Everton vs Leicester City

My eleven for this one: is

Pickford
Coleman
Mina
Godfrey
Mykolenko
Allan
Iwobi
Van de Beek or Delph
Richarlison
Gordon
Calvert-Lewin

Either way, I'm feeling cautiously willing to see some Leicester ass getting kicked around the park. UTFT!!!!!

4-2-3-1

Pickford
Coleman Godfrey Keane Mykolenko
Delph Allan
Gordon Iwobi Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Begovic, Kenny, Holgate, Mina, Doucoure, Van de Beek, Gray, Rondon, Alli

Some decent options on the bench.

Mina alongside either Branthwaite or Godfrey. Either of those two will benefit from playing alongside the closest thing we have to a leader at the back and a character. Watch how he reacted and the players reacted to him in the tunnel after the Man Utd match.

Yerry to get the winner tomorrow night and the equaliser at Anfield.

I understand your rationale and for most sides would agree. But this is Everton and this bunch have let us down time and again. How often (I mean it's not that often but invariably is the case when it does happen) have we said Gomes had a great game, give him another game. Ditto Keane, Holgate etc.

Yes the team did well against Man Utd which means the usual suspects are due for a downturn and Vardy and Co will be licking their lips looking at a defence featuring either Keane or Holgate.

However after a long period of time with no semblance of structure or continuity, there is something to what Ajay says re. the United clean sheet. Not a straightforward decision.

At least he's back and available.

10 pts (minimum) is required, I feel, to stay up from our last 8 games. Starting with 3 pts tomorrow.

To drop Keane after the Man Utd win would be a real kick in the teeth and not justified.

I'd put Mina in for Keane and keep Godfrey as the other centre-back for his pace. Our win stats when Mina plays are given a massive boost. Also a threat from set-pieces, if he's fit enough - play him. Tomorrow, the right-back position concerns me most, Harvey Barnes is a very decent and direct player and Seamus will have to bring all his powers to keep him out.

Consistency has already been mentioned, the big question tomorrow can our midfield consolidate that performance against Manchester. Allan, Delph and Iwobi seemed to click as a midfield three, each complimenting the other. Tenacity, Composure and Energy. Can the three of them build on it ?????

Gordon and Richarlison right and left are first choices and are playing well. Calvert-Lewin has had ten days to get much sharper, we should expect a big, hopefully match winning, showing from him tomorrow.

Pickford
Coleman Godfrey Mina Mykolenko
Allan Delph
Gordon Iwobi Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin

Pickford
Coleman Mina Godfrey Mykolenko
Delph Allan
Gordon Iwobi Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin

For Liverpool:

Pickford
Holgate Mina Keane Godfrey
Gordon Allan Doucouré Delph Gray
Richarlison

Makes sense that, Gary J @11

No Vardy for them, KK @5. Been out for a while.

What's happened to El Ghazi that no-one speaks about him? Is he still alive and with us??

He's alive and with is but serves very little purpose seeing as we have so many options in that part of the pitch. Andros Townsend's injury moves up one step up the pecking order but Demarai Gray, Alex Iwobi, Anthony Gordon and, you would imagine, Dele Alli are all ahead of him.

Waste of a loan simply to grease the wheels for Lucas Digne's move to Aston Villa.

Tomorrow is key.

Obviously on paper there remains some tougher games but they cannot slip up here.

They hung in tough against Manure but Manure proved yet again today that they are a shadow of the great United teams gone by so Everton's overall defence needs to have a big game again.

However Frank has got choices for this one so it will be interesting to see if he changes a winning side. I don't think he will because we are going to need Godfrey's pace at the back for this one.

Whatever the starting line up we will have a strong bench (by our standards).

Dewbury-Hall is a dangerous looking player to me and he must be closed down if he gets anywhere near our box.

Delph will score. And then, his contract is renewed. Mina will also score a late one, and then Calvert-Lewin finishes with a clean header.

And Leicester nil.

Let it be so, and be a victory.

Pickford, Coleman or Kenny (who's the quickest?), Godfrey, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Allan, Delph, Iwobi, Doucouré; Gordon, Richarlison.

Although it sounds like Frank wants Van de Beek to start and probably somebody more experienced in central defence than my preferences for this game.

I'm hoping for a good win tomorrow because an in-form Liverpool and Chelsea await us afterwards as well as a return at Leicester.

Delph and Van de Beek will be late decisions and Mina will get some time but will he be a starter or a sub.

Leicester have some speed on the break and Vardy loves playing us and Leicester have won all 3 games against Frank the manager so we need to be on our game and setup properly.

COYB

These three points are essential for us to stay in the Premier League, and we have tougher fixtures than this ahead.

Keep Holgate out of the starting eleven, Mina on the bench, and same team that beat United.

Don't let him down, Everton. By Sunday, we have 4 points on the board.

I would select Van de Beek with Delph as a sub. No Vardy is a help, but it leaves Everton with a more mobile attack supported by midfield to contend with. Leciester are also pissed off with the injury time goal on their last outing in the Premier League.

I would put Richarlison up front, with gray and Gordon wide, Iwobi central. That front line has pace and versatility.

Mina straight in. Play him when he is fit, as can't rely that he will be fit again even if not playing!!

I'd keep most of the side that played in the last game except maybe Rondon for Calvert-Lewin, who is struggling at the moment, and leave other changes during the game off the bench.

With another positive crowd behind them, the ream have no excuses not to perform in a positive manner and gain another 3 points to get us closer to the safety net.

Got a feeling Calvert-Lewin will score tonight, he's obviously due one but I think he's building up to a performance. However it goes, just make the most of the next few hours realising you're not a Man Utd fan.

I would be tempted not to change the team too much if I were Frank, but maybe in Central Defence, Yeri Mina is such an influence when he plays, if fit, and could make a massive difference at either end of the pitch ! Not sure about DCL either he was virtually a passenger against United in comparison to the other ten.

COYB 💙💙

This match represents a decent opportunity for Everton to get the maybe one or two wins required to stay up

Funny how the press and the TV are trying to portray this relegation being between us and Burnley, but a win will change that dramatically. But likewise a loss tonight and with a tough game at the weekend could put a completely different look on the relegation battle.

But we have had an 11-day break since beating Man Utd and we have players coming back from injury which should really help. I am not sure what side Lampard will pick but I don't expect too many changes from the side that beat Man Utd.

I maybe would have put Rondon in for Calvert-Lewin but that looks unlikely. I certainly wouldn't bring Van de Beek back into the starting line-up as, like Dave said in his post, for me, I don't think he has done enough to warrant that.

As the games roll by and still no start for Dele Alli, you do wonder what was the point of that transfer? I think we were all excited when he signed thinking "Here is a top player who has lost his way, and will be out to prove Mourhino, Santo and Conte wrong." But, for whatever reason, that hasn't happened and the worry is we have a player with 2 years left on his contract earning in excess of £100,000 per week.

I know we don't have to pay Spurs a fee till he has played 20 games but, if the unthinkable happens, how do we offload him at the end of the season???

No, I wasn't able to get to the game but watched it on my iPad and it was very noticeable how much Delph's appearance made to Everton's game.

Aided of course by Allan and the rejuvenated Iwobi whose energy in recent games has been another bonus. I hope it all helps in our escape from relegation.

Good luck tonight, Blues. I had a ticket but can't travel due to family reasons. A family friend has benefited free of charge.

If anyone is going on Sunday and has negative vibes, I'll take the ticket. Otherwise, see you at Chelsea home or Watford away.

Defining week. My brother offered me use of his season ticket for next season and I got moved onto Tier One on the waiting list. The last time I had a season ticket, we were Champions of England and should have been Champions of Europe. The future is blue.

Calvert-Lewin is probably the biggest question mark. I still favour him over Rondon even despite the lack of form. Hopefully the break will have allowed him time to get his mojo back.

Leicester's team that lost to Newcastle only had about 3 players who you might consider to be nailed-on first-choice – but only Ndidi and Vardy are injured so it looks like they're managing the European schedule.

Still a talented squad though and Daka is exceptionally quick up front.

Win this and we're 6 points clear of Burnley. I had a look at our fixtures versus theirs for the last 8 games or whatever it is, and whereas a lot of people have said our run-in is worse, I don't agree. Burnley play games against teams they'll struggle to beat, while we still have winnable home games to come.

Win tonight and it puts a huge amount of pressure back on them to win games, while we can afford to go to Mordor and lose (which I sadly think we will) but still stay up. Only thing I hope for is that we don't get twatted by them - lose by a couple of goals at worst.

Win tonight though, we have to win our home games.

That being said, the only change I would be looking to make is to replace Keane. I think Gary (11) has it pretty much spot on (although I'd start Iwobi at the weekend over Doucoure), we need to play to the opposition. Tonight is not a game to sit back and hit them on the counter, so Keane is not suited. The weekend will be that type of game, so Keane will be vital.

As you say, Mourhino was spot-on about Dele's lack of attitude and desire, I can't think of a player whose form has fallen so far in just 3 years.

When we signed him, I thought "At last a goal scoring midfield player" – something we haven't had for quite a while. 2 players tonight playing against their old clubs: Lookman for Leicester and Gray for us, let's hope its Demarai smiling at the end.

I read yesterday that he is over his injuries now and is feeling back to his best, if he does recapture his early-season form, what a boost that will be.

I think Ajay (3) is correct dropping players from a winning team will tell all the players I have 'my team' vision and players like Branthwaite (who Man Utd are interested in buying) are not in that team.

I am not sure if I would play Grey against his old team. The defenders will know almost all of his moves.

Please play Dobbin to at least see how he teams up with Richy and maybe he could become a derby legend in his next game.

Let's see how DCL does tonight though.

The big question marks over whether DCL deserves to retain his place and whether Mina should be rested. Both a 'yes' for me. DCL has been terrible since he came back but it was a long time out and we need to give him opportunity to play himself back into form, tell him to run his arse off and sub Rondon on the moment it looks like he's stopped doing that. And much as i'd like to start Mina, his injury record suggests it would be wiser to phase him in. He can be a huge player for us in this crucial batch of games so maybe sub him on for 20-30 mins if we have a lead to hang onto (or need a set piece goal?).

We will not be safe if we win tonight and we will not be relegated if we lose. All the matches are big from here on in. I'm sure the players will be up for it but I hope FL gets the organisation and tactics right. Leicetsre have some very good players so we'll have to find the balance between letting them find their groove and pressing them so high that it affords them space between the lines or in behind. Keane vs Daka/Vardy could go badly.

For Sunday, just play the kids and keep the others fit for other games. After all... Frodo was successful in Mordor, wasn't he?

It's all over Twitter. TBH is no loss with his form

Yes, we know injuries play a big part but only Lampard know's why he leaves the likes of Alli and El Ghazi off the field.

Sure they had become bench players at their clubs but there time at Everton has become a big waste of time.

We have a reputation for years of signing many players who fit this bill who become quickly forgotten after one or two games.

If DCL is injured again I think we have to assume that he will be let go along with Richie if only to get some money in the bank for new signings next year.

The question has to be, why ?

I think Delph settles the defence more than any othe MF player we have so unless an injury risk (?) I would play him alongside Allan and Doucoure with VDB on as sub.

Yerry is the big question mark but he has had a long rest and Michael Keane does not have the concentration or pace at this level.

I get injuries happen but how can we keep having week/2 week long breaks, then it emerges that Dom has hurt himself in training. It seems to of happened since December. He went in for an operation during the International break on his toe. Next thing he's been out for 4 months with other injuries. He's either become made of glass in the last 6 months or Everton aren't managing him correctly in training. Either way, something smells fishy to me and usually if you go with your gut feeling, you're correct…. My gut feeling is telling me he's defo off in the summer, probably already signed and agreed.

I'd really like to think that this is a Claytons injury and DCL is largely out due to his form and effectiveness.

But it does seem rather more likely that heading into a summer where the club knows it must sell players - even if we stay up - the club is effectively wrapping one of the few pieces that might fetch a return in cotton wool.

If DCL has indeed been shut down, and shoves off to Arsenal or similar in the offseason how would TW feel about that? The abuse Lukaku used to get for "downing tools" here was scathing, numerous and highly vitriolic.

If this indeed comes to pass, would DCL be treated in the same manner?

"...he's had a baby girl last week so it's nice to have him back in the squad.”

Obviously how much he plays tonight will depend on how difficult his labor was.

Sorry about the clanker humor, I'm just giddy about Mina's return.

Another 1-0 would be wonderful.

Chag pesach kasher vesame'ach as well by the way.

I-0 would be a perfect passover present. Here's hoping.

It just gets worse doesn't it?

DCL might be of interest to Arsenal or Newcastle but I expect both might have a handful of targets, some much more glamorous.

Depending on the financial situation at Chelsea I would have thought Lukaku is the player Newcastle will be after.

It's a year ago next week that El Ghazi beat us at Goodison with a spectacular strike. Time for him to square that account, but he can't do it from the bench.

If you are in the UK you may have to avail yourself of an internet stream or listen on the wireless.

Leicester are safe with only an outside chance of 7th so hopefully some of the players will be on the beach already.

Huge effort needed and I expect the crowd to be the 12th man again. A win and Burnley will be crestfallen and would also give us a massive physiological boost as we'll be over 30 points.

Fingers crossed. Finishing line not far off.

I really can't see a problem, well maybe a few I am ignoring.The boys will not let us down and we will be a little happier at full time.

Long term we the question needs to be addressed is WHY we are in this position again.We think we know why and guess the rest, however the board needs to get it's act together for next season.

UTFT

Would mean we went 6 ahead of Burnley if my maths is okay – just cannot see them making that up before season end. Wouldn't fiddle with the set-up or personnel too much from the Man Utd game – especially in midfield which looked much better in that game. I know it's injuries/fitness permitting but wouldn't change too much if I was Lampard.

Acting up to get out!!!

1. The owner hired the wrong manager last summer.

2. Both of our attacking midfielders were suddenly gone.

3. Our leading scorer has missed most of the season through injury.

4. Our best central defender has missed much of the season through injury.

5. We have Mason Holgate.

I don't know if it's true or just a cover story (believe it or not they do happen in football) that he's injured again but if he is then I think at 25 he's arguably not getting back what he had.

It may seem insane but many players best years were done by their mid 20's.

Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen two very good examples of injuries curtailing their career by 25/26 years old.

I can't seriously see Dom going 4ft off the ground again now for headers like he once did, and if you take part of that away from his game there's not much left.

If a good offer comes in then we need to consider it, don't leave it until August though.

I think I agree to be honest.

I can't see Dele Alli being here next season, can see him going to Palace or something like that.

We've said it many summers but really this has to be the one where we find new clubs for the likes of Tosun, Gomes, at least one of Holgate, Kenny or Keane.

Add to the fact that Sigurdsson and Townsend will maybe never play for Everton again also.

We can't sit about being sentimental and we need to somehow bring in three quality players in the spine of the side, top defender, creative goal scoring midfielder and a technically accomplished striker.

Go with
Pickford
Coleman
Mina
Godfrey
Mylolenko
Allan
Delph
Iwobi
Gray
Richy
Gordon.

and Have El Ghazi on the bench - you never know.

Get Gordon and Gray in the 3 and put Richie up top, and if that ain't working bring Dobbin or Rondon on and give them their chance. I prefer the former personally, but given DCL contribution this season neither will be a step down.

"...we need to somehow bring in three quality players in the spine of the side, top defender, creative goal scoring midfielder and a technically accomplished striker."

Gee, is that all? Sure you don't want to order a couple of speedy wingers and maybe a good-crossing fullback while you're at it?