Seasons2020-21Everton News
Everton vs Manchester City
Match Preview

Everton will be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin again as the striker recovers from a hamstring strain
Everton's need to put Sunday's horrible performance against Fulham behind them, get back to winning ways, and revive their flagging hopes of sneaking into the top four comes up against the juggernaut that is Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
Carlo Ancelotti is preparing for this game, rescheduled following its controversial postponement last month, without Dominic Calvert-Lewin who will miss a second successive game with a hamstring problem which the manager confirmed during his pre-match press conference.
The striker injured his hamstring again during last week's FA Cup tie with Tottenham and is now hoping to recover in time for the Merseyside derby this coming weekend.
"Not available for sure [are] Dominic Calvert-Lewin and [Jean-Philippe] Gbamin," Ancelotti said. "I think it's a matter of days [for Calvert-Lewin]. We hope that he will be available on Saturday.
“[Jordan] Pickford yesterday trained and it was okay. We will check again today and if he's available he is going to play.
“Allan is in contention. He's fit, he's good. Had had the control on Monday and the control was okay so he's available to play. The others are all okay. They are going to train today.”
That means that despite hobbling out of the defeat to Fulham having taken another knock, James Rodriguez will be available, though it remains to be seen where he will be deployed and whether, as expected Ancelotti reverts back to his favoured defensive quartet of Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey with Lucas Digne pushed further forward in order to keep things tight.
It's the return of Allan, however, that is, perhaps, the biggest fillip for Ancelotti and a midfield that has lacked intensity and grit at times in recent weeks and which was badly overrun by the lowly Cottagers. The manager hasn't been able to name the Brazilian on his team sheet since early December but now that he has recovered from a torn hamstring, he can hopefully add his tenacity and grit in what will be a daunting fixture for the Toffees.
After making an indifferent start to the season, City have built up an ominous and impressive head of steam over the past few weeks and come to Goodison Park having set a new English top-flight record for successive victories with 16.
With last season's champions, Liverpool, falling away, it looks as though Pep Guardiola's side are on course to comfortably reclaim their crown and, even if Everton were fully fit and on their best form, getting three points from this game would represent a Herculean task.
As it is, Everton come into the game having failed to win a League game at Goodison Park since mid-December and it's four years since a Toffees side beat the Citizens in that famous 4-0 triumph under Ronald Koeman.
Given the sheer depth in quality at his disposal, it hardly feels like it matters but Guardiola will be without one of his stand-out performers in İlkay Gündoğan who picked up an injury at the weekend as City brushed Tottenham aside at the Etihad Stadium.
Sergio Agüero, who has missed a sizeable chunk of the campaign, will be in the squad but is unlikely to be risked and Kevin de Bruyne, who has been sidelined for the past few weeks, will travel to Merseyside having participated in full training but it's unclear if he will be in the starting XI.
With the likes of Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and the in-form Phil Foden, City have plenty of other players at their disposal capable of beating anyone and Everton will have to be at their best to contain them.
Ancelotti told the media that he is confident his side will do well in this match and in the upcoming derby based on the fact that his team's last home wins came against Chelsea and Arsenal. While both of those games were played with the support of 2,000 home fans, it is true that the Blues have usually been able to raise their game against fancied opponents this season.
It's going to take something truly impressive to end City's phenomenal winning run but stranger things have happened…
Kick-off: 8:15pm, Wednesday 17 February 2021 on Amazon Prime
Referee: Andre Marriner
VAR: Simon Hooper
Last Time: Everton 1 - 3 Manchester City
Predicted Line-up Pickford, Godfrey, Mina, Keane, Digne, Allan, Doucouré, Sigurdsson, Rodriguez, Iwobi, Richarlison
Reader Comments (215)
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2 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:18:27
3 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:23:35
4 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:24:47
We played really well and competed but... ???
5 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:25:31
Anyone got anymore straws for me to clutch at?
6 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:28:35
7 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:30:15
8 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:30:24
9 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:30:55
Not really confident about King. Wish Moise Kean was playing...
10 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:31:02
They have only got carthorses to replace them.
11 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:31:56
12 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:32:02
13 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:34:57
You might think Carlo could pick the same formation for a couple of games in a row. Back to basics. Just lost trust in him.
I see Kean scored again vs Barca tonight. How much would he hate having to return here after the season he's experiencing?
14 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:35:28
15 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:36:01
17 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:39:19
18 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:40:09
19 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:42:30
20 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:45:30
But you know I don't think they would pay more than £35 - 40 million for him, what do you reckon?
21 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:48:19
22 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:49:18
23 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:50:13
24 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:50:22
25 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:51:04
26 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:54:25
Yes, I know he has scored against Barca tonight and he looks a lot fitter than he was with us, however, the French league is nowhere as tough as the Premier League.
27 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:59:02
Same with Bernard this season. He was probably our best player for an hour when scoring against United at Goodison, but Im not sure hes started another game since then?
28 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:00:39
29 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:01:56
30 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:05:10
Kean always looked "leggy" when he was with us if you know what I mean.
There is no way he will come back to Everton, but will PSG want to buy him for anything over 35 - 40 million - I really don't think so.
31 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:06:07
32 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:07:55
33 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:08:24
34 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:12:10
Massive month, of fixtures, time to see the character and belief of this squad as Sunday was rank poor, unacceptable and tomorrow Everton, need to turn up.
The next game is what counts, tomorrow night, lets focus on us, and let Mr Ed and co, spout off all they like to deflect attention.
35 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:15:15
Best we can do is squeeze every last euro out of PSG or whoever else throws their cheque book at us.
36 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:22:14
Now well have moody-arse, slow-arse and cant-be-arsed as our forwards = fuck all goals and a defeat. Brilliant
37 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:25:40
38 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:30:18
39 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:31:32
40 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:41:26
41 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:55:22
42 Posted 16/02/2021 at 22:58:05
43 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:00:52
44 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:04:54
It just seems weird to namecheck a playerover and over again if we cant give a realistic time point for his return to active duty.
Did we forget to pay our insurance premium that month and are trying to kid everyone that he isnt a write-off until his contract runs out and he can very, very, quietly ‘move on?
45 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:05:48
Not the greatest scouting mission carried out, was it!
46 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:05:50
47 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:07:52
48 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:14:25
What gets my goat is that knowing the lack of good back-up for Richarlison and DCL who have missed a few games between them Ancellotti didn't have designs on getting someone in before the deadline.
Richarlison and James just don't show enough bottle often enough plus Bernard want's out and Kean showing what he can do elsewhere leaving us in a poor situation for the rest of the season.
Fulham showed what Everton's main weakness is and that is having no idea how to get out of their own half when the high press is on which is what Fulham used from the start.
Other teams have used the same ploy to confuse Everton and take points from us.
I believe we have been in a false position most of the season and Ancellotti seems unfazed by it.
Th last minute signing of King doesn't make sense now that he's shown he didn't trust him as a starter against lowly Fulham.
To say we need some points from these next two games is an understatement.
49 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:21:03
We had probably the best strikeforce ever seen in a European Side.
Bernie Wright and Mick Lyons.
They certainly struck with some force.
No matter what, it wont be as bad tomorrow. We only lost 2-1
50 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:36:13
I rely on Rob Halligan to correct me if Im wrong.
51 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:39:43
1. Short-arse
2. Arrogant-arse
3. Slinky-arse
4. Lanky-arse
5. Lightening-arse
6. Hairy-arse
7. Moody-arse
8. Smooth-arse
9. Chasing-arse
10. Slow-arse
11. Cant-be-arsed
Subs
12. Narky-arse
13. Slippy-arse
14. Not-as-good-as-Ganas-arse
15. Former-arsenal-arse
16. Royal-arse
Management Team
Confused-arse
Angry-arse
52 Posted 16/02/2021 at 23:44:53
53 Posted 17/02/2021 at 00:25:17
54 Posted 17/02/2021 at 00:30:01
55 Posted 17/02/2021 at 00:32:00
56 Posted 17/02/2021 at 01:37:25
This game isn't key. There's two key games for me:
The Villa in-hand game we must win, and,
The derby.
If we win those two, it's totally game on. Lose either, and the folks who say 6th at best were right.
Tomorrow is a "free shot" in my book.
Of course, no one is reading my book, but that's beside the point.
57 Posted 17/02/2021 at 02:00:35
Why so melancholy Crowley? 2-0 if not 3-0 to Everton followed by 2-2 at the RS.
58 Posted 17/02/2021 at 05:26:02
Works for me. 😜
But quite seriously as I look at the drive towards 4th and a CL spot, I see gaining points on Liverpool and taking full points with the game we have in hand against Villa puts us in the top 4 and then it's game on.
We're not catching City. We're not that good. But whether we're good enough to finish in the holy grail of top 4 spots is simply down to those two games, and then how we fare in the remaining fixtures.
Evidence from Sunday says we're not good enough.
Evidence from the Spurs FA tilt and the never say die Man U game and the points total from all the other games argues otherwise.
Jury's out. Let's see what happens after this weekend. We'll know a lot, lot more come Saturday evening / afternoon here in the states.
I'd argue, without looking past City, this weekend's derby is the biggest one in the last 15 years. It will be telling. Do we take it to them and claim a spot amongst "the elite"? Or do we capitulate and settle into our deigned and rightful place in 6th-7th? Time will tell.
And, by the way, we can do it. We're not a perfect team. But neither are our opponents. We could very well go Top 4 realizing we aren't the finished article and look to improve while competing on Europe's highest stage.
Or we can lay a fart and be the cute team trying to gate-crash the invite-only party.
We'll know a lot after this weekend in my opinion. And I won't give up hope until then. I'll cling to the Spurs game and the Man U game as evidence that we do have a team with aspiration.
And if it all goes south, anyone can say, "I told ya so." I'm just not prepared to give up quite yet.
59 Posted 17/02/2021 at 06:35:40
61 Posted 17/02/2021 at 07:21:25
62 Posted 17/02/2021 at 08:06:47
63 Posted 17/02/2021 at 08:08:48
I think it's time to start bedding in a Keane/Godfrey partnership. It's a pretty clear winner for me. If we change from that it should only be because we want Godfrey's pace at RB. Personally, I'd back our captain at RB.
I don't think we can play Allan, Doucoure and Davies. It's just a bit too industrial. At the same time I don't think we can afford James in the 3. Gylfi or Gomes is a nice balance.
Up top I'd play King with Rich and James off him. That's got a decent balance of aggression, pace and quality with a good midfield base behind it.
Plenty of alternatives. Iwobi gives us a hard working winger. Gylfi a harder working attacking midfielder. It's all about getting the balance right.
I've always rated John Stones. But I'd still press him every chance we get.
64 Posted 17/02/2021 at 08:13:44
65 Posted 17/02/2021 at 08:32:47
I just hope we are set up to counter attack and also have some aerial power from set pieces.
Any replicated formation from Sunday and we will get murdered, we need Richarlison and Iwobi on the flanks and King upfront with pace for an outlet.
City are so good because they work harder than any other team, on the rare occasions they lose the ball three players hunt for it back, they also have similar wanting the ball when they have it, pass and move. We will somehow have to match that, interesting to see how we fare.
66 Posted 17/02/2021 at 08:48:37
Expecting a much improved performance from the flat one on Sunday and hopefully we can take something from the game.
67 Posted 17/02/2021 at 08:54:12
68 Posted 17/02/2021 at 08:58:41
That same back four that was grinding out great results seems the logical choice tonight Lyndon, but Digne looked shattered the other night so Im not sure how he will manage, having to play in such an industrious position?
We will miss Lewin, but Im certain weve got the players to go and have a real good go at City tonight. We are going to need the rub of the green, and we are also going to need Ancelotti to pick our “most competitive” players to have a chance, whilst adding you get nowhere without belief, and shouldnt even turn up, if you dont feel the team can compete!
69 Posted 17/02/2021 at 09:09:56
70 Posted 17/02/2021 at 09:22:36
Olsen
Holgate Keane Mina Godfrey
Davies Allan Doucoure Digne
James
Richarlison
All fighters in the team tonight, no powder puffs please, apart from James Rodriguez in his no10 position if Carlo can fully fire him up.
71 Posted 17/02/2021 at 09:30:45
"Play like we did on Sunday and City will feckin bounce us"
Seriously the way City are playing this could actually get really ugly, especially the way we seem that keep gift wrapping goals to teams, think we've kept one clean sheet at home all season.
What I don't want however is a better performance, 2-0 defeat tonight then at the cesspit on Saturday teatime another shitbag no-show to go with the many others at Anfield over the last 20 years.
72 Posted 17/02/2021 at 09:37:06
Pickford and King to start imo tonight.
73 Posted 17/02/2021 at 09:40:03
74 Posted 17/02/2021 at 09:43:26
It's about time this lot stepped up and earned their obscene wages.
Also seeing the name Mariner in the refs slot doesn't fill me with joy, but to be honest what name would ?
75 Posted 17/02/2021 at 09:47:02
76 Posted 17/02/2021 at 09:48:23
Your 11 reminds me of the "dogs of war team" that won the Cup in the 90's. Let's hope they show the same spirit tonight as that team showed back in the day or indeed the same spirit shown 7 days ago in the Cup tie.
77 Posted 17/02/2021 at 09:57:15
I reckon Allan, Doucoure and Davies gives you plenty of effort and would give City's midfield a challenge. But that's all in our own half.
78 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:17:24
It would great if we win, but city are in good form.
79 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:19:12
It sounds like Pickford is fit and in a game like this where high balls are unlikely Id prefer him to Olsen who, to be honest doesnt look any better than Jordan.
Tom must play lying deep and we should only select one ( at the most) of Siggy,Gomes and James.
Id go:
Pickford
Godfrey
Keane
Mina
Digne
Doucoure
Allan
Davies
James
Richi
King
Ancelotti has a real job to do tonight- send them out motivated and determined with none of the “I feel tired” nonsense from Sunday. City are easily the best team in the league and I dont expect to get anything but we must perform and be ready for them on Saturday.
80 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:19:30
Carlo cannot work miracles. Hes done some good things, some of his decisions have puzzled me, but I believe we have made progress over the past 14 months. There are many changes in playing personnel still to be made, that process needs stability, I reckon weve got the right guy in charge. And Im quite prepared to say that after a poor defeat and before two very tough games, it doesnt make me a happy clapper or an apologist, its just how I see it.
81 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:26:39
With no DCL then I think King has to play up top with possibly Iwobi on the right and Richarlison on the left and James playing in the number 10 role. Because we have to give our fullbacks cover, to play James wide right would just see our fullback over run time after time whoever plays there.
That would mean only 2 central midfield players from Allan, Doucoure or Davies. He could maybe start James on the bench and include all 3 midfielders to start and see how the game progresses.
I just hope it doesn't become a game with us sitting with 9 men camped on our 18 yard box. When we have possession its important we don't give the ball away as easily as we did against Fulham.
I would love a dogs of war approach but I don't think Carlo will do that, but we have to find a way of putting their back 4 under pressure, something that very few teams seem able to do that. I think thats the only way we can get something from the game, put pressure on their defenders as its something that they are not used too and I still think although he has improved a lot this season there is still a mistake in Stones and Walker and if he plays Shivchenco at full back he is also liable to make a mistake.
Look everybody knows its going to be hard tonight, but unless we compete for everything from the first whistle it could be a very long night. I see Aguerro and De Bruyne are in the squad tonight, hopefully neither will start and again wishful thinking lets hope Pep has to bring them on late in the game to try and get a result.
82 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:34:09
I think it might be a line uttered by Basil Fawlty, or similar, in a moment of existential angst!
Possibly post ironic currently
83 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:36:48
Let's hope Allan isn't rushed back too soon and crock himself again, I can't see how he would be able to play 90 minutes tonight and Saturday after being out for so long.
84 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:43:35
Tom Davies, has been playing with maturity lately, so Id play him deep, and then let Allen and Doucouré, run, fight and snap, but its the flanks that worry me, probably Iwobi, and Richalison/King, with the other up front, or those three midfielders and a five man defence, to free James up, but Im not sure about this because Rodriguez needs runners, so fight, and keep it tight, makes the most sense imo tonight.
85 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:48:44
86 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:50:38
Can't believe the support for our number 10, slow, poor passer, rarely plays on the turn and who's first instinct is to point and pass backwards. I thought he'd liven up seeing his contract is up for renewal but hope can get you depressed as an Evertonian.
Still hoping...but fading a bit, still I've been vaccinated so maybe I'll be able to support/moan from Glwadys Street soon
COYB
87 Posted 17/02/2021 at 10:56:05
I will be happy now if we can finish the week by keeping City down to two goals and stealing a point against that lot.
It makes little difference whether DCL is playing unless Carlo sorts out his midfield. He can only play one of Gomes, Sigurdsson and James in any starting eleven.
I'm just hoping that our serial failures can at least summon up some backbone and commitment and abandon the metronomic passing back and forth along the back line. I almost cannot bear to watch tonight, but like people who slow down to see the carnage in the opposite lane after a bad accident my base instincts will no doubt get the better of me.
Wakey Wakey Everton - you've a game on tonight. Start earning your wages.
88 Posted 17/02/2021 at 11:21:31
89 Posted 17/02/2021 at 11:26:43
90 Posted 17/02/2021 at 11:34:04
I trust our live forum denizens will maintain a stiff upper lip at the ensuing carnage that takes place.
91 Posted 17/02/2021 at 11:39:07
For those saying this is a defeatist attitude I entirely agree, but if Carlo can mess around, selecting weak teams for the easier games, then I think it you can also do it for the big games, less be honest Carlo threw away a very good chance of winning three points versus Fulham, ridiculous in my opinion.
We would struggle against City with our strongest eleven, lets save it for Saturday.
92 Posted 17/02/2021 at 11:53:39
Id like to think that James would be really up for these next two games and show us what he can do, because I am becoming a bit disillusioned with him and if he carries on like he is recently then Id be happy to send him back to Spain and bring in a younger, more energetic model because we are not good enough to carry a passenger( or three if we play Gomes and Siggy with him).
93 Posted 17/02/2021 at 12:12:33
It's in the past now and fact of the matter, alot of top teams are not winning their winnable games like Everton.
I said I wouldn't watch tonight, but I can't help myself.
94 Posted 17/02/2021 at 12:19:34
forward. No Holgate please. Seamus, even if past
his very best, is way superior.
95 Posted 17/02/2021 at 12:20:19
Yes he has undoubted talent and an eye for a goal but he does tend to drift in and out of a game.
Okay, last Sunday apart when everyone was asleep he has shone at times but as a midfielder he doesn't get involved enough for my liking.
It's hard to see us getting any points against the RS or City especially when we have conceded 9 goals in three games and we are now facing potent attacking players in both camps.
We want to win all games especially the Derby match and the upcoming cup match against City but before that it is important they play a lot better today to show that the Fulham game was a one-off.
It will take a lot of stirling (excuse the pun) defensive work to keep City at bay.
96 Posted 17/02/2021 at 12:34:47
I might sound like some young optimist but sadly I'm neither. I don't think we're good enough for top 4... I just want to see us have a go at the Champions in waiting.
Could be one of those performances that we talk about for years. Sobering, but that's where we're at. I wouldn't go out to keep it tight. Have a (balanced) crack at them. If you don't throw a punch you're just waiting to get beaten.
97 Posted 17/02/2021 at 12:36:24
Everton are 17/2 to win tonight. Not sure I have ever seen such long odds for us at home in the league.
This will be painful.
Still, we might learn something useful for the FA Cup game
98 Posted 17/02/2021 at 12:42:05
99 Posted 17/02/2021 at 12:43:54
Allan Davies, Doucoure Siggy King and Ricky
100 Posted 17/02/2021 at 13:51:58
Olsen
Godfrey Mina Keane Digne
Davies Allan dacoure
Sig
King Richie
101 Posted 17/02/2021 at 13:52:07
Never mind, it's rhetorical.
Can we call this game off because of injured or tired players or are we not allowed that luxury?
102 Posted 17/02/2021 at 13:59:31
103 Posted 17/02/2021 at 14:02:40
[BRZ]
104 Posted 17/02/2021 at 14:03:04
He also said it is time for City to lose.
And in this crazy season of predicting which Everton will turn up, who is to say it won't be tonight?
105 Posted 17/02/2021 at 14:08:13
106 Posted 17/02/2021 at 14:10:28
Holgate
Keane
Mina
Godfrey
Allan
Davies
Doucoure
Coleman
Digne
Richarlison (if he can perform) or King (if he isnt actually ropey as feck)
Coleman and Digne are the only players we have who can get any proper width in the team
107 Posted 17/02/2021 at 15:36:57
Saved for Saturday?
108 Posted 17/02/2021 at 15:39:19
Nick, I take it you won't be posting comments after the game then?!
Go on, Nick, watch. How would you feel if we got a point or three? Or even if it was a loss but a v good performance?
Try watching wearing sunglasses so nobody sees you; or with just one eye (most of us are one-eyed fans!).
109 Posted 17/02/2021 at 15:40:22
Of all that's happened in the last few weeks nobody serious could add Davies' form to that list.
If DCL was playing I'd have given us more of a chance. Hard to see it now.
I think despite his flaws, Iwobi needs to start. Carlo seems to have a strange relationship when it comes to picking him. He's direct and has pace which is sorely lacking, especially when the great pouter has an actual reason to pout.
No place for James tonight even if he's recovered from that awful injury he picked up at Fulham.
110 Posted 17/02/2021 at 15:54:18
111 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:14:21
We are 17/2 to win tonight and strangely only 11/2 to win on their midden!
You can bet your house, that Burnley will beat Fulham tonight.
112 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:16:32
113 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:16:50
I predict a mauling by the way, not particularly proud to think that way but can't see anything else happening.
They are far superior in every department and are bang on form.
114 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:23:31
115 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:27:13
PS-
Tonight on radio Merseyside 6-7pm Mike Hughes talks to Bob Latchford about his time at Goodison, should be good if Mike Hughes doesn't keep interupting him!
116 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:27:16
117 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:42:55
118 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:45:50
119 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:56:26
Just back from a wee walk seen a kid of no more than 6 or 7 with Everton coat,hat and scarf does your heart good and a pleasant change fro all the red shite over here Peter Belfast
120 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:58:38
How are we Leicesters level ? They have an outstanding chance of getting into the top four. They have a relatively new ground and a brand new training facility.
As for your comments about David Moyes, you do know he manages West Ham ? Hes taken a massively underperforming team to fifth.
121 Posted 17/02/2021 at 16:59:27
Coleman Keane Mina Godfrey
Davies Allan Doucoure
Iwobi James Richarlison
King
Siggy on for James, Bernard on for Richarlison, Digne on for either Doucoure or Iwobi and switch around a bit.
From the minute of kick-off, I know I'll believe in our team, to do their best and get more than something from the match.
I suspect Carlo will play with back 5, I hope not. But if it finally works, happy days. COYB.
122 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:00:45
123 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:03:45
124 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:07:10
125 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:10:52
126 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:17:19
127 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:17:40
They defend well and when you get the ball you have to be sure you can pass the ball to one of your own players and not one marked by a couple of City players.
This will be another game that will be won or lost in the midfield, and if and when we win the ball back, the forwards have to find the spaces. and move the ball quickly. They rely on speed in their defense to get back as they like to push up and keep you in you in your own half.
There are supposed to be no easy games in the premier league, and Everton have to prove that is right, instead of giving our opponents an easy game at home.
128 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:22:12
129 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:25:10
130 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:39:35
Reckon we'll need at least 12 to get a result here!
131 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:44:53
132 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:50:10
Like all other TWebbers I am clutching at straws, hoping beyond hope that our lads at the very least put up a decent show.
133 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:54:31
Carlo Ancelotti has hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent at his disposal. We are entitled to expect our team to go into this match with the sole intention of winning it.
I just don't want to see anybody waving the white flag, or getting their excuses in before a ball is even kicked.
If we give our best and we are beaten by a better side tonight. We none of us can complain.
Carlo will try to spoil the game tonight. You don't need a Crystal ball to know that. Nor can we influence it.. but if we can pick our moments to strike. I belief this game is winnable.
17/2 is a decent price for a win when there is only two other possible outcomes. I'm hoping the shame heaped on the manager and some of the players after Sunday's debacle will drive them to an effort which will make a little punt worthwhile.
Pride, passion and an overwhelming desire to make up for the Fulham shit show will do me. A win would be an added bonus..
COYB
134 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:57:54
Chris Wilder has had a shocker this season. Largely on the back of his awful goalkeeper. But hes still a brilliant manager
135 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:58:17
There you go Rob.
Im in the back row
136 Posted 17/02/2021 at 17:59:05
Wrong thread
137 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:03:35
Whilst they are a very good side youd swear we are taking on 1970 Brazil or 2009 Barcelona!!
Get the basics right, take our changes, play with energy, get in their face and we have a great chance!
We have French, Brazilian, Colombian, England, Portuguese internationals strewn throughout our squad with a internationally recognised manager in the dug out!!
This is not some minnow club as Pep said himself Everton are one of the great English football clubs. We have to believe these can be beaten despite them being in great form and despite the scandalous showing v Fulham.
Come on boys!!!
138 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:04:25
139 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:06:18
Lack of goals clearly doesnt help !
140 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:14:25
Just looked at the Daily Mail sport section and not one mention of the game
141 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:16:13
142 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:17:35
143 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:17:54
That will do me for a battle cry Christine
144 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:18:54
This season has been a saga of us cocking up completely against mediocre sides, whilst getting decent results from the better sides. Quite frankly, Im more confident of a win against Man City than I would be if we were playing Burnley.
145 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:19:10
146 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:20:36
She is one of the happiest clappers on here.
I'm a close second
147 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:21:39
148 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:22:29
149 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:22:59
150 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:23:26
151 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:23:59
152 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:24:35
I wish I could share your enthusiasm but the mighty Fulham have dented my faith in the squad at the moment. I just don't see how they can recover enough energy and desire to compete with City or even the RS on Saturday.
My only hope is that all logic goes out of the window and lady luck shines on us.
153 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:25:46
154 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:26:00
Without DeBruyne, Aguero and Gundogan they should be weakened - but their £1bn(+) squad means the reinforcements are all Champions League quality. So I guess we do at least know what we'll get from City.
It'll be very tough but we could still do well.
155 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:26:08
156 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:28:29
UTFT!
157 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:29:34
Me too.
158 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:29:38
159 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:30:17
It's up to us to be switched on ready for those inevitable tactics and fight fire with fire. Defend like lions for 20 minutes then build on it.
160 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:34:45
161 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:35:40
162 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:37:40
163 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:41:55
164 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:42:22
In that time I have never seen her apologize, applaud, or excuse dross.
Those worried she may be labeled a happy clapper. neednt be concerned.
No chance of it happening. She knows the difference between supporting her team and supporting dross
165 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:44:37
Pep won't have missed the fact that we can't handle the high press, so expect Foden and whoever to make it hard for our deep-lying midfielders to get it out.
Like Darren, I presume we will be set-up to frustrate and hope we nick one through Richie or King(if he gets a start!).
166 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:44:48
167 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:45:49
It would also mean the players were less exhausted against the RS on Saturday.
168 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:46:12
169 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:50:46
Christine is very obviously her own woman.
A lady of substance.
I
Love her positivity, whilst not being adverse to wielding the stick when required.
It was required after the Fulham game, and it was most certainly wielded.
170 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:51:57
171 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:52:54
172 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:54:05
173 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:54:21
174 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:56:16
It's Ash Wednesday. Check your pockets. 😉
175 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:56:34
176 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:56:52
177 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:58:36
178 Posted 17/02/2021 at 18:59:16
capitulation?
179 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:00:29
180 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:00:36
181 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:01:59
Everyone has a chance against anyone else in this league so heres hoping. We are not going to end the season in the top four anyway. For that you need consistency and regularly beating the lower teams, which for psychological reasons seems beyond us, at present anyway. It is in our DNA- as soon as we look like achieving something, we get altitude sickness.
182 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:02:33
183 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:02:54
184 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:03:21
I often forget there's many people already into tomorrow on TW! Self-absorbed American, I assume everyone is on my time!
Alas, I live in no-meat fasting world for another 10 hours or so.
Under the pillow - a fine place to keep until the following morning. Well played.
185 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:03:41
186 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:03:46
Please turn up lads and put in a display worthy of the jersey
187 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:07:07
I don't question Carlo's lineups. I trust him.
For the boys playing, show us what ya got. Get at it.
188 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:10:14
On the same basis giving my recent Nostradamus predictions Im going for a 2-1 victory.
In fact in a strange way going into a game with low expectations is an easier night
189 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:10:20
190 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:10:58
"Christine...a lady of substance...not being adverse to weilding the stick when required"
191 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:11:45
192 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:17:36
193 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:17:51
Subs: Olsen, Delph, King, Nkounkou, Rodriguez, Bernard, Gomes, Coleman, Onyango.
194 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:18:10
195 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:18:25
Please Digne left midfield and not a back 5
196 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:18:45
'51 days after a late, Covid enforced postponement City v Everton at Goodison. Wouldve been 2,000 here in December with the teams level on points in the top 4. Tonight City can go 10pts clear and 1 win in 5 means Everton are 7th'
Such a shame we couldn't have beaten them in December. Suppose we better beat them tonight. Seen the teams selected. We can do it
197 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:19:03
198 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:19:05
199 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:19:09
200 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:19:24
201 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:20:32
202 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:21:18
203 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:21:25
204 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:21:34
205 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:22:28
206 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:22:48
207 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:23:14
208 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:23:39
209 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:23:42
Wake me up when he's wheeled out at the end and says as he usually does that we played with good spirit as he's counting his wedge and sipping his Coffee.
210 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:23:54
But not Allans abacence
A surprise as usual
211 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:24:06
Gonna be a tough night but I hope Everton get right into Citys faces, stop their rhythm not, force them on to their individual bad sides, and dont stand off and show them too much respect.
Heres for a massive improvement in tempo and performance and a victory, it would help take the smirks of a few people in the press and some RS supporters.
2-1, to Everton.
212 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:24:07
213 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:25:55
214 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:26:05
215 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:28:27
Dont be like Bill
216 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:28:46
Are we saving Allan for Saturday or is he not fit?
This will be a real backs to the wall job- which Everton will turn up I wonder?
217 Posted 17/02/2021 at 19:28:54
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1 Posted 16/02/2021 at 21:14:57