Seasons2021-22Everton News
Watford vs Everton
Match Preview

Michael Keane is set to start with Yerry Mina back out of the running with a calf injury
Everton are back on the road for a midweek fixture against Watford that offers them a big opportunity to bolster their chances of remaining in the Premier League beyond this season.
The Toffees' huge win at Leicester on Sunday lifted them back out of the bottom three and finally ended a seven-month wait for a victory away from Goodison Park, meaning they can travel to the already-relegated Hornets with the psychological monkey off their collective back.
Watford's defeat at Crystal Palace at the weekend sealed their fate, sending them back down to the Championship and manager Roy Hodgson looks set to be forced to name a vastly under-strength side due to a raft of unavailable first-teamers.
Former Everton striker Josh King, who, almost inconceivably, scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture on Merseyside back in October is ruled out along with another former Blue, Tom Cleverley, along with Ismailia Sarr, Emmanuel Dennis, Imran Louza, Juraj Kucka, Kiko Femenia and Nicolas N'Koulou.
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Cucho Hernandez was already sidelined with a hamstring issue and Hassane Kamara is now suspended following his dismissal at Selhurst Park but Joao Pedro has an outside chance of being fit to play.
It's the kind of scenario that could pose a banana skin for Everton but Frank Lampard used his pre-match press conference to stress that his players must remain focused on completing the job over the four remaining games.
"The support that we've had since I've been here is incredible. It's ramped up in the last few weeks and we needed that. I think the fans have shown their support, passion and willingness to take part,” the manager said.
“The mood has lifted, but the important thing is to remain balanced as there is still work to do.
“The only message for us, as much as we enjoyed the weekend, is that it's very dangerous to relax on that. As much as we can talk about the fans, the only message for us as players and staff is to finish the job. There's no way we can relax.”
Once again, Lampard will be unable to call on Yerry Mina who picked up a calf injury at the King Power Stadium that could keep out of all bar the game at Arsenal on the final day, while the earliest Ben Godfrey could return is this weekend against Brentford.
That will surely mean a Michael Keane-Mason Holgate central defensive partnership, perhaps alongside Seamus Coleman if the manager elects to persist with his five-man back line with Alex Iwobi and Vitalli Mykolenko as wing-backs.
Whether deployed as a left- or wing-back, Mykolenko looks set to feature after the complaint that forced him off against Leicester proved to merely be a case of cramp.
Elsewhere in the side, Allan could come in for Fabian Delph if Lampard decides to manage the veteran's minutes. Donny van de Beek is ruled out again with a persisting groin problem but could be back for the home game against Crystal Palace in eight days' time.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been withheld from action given the stop-start nature of his return from injury and he might have to be content with a place on the substitutes' bench once again.
While one of Everton's rivals in the relegation dogfight, Leeds United, face a potentially difficult assignment against erratic Chelsea, the Blues must focus on their own game and look to secure all three points to maintain their points advantage down at the bottom of the Premier League.
Kick-off: 7:45pm, Wednesday 11 May 2022
Referee: Mike Dean
VAR: Michael Oliver
Last Time: Watford 2 - 3 Everton
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Mykolenko, Allan, Doucouré, Iwobi, Gordon, Gray, Richarlison
Reader Comments (116)
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2 Posted 11/05/2022 at 03:54:43
3 Posted 11/05/2022 at 04:25:32
4 Posted 11/05/2022 at 04:26:36
Didnt Frankie also so Relax?
5 Posted 11/05/2022 at 04:28:22
6 Posted 11/05/2022 at 04:38:32
7 Posted 11/05/2022 at 04:43:28
Hope you are feeling better now and aided further by another 3 points in this one though I do confess to some nerves over tomorrow which I didnt feel in the previous games maybe because we were expected to lose them and win this one.
Lets hope the supporters can carry us to another 3 points and relative safety.
COYB
8 Posted 11/05/2022 at 04:50:31
Vicarage Road turns one hundred this year - it's no Pleasuredome! But three points and we can all allow ourselves to Rage Hard and feel The Power of Love. A little more anyway.
When we complete this escape it'll be remarkable - almost a case of minor Holly intervention. COYB!
9 Posted 11/05/2022 at 05:01:38
I think if we can stay focussed and repeat the attitude and commitment shown of late we should have too much. Let's not forget too we haven't proved that we have put the away day hoodoo to bed yet !
10 Posted 11/05/2022 at 05:05:15
11 Posted 11/05/2022 at 06:05:58
We have to go all out to win this game because if we do it will really put the pressure on Burnley and Leeds and it will have Southhampton looking over their shoulder also.
12 Posted 11/05/2022 at 06:28:03
And Allan definitely in for Delph. Bring Delph back fresh for the weekend.
13 Posted 11/05/2022 at 06:51:41
Back line suspect and we definitely need a striker or two in the summer window.
Cant expect Jordan to be Man of the Match every time out. Hes playing the Ive ever seen him play in a Everton shirt, but we shouldnt plan on it every game.
I think well win it 3-1.
14 Posted 11/05/2022 at 07:14:13
Maybe stick with the 5 at back, but give the full backs more license to get forward? Or switch back to a 4 and go with a more traditional 451/4231? For me I hope we go with the latter, come out the blocks like a monster, get 2-0 up and then switch it up to lock it up and counter.
UTFT. COYBs!!
15 Posted 11/05/2022 at 07:15:17
Everton, that.
16 Posted 11/05/2022 at 07:20:05
We've got results against the better teams playing a defensive game; tonight will be different – let's just hope we can cope!
17 Posted 11/05/2022 at 07:20:53
Let's do this Everton.
I am looking to get to Watford around 5pm. See you there all.
Spirit of the Blues. Everybody's singing the Blues.
18 Posted 11/05/2022 at 07:36:04
19 Posted 11/05/2022 at 07:47:05
Im confident if we play to the same game plan of keeping it ultra tight (and no keystone Kops moments) we will get a good few chances to win this game.
COYBLUES!
Watford 0 Everton 1
20 Posted 11/05/2022 at 08:12:05
Psychologically huge boost or damaging to us, Leeds, Burnley depending on the result. We need that win. Keep that passion going.
Don't fuck it up Everton.
21 Posted 11/05/2022 at 08:12:33
22 Posted 11/05/2022 at 09:06:50
Tonight is payback time. This is a game that we have to win and there is no earthly reason why we shouldn't.
None of this side has a clue who Mick Lyons but if one or two had shown his spirit and guts we wouldn't be floundering.
Get your fingers out and fight for every ball. Shove "their" Z-Cars where the sun don't shine. C'mon on!
23 Posted 11/05/2022 at 09:09:45
If Frankie's opting for a 3-4-3 I'd go with:
------------------Pickford----------------------
-------Holgate-Keane-Branthwaite------
Coleman-Allan-Doucoure-Mykolenko
--------Gordon---------------Alli---------------
------------------Richarlison--------------------
If he's opting for four in the back, I'd go for:
------------------Pickford----------------------
Coleman-Keane-Holgate-Mykolenko
---------------------Allan------------------------
----------Doucoure-----Iwobi---------------
Gordon------------------------------------Alli
------------------Richarlison------------------
It's also a little depending on wheter DCL is fit enough to start. If so I'd put him in up top, and put Richy out on the left wing, omitting Alli...
C'mon lads, three points tonight will take us a long way towards security, just keep the focus and grit, and we will prevail!
24 Posted 11/05/2022 at 09:10:13
Amazing how quickly things can change and a reminder that it's not time to relax just yet.
25 Posted 11/05/2022 at 09:20:02
26 Posted 11/05/2022 at 09:45:38
27 Posted 11/05/2022 at 09:48:02
28 Posted 11/05/2022 at 09:54:44
Prove me wrong, you Blues. Give the fans something to smile about after the wringer you have put us through these past few weeks.
I will take a result any which way it comes, but would be nice if the team plays good football for a change, go up a couple of goals early and allow the fans to relax a bit.
As usual with Everton, the 1st goal is going to be important. The much-maligned defence have bailed out the team from the relegation places – Pickford's heroics, goals by Mykolenko and Holgate, and generally battling performances from Mina, Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Mykolenko, etc.
It is now time for the forwards to start showing their class. I appreciate the hard work being put in by Gray, Richarlison, Gordon, Iwobi, but they need to put a few in the back of the net to ease the pressure on the defence. COYB!
29 Posted 11/05/2022 at 09:56:11
30 Posted 11/05/2022 at 09:59:45
Let's hope that Danny and his canine companions are in top form as they head out for their morning walk tomorrow.
31 Posted 11/05/2022 at 10:02:13
Villa (A) and Newcastle (H) with a goal difference of -17. Our goal difference is -19.
I still don't know how this will end certainly if you are Burnley or Leeds fans you would think with us playing Watford tonight and then 2 home games, you probably think Everton will get out of it. I just wish I could be so sure, we have just won back to back league games for I think the first time this season. We now are expecting us to make that 3 wins in succession tonight and then a 4th consecutive win against Palace on Sunday, thats a really big ask considering our form all year, but like everybody thats what I am hoping for.
32 Posted 11/05/2022 at 10:10:36
Tom, the forgotten man at Everton. I doubt if we will see him in action again this season.
Praying for a win tonight.
COYB
33 Posted 11/05/2022 at 10:17:24
They of course have no pressure and have personal pride, but this should not be a match for a team who have so much more to lose and new found momentum. I'm confident we will turn over a weakened, poor side tonight, although I think Brentford on Sunday will be much tougher.
34 Posted 11/05/2022 at 10:19:24
The last few wins have come in matches where we have ceded posession and been able to counter teams effectively. This will likely be a different match, especially as we are no longer the underdogs.
Matches like these are exactly where we have failed this seaso so it will be interesting to see how Lampard sets us up and whether we have in fact progressed over the last month or so.
A few players were looking pretty gassed on Sunday so as much i'd like to maintain a winning team I suspect we might see a bit of rotation. Or maybe Frank will think if his trusted XI can get us over the line tonight then we are almost safe and he can rotate a bit at home against Brentford? Curious to see.
35 Posted 11/05/2022 at 10:27:19
I wouldn't rest any player tonight but go for that win with a few more goals to increase the goal difference, it could be needed.
Delph, for me must start – he has a steadying influence on the team and a calming effect on the players around him. Need to be wary of Watford's starting line-up, the club is stating that a lot of their players are subject to late fitness checks, different to Hodgson saying they won't be available.
Get those 3 points in the bag and worry about games ahead when they come.
36 Posted 11/05/2022 at 10:29:07
This is also John Hall @ probably (38)
Same name?? Breck Road as a kid was my start to life being an Evertonian!!
Agree with your post entirely.
COYB
37 Posted 11/05/2022 at 10:43:32
I used to work with him at Alexandra Towing, had a good few laffs and often wondered what happened to him. He joined the Army back in the 70s and I moved down south in 79-80 so no contact since then.
38 Posted 11/05/2022 at 11:16:47
39 Posted 11/05/2022 at 11:16:47
Cannot switch off. The team, the fans, we all need to be on it tonight. Win tonight, the feeling in the team after 2 away wins will be IMMENSE, UTFT's.
C'mon, you Blue Boys, step up to that plate!
40 Posted 11/05/2022 at 11:42:09
Based on that it'll be, we take early lead, then hang on to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory.
Work it to the snake wavers, Blues.
41 Posted 11/05/2022 at 11:43:15
42 Posted 11/05/2022 at 11:48:46
43 Posted 11/05/2022 at 11:50:33
Sounds easy I know, but why not ?
44 Posted 11/05/2022 at 11:53:20
There could be as many as 5 or 6,000 Evertonians in all corners of the ground tonight.
45 Posted 11/05/2022 at 12:09:37
No game is a shoe-in and remember what they did to us at Goodison. Time for revenge.
46 Posted 11/05/2022 at 12:23:31
I remember that 4-4 match in Feb 1984 very well and the one there the following season which we won 5-4 in September '84 on our way to winning the league for the first time since the Alan Ball days. What a long wait those intervening years seemed back then!
In between those two epic Vicarage Road games we of course beat Watford in the FA Cup final. Sharp scoring in all three matches.
In the 4-4 game we were down 3-1 and 4-2 but goals from Sharp and Heath salvaged a point.
In the 5-4 win, we were up 3-1, 4-2, and 5-3 if I remember correctly but found them hard to shake off. Some guy called John Barnes scored in both league games.
Happy train rides from Watford to Swindon where I was living at the time.
47 Posted 11/05/2022 at 12:32:10
If they have all gone Im in the same situation as Colin at 41.
Not quite Watford based but close enough I can make it there pretty quickly, so if there is the odd ticket that people cant make use of please post about it here.
48 Posted 11/05/2022 at 12:56:05
Is Branthwaite injured? Id have thought this could be the right sort of game for his development.
Im a bit surprised Delph has become ‘first name on the teamsheet for so many. Yes, he has done his bit with the ‘legs elsewhere in the team affording him the opportunity to sit central with time to execute his Cruyff turns, but I still worry that his lack of pace could get exposed quite easily. Its still pretty much even between him and Allan for me, although Allan is only slightly quicker and the more temperamental of the two. I think both will have to play a big part in sharing the load in the remaining fixtures.
As long as they are fit and full of energy Id stick with Demarai, Richy and Anthony as the primary attacking options.
49 Posted 11/05/2022 at 13:04:46
50 Posted 11/05/2022 at 13:08:42
51 Posted 11/05/2022 at 13:09:10
Whats the gist of this theory?
52 Posted 11/05/2022 at 13:12:55
53 Posted 11/05/2022 at 13:17:30
Shane, we've never been trendy or popular with the British sporting media. It could be our own marketing fault but it's always been the case.
Even in 84-85, the media bandwagon was behind Tottenham to beat us to the title.
Partly our own fault. Cosy Everton and the last 30 years has allowed the board to play that tune.
Anyway, tonight is about the team and I'm off to Watford in a couple of hours. That's the focus.
54 Posted 11/05/2022 at 13:39:45
55 Posted 11/05/2022 at 13:40:52
Jeez, imagine what the atmosphere will be like. All crooning (crooning?!) when Z cars starts. Youll know our crooners from the accent! Cant wait!!! If Leicester was special, god knows what tonight will be like.
Currently at Wolverhampton, Danny.
56 Posted 11/05/2022 at 13:47:28
Recent form has been amazing though and I put that down to the players finally getting what it means to supporters. That will hopefully be the case again at Watford. The players will need to be in no doubt that the job needs finishing. If they are in cruise mode and Watford get an early goal it could all go pear shaped.
Team wise I think as little change as possible is best, so Delph should play. That will keep the momentum going. Plus if we get 3 points and Leeds lose then we'll really be in the driving seat. Not looking forward to the torture by commentary though.
57 Posted 11/05/2022 at 13:56:08
58 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:02:08
The paranoia of some of us is off the chart.
59 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:06:02
If we win this one we will be practically safe.
COYB's.
60 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:16:13
63 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:26:40
They need to go all out with confidence and bury this Watford side who recently have fallen apart after 70 minutes.
If we can get this one over the line we can be pretty sure of safety.
COYB
64 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:29:35
65 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:35:14
66 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:46:00
The manager and players, with a loud message from the supporters of what it is expected from wearing an Everton shirt with the legendary Badge on it, seem to have finally got the message.
Lets get back home with an advantage and show why Goodison is starting to come back as a fortress.
67 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:46:10
68 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:50:03
69 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:53:16
70 Posted 11/05/2022 at 14:58:45
71 Posted 11/05/2022 at 15:24:13
With our current momentum,our superb away support and walking out to Z Cars...I believe we'll win again tonight,the only negative for me is still our useless boardroom.
The game is on Talksport later on too,in case any Blue can't watch the game tonight... COYB.
72 Posted 11/05/2022 at 15:26:18
It is P*ssing it down in Watford at the moment, so not sure how many will be in that beer garden!!
73 Posted 11/05/2022 at 15:31:12
BBC have reported that they have poached the manager of Forest Green Rovers in a far less honourable manner.
"The proper way to do things is for the club to approach us. Then they carry on and have their conversation. Watford advised Rob not to tell us, specifically. That doubles down on the deceit. Deceit is part of a culture that comes from the top."
Glad to see them dropping out of the PL and being shown up for their hypocrisy!
74 Posted 11/05/2022 at 15:36:26
We need to reach deep today. A win is simply massive and I think a win will almost guarantee our safety. Almost! But man the odds will be heavily in our favor if we can grab 3 points and Leeds lose to Chelsea.
Reach deep. Away fans - lift those tired legs!!!!
75 Posted 11/05/2022 at 15:44:45
76 Posted 11/05/2022 at 15:54:31
77 Posted 11/05/2022 at 15:57:46
78 Posted 11/05/2022 at 15:59:46
Go on the TW Live Forum in the minutes approaching kick-off time and work with the information you see there.
79 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:07:06
80 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:12:47
I think we will win, Im going 1-3, I think we need to win as I reckon Leeds are going to beat Chelsea tonight
81 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:18:12
83 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:25:03
I'll be a nervous wreck watching it, just like just about all our games. I need a decent night's sleep for a change.
Team-wise, Frank will have to use all his subs, I reckon; I wouldn't be surprised if Coleman doesn't start. Gordon looked shattered and if Mykolenko had cramp, he will have to be watched. It could be a gamble playing him, and Richarlison won't be able to put his full shift in.
Dele may have to play a bigger part; he has looked good in the small cameos he has done – we may need him if they park the bus. But a different game, this one... I don't reckon he will change much at the start.
84 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:30:35
With all that in mind I'm going for 1-0 to Watford, with Dan Gosling scoring the winner.
85 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:32:36
Play well against the better sides and lose to such as Watford et al.
They have nothing to lose and can throw caution to the winds, the pressure is on us.
I'm very nervous I can tell you, the Leeds v Chelsea will be a humdinger as well, lets just hope luck is on our side.
86 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:33:07
After a struggle, she has agreed to me following the game on my phone so I will be dependent on the Live Forum to keep abreast of how things are going.
I can't quite believe it!
87 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:36:06
Win and Frank really could be the real deal, but mess up, and we will be back in the mire with the other two.
We have got far more points than I expected, but I hope these players can save us all from more worry by getting a point or three. I certainly fear Brentford's attack and nobody wants to go to Arsenal with them needing a win to get into 4th.
88 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:36:42
89 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:42:17
However, I am putting my faith in our recent good form and better management to play with the same impetus as we did in the Chelsea and Leicester games.
90 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:42:52
91 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:43:54
92 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:46:00
The new Top Gun movie, maybe. But Downton Abbey? Unforgiveable.
93 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:47:10
I hope we batter them. Arsehole town, arsehole fans, arsehole club.
UTFT.
94 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:48:05
95 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:48:59
That one made me laugh out loud.
96 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:49:47
97 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:53:48
No rest for the magnificent!
98 Posted 11/05/2022 at 16:58:00
Dude. There's GOT to be some sort of man law that can apply here.
Downton Abbey with the Mrs. during a game?
Find a penis trump card and play it!!! Put your foot down - tell her "Ain't goin'!!"
😜
99 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:01:12
Imagine if you pulled THAT trick Dave.
You gotta put your foot down man!
100 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:12:32
101 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:21:19
He doesnt take over until next season. Depends if Woy wants him involved already.
102 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:22:14
103 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:26:48
Some rotation will be sensible to keep the energy levels up. 2-0 by HT and then game manage the second half.
104 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:29:31
105 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:29:56
106 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:33:37
Our current predicament aside, that alone should spur the boys to get one over on Watford tonight. Win this and its highly likely well stay up.
With Watfords dire form, most of their squad injured and us having only lost one of the last five, the signs are good. Which is why Im predicting a 1-0 defeat.
107 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:33:38
The live forum on my phone will have to do!
108 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:41:35
109 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:51:35
110 Posted 11/05/2022 at 17:53:08
111 Posted 11/05/2022 at 18:03:13
http://mygoaltv.org/football-19?tournament_id=1426
112 Posted 11/05/2022 at 18:21:37
113 Posted 11/05/2022 at 18:32:48
And guess what? The fucking sun has just come out so she has already jumped in the shower and is asking me what restaurant we should go to... bugger!
114 Posted 11/05/2022 at 18:37:17
115 Posted 11/05/2022 at 18:37:30
Mina out again and quite a few others have had an up and down injury ridden season.
We, for some reason have a few players that we don't really want to play-- Alli, El Ghazi, Rondon, the anaemic Van Der Beek, the eternally injured Tosun.
Alli is a real enigma to say the least as he cost good money.
Only Frank knows what Alli's future holds.
Thank God there is only four games left so let's hope this awful season ends with a bit of aplomb.
116 Posted 11/05/2022 at 18:40:37
117 Posted 11/05/2022 at 18:45:21
Please, for the good of the much maligned white metro male, please stop this surge of estrogen besetting the TW community!!!! I beg you!
118 Posted 11/05/2022 at 18:48:40
119 Posted 11/05/2022 at 18:57:19
If we can bring home the 3 points (still a big if as it's still away and with relegation now certain the Watford players may start playing) then we'll be 4 points ahead with a game in hand, meaning beat Brentford at home the Arsenal result doesn't matter.
Nothing guaranteed as Leeds have two much easier games after tonight so we really could do with a win to get some much needed breathing space.
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1 Posted 11/05/2022 at 02:59:57