44 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:12:34
45 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:16:49
46 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:19:24
If Wolves can survive without Raul (plus Marcal and Daniel Podence), we can survive without some of ours as well.
47 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:20:02
48 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:26:45
49 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:30:09
Maybe it's a COVID prevention measure. Here's a quote from Carlo on Sky this morning:
“We are wearing masks in the changing room, we are trying to keep social distancing, so we are really strict to follow the protocol. If they say dont celebrate, we are not going to celebrate. Or we dont score goals, and that will be better, no? You dont score goals, you dont have to celebrate (smile).”
50 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:46:50
We have great owners and great coaches at the club and I really hope that for once we can have a whinge-free zone here if we don't play brilliantly and win.
As a supporter, I offer only my best wishes to the team and hope to see a good performance by what we know will be a weak side.
51 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:48:24
It's no good giving him the hoof ball because he is nowhere near Calvert-Lewin in winning them. We have to try to play smarter. Cenk isn't a bad player he just a bit more of a one-dimensional finisher of a striker. He's pretty useful at his speciality too. Defense splitting passes from James, wicked crosses from Iwobi or Digne are what's needed.
What's the formation then? 4-2-3-1?
Pickford
Holgate Keane Mina Digne
Doucouré Godfrey
Iwobi James Richarlison
Tosun
Sorry, I just can't leave Godfrey out of the side, so he gets the nod as a DCM ahead of Davies and Gomes.
52 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:53:45
Maybe he said, you know what lads, some fans are bored, can you break dance instead of the standard shuttles we usually go through?
53 Posted 11/01/2021 at 17:59:15
54 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:02:30
55 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:05:08
Along with a clever run that pulled a centre half out of position to allow Duke the space to run into and score.
Play the full-backs, Digne especially if he starts, to get crosses into and around the 6-yard box.
Tosun will get goals. Play him as a back to goal centre-forward and he won't.
56 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:08:31
Olsen
Godfrey Keane Mina Digne
Iwobi Davies Sigurdsson Nkounkou
Tosun Richarlison
Subs: Pickford, Coleman, Holgate, Gomes, James, Gordon, Simms.
57 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:09:52
But I didn't tell anybody how they should respond. I expressed a hope, that is all.
58 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:10:49
Olsen
Coleman Keane Mina Godfrey
Richarlison Doucouré Holgate Nkounkou
Tosun James
59 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:13:00
His mentality should be positive because he should be either performing to stay or performing for a move which hopefully will work in our favour.
What other hope do we have with our leading scorer out and Richarlison playing for free kicks every game?
60 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:16:19
61 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:25:14
I'm sure that the club are looking to fill that hole but difficult to see them stumping up money to replace so many weak spots. Must be difficult for Ancelotti when Calvert-Lewin is out, Richarlison a shadow of his pre-ban self and our best midfield player out too.
Our current game seems to sometimes suit away games though so here's hoping. I hope that Richarlison isn't playing for a move.
62 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:27:54
63 Posted 11/01/2021 at 18:38:50
67 Posted 11/01/2021 at 19:31:06
68 Posted 11/01/2021 at 19:46:17
If we get through it, Tottenham will be a great test. We'll need Allan and Calvert-Lewin back, and to be at full strength but win that and we will have belief that it's our year.
69 Posted 11/01/2021 at 19:47:52
Someone stated on another thread that Richarlison maybe is disgruntled, out of form, and disinterested because he has been our main player the previous 2 seasons, and then he sees Kean going to PSG to play with Mbappe and his mate Neymar in the Champions League.
70 Posted 11/01/2021 at 19:54:54
71 Posted 11/01/2021 at 19:59:00
72 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:00:45
Anyone offers the reported £70 million I would sell him.
As long as the full amount is reinvested.
73 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:07:43
I think it is more about the role he is being asked to play since Digne and Seamus have been missing. He is being asked to provide the crosses for Calvert-Lewin and finds himself most of the time outside the penalty area. When Digne and Seamus were at their best, he was in the penalty area hoping to get on the end of one of their crosses.
When he plays for Brazil he plays in more central attacking position and so is always involved in the penalty area. It's obviously clear he loves scoring goals regularly and this is what has been missing.
Do you remember the quality goals he scored last season with both feet and head? So maybe if he is fit, and I think he will be, and Carlo sticks him up top we might see a re-energized and happy Richarlison.
74 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:11:40
If Richarlison is fit then drop Tosun.
I can't understand why we are repeatedly told, players were being rested but will definitely be fit next game, then they are not and end up missing 3-4 games.
75 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:13:04
The possible outcomes with regards to points available are: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6. To hell with form, to hell with injuries, to hell with common sense, I'm going for SIX POINTS!!!!!!
COYB!!!!
76 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:15:06
Holgate Keane Mina Godfrey
Iwobi Doucouré Davies Richarlison
James
Tosun
77 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:16:14
78 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:16:39
As for his departure, he was always likely to be off this summer or next. I don't think anything has changed. Depends a bit on what offers we get and where we finish in the league.
79 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:44:48
Oh, and thanks to the go who worked out the possible point outcomes the next 2 games! Must have taken a while!
80 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:45:17
81 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:54:29
Given the likelihood we will not enjoy the majority of possession it might be worth Richarlison being used in a central striker role tomorrow with Tosun making an appearance from the bench.
82 Posted 11/01/2021 at 20:57:41
Bad day at the nursery?
83 Posted 11/01/2021 at 21:05:47
Also, who is running our training? Is it Klopp or something? We seem to get far more injuries in training than we do in matches.
84 Posted 11/01/2021 at 21:08:04
Fast and built like a brick shithouse.
86 Posted 11/01/2021 at 21:19:29
87 Posted 11/01/2021 at 21:33:52
I know both teams are located in London, but surely this game being announced at such short notice doesn't give Fulham much time to prepare. Does anyone know why there are only six games in this round of league games?
88 Posted 11/01/2021 at 21:48:17
But Tosun proved what he is, a goal scorer. He's a little slow and not particularly strong to hold the ball up but play the ball into his stride and he can get a shot off on target.
That means we need other forward runners to help open up space. Ric, Gordon, Bernard, Iwobi are the choices to play up front and support / make runs. They have a bit of pace and can do the running.
I would rest James and play deep and stay solid at the back.
Godfrey has proven to be our best left back.
It highlights our many weak points so lets bring in some attacking talent this month. Scotland and Championship full of good players.
Clubs are skint. Strike whilst the irons hot and take advantage of their financial issues.
89 Posted 11/01/2021 at 21:54:17
Olsen
Coleman
Keane
Mina
Digne
Doucouré
Sigurdsson
Goddfrey
James
Tosun
Bernard
That lad Godfrey can play anywhere.
90 Posted 11/01/2021 at 21:55:51
91 Posted 11/01/2021 at 22:17:48
92 Posted 11/01/2021 at 22:17:58
93 Posted 11/01/2021 at 22:25:44
Holgate, Keane, Mina, Godfrey.
Iwobi, Doucoure, Gomes, Richarlson if fit or Bernard.
James
Tosun.
COYBs.
94 Posted 11/01/2021 at 22:28:16
4-4-1-1 for me, with James allowed to roam.
Pickford
Holgate Mina Keane Godfrey
Iwobi Gomes Doucouré Nkounkou
James
Tosun
Get Simms on the bench and give Gordon a go later on. If Richarlison is back, put him up top instead of Cenk for a game.
95 Posted 11/01/2021 at 22:42:06
Calvert-Lewin hasn't had a chance to make much of a contribution in the last few games, we won't miss the goals he hasn't scored (because of the way we play, not his fault!).
It's time for others to step up and show some energy, hopefully with some cunning.
96 Posted 11/01/2021 at 22:46:01
97 Posted 11/01/2021 at 22:46:16
I agree, mate, on Tosun's ability – or lack of. I posted earlier he can only be of use to us in one capacity. Get balls across the box from wide positions.
He can't or won't head it with his back to goal. He can't hold it in. He has got no pace.
What he has got is he makes good, thoughtful movement around the box when we have possession. He varies his runs, sometimes he makes the run and stops, losing his marker. Mostly he attacks the near post.
I would take the first bid of over £5 million for him but, if he is going to play, play to the one asset he has.
98 Posted 11/01/2021 at 23:48:14
Ancelotti has to show, if he is a world class manager, Everton have to finish in the top 4 this season. He has had money to spend on transfers, so, has to deliver.
99 Posted 12/01/2021 at 00:27:02
Unless we have the start of the season players and more importantly, the form, we're better off going with the 4 at the back - until we do get players, either back and on form or brought in who can attack in force in such a manner that teams don't get to put or defence under too much pressure, too often.
Darren Hind is right about this one - we can lose ugly or draw ugly, but until we get better players back and/or in, we might have to be content first with winning ugly, then work on winning well.
100 Posted 12/01/2021 at 00:42:38
101 Posted 12/01/2021 at 01:12:31
102 Posted 12/01/2021 at 02:38:11
We all know at least 9 of the starters. If Gordon starts, l will turn the telly off.
103 Posted 12/01/2021 at 03:27:13
Then, as seems to be the wont when we go a goal up, there is still the option of moving Holgate or Godfrey into midfield and playing Nkounkou and Davies at full-backs.
I cud doo dat, gis a job, lah.
104 Posted 12/01/2021 at 03:44:17
Sigurdsson, Bernard and Iwobi have already got 6 for us.
105 Posted 12/01/2021 at 03:52:46
Gordon needs to play and Nkounkou as well. Defensively it will weaken us but we will create more chances, which is something we have been seriously lacking of late.
Digne is not fit and Godfrey is a good defender but if he bombs forward he is totally lost what to do next. He can't cross the ball either.
106 Posted 12/01/2021 at 07:41:53
107 Posted 12/01/2021 at 08:03:08
He scored again last night against Celtic. I think he would be a great signing for us, he's an old school footballer the type of player Moyes would've signed during his time at Everton with limited funds.
There you go Brands player scouted. :{} 1878
109 Posted 12/01/2021 at 08:28:28
Regarding Nisbet I think the lad just wants regular guaranteed football just now and doubt hed get that with us.
He signed for about 250k and was offered more money both by other Scottish clubs and a couple of English ones, however, he was set on signing for Hibs
I know Sunderland are looking at him and a little rumour of Sheff Utd
At present doing well for Hibs but not too sure about the step up to the PL
110 Posted 12/01/2021 at 08:32:36
I think James will be key to making that killer pass, and although Tosun scores a few with his head the wing cross may bot be as effective.
Additionally he will need closer support, if that happens I can see him scoring again for a win.
111 Posted 12/01/2021 at 08:48:48
The back 4 of Coleman, Keane, Mina and Godfrey are good options for us and with the threat of Traore on their right why not play Nkounkou in front of Godfrey to offer him some protection but also offer us a natural left footer with pace when weve got the ball
112 Posted 12/01/2021 at 08:53:34
113 Posted 12/01/2021 at 09:14:50
114 Posted 12/01/2021 at 09:21:27
Richarlisons passing and ball retention ls not good enough for Barcelona, PSG or Juventus.
115 Posted 12/01/2021 at 09:21:46
If they come out and fart around trying to work the ball out from the back then they may have problems again.
They haven't proved they are good at it and against a high pressing team always cough up the ball easily.
I can see Tosun ploughing a lone furrow up front with Richarlison (or Siggy) just behind with James.
Wolves do have a few playmakers although they are not as effective as last season. Everton just have to out work them to get a result.
116 Posted 12/01/2021 at 09:27:05
For now I'd rather see us try out Simms in that league, than take Nisbet.
117 Posted 12/01/2021 at 09:41:39
118 Posted 12/01/2021 at 09:42:25
A draw would see us hold on to a top half slot, the height of ambition in my view.
119 Posted 12/01/2021 at 10:13:42
Considering James played a full game and a bit more on Saturday it will be interesting to see how much game time he will get tonight, he offers some skill to the team, he is excellent at taking breathers and preserving his energy.
120 Posted 12/01/2021 at 10:16:30
At Everton, he'd probably be thinking - 'Andre Gomes is gonna be picked ahead of me, as will Delph, Siggy and a host of other 'experienced pros'. Nah.'
I'm sure we're aware of these players, I just think the club lacks the willingness to take a risk on them. unfortunately.
However, If by signing Caicedo, Brighton open the door for Bissouma to leave, we should get on that on pronto.
121 Posted 12/01/2021 at 10:27:33
Traore is dangerous, but also is a bit of a 2020 version of Bolasie. Great MOTD player - fast, powerful - but look at his stats - he's on par with the likes of Bernard.
Who made them tick was essentially Moutinho, was was a great player but age is catching up with him, and the Jota and Jiminez strike force. The latter is injured, the former is with the shite. Their replacement for Jiminez is a kid who is far from ready for PL football. Neto looks a decent replacement for Jota, but still young and not prolific.
So this game is totally winnable. Wolves sit in 13th, 7 points behind us having played a game more. They have scored just 18 goals in their 17 games compared to our 26 in 16.
It won't necessirily be an easy win, it isn;t guaranteed, but we should consider ourselves favourites.
122 Posted 12/01/2021 at 10:47:51
Mike G has previously suggested the MLS for S. American talent - and to tap into the now fast developing market for quality US players. As an aside, the US first 11 would give most national sides a good run for their money now.
This would help us bag players like Caceido and give them an attractive route to first team football with us. Much cheaper than signing someone like Bissouma for about £40m.
123 Posted 12/01/2021 at 10:57:06
124 Posted 12/01/2021 at 11:15:23
125 Posted 12/01/2021 at 11:38:06
Charlie to score the only goal and move us closer to the top!
126 Posted 12/01/2021 at 12:29:11
If they come out and fart around trying to work the ball out from the back then they may have problems again.
They haven't proved they are good at it and against a high pressing team always cough up the ball easily.
I can see Tosun ploughing a lone furrow up front with Richarlison (or Siggy) just behind with James.
Wolves do have a few playmakers although they are not as effective as last season. Everton just have to out work them to get a result.
127 Posted 12/01/2021 at 12:36:00
Still, not having the scoring talisman is a big blow and unless Richie is fully fit and focused the chances of a win are somewhat diminished. It will need a totally committed performance by the starting eleven with a consistent intensity level from the start to get the result.
128 Posted 12/01/2021 at 13:06:29
I personally hope that Digne doesn't play, he struggled last game and Godfrey or Nkounkou are able deputies. A win would be an exceptional result, a draw a good result, and a defeat not the end of the world. I'm going for the draw.
129 Posted 12/01/2021 at 13:24:29
130 Posted 12/01/2021 at 13:36:39
If we get anything from this game, I'll be stunned.
131 Posted 12/01/2021 at 13:42:40
Might be harsh on Coleman, Digne and Rodriguez but I'd rather be solid at the start with people who can turn a game on the bench. For Richarlisons role, I would like to see Nkounkou. He can bomb forward and put in a cross, however is also naturally defensive.
Holgate, Mina, Keane Godfrey
Davies, Docouré
Nkounkou, Sigurdsson, Iwobi
Tosun
If we need goals, or keep it tight for 55-60 minutes – then we have 2 attacking full-backs and Rodriguez to call on.
132 Posted 12/01/2021 at 13:49:59
I dont see why we cant win, but obviously a lot depends on Richarlison being fit, so Im hoping hes chomping at the bit, and cant wait to play centre-forward.
133 Posted 12/01/2021 at 13:50:15
134 Posted 12/01/2021 at 13:56:27
135 Posted 12/01/2021 at 14:01:03
136 Posted 12/01/2021 at 14:04:09
His form started to dip when they got into Europe as he didn't want to “get on no airplane, fool” but I still think we should be cautious and start our back 4 of centre-halves. I'd very happily take a scrappy 1-0 win tonight, but won't be expecting it.
137 Posted 12/01/2021 at 14:14:17
Id like to see Nkounkou being used more too. I like the way he can get a quality cross in with minimal space. He seems to find a fraction of room and its enough to fire one in. His left foot has a bit of magic in it.
With Cenk Tosun in the middle it this type of supply he will score from.
138 Posted 12/01/2021 at 14:33:54
Tony @ 137, I'm with you there regarding Nkounkou playing ahead of Godfrey, I think that could work, and have Digne on the bench in case of emergency or plan A is not working. I felt he was rushed back against Rotherham and it showed. Godfrey has proved what a shrewd acquisition he was and he has generally delivered each game. I think to drop him would be a travesty and won't help the lad's confidence either.
139 Posted 12/01/2021 at 14:36:26
If he plays here, he has to get more focused instead of looking for free kicks all the time which gets him sulking too much.
It goes without saying that we need big games from everyone to win this one, although I would take 3 points the ugly way.
140 Posted 12/01/2021 at 15:08:18
Hopefully then a run of games can bring him out of his shell
141 Posted 12/01/2021 at 15:16:39
Wolves are a little bit like Leeds. High energy fast paced breaks which seems to cause our MF problems no matter who plays.
So I would play the Wolves game tight defense and the likes of Iwobi and Nkounkou on the flanks with Richy leading the line.
I also hope Ellis Simms has done enough to justify a cameo appearance.
142 Posted 12/01/2021 at 15:20:18
143 Posted 12/01/2021 at 15:29:00
Ritchie is the back up so play him if 100% fit other wise Tosun backed up by Simms.
Digne has to play as hes one of the top left backs in Europe. I hope Coleman can find some form because I have a lot of respect for him but his body is old and he can be a big weakness if hes not at his best.
Its a very tough game but if we can keep it close we could scrape by.
144 Posted 12/01/2021 at 15:32:09
I'm not sure who, if anyone, we have scouting up in Scotland but we don't seem to look at anyone up there.
There is still the odd player up North that can be a snip but it seems it's more sexy to spend money on overseas players rather than home grown.
I was never ending singing the praises for John McGinn when he was at St.Mirren. He went to Hibs for nothing really.
Hibs brought him further on. Again when Celtic came sniffing wanting him for nothing Hibs made in clear they needed a few bob and would sell.
Celtic being Celtic and expecting players to pay them for playing wouldn't pay the rate and McGinn was off to Villa for hardly anything, 2-3 million?
I just couldn't believe we didn't make enquiries as McGinn is box to box, can play just in front of the defence or up top and score.
My next tip out of Scotland is actually the lad who scored the Celtic free kick last night, David Turnbull. Watch this space!
145 Posted 12/01/2021 at 15:49:17
146 Posted 12/01/2021 at 16:04:13
147 Posted 12/01/2021 at 16:17:40
148 Posted 12/01/2021 at 16:24:09
149 Posted 12/01/2021 at 16:28:09
150 Posted 12/01/2021 at 16:34:36
I think the betting tells the game as it is 6/4 Wolves 2/1 Everton and 2/1 Draw.
Good chance its a draw, with Wolves just fav because of home advantage.
Their not playing as well as last season, and we are all over the place with injuries.
Leave Digne out, give him more time to get over his injury. He's our best player don't get him crocked again, theres nobody in the league fast enough to keep Traore quiet all game.
Its probably going to be a back to the wall, stop them scoring type of game, and I'll settle for a draw now and be highly delighted if we can win.
151 Posted 12/01/2021 at 16:43:56
152 Posted 12/01/2021 at 16:45:00
153 Posted 12/01/2021 at 16:46:25
It's no fun watching Everton lately it's become a chore. Wolves are nothing special watched them a few times this season but you can bet your bottom dollar they'll turn up tonight.
154 Posted 12/01/2021 at 16:54:24
If Traore didnt have the blistering pace he wouldnt get a game.
Same trick every time, it works on occasion I will give him that.
Show him the line, Godfrey for me at left back tonight, and match the speed of the run and the cross wont go in.
155 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:03:29
156 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:03:43
Suddenly we look a stronger team, especially when Allan is back in the team, could do with another battling midfielder, but for now, I would be content on Edouard coming in.
157 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:09:24
158 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:15:05
159 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:18:08
160 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:21:03
161 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:34:36
First time I went to The Molineux we went around to the players entrance waiting for our coach to arrive. The Wolves players were just mingling with the home supporters as was the way back then.
A big guy with the strongest black country accent I've ever heard pulled me and me mates over to two players. He pointed at one (a man mountain) and said, "He will soften you up". Then he pointed to the other and said..."And he will put you to sleep" All three gave us big smiles and get this; They thanked us for coming.
We hadn't recognised Derek Dougan and John Richards until they were pointed out. They were just part of the pre-match get-together. They were proper MotD Icons too.
What a fucking noise that crowd would make back in the day!!
162 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:39:12
163 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:39:41
164 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:49:38
165 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:51:29
A long time ago. The locals were fantastic, but the bizzies began to make it very difficult for scouser's to enjoy a bevy. near the ground.
As you know. The overwhelming majority of coaches. Started to park up at Penkridge and make their way to the ground near kick off time.
There would be so many Evertonians in the ale houses of Penkridge. You would think you were on County road.
Landlords loved us. Free Sarnies...The lot
166 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:52:59
167 Posted 12/01/2021 at 17:54:35
168 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:01:48
We play well, we feed the ball out wide out of necessity , we get dangerous crosses into Tosun, James feeds him with defence splitting passes, Tosun starts averaging a goal every game and we are winning them. DCL gets fit and cant immediately win his place back.
Would that bother you?
169 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:03:17
With prior knowledge Kean looked good at Juve when we peaked through door number one. So we signed hoping we'd get more, and he just couldn't perform and in fact showed us door number two which was not as we thought and would lead to a loss. Only option was to switch to door number three and he went through PSG and became a player "in their eyes" and is now worth a lot more. Ancelotti and Brands played a blinder. Maybe we can do more football trials like these. Get young good players in and see if they make it and we get a very good player for many years, or switch them to another club --> can't lose.
Jeff @ 167 agreed.
Traore would trouble our French International even if he was fully fit, so therefore he is a very good player. We'd love a player with an engine like him in the squad, like have Ben Godfrey x 2 in terms of acceleration and drive.
170 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:12:14
I cant see it either but if James can feed him you never know - is Richy fit as am sure he has played number 9 for some famous country I cant think of off the top of my head...
171 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:12:32
172 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:30:04
As for Wolves goal threat, they are obviously missing Jimenez and Podence, but Neto will be a worry from start to finish. Hopefully well be well-organised and hard to break down.
173 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:30:59
174 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:32:52
The second time must have been in 1974/5 when I was at St. Pauls college Cheltenham and a few of us whizzed up the motorway as Kenny Bonser was a Wolves fan. Wasnt against EFC and we stood behind the goal and couldnt remember where we parked looking for the car!
Happy Days!
175 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:33:03
176 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:37:13
What planet are you on? The first 11 is 4 players short of top 4 quality let alone the squad. What have you been watching to suggest we will finish ahead of city, Liverpool, spurs, Chelsea and Leicester to name just 5?
Do you not remember how many points we were off last year? Have a look and then reasonably think if a team that bought 3 new first team players can make that up in one season.
Some of us stuff people write on here is comical.
177 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:37:38
179 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:43:00
Basically the youngest two havent looked good enough and I doubt any other youngsters have shone in training hence not being near the squad. Too many “football manager” experts on here
180 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:43:38
181 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:45:22
182 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:54:02
Apparently not just Googled it. They have never won it.
Lost in the final of the inaugural Uefa
183 Posted 12/01/2021 at 18:56:22
184 Posted 12/01/2021 at 19:06:57
185 Posted 12/01/2021 at 19:08:27
They had a great team in the late forties and early fifties, winning the cup in 1949, and playing at Goodison on the Wednesday night after that win and parading the FA Cup around the ground at half time, wonderful for an eight year old kid like me to see and better still when Tommy Eglington scored the winner with a header in the Gwladys Street end. I think they won the league a couple of times not long after that, brilliant days and memories for me to look at, we never won anything then but I saw some fantastic players and teams at the “Old Lady”.
186 Posted 12/01/2021 at 19:09:19
I don't remember it. Only found out when I googled it
187 Posted 12/01/2021 at 19:10:39
I always remember them for being the opponents when Roy Vernon made his debut. We got beat 2 0 and Norman Deeley ran us ragged.
Maybe Joy might get her sisters to join them. A bit chilly tonight!
188 Posted 12/01/2021 at 19:21:32
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1 Posted 11/01/2021 at 14:37:20