Seasons2021-22Everton News
Everton vs Crystal Palace
Match Preview

Ben Godfrey is back in the squad having worked hard to be available following a thigh injur
Everton go into what is arguably the most important match the club has faced in 24 years against Crystal Palace as the Blues seek the victory that will make sure of Premier League safety.
Sunday's painful and controversial defeat to Brentford means that Frank Lampard's team sit two points from safety with two games left to play, with their final match taking place at one of Everton's least-favoured venues, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
The circumstances still favour the Toffees, with Leeds and Burnley needing to win themselves before the season is out to drop the Blues back into the bottom three, but no-one of an Everton persuasion will be wanting to rely on results elsewhere between now and Sunday evening.
Any hope that Yerry Mina might have staged a rapid recovery from the injury he sustained at Leicester was dashed by Lampard during his pre-match press conference but there was better news regarding Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Donny van de Beek.
Article continues below video content
Keane, who missed the Brentford game through illness, is well again to play while Godfrey and Van de Beek have overcome their respective thigh and groin problems in time to be added to the squad.
That will boost the manager's options in defence, where Jarrad Branthwaite is suspended following his sending off last Sunday, and in midfield where Fabian Delph is ruled out through injury.
Up front, Salomon Rondon is also suspended but Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shaken off the knock that left him limping through the final few minutes against the Bees and is also in the squad.
That raises the possibility that the striker could start successive matches up front alongside Richarlison.
What changes Lampard makes to the shape of his side remain to be seen but there is a feeling that 3-5-2 formation that he has used since the win over Chelsea is ripe for a reshuffle, particularly if he can restore the three-man midfield that has also given him success at Goodison since he came on board at the end of January.
Palace travel to Merseyside on the day of the game now rather than risk having their sleep disrupted by fireworks set off by Everton fans outside their hotel and they will kick off sitting in 13th place, albeit still in with a chance of finishing in the top half.
Playing confidently under Patrick Vieira's stewardship, they are capable of winning away from home as they proved at Wolves in early March Southampton last month while they also held Aston Villa to a 1-1 draw last time out.
The Eagles will be without Nathan Ferguson and talented winger Michael Olise, as well as defender James Tomkins and midfielder James McArthur.
For Everton, the situation could be very simple — win and all the concerns over relegation evaporate and the club can start to work towards ensuring that this situation is never repeated again, least of all next season.
A draw would leave things very much open to fate and the performances of Leeds and Burnley, even if the Clarets lose away to Aston Villa in a match that kicks off 15 minutes later than this one.
Goodison Park will provide one more raucous atmosphere under the lights in an attempt to roar the players over the line on what promises to be an emotional occasion whatever happens.
Kick-off: 7:45pm, Thursday 19 May, 2022
Referee: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Mike Dean
Last Time: Everton 1 - 1 Crystal Palace
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Mykolenko, Allan, Doucouré, Iwobi, Gordon, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin
Reader Comments (164)
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2 Posted 18/05/2022 at 21:13:44
Agree with Lyndon's team but I'd go 4-1-4-1. Allan to sit in front of the back 4 and bloody stay there, Doucoure's and especially Iwobi's legs in the middle with Gordon and Richarlison out wide.
The thought of going to the final day is beyond the pale. We must get this done tomorrow.
3 Posted 18/05/2022 at 21:31:38
I wanted to say "For fuck's sake, calm down, Frank!"
The pressure of what is a massive game has got to him but that's a good thing. Quite simply, I cannot wait and want to get this match done and over with. I hope Palace have one foot on the beach. UTFTs
4 Posted 18/05/2022 at 21:34:04
5 Posted 18/05/2022 at 21:38:35
So one point out of a fairly gettable nine makes this our Cup Final. If we blow this final chance (with Arsenal away to come), I don't honestly believe we deserve to stay in the top division, sad to say.
6 Posted 18/05/2022 at 21:40:40
We have the most depleted squad in the Premier League and Frank has had a monumental task in picking a decent side.
It was disappointing last week when fans with hindsight moaned at his selection and yet, for the first 20 minutes, we were well on top against Brenttford – until M Oliver decided to put his oar in.
Please, everyone, support Frank and the team he picks. I'm sure they will do their utmost to win those 3 points for the club. Must say though that I am scared and already holding onto my rosary for dear life. We need that 12th man! COYB
7 Posted 18/05/2022 at 21:46:47
8 Posted 18/05/2022 at 22:07:13
9 Posted 18/05/2022 at 22:08:33
Crystal Palace's press isn't amazing and we've survived against tougher so we should be able to get out of our half with some numbers. UTFT!!
10 Posted 18/05/2022 at 22:11:11
11 Posted 18/05/2022 at 22:11:29
I like Frank a lot and we need to give him time and support for the next 3 seasons to build a team and squad.
12 Posted 18/05/2022 at 22:24:01
13 Posted 18/05/2022 at 22:24:57
Lets get it done at Goodison and no running on the pitch otherwise the FA will dock us the 3 points.
14 Posted 18/05/2022 at 22:37:12
Firstly, they've got the same amount of wins as us, so world beaters they ain't. Secondly, they've got nothing to play for, and yes Brentford had nothing to play for, but I thought we played really well until a bent ref changed the game.
So they are very beatable, they're not in the same league as Chelsea or even Man Utd. But we can beat ourselves, either by being over anxious and nervy; approach the game like we did Sunday, and as long as we have 11 players on the pitch, we should be okay.
My only fear and paranoia is the officials. I am not a conspiracy theorist but, as the old saying goes, "Just because you're paranoid..." etc etc.
A win by 2 clear goals; anything less and it's heart-attack time.
15 Posted 18/05/2022 at 22:44:00
Both tomorrow and safety seem so near and yet so far away.
16 Posted 18/05/2022 at 22:47:40
17 Posted 18/05/2022 at 23:01:56
18 Posted 18/05/2022 at 23:32:48
I wouldn't at all be surprised if he takes a safety first mentality, the Gooners and Palace aren't Liverpool or Man City firepower wise. Two points sees us safe, it will tempting for him to tighten up for the draws and maybe steal the wins?
19 Posted 18/05/2022 at 23:36:43
We get goals off deflections and penalties, and even Calvert-Lewin's goal against Brentford was a brush against his body, in fact, I was worried as he tried to claim it (in his selfish manner) that the VAR might have taken it off us for handball!
I hope that we can come out of the blocks like against Palace, where we looked fired-up and dangerous before the mad moment. Going back to my worry – the limp acceptance of a measly point at Watford, the atrocious defeat to Palace in the FA Cup.
I said on another thread that, in his presser, Frank talked about the trip to Arsenal, and that he expected us to be capable of getting the required points from either game!
Does Frank think that the possible deal to sell Calvert-Lewin to Arsenal will entice Arteta (it would be sickening for one once loved to send us into the Championship) to set his charges up for a tepid draw? Less blatant than Wimbledon.
Please God, let's just blow Palace away. I want to see Dominic bang in a brace of 3-yard rockets and Richarlison to wack in a worldy.
I won't watch the first half as I will be playing 6-a-side. This might just save me from some kind of medical emergency.
20 Posted 18/05/2022 at 23:40:07
I love passion from the stands and players but I want a calm manager to know what to do if we go behind. Again, a nothing game for Palace and that's what worries me. Hoping for just 3 points and a relaxing weekend!!
Safe journey all!
21 Posted 18/05/2022 at 23:40:22
Dominic will have to put his handbag down to bang a brace in, he might not be in a mood to do that.
22 Posted 18/05/2022 at 23:58:49
I would much rather see Dele Alli or young Dobbin as a striker – but of course I am a nobody and always accept Frank's decisions. I am now really scared about the game and I pray the Goodison Roar works its magic. My thoughts are with you, everyone.
23 Posted 19/05/2022 at 00:23:32
24 Posted 19/05/2022 at 00:25:07
The players have to be calm and not overdo it, we have 90 minutes to win the game, but have to press the first 10 minutes to get confident, the rest will come.
Please let me know if this happens, I will be behind the sofa.
25 Posted 19/05/2022 at 00:28:44
Objective #2 - score at least one goal
COYB
26 Posted 19/05/2022 at 02:32:54
I was a member of our Catholic St Anne's Football team, playing against Pontville Catholic Residential School for wartime Liverpool boy orphans. Always a strong derby game. The match was refereed by Father Teeley, a strong Evertonian, and his motto was always 'Never mind the ball, get on with the game!' And it did.
Fighting broke out and Father Teeley had the stop play. But the fighting was not on the field. It was on the touchline, between the teachers of St Anne's and the nuns from Pontville – and the nuns were winning! I kid you not!!
The moral is: never pick a fight with a nun – you'll lose! I hope you Evertonians at Goodison – without resorting to fisticuffs, show the same intensity of spirit. I want to hear that roar (and Christine screaming!) from here in Christchurch, New Zealand. COYB
27 Posted 19/05/2022 at 02:42:43
28 Posted 19/05/2022 at 03:58:57
Flat back 4 for me – Keane and Godfrey would be ideal in the heart of our defence. Allan to join Doucouré and Iwobi in midfield. I know it may not be a popular choice but I would rather start with Gray and Richarlison flanking Calvert-Lewin with Gordon to come on later on.
I have to say, living in India, I am very jealous of those who are able to attend these games at Goodison – especially under the lights. Danny, Rob and others who regularly attend the games – you have always been fantastic but of late, you have been extra special.
I will be sitting in front of my screen, screaming my head off at good and bad decisions (much to the ire of my neighbours!). Hopefully at the end of this game, it will be "Songs of joy and tears of laughter" – like the Russ Abbott theme song. COYB
29 Posted 19/05/2022 at 04:33:32
Funnily enough, I was just talking on the phone to an antipodean 2 hours behind your time zone and thinking how funny this whole time zone thing is.
Cracking story. The bravest and best woman I know is a nun. She didn't start any fights but she was stricken by debilitating disease that left her wheelchair-bound at a young age. Yet she's done extraordinary charitable work her whole life in the UK and abroad.
Plus she's the most positive person ever. She worked at my school where the chaplain force converted us all to Everton so I'll try and channel both their energies tomorrow.
As of now I'm bricking it. Just want it over already. I have zero patience and suffer from anxiety in all walks of life. So this last week of the season is killer.
30 Posted 19/05/2022 at 04:39:41
3 points tomorrow and a win at Arsenal may well put us above Southampton, where we should already be.
COYB
31 Posted 19/05/2022 at 05:59:05
I'm going to take my heart tablets 30 minutes before kick-off... might even double the dose!
I think we are going to be okay. I have a feeling that Goodison is going to pull us through. The Old Lady is going to roar at the indignity of being where we are.
I had a call from one of my sisters who was in New Brighton when we played Chelsea, said she could hear the roar as she walked along the prom...
Tonight, we will keep West Kirby awake, it will be thunderous.
32 Posted 19/05/2022 at 06:10:14
Great story.
I think the game against Brentford was determined by circumstances. It will be a different game against Palace. Everton now stick to a rigid gameplan, which was first put into action against Liverpool and has been worked on since. It means that the players know what they have to do and any player coming in knows his place in the structure.
I don't think we will get the lack of high press we got against Watford. This is the first game in the two results and then a loss sequence, so it will be a high-intensity performance, not that dreadful not-fit Finch Farm performance.
The only thing I worry about is that Palace will set up shop and Frank's determination to stick with the plan and players too long into the second half. I expect Palace to counter in the second half with early subs. It's how Frank's selected players deal with that which will determine the game. Frank will stick to the plan.
It will interesting who he subs for Calvert-Lewin in the second half, with no Rondon. I expect it will be a game of twists and turns. It would not be Everton if it was not.
Goid Luck, Bernie, and Good Luck, Everton.
33 Posted 19/05/2022 at 06:31:17
Mark, I'm nervous, anxious, worried, angry. Shaking even. I could go on, but I'm also eternally optimistic. We go and do this.
Frank will have felt like that before big games throughout his career so will know how to channel that emotion and more importantly, help the players channel it.
In many different situations, I've been able to do that, but right now, I don't mind admitting that I can't. Idiots like me can spend the day night and into tomorrow riding the emotional rollercoaster. I will be. But Frank and the players just need to stay focussed. Leave that to me and all of us.
Great story Bernie. Of course there is only one winner in that scenario. Always brought up to never strike a woman and never take on a Liverpool woman!! Especially a nun. Do that and you aren't going to the great Evertonian in the sky.
He's looking down on us tonight because he wants me to have a stress free day out on Sunday.
Spirit of the Blues. Forever Everton.
Forever.
34 Posted 19/05/2022 at 06:45:09
35 Posted 19/05/2022 at 06:52:57
Luckily got a Ticket for tonight, so will add my support to an amazing show both home and away from the Everton faithful. No team could have wished for any more, so it's down to them to produce the goods now.
Playing golf today with another Evertonian, Peter Moore, so let's hope it's a perfect day all round.
COYB 💙💙
36 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:25:46
The other was beautiful, delirious Evertonians frantically dancing on the pitch in a miasma of blue smoke; let's hope for the latter one.
I would go with Tony Everan's team, 4-2-3-1 with Allan holding, Doucouré disciplined alongside him and Gordon and Richarlison putting in the shift of their lives up and down that pitch.
Calvert-Lewin to grab the winner in the 82nd minute, you heard it here first. No more injuries or red cards, please. COYB.
37 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:35:39
Dixie will be looking down from above as the coaches go past his statue, sending positive vibes, especially to Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. One of them will score a hat-trick tonight, just like Dixie did in 1928 when he needed 3 goals in the last game of the season to make it 60 for the season.
COYB, this can be done!!
38 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:41:31
Fortunately, it looks like Frank has extra players to select from which should clearly help. I just hope that, if necessary, he uses his substitutes early if it becomes apparent that someone is struggling or proving ineffective.
The stage is set for what is our biggest game in years, Palace are a tricky team with some potential match-winners in their side. We need a game plan, with every player contributing and no theatrics to upset the officials.
Let's hope we can make better use of our dead-ball situations, shoot when we are in a position to do so, and execute a simple pass – in other words, do all the basics better.
No doubting we will have the 'extra man' – we can only hope and pray that it all comes together and we go home happy and our lives can get back to normal.
39 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:47:03
Thanks for the replies to my true story – I wrote it to try and lighten the tension, but I think it didn't work, not in my case anyway. I really admire the Nuns, been friends with them all my life, and today I regularly get thrashed by two of them at Scrabble at the Church Club. I think they are cheating but daren't say anything as they will beat me up!
Danny, what socks should I wear? you never mentioned it. Please God, we have to win I will have all my tablets at the ready as well, Christine – so scream away!!
40 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:48:50
We're doing this. Dixie will bless them as they go past him.
God, I'm emotional now. I will say now, forgive me for anything I post later as I will be all over the place.
42 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:49:08
I fully expect Frank and friends to bumble on. Eventually, fairly soon, it will end in tears and it will be back to Square One.
43 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:51:58
44 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:52:39
My daughter wouldn't give me a kiss because of my coffee-breath, “That's it, girl – we won't win tonight” got me a little peck, but will this be enough for Everton tonight!
I wish I was on that coach with Dave Williams, because I only want to be surrounded by proper Evertonians today, but it's a good job the ale really kills me, otherwise, I'd be in Tommy Frost's from 9 am.
Come on, Everton, come on you fucking blue boys, fight, fight, fight, and let everyone see Goodison Park in all its glory, and be left in no doubt what Everton Football Club means to its very loyal and very long-suffering fan-base. 🤞🙏
45 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:53:16
Go with your first instinct.
46 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:54:06
47 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:54:06
We are at home. The crowd will be right behind the team again. It's Crystal Palace, not Real Madrid, and they have nothing to play for.
We have good players. Performances since the start of April have shown general improvement. The first 18 minutes against Brentford was exactly what we wanted, we can do that again.
We are owed a slice of luck. Actually, scrap that last one – sheer force of will and determination will see us through.
Oh, and where's Myra? She seemed to be absent on Sunday.
48 Posted 19/05/2022 at 07:57:37
With the financial mess we are in now, if we do go down, we won't exist in a decade's time and then we will only have the history books to remember us by. A terrible thought but highly probable.
49 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:05:09
I'm staying away from any phone, radio etc, and trying to stay calm!!!
Enjoy your golf, Del! 👍🏻
50 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:08:59
The last few games, I have drank far more and earlier than I should have and now you mention The Thomas Frost Wetherspoons. I'm a follower more than a leader so I'm there before midday, now I'm blaming you okay, and I'm sticking with that. I don't really want to remember tonight after the great welcome they will get.
51 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:09:23
Staying up is not success for this football club.
Relief, yes; celebration, no.
52 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:11:08
53 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:20:56
55 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:31:37
If I close my eyes, I know every step from Portland Gardens, down Mile End, into Scotland Road, past the Eagle Vaults, St Anthony's and onto the Rotunda, past Macca's and Sainsbury's, up towards The Valley, left towards Stanley Park.
I see Goodison Park now, lit up in the night sky. My step quickens, I touch the statue and stand in the queue at the Main Stand... every step on every stair not felt.
I emerge out, the beautiful, awe-inspiring view, lights, the emerald green pitch, the buzz of expectation, the smiles on every face, the sound of Z-Cars...
Rob, no, not 12,000 miles away, right next to you. COYB!
56 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:42:40
Goodison stays packed until the 9:45 – final whistle for Burnley, hoping our safety will be assured with the Burnley result.
What an atmosphere that would be in that final 15 minutes.
57 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:46:10
Have a nice rest before the game, Christine, and wake up fresh and ready to roar the Blues on like the rest of us. I'll look across at the Main Stand from the Upper Bullens and see you there waving your scarf as we strive, really strive to get this vital win.
Come on you Blue Boys make me dance to the Taxi club to get my lift home.
58 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:47:50
59 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:48:16
60 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:49:26
A draw tomorrow and then 1-0 against all the odds on the last day at Arsenal to stay up.
61 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:54:22
It's a nervous house – even Jane, who is not a football fan, says she can feel it – and I must say it feels better for sharing feelings on here with everyone else in the same state. I am a veteran of Wimbledon and Coventry and on paper we have a much better team than we did for those games.
The selection tonight has to be based on who is up for it, who will be brave both physically and in taking decisions. The defence will pick itself depending on fitness. Are Keane and Godfrey fit to play? Seamus generally does okay against Zaha and Gomes must not play as he would be drawn in to foul Zaha in dangerous areas.
Hopefully Gordon has rested since Sunday as we will need his passion. Iwobi – what a surprise packet he has been since Frank arrived – is a shoo-in. I thought Doucouré was poor but we need his energy and he should play unless Van de Beek has been ripping it up in training.
I'd love to see Dele Alli play tonight as the occasion should suit him but his absence from the pitch can only suggest that he is poor in training. Young Dobbin on the bench and I'd give him a good 20 minutes if we need a goal. He is fast, aggressive in how he runs at defenders and might just cause them problems.
Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Mykolenko
Gordon Doucouré Iwobi Allan Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin
Off to M&S shortly with Jane for a leisurely breakfast, then a 50-mile drive to meet the coach. I can only pray that when I am making the return drive at around 3.30 am that I'm Singing the Blues in the best possible way.
Come on!!!!!
62 Posted 19/05/2022 at 08:56:49
Just do it blues!
63 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:04:30
Supporting Everton is a marriage but I reckon I would be visiting Relate due to all the stress and grief it gives me.
2-1 to us tonight an early 2 goal lead, Palace to pull one back late on because we never make it easy.
COYB, UTFT
64 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:06:23
I have never gone along with the theory that at this stage some teams have nothing to play for, they will treat this game as they do any other and their professional pride will mean they will fight for the whole 90 minutes.
Our team will know how important tonight's game is to our brilliant fans, and they will also be aware of how many times they have let those fans down this year. This is the time for all of this team to step up and put in the performance of the season, and put all lingering thoughts of relegation behind us. I think we all fear having to get something from our last game of the season, so tonight we will win.
As much as we are going through the ringer can you imagine what Leeds fans are going through, if results go against them they could be relegated tonight. And they have to hope both us and Burnley lose, I am glad I am not in their position.
65 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:07:31
Rob, you'll be wanting food by then, so a bag for you too.
66 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:15:55
But I will try to dispel my anxiety and project a positive energy from down south. A 433 which takes control of the game with Coleman shackling Zaha and Doucoure keeping Eze quiet. Calvert-Lewin bags an early header and Richy follows up with a counter attack strike, despite some nerves in the second half when Palace get one back we end up 3-1 winners. COYB!!
67 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:17:52
No predictions this time just hope that these players can lift their game and get the 3pts so desperately needed. COYB !
68 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:21:31
We have to soak up the atmosphere and get an early goal. Then a second goal. Thats how this is going to go. We score early, we cant rest on that. We need another. Then we defend for our lives.
I am nervous, feeling sick, dreading it but also looking forward to seeing us all later. In our blue, with our scarfs, flares, and bringing our passion. Lets get them over the line!
COYB! UTFT! NSNO! EFC!
69 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:21:42
How can that be possible on such an important game, well I put myself in the mind of a Leeds fan, how must they be feeling, they are banking on both ourselves and Burnley losing, even then it does not change a thing.
They can even go on to beat Brentford and still go down, provided ourselves or Burnley slip up, there is nothing they can do, it is out of their own hands, they are banking on both teams to slip up twice.
Now that is what I call pressure and nerves on a supporter, when you are relying on four other results to go your way, as well as winning your final game away.
Like I said previous, we have got three bites of the cherry, win tonight, win Sunday, lose both Leeds still have to win, the odds are massively in our favour.
You could not ask for anything better, than one final push, inside of a sold out Goodison. I bet Leeds wish their final game was at Elland aroad.
As long as we stay focused, do not do anything rash and for once have officials who go by the book, then We should have enough to get a result tonight, put our chances away and hopefully the likes of Gordon, Gray and Richarlison, will look for players in good positions, instead of holding onto the ball, do the basics and I fancy a win tonight.
The previous results have gone, you can mumble about Brentford or Watford, did anyone expect us to beat Chelsea, Man Utd and Leicester?, you look back to the Chelsea game, we were in the bottom three, something like 4 or 7 points behind the team 4th from bottom.
To even be outside of the bottom three with still two games to go is remarkable, if you look how much shite we were in just over a Month ago..
So for once I am relaxed, confident and fully expecting Everton by around 9.35 to be safe.
Up the Toffees.
71 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:33:21
Horrible this...Bricking it but I can't wait. If I could get a ticket at the last minute (before midday) I'd be in my car and make the six hour drive to Goodison in a heartbeat.
And I agree with Dan - no pitch invasion - keep any celebrations on the terraces.
72 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:39:01
into the cool pool of evening
drop by drop
tick by tock
(Mary Lou Healy)
73 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:41:05
COYB. looking forward to feeling the atmosphere through the TV from the other side of the world.
Also, has the spirit of the blues become a lot more popular of late?... I've been a fan a long time and can't remember hearing it before but it seems like it is everywhere at the moment
I do love it btw
74 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:43:43
I hope we murder them tonight. We are overdue a healthy win. I hope to see Goodison rocking, Frank smiling and everyone punching the air. There will be tears of joy before bedtime for me if we win.
After Ancellotti running away and Benitez nearly drowning us we deserve to breathe easy. Strap yourselves in boys and girls. UTFT's
75 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:46:51
It's sports section has live streams from US networks, Bein the like, some searching to find the match is often required but if it is on tv somewhere, then chances are you will find it..
76 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:49:59
Spirit of the blues is brilliant, but its not an aggressive song, and Evertonians need to be very aggressive imo, tonight.
77 Posted 19/05/2022 at 09:54:01
The gung ho approach has so infrequently worked with this set of players, and yet we are going to play that way tonight when our survival could depend on it?
The naive management of Frank Lampard is going to relegate us. I can get on board with the fist-pumping and the passion; it was desperately needed and it has united the supporters.
However, maybe Vitor Perreira would have kept us up. Mosh knows best.
78 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:00:24
79 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:02:00
Anyway speaking of songs, my song of the Day for the Day is the flip side of here we go, I am going for the song home and dry.
80 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:07:01
If we go into Sunday needing points then it's just a question of which decisions are conjured up to ensure our relegation.
Hoping for the best but fearing the worst.
COYB. I'm desperate for just a few hours of sleep!!!
81 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:08:21
82 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:10:50
If Dom plays, we have to make use of him and that means peppering their penalty spot with lots of good crosses.
Otherwise stick another midfielder in and free up Gray and Gordon to see if they can produce something positive.
83 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:15:40
84 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:22:22
On my way.
85 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:23:22
I wish I was confident, if we are nervous what must the players feel like. Palace have nothing to lose and can be relaxed, while our players might be adversely affected by the situation.
Surely we are due a few favourable breaks, I certainly hope so.
86 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:28:12
87 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:38:47
88 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:41:37
I also have have little confidence in this terrible group but what little bit of optimism I do have is that we did it against Man Utd, Leicester and Chelsea and I hope we may just have one more battle in us to get a result for safety.
Dont think I can bare to watch it.
Come on you blues. 🙏
89 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:48:00
I'm risking being in the doghouse until Sunday when I'll be there again. Staying overnight in Liverpool and getting up at an ungodly hour to be home for the dogs.
We do this Everton
90 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:52:24
Just think no matter how positive you feel, some poor buggers are going to have mr or mrs, miss, sat either right behind them, or next to them, giving a running commentary before kick off, why we cannot win this game, why the odd stray pass is worthy of a weeks wages docked.
Well if you look up to upper Bullens you will see me shouting my knackers off, singing my head off, getting right behind the team, but for the lack of space, I would even throw a moon walk in, if and when we score.
Chins up fellow Blues, lets get our team over the line.
91 Posted 19/05/2022 at 10:59:36
Another omen? I've been having a clearout and found a book of souvenir matches marked FA Cup Final - Wembley Stadium - Everton v Watford. The date? 19th May 1984. I bought them outside the stadium that day (no idea why - don't smoke). They are unused. They will be in my pocket tonight.
92 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:03:47
So my message to all of the squad is simple. Play as if your future depends on it, because it does. Good luck, Blues.
93 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:05:24
Talking of the man and regardless of the result tonight, we should let that bastard know that there have been no good times under his stewardship and he should do one back to his comfy house in London.
94 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:09:09
If he is a no-show, I think it will confirm he has gone, in spirit at least.
95 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:16:26
96 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:28:02
I could only wish this kind of pain on one other club. 😡
97 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:28:46
98 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:31:25
Realistically the odds are against us, will some players be arsed, knowing they are on their way anyway? It will be a horrible game to watch, that's for sure.
I'm being realistic
99 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:33:49
100 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:34:38
I'll be 87 shortly, and my point is I have the utmost admiration for all our wonderful fans, especially the younger boys and girls who have never witnessed us winning a trophy. Their passion and love of the Blues is astounding, they can be assured they are the Chosen Ones. Their day will come, no doubt about it.
I won't get much sleep tonight – again! A win tonight will put everything right. COYB
101 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:44:17
Palace will sit back and, if Everton sit back, we will have another Watford performance. Everton have to press and attack them and then watch for Palace's counter, especially at the start of the second half. Against Brentford, Everton got caught out by a looping ball counter for the equaliser.
102 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:44:27
For the first time since 1997, I shall be taking radio plus earpiece to the match.
103 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:45:08
Lampard will be able to hold his head up as he will have saved us despite the players' failings.
104 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:51:33
The lost generation. Respect. Utmost respect.
Hearing them leading the charge at many away grounds this season in the most difficult circumstances has given me father-like pride and enormous faith.
No other club. Get this over the line and then give them what they deserve rather than just hearing it from the likes of me.
105 Posted 19/05/2022 at 11:55:21
"You can check out anytime you like,
but you can never leave..."
Hotel California could have been written about Goodison Park or every Evertonian – no matter where you are.
I lived in Brisbane for about 13 years out west in Pullenvale, I always contended that Australia is a hard country with harsh climates and hardy people. Watched many a game in the Pig and Whistle in Indoorophilly and a few in Eagle Street in the city. Even went to the pre-season Everton match at the stadium... happy days!
Enjoy the game, Gerry!
106 Posted 19/05/2022 at 12:16:56
He'd just been insulted by a Liverpudlian he was telling me, but even though he looked about 65, you could tell he knew how to look after himself, and his conversation made my thoughts drift to the only thing that's making me positive about tonight's game. Let the love overcome the hatred, see yers later, and Up the Toffees. 🤞
108 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:15:24
Why do I suddenly think Palace are some sort of world beaters?? Come on, Palace at home!! We can do this!!
Obviously we'd all take a scrappy 1-0 but just for once, for the first time in ages, can we get an early 2- or 3-nil lead and fully control a game? 🙏
109 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:17:56
That said, it seems to me that something is happening over these last few weeks. I know that our support always increases in times of trouble but this time it feels more. It feels like the crowd has decided that we won't go down and has breathed life into the team.
In particular, the Chelsea game, when the gap had become 5 points, was probably the most intense atmosphere I've experienced at Goodison. I've struggled to find something that matches it (and waited to say it to avoid the danger of over-exaggerating).
It could be that there is a kind of re-discovery for our fans, driven mostly by the younger ones, after years of drabness. I hope I'm not going overboard but it feels like the prize is not just Premier League survival but finding our football club again – and maybe we have already won that one.
110 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:20:26
None of that translates into Everton winning this game tonight. If we start really fast, push forward like you say, score 2 or 3 and win the game comfortably with no misfortune... then brilliant, I hope that happens, I'm bang up for it in fact.
If we'd played more conservatively against Brentford and got a point, then we'd be in a much better position, needing only a point tonight to be safe.
The ball over the top wouldn't have gone over the top if we'd sat further back. We should play for a draw tonight and a draw against Arsenal, it's the most realistic way of us staying up. You never know, we might win this way as well, by a goal from a corner or a swift counter.
It doesn't sound pretty or exciting, but it's the most practical thing to do to avoid disaster. We can work on more progressive football in pre-season.
Having watched every game this season, I don't see why this is a negative point of view, personally. That game where we battered Leeds was a complete anomaly against a team on a dreadful run of form. Crystal Palace are good.
111 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:24:18
112 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:28:21
Same as last season, methinks, with other scores to go our way... 1-1.
114 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:30:30
Got to go for the win tonight and worry about what's needed (or not) on Sunday, on Sunday (starting tomorrow morning).
115 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:34:27
116 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:38:17
Tonight is all that matters now. With the players they've got and the way they've beaten us already, I think playing out a stalemate is the most sensible option, that's all I'm saying. Football is not that controllable though and anything can happen. We should reduce the opportunity for them to catch us on the counter, that's all.
When you're fighting relegation, you play solidly and defensively, you don't go all-out attack – although that did work for Burnley on that new manager bounce three-match winning streak. But that's only because it was so unexpected; now everyone is aware of it and it's less effective.
This is the sensible Big Sam logic that no one wants to hear (although, I personally despise Big Sam).
117 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:40:24
Good luck with your nerves.
118 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:43:04
We were all over Brentford until the sending off and Richarlsion could have had a hat trick inside 20 mins if his finishing had been more clinical - I expect the same shape and a similar line up for this one. Thank goodness we have Keane and Godfrey back, we would be down to one centre back otherwise!
I'll miss the first half as help run a youth club until 8:30 then I'll dash back and catch the second half, fingers crossed we will be a couple of goals up already so that I'm not stressed out.
COYBB!!! 3-0 tonight please so we can relax for a couple of months.
119 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:44:14
I won't bother with a prediction, we looked good to win the Brentford game before the sending off so I'm hoping for similar application with 11 players for the whole game this time.
120 Posted 19/05/2022 at 13:56:37
If Gomes plays tonight then we may as well blame Frank for the doom that follows.. Never have I seen such an incompetent footballer. If we found out that he was throwing the games on purpose I wouldn't be surprised at all! His lack of understanding of the basics are unfathomable! Body wide open to let the cross in Vs Brentford, he only needed to move towards the player a foot and the angle would have been closed completely!
However, positive thoughts and can't wait to listen to the crowd tonight.. congratulations to them all as they are well and truly the 12th man.
COYB!
121 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:03:10
As they say here in Italy 'in bocca lupa'.
COYBs!
122 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:03:26
If we win tonight, I can honestly see us winning on Sunday as well.
123 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:08:43
Palace are draw specialists. Therefore...a draw folks, and Sunday at Arsenal we will be part of another final day drama.
I think Frank looks at a trip to Arsenal without any worries due to his history with Chelsea. Unlike us who see it as a veritable graveyard.
125 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:11:39
The time has passed for pragmatism – we have to find a way to win this one. We cannot rely on picking up a point at Champions League-chasing Arsenal who have already said they will be going all out.
Tonight's the night.
COYB.
126 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:25:17
127 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:25:58
I hope to God we are not shafted again by the officials; if we are, then the only chants I want to hear from the crowd tonight en masse are 'Cheat, Cheat, Cheat'.
Let justice prevail. Please let us all be happy at 9:45 pm tonight.
128 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:36:02
The opening 20 minutes against Brentford was very good, on the front foot and real chances to score two or three. It's proof we can put concerted pressure on. We need to harness that threat, focus, be professional, and control it for 90 minutes. If we can, we will win.
Come on you beautiful Blue Boys!
129 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:45:47
Arsenal-bound Calvert-Lewin to salvage our status will do me although not sure I can take it. Moshiri must have contacts at Arsenal to call in a favour if needed!!
130 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:48:24
Brian - it's done and it's good...
Also, I have a ritual of chucking my teabags into my mug from a distance on match day mornings. Today, they went in. Got to be a good sign eh?
I'm still brickin' it though.
131 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:51:44
This is just massive. Crystal Palace may well be the draw specialists, but we need to end this and come away with 3 points.
If we go into the final day of the season needing a draw in London against Arsenal, that is a certifiable nightmare scenario in my opinion.
Three points any way - any way!
132 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:53:18
I'm not a superstitious man by nature, but I'm thrilled at the moment your tea bags swished NBA style.
133 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:55:59
134 Posted 19/05/2022 at 14:57:28
Thing is, Palace are better than Brentford… and Zaha is an expert at falling over.
135 Posted 19/05/2022 at 15:15:38
I've had bad feelings about tonight all week, but trying to get into a positive headspace this afternoon. My other half has been sending positivity all day – she even said she hopes we beat them tonight because Arsenal are decent aren't they? This coming from a woman who, by her own admission, knows absolutely nothing about football but even she's getting involved.
I also have a feeling Leeds will win on Sunday so we need this tonight. Start fast, get at them, get the crowd up and keep it going. Lampard needs to make smart subs, not reactive ones – control and change the game, manage it properly.
And don't play Gomes.
136 Posted 19/05/2022 at 15:20:25
I don't mind admitting I'm an emotional wreck. Do this for me and all those Evertonians who this club means so much to. 💙
137 Posted 19/05/2022 at 15:32:48
138 Posted 19/05/2022 at 15:34:36
It means so much to all of us in so many different ways.
COYB!
139 Posted 19/05/2022 at 15:35:45
140 Posted 19/05/2022 at 15:37:52
141 Posted 19/05/2022 at 15:49:02
My dad was a fanatic blue. My mum never followed football. But she was a secret Evertonian because she had 3 idiot sons and an a few grandchildren who were!!
I'm in my home city and I'm on my way home to Goodison
142 Posted 19/05/2022 at 15:54:57
A decent ref.
No dodgy Var decisions.
Our lads to keep their cool.
A fast start.
Shooting from range. (It helps)
Take Gordon off set plays.
Don't play Gomes.
Be proactive,not reactive.
Luck to go our way.
Keeping a clean sheet!
Real belief.
COYB
143 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:00:04
But I agree with all of that. I think that the ref/ VAR will be very sensitive about getting it right, though, after all the recent brouhaha. This game - and Burnley will be getting scrutinised from all angles tonight. That gives me a little more hope.
144 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:00:20
145 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:15:51
With you in spirit, mate.
146 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:25:18
However without much to offer from the bench defensively It was never to be for Everton but they should never have lost that game.
We are still behind the eight ball but if they can start as well as they did against the Bees and not have any ''mishaps'' then they can win this game.
With another clown referee (Mike Dean) we won't get any favours so we will have earn everything we get.
147 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:38:19
The emotions we went through that day were never to be repeated according to the hierarchy but here we are again.
Listening to Frank's interviews it looks like he is aiming for a draw and hoping for a win.
I just hope that we go all out for a win, with the energy of the crowd behind them the players need to leave everything on the pitch and be all over Palace like a rash.
148 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:39:12
A very tense and emotional evening ahead and for Everton to win.
May we all be celebrating tonight across the world.
Ive heard rumours today the Everton coach is taking a different route to the ground, but we shall see.
The atmosphere will be volcanic tonight and hopefully the Everton team can beat Palace, by hook or crook and take the 3 points, to secure safety this season.
Petition Novena outside the Holy Trinity at 6 p.m!
“Whats Our Name?”
UTFT!
149 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:46:10
UTFT!
150 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:46:42
151 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:51:30
152 Posted 19/05/2022 at 16:53:46
Andrea Jacobs&77
Is that the Vitor Perreira whos managed15 clubs in 20 years and never managed in Britain? Wise choice. Not.
You must be as much fun as third degree burns.
153 Posted 19/05/2022 at 17:03:40
154 Posted 19/05/2022 at 17:06:44
Im not going into the realms of what tactics, who is in the team. I will put my trust in Lampard and the players to get the win and put us all out of our misery and look forward to next season with a totally different squad, when we sell to buy.
155 Posted 19/05/2022 at 17:15:54
There was alot to wonder about that game.Everton where rubbish.I wonder if the Evertonian who kissed the Centre Spot at the end of the game will be at Goodison tonight.
Will Parish and Kenwright be sitting together?
156 Posted 19/05/2022 at 17:30:01
Me, my son, my daughter, my Cali girl wife, my dad, uncle, cousins we are all feeling it tonight.
Up the blues, believe in Frank, believe in the team and I for one hope Dom's handbags stay firmly in the lockers at Finch Farm next year.
157 Posted 19/05/2022 at 17:31:45
158 Posted 19/05/2022 at 17:39:44
159 Posted 19/05/2022 at 17:48:41
James Marshall #135.
Being in top flight football, whether it be the Premier League or the old Division 1, for as long as Everton have, then yeah, we are going to be the yardstick for most teams that either pop in or spend a decade or two.
I've no doubt that Palace have accumulated their wins over the course of their several promotions into the top flight. At Goodison, we have seen all the newcomers, the old boys and the teams that really do just pop into the top flight for one season. We seen them all come and go.
We have seen United, Spurs and Chelsea all get relegated, we have seen City go on a bender and end up in Division 3. We have seen top teams like Forest and Villa go onto European Cup Wins (Champions League) then get relegated. But not for us, Everton have remained for almost 70 years, in top flight football, so yeah the likes of Palace will be able to get their most wins as Everton are team they will play the most.
Everton belong in top flight football and it's our job, as Evertonians to ensure it, so let's get Goodison and do our job.
160 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:13:53
161 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:16:29
162 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:18:13
Dodgy box ready to go, tonight's the night.
Up the Toffees.
163 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:23:16
Ill be cheering for every blue on here who cant make it tonight, especially those of you far afield who keep the faith across so many miles.
Glad to be a blue, whatever the outcome.
164 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:23:46
165 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:28:54
166 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:30:31
167 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:40:26
168 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:41:48
Frank will stick to the same plan throughout the match. Tactics will play a part, but essentially it is in the lap of the Gods what happens. . . That is the type of game it will be tonight. You will see all you mentioned and more.
Good Luck, Everton.
169 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:50:07
Zaha and Ayew will either keep our wingbacks pressed back and theyll outnumber us in midfield, or theyll find too much space behind them.
I hope Im either wrong, or we match them 4-3-3.
172 Posted 19/05/2022 at 18:55:47
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1 Posted 18/05/2022 at 21:12:12
Come on, Blues, Leave it all out there. 4-2-3-1
Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Mykolenko
Doucoure Allan
Gordon Iwobi Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin
Everton 23 Crystal Palace 0