West Ham United vs Everton

COYB!

Back 4 in a 4-5-1 formation order of the day.

- don't do zonal at set-pieces

- don't do 3 or 5 at the back

- don't do 2 in centre mid

- don't play open away

- don't keep changing formation

- 4-5-1 all the way!

Holgate did well there for a few games years ago but really isn't very good; Godfrey perhaps but really not sure about him there either and him holding the position without bombing forward. Kenny will get stuck in but not sure about him there either!

We really are down to the bare bones. Back 4 a must though!

If someone like Kenny was used as a defensive midfielder, he should be told to keep it simple. Just someone to close players down and block any shots and that would be a lot more than we have now!

I want to be wrong but it's hard to see beyond another pitiful performance and ultimate defeat. We really are on the ropes. Happy Friday everyone!

Anyway, send the kids away to London for this one and save the big guns from the first-team squad (ha!) for the six-pointer vs Burnley

I don't think West Ham are the kind of team that will give us a hammering, indeed I suspect that this is a game where not more than one goal will separate the teams.

The manager has just go to change things, take a put, therefore, I am going with:

Pickford
Coleman or Kenny
Brantwaite
Godfrey
Mykolenko
Van de Beek
Doucouré
Patterson
Gordon
Calvert-Lewin
Gray

In a 3-5-2 formation.

I just can't have Keane, Holgate or Gomes in the team, I just can't!

Chelsea, Brighton, Liverpool and City play Brentford, Norwich, Watford and Burnley respectively at the weekend so hopefully those games will go along form lines. Leeds might pick up something at home to Southampton, a win and they are almost safe.

I think we need to win this game and for us to do that I would have Doucoure and Van de Beek sitting in midfield in front of a back 4, and have Gray on the left Gordon on the right Calvert-Lewin up front and Richarlison playing off him. But we will need both wingers and Richarlison to drop a dip deeper when we are out of possession.

I really can't see any other option that Frank has, seeing he has made a thing of working with Calvert-Lewin during the break, he will definitely start and Richarlison and Gordon are nailed-on for me.

The only other option is to start a defensive midfielder in-between Doucouré and Van de Beek and start with Gray on the bench. Then, if he needs to change things in the 2nd half, he can bring on Gray and Alli, having Alli play just off the main striker.

With Watford away to our neighbours and Burnley at home to Man City, a win could put real daylight between ourselves and Watford and Burnley. We really have to get something from the West Ham game, we just can't keep losing every time we go away.

What I cannot understand, Lampard says we are short in midfield, no ball winner with Allan out, and Davies out for the season. Why was Gbamin (our only other defensive midfielder) allowed to go on loan?

Why didn't he play with the U23s to get match fit? He's played the last 4/5 games with Moscow, and even scored, and they have won every game since he played.

It might be a weaker league, but he would be a hell of a lot better than Gomes and Doucoure, who definitely can't play in a two-man midfield, and can't defend, and certainly can't tackle, especially up against Rice and Soucek. His only choice is to put Holgate in midfield, or we will be completely overrun.

I've had a couple of great away days this season (Brighton and Chelsea). Some shockers (QPR, Brentford, Wolves, Norwich, Newcastle and Tottenham).

I really don't care who is playing. Just give me something to travel home with a smile on my face, Everton!

Frank just needs to get the tactics right as the win is there for the taking. Dour Davie has never been gung-ho in his approach so I doubt we will get a kicking and Frank should adapt our approach.

Fingers crossed UTFT

Alli can play off Calvert-Lewin. Put Richarlison on the left where he is best cutting in and then Gordon on the right. Gray can come off the bench if needed.

Kenny can go left-back, Keane and Godfrey as centre-backs and Coleman at right-back.

West Ham are a counter attacking team, we can't afford to give Bowen or Antonio space to run in unless we play with more pace at the back, that means no Coleman and no Keane.

I wouldnt start Gomes in any first choice team and Coleman will get roasted by Antonio and IMO Kenny would do better against Bowen than Godfrey.

As Allan is missing I would fill the gap with Patterson in front of Coleman to mark Antonio out of the game and provide forward runs. I think Branthwaite deserves a chance alongside Godfrey which will give us more pace at the back.

Gray can create and score something out of nothing so would be a starter for me alongside Richarlison and Gordon with Calvert-Lewin on as a sub as Gordon tries.

4-1-4-1 and pray to god for a point.

It is full of passengers. I really worry that players like Alli, Van de Beek, Iwobi and Calvert-Lewin just don't work hard enough, whilst Gomes just gets run past.

Add in a knackered Coleman, a bad Holgate and Keane, plus a Ukrainian kid that doesn't look ready for the Premier League (which compounds a team that has no left foot balance).

I just can't see how you can combine any of the deck to give a hand that will win.

Pickford

Mykolenko
Keane
Godfrey
Patterson

Somebody has to screen - Holgate?
Doucoure
Van de Beek or Iwobi

Gordon
Calvert-Lewin
Richarlison

The major problem I think with Everton is upfront where we have no-one scoring on a regular basis. The defense and midfield can hold out, but they have to get the wing-backs and forwards making space to give them an outlet.

Other teams seem able to defend in their area and find the space to move the ball quickly, whereas Everton take too long to get from defense to attack, and hopefully Calvert-Lewin can get back into form as he must see he has dropped behind in the World Cup squad.

These away game results have to change, and West Ham is the place to start. 1-2.

I just can't see Lampard realising the strength it gives us by doing it.

We have not got a cat in hell's chance starting the same 4 every game. Keane, Holgate and unfortunately Coleman are not Premier League standard.

Michael Keane and Mason Holgate would be ideal for Barnsley next season when they are relegated this season.

Why on earth would anyone pick Begovic to play instead of Pickford?

Lyndon's penultimate paragraph sums up exactly what is required in this fixture.

Incomprehensible.

We are going to have to have lots of luck to have a chance, you never know, though, we might get some breaks because we are due plenty.

I'm sorry to say I can only see a loss, but I would love to be proved wrong.

To quote Michael Caine in Batman, "And in their desperation, they turned to a man they didn't fully understand."

All the lads whoever get chosen in whatever formation have to get stuck in, a full unrelenting shift is needed. Tell the players to enjoy the commitment and have satisfaction that they left it all out there in the pitch. This is no time for 90% mentally or physically at any moment during the match.

451, but the midfield selection is freaking me out as I don't see any as defensive midfielders and our defense needs at the very least least one. Even in this crisis midfield situation I still can't pick Gomes.

Pickford
Coleman Keane Branthwaite Godfrey
Gordon Iwobi Van de Beek Doucoure Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin

Mike @ 27, it's a forum, people are allowed to have differing opinions. In future I would prefer you to address me rather than snide little comments.

Well it's because Gomes has proved he's shit away from home at least 60 times already. And Alli and Van der beek aren't the answer to hold either.

We've lost countless games with two in midfield, as we've been simply over run. Against Rice, we need at least 3 central midfielders to congest and slow it down- and Allan, Davies, Delph are out.

Holgate is at least mobile, could hold his position, and can pass. Yes it didn't work earlier in the season. But it did when Ferguson played him before.

For me it needs must. We need to stay in the game, and stop shipping goals.

My only disappointment is that I have to wait until Sunday to travel to Stratford.

I can't wait. Bring the points home blue boys.

In the next two games, Doucoure sit – and I mean sit – deep, with Gomes and Van de Beek or rather Onyango and Price ahead of him, with Richarlison and Gordon on the flanks.

"We can get something from this one."

Love it. Fucking love it.

Your enthusiasm for this great team is immense and I doff my cap. I was at GP for the our great escapes in the 90's but as Frank says, you need to have players who have bollocks.

Please enlighten me Danny? How are we going to get anything or even something from the London Stadium when we have the worst away record in the EPL. I'm looking at the likes of Gomes and Holgate and I just know that they will freeze, fuckup and just do what they normally do.

Come on Danny, spill the beans? Has Frank spotted some kid in the U23's who will put his foot in or just do what he's told to do and play passing football.

I say play him at his position and go with VDB and Alli with Duke in the middle, or shift Gordon in there for his work rate. At least he'd know what to do with the ball when he won it.

Doucoure for me is better playing further forward. He looks better when covering grass ahead of him, and God forbid is a player capable of running past the centre forward.

That for me is the dilemma. We don't have anyone to play in front of the back 4. Alli has proved to be a waste of space, whilst I don't think van der beek is going to step up and dig us out of the shit.

Calvert Lewin is tarting about upfront, and with a passenger in central midfield means we are playing with 9 vs 11 or 12. With a shit central defence that loves to bend over away from home (Mina is still out, and it looks like Patterson/Branthwaite are still down the pecking order despite the rest looking like pub players).

I am going 4-0 West Ham. Can't see it getting better away from home. We need 11 fighters, and we've got none.

I wouldn't play Gomes either. Even if we just start with 10 men, at least we'd know we are a man down.

It's nearly as bad as 3 centre halves…

I'd start Kenny and Mykolenko, Godfrey, Keane.

Then Gordon and Gray out wide.

Doucouré and Van de Beek in the middle.

Alli and Richarlison up top.

Calvert-Lewin off the bench at 4 - 0.

I presume that he has no ambition.

We must play on the counter attack! Gray up front! Use his pace, run their back four! Have a real positive feeling about Sunday! The international break will be a turning point! Frank needed this break to organise and drill the defence!

All will be OK everyone!! Stay positive and safe journey to London and home!!

By every account I've ever read, he's the nicest guy in the world. Lacks confidence, lacks assertiveness, lacks footballing vision.

I'd written this game off but hope springs eternal. West Ham are a counter attacking team so if we go there and play open they'll tear us a new one. Whatever team is put out, it needs to sit tight for at least the first half half hour and be patient. They can park the bus for all I care. Need a result, performance is irrelevant.

We'll get a chance or two at some point and with any luck nick one. However we cannot afford to concede early otherwise heads will drop as usual and it'll be game over before anyone gets a sweat on.

Richy, Gordon and DCL (if he can pull is head out of his arse) have got the quality to score. Just need the defense and midfield to work their nuts off and dig in.

Hoping we can get something, even a point would be great given Watford and Burnley should lose this weekend.

Finger crossed…

Mostly the team picks itself because we have so few alternatives.

Pickford
Coleman Godfrey Keane/Holgate Kenny
Gordon Doucoure VdB Iwobi/Gray
DCL Richarlison

Let's hope the team that's picked see it the same way.

Not the side Lampard will pick which will no doubt have Coleman, Kenny and Keane in the side.

I will be surprised if we last a quarter of an hour without conceding. These players need very little excuse to fold.

Maybe it's a result of not having a game for 2 weeks and my hope respawning after the Palace defeat, but I actually think we might get a result against West Ham.

Play a 4-4-1-1 formation with Alli supporting and dropping back to help out, as a 4-5-1, the same old tripe, hasn't worked, so maybe time for a change?

Defending against set pieces etc. has been comical and with the Hammers having some real threats in the air can we really expect our nervous defenders to keep them out for ninety minutes.

This is a game where Richarlison should be rested after his long travel to Brazil giving DCL and/or Tosun or maybe Rondon a start just to help with those aerial threats.

Okay, we know that won't happen but we are unable to call on Townsend and I don't see any other guys who will provide crosses to whoever is up front for Everton.

There is always that snowball chance in hell of getting a good result but without anything to stop them in midfield even that chance will be remote.

So it goes that we fear the worst yet again and expect some kind of miracle but miracles happen although we will need top performances from the defence.

Bungalo Bill call his ginger mate

Hey der Davey any chance you can put out a weakened team to help ya old mate..

Moyes:; sure Bill but all of my players are drilled to work hard... once they cross the ehite line its out of my control

Bill: well tell your attackers to not try so hard you need them for the European game..

Moyes: will do Bill but your defense is shite not like when I was there..

Bill: oh they were good times Davey the fans miss you... gotta go I'm getting all teary..

I don't think this is a game for Seamus to start in - Moyes will target him if he does. I would however play two “full back” full backs of which we have two internationals - Patterson and Mykolenko. If they are good enough they are old enough.

Ben Godfrey is more John Hurst than Brian Labone - I would play him as the defensive midfielder.

If fit I would play Branthwaite before Holgate as Keane's partner - he did well away at Chelsea.

Perhaps my most unpopular choice would be to play Rondon up front. He is fit now and will know what is required for this game - and as I keep going on about he has scored FIVE very good goals in his last two starts.

Last but not least I would play Begovic in goal.

So it's 4 1 4 1 for me:-

Begovic
Patterson, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko
Godfrey
Gordon, Doucoure, Van de Beek, Richarlison
Rondon.

I am an old codger but I will never forget Harry Catterick playing Mile Trebilcock instead of Fred Pickering in the 1966 Cup Final - which we won largely due to Trebilcocks two goals. Catterick was pragmatic - no favourites with him.

We are getting down to the wire now - we need a result like a drowning man needs air.

Up the Blues

It's a game of football that I will be fortunate enough to attend. It's stating the obvious, but it's 11 v 11 so we can get something from this game and any game. A point tomorrow and 3 next Sunday. There's my bold prediction.

Reading some of the sentiment on here, it reminds me of the pre-match comments before we played Leeds. Written off and on a hiding to nothing because apparently Leeds were too dynamic and energetic. Well, I suggest Leeds are going to "challenge" us for that relegation spot. Along with Brentford.

I just can't comprehend approaching any game of football with a defeatist attitude. I guess it goes back to having had the expectation beaten out of us. It saddens me to see and hear Evertonians in this frame of mind.

Well, I won't be travelling tomorrow with that mentality. More importantly, I hope the players don't. I know the Evertonians won't.

It's hard to pick eleven men, that will push up, close gaps, and fight for each other, but if we can get close enough to each other, and close those gaps, then we have enough talented players to go and score a couple of goals ourselves.

On any given day, DCL, Richarlison, Gray, Gordon and Deli Ali, all have the potential to be match winners, and if a team is struggling at one end, then the ball has got to go into our centre forward and stick, which is why I think DCL has got to become our most important player over the next twelve games, hopefully.

Very dramatic for a Saturday morning, but the lad can only hold it up for so long. Get that defence and midfield up the pitch!!!!

We need make this a really awful, clogged up game and try to pinch a goal.

On that sort of note, there's a very good Tifo football analysis which explains Sam Allardyce's 7 principles.

In very short summary:

- the defence would play very deep (which suits them).

- he would go long to Rondon at the earliest opportunity with two of Gray, Richarlison and Gordon picking up 2nd balls.

- Branthwaite might well play holding midfield (like Kirchoff at Sunderland) and would be accommodated because of his threat at set pieces. He's also good at long diagonals.

- Gordon would play somewhere because he seems to be our best set piece taker

That, or something like it, is the way to play away games. Maybe home games too.

As others have already stated, we have a gapping MF and so would try Gordon in their, he is prepared to put a tackle in, tracks back and can still break forward.

Has to be 451 for me and play for a draw but try to pinch it, crossed fingers and enjoy the ride!!!!!

It partly dismays me that it takes us back to the Moyes days, but needs must. Set up not to lose.

Not sure about Gordon in midfield. I can see him developing into a number 10, but not sure about central midfield.

I get the players are lacking self belief but they're in a perpetual sense of prophetic disappointment - mostly of their own making.

At this point in the season they simply need to stop conceding, stop losing and hope to nick a goal - whatever that looks like. The closing run of games is going to be tough, with few opportunities to properly have a go at winning. Lady Luck needs to be on our side even when the Ref isn't!

I think we'll stay up, either because of another win or purely on goal difference. Other teams below us have similar problems of not knowing where the next goal or win is coming from so it's a race to see who can lose by the least.

Some may call that view negative. It's realistic and hopeful, certainly not optimistic.

Midfield and defence are key to any result in this game. Stay organised, stick together and nick a goal on the break for a 1-0 win. That will do us.

Frank however seems wedded to his 3-4-3 formation though so in that one Alli doesn't get in or ends up playing wide left/right.

A lot of chat about pragmatism on this thread. I'd suggest that with that mindset you look at the players you've got and the situation we are in and adjust the formation to suit, not try and fit players into a formation that nots working so far.

Also, why on earth are we all being so defeatist. It's just one game of football, anything can happen. UTFT!!

Hopefully we can change the personnel over the summer and start to play on the front foot. We just need to get over the finishing line by hook or by crook.

At the moment a gamble that isn't working out. Whether that changes is down to him.

Dele Alli's fitness levels surprise Everton coaching staff

A point would be a huge one, and a brilliant result all things considered. We need to stop losing games otherwise we're fucked.

If we do stay up, it won't be because we've been good, it'll be because the other teams around us have been shit too.

That's how dire this is in my view.

Spot on selection. Have young Onyango on the bench.

Do not play Alli, Gomes or Iwobi.

So in my view this would by default, mean omitting Gomes, and Ali.

Id play Branthwaite if he's fit in place of Keane, as I reckon Moyses will be planning to expose his vulnerability on the turn, and general lack of awareness defending thebox.

But it's a tough call as Brainthwaite May be lacking match fitness, it's a tough call to get a reliable back four, but Id be looking to give Paterson a start at some point in the match, as his offensive play looks like a real source of threat.

If Everton can get a point, and even win tomorrow, it will be a great achievement, all considered.

No doubt Lampard will be braced for the West Ham, ribbing.

Everton to win this game 1-2.

He's recently had a hernia operation and is not likely to have fully recovered yet. He wasn't among the five U23 players spotted on training videos.

Issac Price might be more likely.

West Ham always sought to exploit Keane and Colmans weakness.Untracked runners has been another problem.Everton will have to be prepared to fight in midfield throughout the match.No death and glory tactics for 22 minutes please.

.

I am a bit apprehensive of a 2.00 pm kick off spoiling my Sunday afternoon, after the last time.

I know Frank has questioned if some of our players have the bollocks to play in games as they are doing at Finch Farm, well tomorrow is the day these players stand up and prove they can. When I look at our squad compared to all the clubs around us there is no comparison just based on talent, and tomorrow its time for that talent to come to the fore.

Bit ironic considering the away form was the best in years for Everton.

I really don't like that website. It should be retitled: Anti-Goodison News

Coleman Keane Brainthwaite Godfrey

Gordon DVDB. Doucoure Gomes Richarlison

DCL

I know he won't play that team but it's what I would do, I can't stand Holgate as a player this season, Brainthwaite has never let us down when called upon. 451 with a very hardworking Richarlison and Gordon getting up the pitch when they can.

The frustrating thing is this should not be mission impossible. We have the players to grind out horrible away results. But the manager is setting us up each time to go toe to toe. If he does it again for these next two games I'd sack him and [deep breath] bring in Allardyce. We need hard nosed cynical football now, not empty headed charges into nowhere.

Brian, the irony is the one time we got forced to do that through necessity rather than manager choice, was at Chelsea. I think we finished that night with about 5 under 20s on the pitch. And Branthwaite lifted the roof off the shed end as he scored in front of us.

More of the same tomorrow Everton. In all my years following, I've never been to West Ham, new or old. In fact my only East End football experience was a
cold midweek night at Dagenham with some friends stood amongst the Hereford supporters!!

Assuming Dom is fit, that's a big improvement on recent line-ups. The danger is who we play in central midfield in Allan's absence. I appreciate he's not quick but he is pivotal in this side. Onyango would be my choice.

My other concern is set-pieces which West Ham are good at. The first goal conceded against Palace was yet another one where a man on the post would have prevented it easily. Coyb.

I'd start Ali to give him a proper chance and only if Onyango is not fit. Gordon and Patterson would give them problems working together. Keane is only there to give Branthwaite experienced help. I'd try what Kendall did against Bolton in 97-8 with Duncan and give the armband to DCL to see if that can inspire him.
It's rolling the dice and no way will Frank do it but at the very least he must play Patterson as his energy and pace will give us something we lack.
Fingers crossed!!!

I've certainly watched enough of Everton huffing a puffing to no effect against that sort of opposition under Moyes.

Regardless of who is up front, and Calvert-Lewin is obviously first choice, the important thing is to get the midfield closer to them and support them.

That should ensure a 0-0 result.

Replacing Allan in the team is the big problem for tomorrow. We just don't have a fit natural replacement.

At a stretch, you could try Jonjoe Kenny in that role. You know he would give you 110% as he plays for the badge more than most in the squad. Problem is I am not sure he has that ability.

We also need to score goals and, while I love Gordon for his effort and skill, he is not a goal scorer and so it might be worth putting Dele Alli behind Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. We know Dele is good for a goal if not much else.

I have given up trying to determine a starting 11 when all fit and understand the dilemma Frank has. Again, should we be playing Patterson instead of Coleman and should Branthwaite be given a chance?

Frank needs to figure this out and soon. However, Gomes should be nowhere near the starting 11. If he is picked, I have to say we can kiss this game goodbye!!!

I won't try and guess the starting line up and imagine most of us will pick holes in whatever side Lampard picks due to the performances all season, but as long as they give it everything they've got then we always have a chance.

I'll be driving back down south from my mums in Manchester while the game is on so can't watch it, the kids are going to have to put up with it on the radio and I'll try to keep my cool.

Fingers crossed our amazing away support finally get to cheer us on to the first of two away wins in a week, I was too pissed at the Chelsea match to remember much about the game but was at Brentford and QPR and definitely don't want a repeat performance.

(I fell asleep on the train after Chelsea and woke up in Ascot which was a pain. I'll probably have quite a few drinks when I get home if we win today and will pop down to the pub either way.)

COYB!

Pickford
Godfrey, Keane, Branthwaite
Patterson, Doucoure, Van de Beek, Mykolenko,
Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Have Gray as backup for Richarlison and Iwobi as backup for Gordon.

Score: 1-2.

Anyone who stops a cross coming in gets a bonus of £5k, Anyone winning a header in our penalty area gets £10k. Anyone seen jogging is fined £25k. Anyone giving away a free-kick within 30-m radius of goal also fined £10k.

Stop the crosses.
Stop the corners.
Stop them playing.
Workrate is king.
No free-kicks around the box.

That should do it.

GK Begovic
B4...Patterson Keane Godfrey. Myko
M3 . DVB Doucs Ali .
IF . Richy Gray .
ST . DCL

I want to see Richy and Gray as inside forwards not as wide wingers. You could play Brainthwaite at CB and push Godfrey to LB also, but I want attacking fullbacks for this game so that's what I'm going with. Gordon can come off the bench, yeah he's done well this season, but he's still very raw as a player and for me that's our most effective front 3 and we seen that at the start of the season!

You watch though, Lampard will fall into the same Everton manager mouse trap (like they all do) and he'll play all the usual suspects, eg Pickford, Coleman, Holgate, Kenny, Gomes. I'll put money on it.

Captain Richarlison.

Play four at the back, three in midfield and we can get a draw at West Ham and a win at Burnley and things will look a whole lot better. Defend like we did against City!

Iwobi must be better than Gomes. At least he can run around for 90 minutes.

So its between the bottom 4 for the drop...

Problem is who can you fancy us to beat at the moment.
Having said that theres always suprising results at the back end of the season. Lets hope they are pleasent suprises.

I think we will just do enough to hang in there.

Your line of stop the crosses, reminds me that Gordon West got the nickname Dracula because he didn't like high crosses.

Going forward lately, we look totally bereft of ideas. A lot of huff and puff but we are not creating any chances.

For this reason, I would throw in Dele Alli. He can't be any worse than what I have witnessed and a magic moment or two could make the difference.

I don't think you need to worry. Godfrey and Kenny are ahead of Mykolenko in the pecking order.

3-0 to the Hammers... sigh.

The big one was this morning, grandson Charlie playing against a team who tonked them 10-0 earlier in the season. Talk about having the bollocks to play - our goalie got whacked in the face twice in the pre-match warm up, our little defender who plays in specs won every tackle, another young lad got wiped out but played on, they ran themselves into the ground and won 2-0.

It was how proper footballers perform. We need to see a big dose of that at West Ham.

Also, it's very infectious, which is what I'm sure the smiles were like at the end of your grandson's game today.

If Bowen is going to be thinking hat-trick time, then he will only be doing it from the stands, as he's still not available for tomorrow. 2-1 for the Blues!!

COYB FTRS.

I would like to see Gomes in the deep roll for the next couple of games. Maybe Delph will be a better choice if he ever plays for us again.

I'm not sure if Onyango is fit. What I'm sure about is the lad is not ready to play in Everton's first team at the moment – especially in a team that has no leaders or confidence. His time may come in the future, not at the present time.

After tomorrow, we have 10 games left. Another heavy defeat and Frank's message is not getting across. It may need a further plan to survive.

Pickford,
Patterson, Keane, Godfrey, Mykolenko,
Gordon, Doucouré, Van de Beek, Gray
Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin

I think that either Burnley or Watford are hitting the form and will get a lot of points. We really have to start winning with Brentford, Newcastle and maybe Leeds getting points.

I would not like to rely on Burnley and Watford losing.

Pickford,
Patterson, Keane, Branthwaite, Godfrey,
Gordon, Doucouré, Van de Beek, Gray
Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin

Good for a point I think – at least.

It's all well and good calling them out but enough is enough. Ditch the passengers and play those up for a fight. Even if it means blooding younger or less-experienced options.

If I see the same old shitty back four tomorrow and we get humped, then I will seriously question if Lampard has an actual clue.

I agree entirely about Eriksen. Clearly a class act who has lost none of his ability. He ran the show for Brentford today. For me, he was by far the best player on the pitch. Instinctively finding his teammates with a whole range of passes and opening up Chelsea at will.

Why didn't we make an attempt to sign him? At least we know that he possesses a heart... something most of our imposter so-called superstars most certainly do not!

Link

Thank goodness we have geniuses here to comprehensively dismiss a player after 400 minutes on the pitch... in a brand-new, higher league... under the worst possible emotional circumstances.

After 400 minutes Coleman, Baines, Jagielka, Calvert-Lewin, Gordon, and Fellaini all looked pretty crappy as well.

And so, if I recall correctly, did our newest Board member.

[Eye roll]

I was very, very critical of Mykolenko in his first couple of games. And there was a lot, on the surface, to be critical of. In fact, a LOT of crap play by Mykolenko.

But.

As Mike gently bitch-slapped me previously, and he was 100% spot on, some patience for the Ukrainian boy!

He's been much, much better since his first introductions. And he's shown glimpses of quality in my opinion to be sure.

And -

His fucking country is being over-run by a communist tyrant and destroyed. Bombs dropped on civilians, Russian artillery carpeting his cities, all the while his Dad is staying at home to fight for freedom.

Walk not a mile, but maybe a fucking inch in that boy's shoes, and then maybe feel free to criticize his play – kicking a fucking ball around a field of green. Like that shit really matters while tanks roll down your country and a despot tries to destroy everything you love.

So basically all that shit up there. Just cut the kid a break.

Though how do you settle in, and acclimatise yourself to the cut and thrust of Premiership Football when your mind is on other things (presumably)? Can't realistically see a win today, or even one point, against 'old ginger's boys'; he certainly has assembled a decent side there.

With the obvious connection too, he will want to rub salt into an already gaping wound, to the effect of "look what you could have had"? Plus the incentive of a possible fourth position up for grabs, there will be no sentiment or sympathy from him, or his Hammers. Maybe we can blow a bubble or two though!

COYB 💙💙

Personally I think it's time to abandon all hope of good football and try to keep it tight with some pace and height in the team in order to grab a goal on the counter or at a set piece. See if we can out-Moyes Moyes.

Pickford
Holgate Keane Branthwaite Godfrey
Richarlison Doucoure Van de Beek Iwobi Gordon
Calvert-Lewin

You could play Gray for Gordon but the former has not looked sharp the last few games. The central midfield obviously lacks a ball winner but all 3 are usually hard workers with at least a touch of athleticism unlike the other option in Gomes. If Delph were fit I'd put him in the centre over Iwobi. What a tragic state of affairs that I'm wishing we had Delph available.

Hard to see a positive result today but the beauty (agony?!) of football is that you never know. COYB!!

Our job is to focus completely on the job in hand, block out any negative thoughts, concentrate completely on our game.

Believe and trust in your team-mates skill and ability to win the game. Every game is a tough one and it's having the courage to play your heart out till the final whistle. 0-2, COYB

I will try and doze for an hour or so before following the game at 1 am for me. Doubt whether I'll sleep though as I am so worried. My thoughts are with you… COYB

To Jay Wood, hope all is okay and that your absence is nothing more than Everton related angst! Could do with some reassuring words from you, though!

Just sending Blue Cosmic Grooves to all fellow Blues.

I would play 4-4-1-1 formation with Richarlison and Gordon on the wings. At least they work hard and, sorry Brazil, but Richarlison is no Number 9.

I would play Dele Alli behind Calvert-Lewin as it can't get any worse. Game time might help Alli get his groove back. The others have had a go and don't score.

Gomes, Keane, Holgate and Coleman should not be in the team. Play the new full-backs with Godfrey and Branthwaite.

The sun is shining, the sky is blue. I can feel those grooves, George.

Let's do this, Everton.

I have often thought that the skill set of such a midfielder is similar to that of a full-back. I recall Ian Snodin making a career as a right-back after being signed as a central midfielder. Before him, there was Alan Harper and even Barry Horne played right-back occasionally. In more recent times, Gareth Barry and Fabian Delph have played both roles (though not necessarily at Everton).

Given the surplus of full-backs we now have (Mykolenko, Patterson, Kenny), surely we should be looking at their potential to fill in as defensive midfield? The law of averages says that surely one of them must be able to contribute something?????

Any thoughts, anyone?

Andy (154), nice thought about Jay in Brazil, been doing the same myself, give us a word when you are ready Jay, best wishes to you and the family.

Come on you Blues give us something to lift us up today, go onI dare you!!

I'd like to see Iwobi start with Gordon replacing him late on.

I am also hoping that is the team, and the out Moyes, Moyes sentiment is the only way for this match and for the rest of the season, especially at Burnley on Wednesday.

I selected the same team but Coleman instead of Holgate at right-back. Holgate offers a bit more physicality but I think that Seamus will be giving his all, and some more for the cause. He won't want to be the captain associated with a relegation after 70 years of top-flight football.

Also, I'd have Gordon on the right, Richarlison on the left.

Watford:

Leeds H, Brentford H, City A, Burnley H, Palace A, Leicester H, Chelsea A.

You'd fancy them to get something from their next 2 games and home to Burnley.

Burnley:

Everton H, Norwich A, West Ham A, Southampton H, Wolves H, Watford A, Villa H, Spurs H, Newcastle H.

Everton and Watford games obviously huge but can also imagine they'll be playing teams on the beach at home end of the season so not great for us.

Us

West Ham A, Burnley A, United H, Leicester H, Them A, Chelsea H, Leicester A, Brentford H, Arsenal A.

First impression is there are still loads of games left but we have by far the worst run in! Biggest game is always the next but we really cannot afford to lose on Weds! We could also really do with something from todays game.

Don't care about the team selection or tactics today, all 11 on the pitch need to put in a proper shift to get anything out of the game. West Ham won't make top 4 but they'll be gunning top 6 so will expect to win today.

You could move Holgate (or even Branthwaite) into midfield to accommodate Coleman at right-back. But, when those are your options, it really highlights the limitations of the squad.

The main thing is that Lampard learns from his own mistakes in the away games so far. He shouldn't be so vain as to think he can suddenly get this team playing football when two experienced coaches like Ancelotti and Benitez could not. The former in particular showed us how to get points away. Don't reinvent the wheel.

If he does that, we should have every confidence in a point at least.

Come on, Frank, make some changes that stop the rot that has set in to our team.

COYB.

In the second half, it's hiding behind the sofa time for those who can't bear to see what's going to happen next.

No way would either Keane or Gomes get near my starting line-up, and I have great misgivings about Holgate strolling about the defence with no sense of desire or urgency to get back and help out.

I would be inclined to start Patterson to see if his pace and enthusiasm can bring something different to our game with Coleman as fallback if it doesn't work.

The midfield as usual is the problem, so surely we must go with at least 3 in midfield.

All depends on Lampard's mindset, of course, and I know his hands are somewhat tied with injuries, suspensions etc, but I haven't seen much evidence of flexibility yet.
,

Give this lad a chance and have some understanding of how it must be living in his world.

I guess he will just have to trust the team he picks is good enough. He has been let down on so many occasions but surely this group at some stage must pick up a result on the road.

Also, this is a chance to put back-to-back league wins together – something I don't think we have done all season. I think the key today is keeping Declan Rice quiet as he runs the show for West Ham.

I hope Calvert-Lewin recovers last season's form and Richarlison carries on from his Brazil performances. On our day, we have more than enough to win and, after both Watford and Burnley losing, it couldn't come at a better time.

I go along with that and Jamie's link @(146), taken in the Lower Gwladys Street. End obviously, but I can guarantee those scenes happened all over Goodison Park that night.

Made up with Jamie's optimism and a couple more on this thread. Those who are going to the game today will let the team know they are there for them.

Come on, whoever turns out for the Blues – give those supporters something to replicate those scenes from the Newcastle game and let them go home happy.

They're odds on favourite, they also need to win. How does that resonate with your view of Moyes and his previous teams??

This could be a race to the bottom of the bottle... all we have to do is make sure there's some left in ours. That means picking the least number of worst bottlers and those picked actually turning up for a change.

It's West Ham, for fuck's sake, a 'kin yo-yo team who got lucky with a free ground.

Oh and a bit of luck wouldn't go amiss, just for a change.

Pickford
Patterson Godfrey Branthwaite Mykolenko
Gordon VDB Doucoure Dele Richie
DCL

4-5-1 in defence 4-1-5 in attack, with fullbacks throwing in crosses to Richie, DCL and Dele in the box….with VDB joining late to add the gun threat too. Coyb!

Dom is going to rediscover his form that got him selected for England, score a hat trick today and a sackload before the season ends.

Gordon will finally get the assists his play deserves and add a goal himself.

Richy will have a good game and score a beauty.

Everton will beat West Ham 5-2 in a crazy, entertaining game.

Nurse!!

We have 11 games to play almost a third of he season, so a couple missing from that list. Of the other teams in the mix...

- Watford have 8 games to play and currently 3 points below us
- Burnley have 10 to play, and 4 points behind us
- Leeds, have 7 to play and 5 points ahead
- Newcastle have 9 to play and 6 points ahead
- Brentford have 7 to play and 7 points ahead

Without looking at all the specific fixtures I am encouraged to think we will get safe with those games in hand although I fully appreciate games in hand do not mean quite so much at this end of the table.

Starting today we can begin turning things around and I have a sneaky suspicion we are going to return home with at least one point from the London Stadium (or whatever they call it these days).

I'd take a point today and a point on Weds if offered now. Burnley are near the bottom but they haven't actually lost that many games this season, just drawn loads. United are crap at the moment so a packed GP may get us 3 points next weekend to take us further away from trouble. The teams mental strength is non existent so I'd prefer not to leave it to the Brentford game to be safe!

I don't see Frank picking Patterson, Branthwaite or Mykolenko.
Have Godfrey at left back.
But who knows he might say sod it and throw caution to the winds and play all the young lads!