Aston Villa vs Everton

I think Godfrey would be preferable for this game at least. Assuming he is fully fit

Not an easy game, none of them are in the Prem, but then again not an impossible one to win either, provided we carry on as we have been doing. Danger men for them Watkins and Ings up front and McGinn and Leon Bailey if we can limit their involvement we may just snatch all three points, I'm going 2-1 to us but a hard fought contest.

The 3 man midfield of Gomes, Allan and Doucoure was extremely effective and should be given another go.

Help me though with the difference between ‘transition and counter' from your last paragraph.. I think of ‘transition' as winning the ball back when the other team are in attack and getting it up the field through the lines fast, either carried or passed, before they have reorganised.. all of which is very similar to a ‘counter'.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the game. I've really enjoyed watching us play this season, barring the first half against Burnley.

I'd go with Godfrey, for the reasons others have already stated, and I'd stick with the front 3 we had on Monday. Away from home against an attacking team like Villa, they should have plenty of opportunities to counter. Or, 'transition' as the modern phrase goes.

Minimum of 4 points from Villa and Norwich sets us up perfectly for our first big test of the season at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks.

Chelsea are just an exceptional team who will take advantage of any mistake.

While it is tempting to say 'go with the team that won against Burnley, i.e. the 4-3-3' this will be very different circumstances. Against Burnley our 3 man midfield had control over possession. At Villa this won't be the case. A 4-3-3 when not dominant in possession can quickly become a 4-5-1 with the central striker isolated.

So do I think 4-4-2 is the best solution to this game.

Pickford
Coleman Mina Keane Digne
Doucoure Gomes Allan
Townsend Richarlison Gray

SUBS: Begovic, Kenny, Holgate, Godfrey, Davies, Gbamin, Iwobi, Rondon

I expect Villa to line up as:

Martinez(/ or backup GK)
Cash Konsa Mings Targett
Bailey McGinn Luiz Traore
Ings Watkins

A very strong starting XI, but I don't think they have enough off the bench to change things around. Also Mings had a nightmare last game, so his confidence will be low. It will be a fascinating battle of the Brazilians in mid-field.

I think it is high time that Richarlison came into the party - blast a couple of goals, buddy! Would like to see that smile again. :-)

I was hoping to travel, but the wife (probably deliberately) has booked theatre tickets for an evening show of Back to the Future as a surprise birthday treat. I was hoping for Villa tickets, but I'm grateful nonetheless.

I'm going to suggest we watch it in a Camden pub before we head to the west end. Not sure if that's a good idea unless it's a score draw, but I won't rest otherwise.

Interesting suggested line up Lyndon. Rondon; I can see that to give Mings something to think about, but then conversely, I'd be tempted to do what we eventually done against Burnley and keep the ball on the deck, using pace and width. At the back, I'd prefer Godfrey over Keane as we will need more pace than what Keane offers. He had a really good game against Burnley, but that's his type of game.

Ings. He's inevitably going to score against us, so I'm writing that one off now. Just counter it Everton; we need at least 2.

Let's hope the atmosphere in the theatre is one of me being sat there incredibly smug. QPR on Tuesday it is and then onto Norwich next week!

I would include Godfrey and not use Rondon to start. Bring him on later for, say, 20 to 30 minutes subject to game situation. To me, he looked "not ready" when he came on against Burnley.

Expecting a 433 with Gomes in midfield and Richarlison as lone striker. Doubt Rondon is match fit yet but will probably enter the fray at some point.

Villa seem to be stuttering a bit and figuring out still what their best formation and personnel is after losing Grealish and buying Buendia, Bailey and Ings.

Decent chance of a good result.

I'm still hopeful of a relative coming in with a ticket for me but that would be a massive decision to make!!! If I do pull it off and you're in the Yew Tree, I'll find you for a drink.

Every game requires that Pat. But yes, probably the biggest test so far, so let's see what we've got and what we're made of.

I'd think it'll start with a 4-4-2.

Pickford, Digne, Keane, Holgate, Coleman, Gray, Doucoure, Allan, Townsend, Iwobi/Rondon, Richy

If Rich lead the line, Iwobi will play as shadow. If Rondon lead the line, then Richy will play there.

Tactically we can have success on the break if we can work to expose their full backs. Previously against Brighton Keane and Holgate played very well together so even though a lot of us like Godfrey/Mina l'm not so sure our manager will risk that. Keane is building his confidence and is looking stronger.

Surely if James isn't fit then Rondon can't be either. I would be very surprised if he starts.

A side-line to this is that if Mina starts l would like to see him score and dance in the face of Martinez.

So l would go with a 451 to 433 and counter attack. Last game againt Burnley, while a lot of us were calling for Rondon and a focal point to come on and change the game, our manager brought on Gomes to take control of midfield and we added 2 quick goals. Pretty impressive.

I have no score prediction... it could... go... either... way

Not sure why Buendia didn't feature at all. But Bailey, Traore and El Ghazi were on the bench.

Expect they'll be more adventurous against us at home. But hard to know whether it'll be 433 or 532 that we face.

Likely to be a midfield trio either way and if we don't match their numbers (eg by going 442) I think we'll lose.

That's why I think 433 with just Richarlison up top and Gray supporting. Probably deep defensive line of Mina and Keane.

Unfortunately, he often looks to get involved in stupid antics instead of concentrating on what he's actually good at, defending.

I'd still play him with Godfrey (if fit which he wasn't on Monday) at back but otherwise same team which started Monday but Gomes in for Keane.

The front three are all capable of doing their defensive duties and can help to negate Villa in the midfield. Whilst at the same time the front three can break with real speed and will have Villa worried about this ever present counter attack threat. I think it's going to be a very tight game a draw or a narrow win for us.

Aston Villa 0 Everton 1

Villa can play some good stuff as can Everton and would have liked DCL in against Mings but not to be.

We couldn't ask for more from Everton from that second half last week but surely they must improve on what was served up previously.

With probably more tougher games coming up they have to become more proactive and not let the opposition get into a groove.

On the plus side Rafa appears to have gotten a mindset into the players to respond to adversity so going a goal down may not be as bad as it seems unless it happens with 5 minutes to go.

I am sure that when they do lose a game (heaven forbid) all the good work Rafa has done will be criticised severely by his detractors but that's only human nature.

The input of Gray and Townsend has been a big plus to the attacking qualities and we all hope that continues at Villa.

What has he done to deserve to play?

We used to complain that a certain Icelandic player would get into the team because of the fee we paid for him, but it seems to me that other than his wages, which are considerable, there isn't a strong argument to play James when (as far as I can see) he won't graft, which is a basic requirement to play for Benitez, and he probably won't fit into the system being deployed this season.

If we play as though we believe we can win and show no fear, I'd happily take a 3-1 defeat over a dour 0-0 where we look terrified and happy to 'hang on' from minute 1.

We need to start showing some courage and belief away to the 'big clubs'. Last season didn't really count as the fans were absent.

Alternatively the Everton that we saw for 10 minutes against Burnley could turn up from the start and we could blow Villa away before half time.

Having said that Ben Godfrey has not looked himself yet and may be suffering a Covid hangover so its hard to know but if Rafa sees them in training and works on a plan for the Villa game we will have to see who gets the nod. Personally I do not like Keane and Holgate together.

I think Iwobi has improved enormously and may be able to take the pressure off Richy so I would play him before Rondon who hasnt looked up to par yet

Rodrigues should be on the bench and may even feature against QPR.

This will be a really tough game and I was thinking 0-0 but we cant keep a clean sheet at the best of times but I will be happy to keep our unbeaten record so lets see.

My sister is an occasional Villa fan, i.e. on the occasions they beat us. I hate this game as we tend to do poorly at their place although we did alright in the Osman era.

Yes we know we havent played any of last seasons top 6 yet, but for many reasons it is important we try and stay undefeated.

Very interesting game this one. Villa have a very settled back 4 and GK, but with Grealish gone they are still a fair distance from working out their best midfield and striker combinations. We probably have a team that is a bit more settled - but also probably a bit more predictable. With both players now fit, I wonder if this might be the game that Smith opts for Ings and Watkins as a pair up front.

Mina and Keane are our best CB pairing. Doucoure, Gomes, Allan midfield.
Townsend, Richy, Gray up front. Plenty of pace, dribbling and mobility and after Townsend's worldy they will try to stop him shooting by pushing up.

Can't start Rondon yet as he isn't match fit. Bring him off the bench if we need a goal. Just like the Burnley game if we can control the midfield we can control the game.

Those who told me centre back wasn't a priority when I started shouting about it half way through last season, I can appreciate the view, but for me it was an area we needed to look at and still is.

Mention of Sheedy on a Villa thread made me think of 1987. Travelling down what felt like a blue wave on the M6 as the momentum was carrying us towards our 2nd title in 3 seasons. What seemed like 10,000 Evertonians on many sides of Villa Park, not just the away end witnessed an Everton team clad in their yellow away strip win 1 - 0 against a Villa team on their way to relegation. Happy days and I'll take that tomorrow. I'll ask the dogs in the morning.

Oh, and I don't want to forget, on people saying that this team will just be able to be judged only when we play the “big 4” I say I disagree with that. The big 4 have more players and spend much more money than us the “human” teams, so it sounds pretty unnatural judging ourselves regards what we do against those. For me at least it is.

Back to tomorrow's, I think taking James Rodriguez to the bench could be a very intelligent move as well, and even more if he's due to get game time at some time soon. Would love that.
COYB!!

Likewise Godfrey. Mina and Keane are clearly our best CB pairing at the moment, but I expect Godfrey to step up into a three-man rotation with those two by midseason. I will be deeply disappointed if he doesn't start Tuesday.

For me Iwobi as the 4th midfielder tomorrow, with Gray and Richarlison up top. Both have the pace to leave Mings spinning. And I don't give Rondon a start until I actually see him play. Not based on a 9-minute cameo.

And of course I would love to see James make the bench!

If Everton want to push on then central defence is crucial, and just reading this thread shows how many different opinions us fans currently have in choosing who they prefer.

I'm expecting a fast and furious start from Villa but hopefully the Everton game management which has improved significantly so far this season will be able to ride the storm.

Just been watching some of the good away days from recent and bygone times and generally Everton turn Villa over or they do us, with not many draws down the years.

2-1 odds so worth a bet.

For me I'd start with Lyndons line up at 4-4-2, and to flex this if Everton's midfield is holding up.

Big games for all the players and Ive big expectations on Allan and Duke, but it's important the back 4 don't play any daft passes out or across the box and invite trouble.

3-1, Everton, to win.

For me, it is Keane plus one at centre half. I'd go for Mina currently. He's doing well, but the jury will always be out against him because he's unorthodox - he gets himself in tangles that other defenders don't!

Godfrey will be number 1 long term, but I suspect Rafa will give him some time at full back this season to give Coleman and Digne a breather sometimes. He's still learning the game, I don't think he's ready to be our number one centre half just yet, as good as he is.

I think we are well stocked at centre back, with Holgate and Branthwaite also in reserve.

It's a good test for us today. I would go with the team that ended the game against Burnley. I'm hopeful of at least a point.

I was more than pleased when he scored the quick equaliser, a good goal, that got us back in the game but in the long run he is not the answer for a long term as Everton's centre back, I doubt very much Mina is either.

There seems to be a pattern setting. Slow start & not really clicking for 45 - 60 minutes, then flick the switch! Can't rely on that getting us out of jail all season and I'm sure it won't be the case, but I'd expect more of the same today.

The dogs gave me a score draw. One edged for a 2-1 Everton win, but it wasn't convincing. Although I think the squirrels were distracting the thought process.

To be honest, I only saw the second half of the Burnley game so I can't disagree with you. Let's see what today brings anyway!

CB is a priority area to improve - but on a fairly long list of priorities. For the time being we have decent CBs and quite a few of them.

There were three Burnley players around the six yard box, all behind Mina.
As the ball come in Mina missed it (whether he was pushed or not, I can't say) and any one of the three Burnley players could have nodded the ball home. Keane was in between Godfrey and Digne who were almost on the touchline, and Mina in the area. I don't think there was any Burnley player within 10 yards of him.

I like the lad's effort that he put's in asnd it was a good goal he scored, but his job is a centre half and number one job is to mark a player tightly when a corner or cross is coming in. As Dave has pointed out, they could have scored on the first cross and Keane was marking no one, and they scored from the resultant cross and they did score.

This is not uncommon for Keane to be in the wrong place. We definitely need an improvement in the middle of defence (when finances allow of course!)

I really hope we start off like we finished against Burnley, exciting fast and clever football. Some of the moves between the Duke, Gomes, Gray and Townsend was, dare I mention it, exciting and had the normally quiet Upper Bullensers, roaring their heads off.

What a couple of brilliant acquisitions Rafa got for us! Andross and Demirai both have loads to give this team with the work they put in; and on top of that they both have speed and skill. And what a shot Andros has! Not too many Goalie's will fancy facing one of his belters.

If we can tighten up our defence that will allow Allan and Doucouré top carry on where they left off and I hope Andre Gomes can bring his vision into the midfield.

No too ways about it, all the Premier league teams are hard to beat; but the signs are that Everton are flickering back to life after last dozen games or so of last season.

Godfrey is still very young for a centre back and developing. That will be his best position when he is Michael Keane's age in 6 years time, but for now it's good to have the versatility while he grows as a defender and footballer.

No the same, but like John Stones, I often thought we could play him as a midfielder and even now, sometimes when I see him play for Man City, you could be mistaken for thinking that. Then again, do City actually play in positions? They just all seem to do their thing.

Let's not get carried away & take our eye off the ball? We have 3 important games to play before then, with the most important being today's. A week is a long time in football, injuries to key players, loss of form etc. So let's take one game at a time, starting with today.

For the record, I would make one change: Gomes for Godfrey. André has looked really good in the few cameos he has had so far this season and will give us a measure of control, with his ball retention. Ordinarily I would include Ben, but I thought he looked short of match practice on Monday.

For this game, I haven't seen too much of Villa but, if they have fast forwards like some say, then Keane, I think, is very slow at turning. And I'd like to see Ben as centre-half today.

There's only one way to gain experience and that's to play him. Mind you, I do agree that he's played well when he's played as either left- or right-back and the manager might think Keane and Mina are the best bet, so that's all that matters.

Made up with the start we've made, some of the footy has been superb with still some key players out. A win today would be a real booster with real winnable games coming up as well in both League and Cup.

Believe, Blues... and go for it today!

COYB

Not sure I agree with your point Mike 79 about playing James at all in this game, let alone in a deeper role?? Gomes allowed Doucoure to push forward (a role in which he excelled in!). Even a fit James can't play that role and quite frankly should be allowed nowhere near it; the No 10 yes maybe. However, it's a redundant point because he is not fit and Rafa confirmed it.

To me the fact he isn't and chose instead to go to Ibiza tells me everything I need to know, he doesn't have the spirit for the fight. We were so good 2nd half against Burnley that I too would go 4-3-3 and start Gomes to give him a chance to cement his place and push the Doucouré further up the pitch.

We can do this, I predict 1-2 Everton – COYB!!!

I'd love to see him play but, up to now, the players are playing well for Rafa, and for each other. If he plays, we can see how he gets on but this is a league match and I think we're going to need every point we can get. If Rafa thinks Rodriguez will help the team to get points, he will play him.

It may be that he will give him his opportunity from the bench, depending on how the game is going. I'd like to see the same team as finished the last match, start this one but it all depends on who the manager thinks will give us the best chance of getting the points. He's doing great so far; but this is no easy game.

But, unlike the past games against Southampton and Burnley, hold your thoughts, get behind the team, and do not look like a proper Charlie, when Everton rattle Villa and you read back on your anger, even before a ball has been kicked.

Time to get behind our team, we may be hand-tied with FFP, we may have a manager others might not have not wanted, but by Christ the manager and the team are doing everything they can, to try and at least try to close the gap and compete.

I have forgotten how long back and how many Managers back, we had a manager with a Plan B.

Get behind the team and let's give something back to the players, and the manager.

Keep it up, Rafa the Gaffer!

Source is usually reliable.

Rondon may have to play, but he's nowhere near match fit. if any of our first eleven goes down, it's a big problem. Lose these two, Calvert-Lewin and Gray, and it's a different team.

So far, at the 3 matches I've attended this season, the supporters have, in the main, epitomised exactly what you've described. Patient and supportive.

I think there's been a Sky fuelled trend in the modern era to expect to be 2 - 0 up after 15 minutes and if not, frustration, fear and anxiety kicks in. This is not aimed at young Evertonians or restricted to Everton and it's the same with the season. Relegated by October, Champions by November, managers gone by December. It's ridiculous. A game lasts 90 minutes. The season ends in May.

You win some, you lose some, you draw some. Come on blues.

And regardless, I'll be at QPR Tuesday night and Goodison next Saturday for the Norwich game and the Bramley Moore gathering.

After that dozy bastard ref Atkinson (couldn't be biased, could he?), it's a wonder if we have any players left by January if other refs follow his pathetic interpretation of the relaxation regarding tackling!

Thankfully, Iwobi is improving under Rafa's guidance and from Wednesday's performance, André Gomes is looking like the player we hoped we'd signed.

Well, James, if you ever wanted an opportunity to show you're up for a fight along with the rest of our lads, now's the time to prove it to the gaffer.

I like a bet on Everton, but I dont bother when Mina plays. He will give away chances.
Holgate has been a winner in every game he has played this season. Mina has just cost us goals.

The big plus in him playing is that he is always likely to get his head on a free kick/corner and put one in the end...Lets hope today is one of those days

I'll have to start going to the under 23's up at Southport, as Ellis Simms is on the road to fitness and I'm, hoping he could make the jump up to the first team squad in the next 12 months.

There isn't an eye roll emoji big enough for that one.

It will be tough here tonight - these later kick offs give the opportunity for more beers to be consumed so those pesky villains will be rar up for this, mores the pity !

I fear tonight will be the night ‘Our Rafa' (TM) loses his unbeaten record.
Obviously, I hope I'm wrong and if we can score first then who knows ?

Full support blues.
Onward Evertonians 💙

It will be tough here tonight - these later kick offs give the opportunity for more beers to be consumed so those pesky villains will be rar up for this, mores the pity !

I fear tonight will be the night ‘Our Rafa' (TM) loses his unbeaten record.
Obviously, I hope I'm wrong and if we can score first then who knows ?

Full support blues.
Onward Evertonians 💙

It will be tough here tonight - these later kick offs give the opportunity for more beers to be consumed so those pesky villains will be rar up for this, mores the pity !

I fear tonight will be the night ‘Our Rafa' (TM) loses his unbeaten record.
Obviously, I hope I'm wrong and if we can score first then who knows ?

Full support blues.
Onward Evertonians 💙

It will be tough here tonight - these later kick offs give the opportunity for more beers to be consumed so those pesky villains will be rar up for this, mores the pity !

I fear tonight will be the night ‘Our Rafa' (TM) loses his unbeaten record.
Obviously, I hope I'm wrong and if we can score first then who knows ?

Full support blues.
Onward Evertonians 💙