West Ham United vs Everton
Frank Lampard takes his Everton team to East London this weekend to face his former club and the Toffees' ex-boss, David Moyes, who is also under huge pressure
Crisis-stricken Everton travel to East London on Saturday seeking a victory that would end a three-month stretch without a win and significantly ease concerns over a desperate struggle to avoid relegation this season.
The Blues have picked up all three points in only three Premier League games all season, one of them against this weekend’s opponents, West Ham, in the reverse fixture back in September but since beating Crystal Palace 3-0 the following month, Frank Lampard’s side have gone nine games in all competitions without a win.
That horrendous run, the worst sequence of form in the division and similar to that which lost Rafael Benitez his job a little over a year ago, has seen Everton drop to joint-bottom of the table but Lampard remains in his post so far and takes his charges south to face not only his former club but the Toffees’ ex-manager in the form of David Moyes.
Moyes comes into the weekend under just as much pressure, with some reports suggesting that the West Ham board will sack him if he loses the game to Everton. And not only that, they’re lining Benitez up as his replacement! The Hammers are on the same number of points as the Blues but have won one more match in the League and, on paper, arguably have the more rounded squad.
Furthermore, Moyes’s team has been bolstered by the arrival this week of striker Danny Ings in an initial £12m deal from Aston Villa. Like Everton, West Ham have struggled to score goals all season, registering just 15 in 19 games and the Scot is hoping that Ings, who has scored goals against the Toffees for four different clubs now — and must surely be odds-on to make it five! — will provide him the cutting edge up front he has been missing.
The 30-year-old will provide immediate cover for Maxwel Cornet and Gianluca Scamacca, two summer signings who are ruled out this weekend through injury together with back-up goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola.
Everton, however, were working on an attacking signing of their own at the time of writing, with a medical believed to have been lined up for Arnaut Danjuma ahead of the completion of a proposed loan move to Goodison Park from Villarreal.
The Blues are reportedly favourites to land him but whether that deal goes through in time for him to be registered and eligible for this weekend’s game remains to be seen, as does his match fitness after not training with his current club for the past week.
His arrival should provide a boost regardless to a team low on morale and wracked by rancour off the pitch as supporters protest against the hierarchy’s running of the club and for wholesale change.
Lampard was asked about the crisis engulfing the club and how he is trying to keep his players focused on the task at hand, particularly as some were confronted by upset fans outside the ground after last Saturday’s home defeat to Southampton.
“It’s challenging,” the manager admitted. “Not all of those things fall under my responsibility. My priority is the football side of things. In a tough run, it’s about how I can lift the players. I’m aware of the noise and it is my job is to push that to the side.
“I’ve spoken to some of the players. This is not just an Everton situation but this club has a unique passion. Sometimes, passion can overspill in a good way, and maybe in minority cases [in a bad way]. The majority just want this team to do well.
“[The fans have] got an absolute right to voice an opinion but of course we don’t want fans going up to players. It’s a minority who have spoken to them. We don’t want that and I’d love to not see that again. But I understand they’re passionate fans.”
As far as matters on the pitch are concerned, Lampard admitted that he had spoken some home truths after the Saints loss.
“If the players in the dressing room are disappointed we lost then that's good,” he explained. “If they want to fight and be a good teammate, not think about themselves, think about the team and try to get the result the next week and train great intensity, whether they are starting or not, that is all I want.
“They have to think about what is the way out of difficult moments. I've been in many in my career and the only way is work; the only way is focus and the only way is being unselfish about it, putting yourself to the limit and that is exactly where we are.”
Given that it is an away game, Lampard is expected to set his team up with a five-man back line, at least from the beginning, with the same starting XI that started against Southampton.
A win for Everton could lift them back out of the bottom three and, perhaps, as high as 14th place depending on how results go elsewhere but everyone connected with the club would simply be happy to end this long winless run.
Kick-off: 3pm, Saturday 21 January, 2023
Referee: Stuart Attwell
VAR: Andre Marriner
Last Time: West Ham United 2 - 1 Everton
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Godfrey, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Gueye, Onana, Iwobi, Gray, Calvert-Lewin
Reader Comments (202)
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2 Posted 20/01/2023 at 08:38:26
I, too, would like to see Mina come in, probably for Coady. We'll see if it's the same XI again, though, on Saturday…
3 Posted 20/01/2023 at 08:56:53
Davies for Gueye?
Maupay, McNeil Gordon - no thanks!
Maybe go 4-4-2:
Pickford
Godfrey
Vinagre
Mina
Tarkowski
Davies
Onana
Gray
Gordon
Simms
Calvert-Lewin
COYB
4 Posted 20/01/2023 at 09:02:18
5 Posted 20/01/2023 at 09:05:25
6 Posted 20/01/2023 at 09:12:30
7 Posted 20/01/2023 at 09:14:32
8 Posted 20/01/2023 at 09:21:28
9 Posted 20/01/2023 at 09:38:24
The reset (again) starts in August.
I'll be fighting tomorrow. Not in the physical sense, just with all my heart and soul, wishing I could be on that pitch. Those players best had be feeling the same.
Over the years, Everton have disappointed me, let me down and then elated me to the point that only my marriage and birth of my son can surpass.
I can't hate them, I wouldn't know how to.
Tomorrow we go to support the team. The circus can carry on in the background. Tomorrow is about the team and getting a result.
10 Posted 20/01/2023 at 09:50:30
11 Posted 20/01/2023 at 09:54:08
This segment says it all:
‘Moshiri has sacked Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, Marco Silva and Rafael Benitez.'
‘It has resulted in a Frankenstein's monster of a squad - the starting 11 in the 2-1 home defeat by Southampton featuring players acquired by six different managers.“
12 Posted 20/01/2023 at 09:56:36
13 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:01:09
I would love to see us get plenty of crosses in to give DCL something to get on to and Lampard has to get this drummed into his players to get ball over first time. I'm sick of this check and pass the ball backwards.
Crucial battle in the middle so Gana will have to win that and allow Iwobi to try and create something which will be a miracle if he does.
Fingers crossed we all feel a bit relieved come Saturday night.
14 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:03:23
I must be mad as I'm looking forward to going tomorrow.
Tap East anyone??
UTFT!
15 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:08:48
16 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:28:58
17 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:31:46
18 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:43:12
Where I struggle is getting our best eleven players into our best eleven on the pitch.
Or should that be least worst eleven?
My team for tomorrow would be:
Picks
Coleman (capt),Tarks, Mina, Godfrey,
Iwobi, O'nana, Gana,Gordon
DCL, Gray
19 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:44:35
On a side note, I don't get the Moyes shouts at all. West Ham are literally every bit as bad as us with a much better squad, so why on earth would he turn around and magically fix things here? The old teary-eyed "he gets the club" romanticism? Spare me.
20 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:45:05
21 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:45:34
Yes, Steve, I think players are bought to match a preferred system but we seemingly have a variety of players all suited to different systems. A lack of continuity and therefore coherence on and off the pitch.
22 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:49:57
tomorrow. At least the boot is on the other foot as the home crowd will turn toxic
if we can keep West Ham at bay for twenty minutes, or even better(however improbable)
score an early goal.
If we do happen to lose then there is at least the silver lining of Moyes staying out The speculation surrounding his possible return every time we sack or are about to sack the manager is the worst part of the Everton managerial merry go round.
Newspapers report he still has admirers at Goodison. Now I wonder who that might
be.
23 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:54:31
In that scenario, we beat a team that end up in a worse position than us, drag ourselves out of the relegation zone and then end up with their failed manager. The board dancing like it's 2002 and the inner circle further cemented with another willing disciple.
No. If he get's sacked, he has yet again failed everywhere since leaving a club that he never won anything with in 11 years. Despite telling us he hadn't been talking to his new employer even though we knew he was.
And second comings? Well, that went well for Howard Kendall and if I may, Dog-Leash. Never go back as they often say.
That's not at you Eric by the way. Just me getting more and more frustrated as I try to prepare and pick myself up for tomorrow.
24 Posted 20/01/2023 at 10:58:20
I'm not sure about Coady- is he a shouter trying to cover up his own deficiencies? Mina will get stuck in and is a big threat at set pieces. If our attitude is right we can win this.
Over to Frank!!
25 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:06:20
26 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:06:28
4-5-1. Iwobi, and McNeil out wide, Gueye and Onana, with Gordon, just a little touch ahead of them.
Horribly defensive I know, but we simply haven't got that many good offensive players. You could swap Gray, for McNeil, but then if things are going wrong, who are we going to bring on that might add a bit of craft, because I also wouldn't expect Gordon, to complete the 90 minutes.
It's that bad, I would possibly even play Doucoure in the three man midfield, to try and get a real foothold in the game. If I did this I would start Gray, out wide, and keep Gordon on the bench, or maybe even try and be clever, and leave DCL, on the bench, and alternate Gordon and Gray, as the furthest player forward, in a false number nine.
I'm aware it's baffling, but it's not as baffling as picking the same players once again, imo.
27 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:18:57
28 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:23:40
As for those calling for Frank to change his selections, he doesn't exactly have many different options to choose from.
Their as desperate as we are for a win so they will be right up for the game.
I'm just praying we can click for a change and score a couple goals.
29 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:25:23
I think we can lose just 1 or 2-0 with this line up or in a lucky day to take a draw.
If the likes of Gray, Gordon,Gueye, Godfrey, Patterson, Davies or Iwobi play, no chance to avoid a big defeat.
My prediction: WHU 2 Everton 1 (of course Onana goal).
30 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:31:17
Play fast counter system. Take a knife to Davies knife fight.
Pickford
Godfrey Mina Tarks
Iwobi Onana Gana Vinagre
Gray
DCL Simms
31 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:34:03
4411
Pickford
Coleman, Mina, Tarkowski, Mykolenko
Doucoure, Gueye, Onana, Davies,
Gray
DCL
Tell Davies to stick to Bowan like glue.
32 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:44:21
33 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:47:30
If Moyes loses and gets sacked he becomes favourite for our job?
But if Frank wins, doesn't that mean his job is safe(er at least)?
Or is Kevin's duplicitous scenario at #25 the likely outcome.
Would Moyes even consider coming back when we are in such a bad situation? I know we were when he joined us but after years of working our way up I felt that he left 'cos he was tired of Billy Bullshit not supporting him.
34 Posted 20/01/2023 at 11:52:19
what is this continued love-in with Dour Dave. ?
11 years of Feck all and KITAP1 and knives, glass ceilings. Once and for all FUCK OFF MOYES
35 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:11:53
I do agree.
If you do a forensic analysis on our present death throes the trail shows the original bullets were supplied by Kenwright and fired by hitman Moyes. Once "knives to a gunfight" became our motto it was only a matter of time before we imploded.
36 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:12:00
37 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:12:15
38 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:14:33
Why not do something different and surprise West Ham with a 4-1-3-2? I think we play better with a back 4 anyway and this would still give the defence protection from the 1 in front shielding them.
The key is that whoever that player is must be disciplined positionally and not move much from where they should be. Carsley used to play that role brilliantly on his own years ago, so it can be done.
I don't think Gana can do it as he wanders at times and seems to let people run off him or not be aware of what's around him. Same with Onana who would be better centrally in the 3 in front. This is where being brave comes in for the manager - why not try the young lad Price there or Holgate if you want more experience?
For the back 4, why not try Vinagre at left back for the struggling Mykolenko? Coady and Tarkowski haven't looked too great of late so why not try putting the young lad Welch in alongside one of them instead? If you think he is not ready yet, why not bring Keane in to partner Tarkowski? I know Keane has his own faults, but I seem to remember their partnership at Burnley was decent enough.
Would also give Mills a run in one of the wide spots of the 3 behind the attackers to freshen it up. This formation would give us 2 up top as well which should help us score goals. Would go with DCL and Gray for now but Simms if DCL is not fit.
No guarantees it would work but it would at least be trying something different than the groundhog day we see every match at the minute.
39 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:19:52
Also have to reiterate my firm belief, that it never works out with either a player, or a Manager, going back for a second spell, and being better than the first time.
40 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:27:24
You feel very detached from the pitch despite it looking impressive.
I'm getting into match day mode and the politics can wait.
Meeting with a friend at St Pancras tomorrow then onto the London Stadium. Son and girlfriend present; her first introduction to Everton.
What have I done to these people?
I'm looking forward to it as always.
See some of the gang there.
41 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:36:08
When will someone invent a sarcasm font????
42 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:49:10
43 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:53:52
44 Posted 20/01/2023 at 12:57:33
Pure theatre, right up BK's street.
You couldn't make it up!
So it's a 2-1 win for us 🤞🤞🤞
45 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:05:44
There will be 11 players on the pitch tomorrow privileged enough to wear the Royal Blue shirt. Others on the bench, privileged to be sat there.
They will be encouraged by thousands of us in the away end willing them on to win.
I hope the players and squad are listening to the song. Show some spirit because there is no way we are going to fail.
I hope they are feeling like me. I have knots in my stomach.
46 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:07:30
47 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:08:50
48 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:12:18
49 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:16:29
50 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:17:34
Forever.
51 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:18:38
52 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:18:52
In my opinion, Lampard's best chance to win this game is to pack the back 4 with central defenders (like Ancelotti) and a midfield 4 with Gana and Davies staying anchored and Iwobi and Onana rampaging forward to support Gray and Calvert-Lewin.
Pickford
Holgate Coady Tarkowski Godfrey
Iwobi Davies Gana Onana
Gray
Calvert-Lewin
With some decent back-up firepower on the bench in Gordon, McNeil, Simms, Doucoure, etc. This is not a bad team; if Lampard cannot get this team to go toe-to-toe with West Ham in the position they are in, then I don't think he deserves to stay. Sack him and get in one of Bielsa/Nuno/Dyche/Scott Parker. All 4 have experience in getting their teams promoted from the Championship! :-)
53 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:20:30
54 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:25:04
55 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:26:58
I agree with your Vinagre choice. I would also give Maupay a go, just behind DCL.
56 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:27:46
57 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:29:07
Yes bring back the saviour he gets us
58 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:29:18
After 19/20 games every team wishes they had 10 extra points and if you look at the table as it stands in the current 22-23 season. By doing this math you come up with.
Everton would have 25 points and be 12th in the table
Aston Villa would have 35 points and be in the top 6
Liverpool would have 38 points and be in the top 4
Manchester Utd would have 49 points and be top of the league
You can do the same with all the other sixteen clubs and see what this would bring them. For those extra ten points, teams at the top would be looking at 3 wins and a draw. Teams like Everton would be looking for 2 wins and 4 draws.
So by doing this you can go through our matches and see where we could have turned defeats in draws and draws into victories. As Everton have been beaten 10 times this season and drawn 6 games we have plenty of games to choose from for those extra points.
The glass half full in me tells me it is feasible for Everton to do this and turn a bottom three team into a team halfway up the table by the end of the season. Sadly what is going on behind the scenes currently tells me this is more unlikely by each game whoever you point the finger at as to who is to blame.
I live in hope and pray for three points at West Ham.
59 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:34:35
60 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:35:41
And he's a second cousin removed. We are related.
This about Everton beating West Ham and getting 3 points. I don't care for David Moyes' future or who our next manager may or may not be.
See you at the match. Or online. Or with those who will get up at some ridiculous hour to be there alongside the team.
61 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:37:51
I agree that Moyes would try his hardest to keep Everton up, and I actually think that he might even be the ‘short term answer', such is the ineptitude that Frank Lampard, has shown, but I can't agree with you about anything else you say about David Moyes, though Kevin, unless I go back to your previous post, about Moyes, managerial level.
62 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:41:39
he left Everton without breaking his contract. He voluntarily resigned from Sunderland, thereby saving the club millions. He may be infuriating or whatever, but I think he's entitled to 'decent' certainly in the context of professional football
63 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:43:05
I bet cousin Moyes is life of the party at your family get togethers. Where's Eugene?
64 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:43:10
I'm discussing David Moyes because
1 we play his team tomorrow
2 he is very likely to get sacked
3 we will very likely be looking for a new manager very soon
4 Bill will be doing the looking.
65 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:51:47
Scary thought.
66 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:54:47
But the second coming of mediocracy? No thanks.
Now I've fallen into the trap and I'm discussing Moyes. I'm a hypocrite!!
67 Posted 20/01/2023 at 13:56:24
And those that want Lampard sacked pray for a WHU win.
So we're in a lose - lose situation that will mke everyone happy.
68 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:01:07
69 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:01:08
Benitez is allegedly a very horrible man, but he did the honorable thing by Liverpudlians, imo, when he went to war with his bosses, because they were simply not good enough, and also had ulterior motives, which were slowly destroying their club.
Moyes got in bed with Kenwright, and chose to become one of the highest paid managers, in world football, whilst accepting that our owner could never take us forward, but chose to keep his mouth shut, and further his career instead.
He really thought he'd made it when he got to United, but it was a totally different environment to the one in which he had excelled in at Everton, and suddenly he found himself at a very demanding club, where it is all about winning, and he was found out very quickly.
I'd have had a lot more respect for David Moyes, if he would have done the decent thing by Evertonians, instead of reveling in plucky little Everton, and taking massive praise for getting them to punch above their weight.
I understood we had the 8th highest wage bill, and his average league position was 7th, so he did a decent job, but I definitely think first and foremost, that he looked after number one, more than anyone else in the process.
70 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:09:21
yes I see why he doesn't float your boat. I think though your analysis is a little unfair, insofar as Moyes didn't have our perspectives. When he joined Everton they were on their arse, and were always skint. He wasn't there for Bayern Munich, he doesn't have that memory. As far as he's concerned he took over a mediocre club and turned them into European hoefuls. I don't hold that against him, he came too late to the party.
And it would be taking 'decency't to a whole new level to expect a chap to go to war with his boss who is paying him four million quid a year, and allowing him to run the whole show no questions asked.
71 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:10:27
Lampard remains manager, which it seems the majority don't want.
Or
Moyes gets sacked and we sack Lampard to get Moyes, which it seems the majority don't want.
Lose - Lose.
72 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:15:55
73 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:20:52
I honestly believe, Frank needs a change of coaching personnel. We have a failed manager in Paul Clement.
Sacked by Reading, after nine months.
Sacked by Cercle Brugge. one win in 13 games.
Sacked by Derby County.
Sacked by Swansea.
Coached under Ancellotti ????. Does that make him a great coach?
Does it make big Dunc, a great coach?
Does it make Davide Ancellotti, a great coach?
No, No and no.
Look back on Howard Kendalls bad times.How did he remedy the situation?
We need a proper international coach.
This is not personal, Clement.
Just strictly business.
74 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:21:56
75 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:27:51
As long as we win tomorrow and I'm buying the drinks in Camden, that's all that matters.
I'll start the politics around 5:30am Sunday morning, probably with one eye closed!!!!
76 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:45:13
And I don't want Moyes
77 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:47:56
In other words, choose Evertonians, and go to war with his boss, Eric, but as Kevin said, he was earning far to much money, and was also on easy street, which I think is something he really found out for himself, the minute he left Everton.
Reading it again Kevin, it's obvious that us Evertonians, have alsohelped destroy our club, by accepting mediocrity for way to long.
78 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:48:26
79 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:48:46
I'd like to sleep tonight but I'm not sure I will.
80 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:52:12
West London, Uxbridge to be precise.
81 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:56:10
82 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:58:46
83 Posted 20/01/2023 at 14:59:59
and the manager is telling the team some home truths. Don't think the care or listen Frank.
Just showing a bit of urgency would be a start.
84 Posted 20/01/2023 at 15:08:38
In all honesty Moyes started off well and had us playing good football for a while with some astute signings but then he came out with the “ knives to gunfight “ speech and that was his surrender. I couldn't stand him after that. He got touched up by Alex Ferguson so should have resigned instead of being waved off by blue Bill on his last game like some hero. A proper owner would have sacked him.
He then comes back to Everton and belittles us because we won't let our best players go to United and enhance their careers.
Not for me in a million years. If he's that good he would be making sure West Ham put Everton to the sword.
What I'm hoping for is that Everton somehow put West Ham to the sword and Moyes is left to deal with the fallout from West Ham supporters.
85 Posted 20/01/2023 at 15:08:58
Fantastic sports facilities that we used to access for the Hayes & Yeading youth teams.
It's really been invested in and grown over the the last decade or so.
Used as a base and training camp for the French team during the Rugby World Cup last hosted here.
86 Posted 20/01/2023 at 15:09:13
87 Posted 20/01/2023 at 15:09:46
88 Posted 20/01/2023 at 15:12:44
89 Posted 20/01/2023 at 15:12:58
Would your company directors let you tell them what to do? Or if you are the director would you listen to the tea lady?
I worked in a multi national corporation where it was my job to give advice to directors. It was fully their responsibility to make decisions and either listen to my advice, ignore it, or come to a compromise. Never complained either way as it was not my company, they knew better than me the corporate structure and culture.
But I do beleive Moyes was not happy with his lot in the final stages which is why he voted with his feet.
90 Posted 20/01/2023 at 15:42:03
91 Posted 20/01/2023 at 15:44:01
92 Posted 20/01/2023 at 15:44:02
93 Posted 20/01/2023 at 16:23:55
Plus "never go back".
Avoid a Moyes return in every respect.
94 Posted 20/01/2023 at 16:30:47
95 Posted 20/01/2023 at 16:40:47
96 Posted 20/01/2023 at 16:50:07
I'm not arguing with you or Kevin, Eric, I'm just giving my version of how I had began to see David Moyes towards the end of his Everton career, when I had personally started to boycott home games because I felt that the manager and the owner were in bed together; this, imo, wasn't for the good of Everton FC.
Moyes never had enough respect for Everton imo. It was probably only after he had left that he maybe realised this was because of Bill Kenwright, who was never really good enough for what Everton Football Club had always stood for.
They pissed in each other's pockets but in any other era, I don't believe either of them would have lasted long at Everton. Something that is obviously just hearsay and could never be proven, either way
97 Posted 20/01/2023 at 17:00:02
RM Iwobi CM Onana CM Gueye CM Gordon LM Gray
Str DCL
play Gordon as the attacking CM player.
98 Posted 20/01/2023 at 17:09:43
The joys of being an Evertonian
99 Posted 20/01/2023 at 17:10:56
100 Posted 20/01/2023 at 17:18:47
Where away from home.
Our current form is dogshit.
We never seem to win in the "Big Smoke"... unless we're playing Charlton!
The Hammer's need a win badly too.
We're up against a former Manager.
Our club at the moment is in fucking turmoil.
It not looking good is it!... another defeat looming methinks.
101 Posted 20/01/2023 at 17:19:35
102 Posted 20/01/2023 at 17:22:10
Regardless if he's sacked I just can't see it. And he won't get sacked anyway cos we'll get beaten tomorrow. Again.
103 Posted 20/01/2023 at 17:23:07
Expecting a loss and Frank to begone.
104 Posted 20/01/2023 at 17:32:07
105 Posted 20/01/2023 at 17:49:56
However, I wish we had the team that he built, with a young Coleman, Baines, Jags, Distin, Hibbert, Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, Yakubu, Arteta, Howard, Lescott. that side would batter the present incumbents and would be looking at a top four finish these days.
106 Posted 20/01/2023 at 18:01:45
EL SACKICO!
(Post game manager swap I'm predicting.)
107 Posted 20/01/2023 at 18:09:27
108 Posted 20/01/2023 at 18:10:11
Obviously no 'bigger' club made an approach (I distinctly remember a cringeworthy interview he gave where he thought he was about to be handed the Spurs job), and he became bitter after that. It then became about the money and he got the club to give him a £4m/year 5 year contract, effectively saying pay me that or I walk. Kenwright gave him the contract (making him one of the best paid football managers in the world at that time) and he then just ran it down to 2013. He never had any intention of staying longer and mentally was probably gone by 2010/2011, just going through the motions.
He was a great manager for us to around 2008 then I lost faith in him. Many Utd took him as he was free - obviously didn't work out too well.
At least we got rid of a few crocks when he went to Sunderland.
109 Posted 20/01/2023 at 18:29:43
They're practically giving money away!!
110 Posted 20/01/2023 at 18:33:39
for the third or fourth time since he left there are still some out there championing
Moyes return. Having said that there will be those out there who would support the
return of Benitez or Allardyce. Why not Neil Warnock? He was always successful
in the Championship.
Frank please get us at least a point tomorrow and steady the ship.
111 Posted 20/01/2023 at 18:38:23
We can't seem to win any game home or away against anyone.
Law of averages says we have to turn the corner sometime but with
our strike force we have to get really lucky.
Of course West Ham now have Ings and you just know he will score
tomorrow. Sod's law right.
Trossard gone, Wood gone, Ings gone so no strikers available- right?
Everton looking for over the hill no-names on loan, isn't that encouraging when your at the bottom ????
112 Posted 20/01/2023 at 18:51:05
I think we pretty much know what we'll get by now. There'll be effort, and I don't question that. There will be a lack of attacking threat and quality in front of goal. There will be a lack of quality on the ball which means we'll be defending for large portions of the game. And we won't have players who can improve that situation.
West Ham have more talent than us. They'll be better in those areas.
We basically have to hope that West Ham either don't turn up, or hope that we get some luck.
Nothing has changed. I don't see how we can expect anything different.
113 Posted 20/01/2023 at 18:56:29
Tony, you make a really good point.
Like just about most Everton managers from Moyes and since, our first eleven, certainly under Martinez, Silva, Koeman and Ancelotti, was a match for most teams.
We had a good 14 under those managers. But scratch the surface and we were weak once the inevitable injuries and suspensions kicked in.
In the modern game, to be competitive, you have to have a squad. I think City could put out 2 teams that could compete at the top end of them Premier League.
Or you have to get lucky like lucifer's children across the park seem to have done over recent years. Very few injuries to key players in a small squad.
But generally, you now need strength and quality in numbers.
114 Posted 20/01/2023 at 18:57:41
115 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:01:21
116 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:09:44
Breakfast near King's Cross tomorrow before jumping the fast train to Stratford from St Pancras.
We can do this Everton
117 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:11:24
118 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:12:09
Who's to say Moyes back and relegated? As it happens I don't think whatever the scoreline tomorrow that Moyes will make a return to Goodison, unless he's in charge of the opposition. A draw tomorrow is my prediction, and I can't see Lampard being sacked either, we can't afford the payoff.
119 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:15:08
I shudder to think how we'll be looked upon if West Ham stay up having sacked Moyes and we go down having hired him. Things might look bad now but that really would be beyond the pale.
120 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:23:06
I'm being watched!!
Quality!!
121 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:26:35
After the hiring of the Spaniard, I should think anything is possible,under this crackpot owner.
122 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:27:47
Godfrey Tarkowski Mina Holgate
Doucoure Gana Onana Iwobi
Calvert-Lewin Gray
KITAP1 give Moyes a taste of his own medicine.
Mykolenko has been distinctly poor recently and Seamus is showing his age although still showing an example to the others.
123 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:29:26
I don't think we'll get relegated either. This is a necessary purging and we will emerge stronger. I still say that Lampard is a great deal tougher than we are inclined to believe and, as Tony Abrahams has said above, we must not yield.
If, however, we do get relegated then at least we are likely to be breathing much cleaner air. We are already enriched by knowing that the two principal liars and frauds who presently sit on the Board will never be seen at Goodison again.
We should remember also that we remain – even with debt and stadium costs – an astute purchase for a canny investor.
It's extremely difficult but we really must try to relax and then absolutely back the manager and team.
124 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:33:10
I'm watching Eastenders again.
Getting in the mood for tomorrow
125 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:33:44
Did Zach tell Whitney yet?
126 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:50:07
127 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:51:24
128 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:55:58
Frank needs a point at minimum so this game could be just as exciting as that West Germany - Austria game many moons ago.
129 Posted 20/01/2023 at 19:59:51
130 Posted 20/01/2023 at 20:09:31
131 Posted 20/01/2023 at 20:30:05
Interesting article on Guardian website this evening about us
132 Posted 20/01/2023 at 20:36:19
Moyes betrayed Everton and Kenwright helped him. He's a seriel loser, a busted flush appalling dinosaur. You know what, and I never believed I could write these words, I would rather have Roberto.
Oh, I believe we will win tomorrow and it will be the start of the long way back.
133 Posted 20/01/2023 at 20:38:58
134 Posted 20/01/2023 at 20:40:08
And Stephen.
135 Posted 20/01/2023 at 20:43:58
Must admit, I'm starting to think we're fucked.
136 Posted 20/01/2023 at 20:49:19
This surely is the beginning of the end for this Machiavellian trickster. How can he ever show his face ever again at Goodison. Such an ignominious ending for the worlds greatest Evertonian.
137 Posted 20/01/2023 at 20:52:59
May be Ellis's can soften the West Ham defence up... score a couple, and DCL, comes on for the final 25 minutes to secure the game, see it out.
Everton must turn up for a battle on the pitch at Stratford, the biggest game since Palace last season, then, that
I'm expecting a reaction, and Everton to win 3 -1, which may seem ambitious, but West Ham, have a loose defence and also can't score.
But fears of some soft give away goals, always always linger now, as Everton, haven't been too good at looking after the ball at Goodison, but arguably have played well and pretty solid, away the last couple of games in Manchester.
The curse of Ings, will be no more after tomorrow.
UTFTs!
138 Posted 20/01/2023 at 20:59:52
139 Posted 20/01/2023 at 21:00:42
'Twas ever thus and the fault always lies not in those who trust but in those who abuse the trust.
140 Posted 20/01/2023 at 21:01:14
141 Posted 20/01/2023 at 21:08:37
What a game it's going to be tomorrow: Frightened Frank verses Doubting Dave!!
142 Posted 20/01/2023 at 21:36:40
Play 4 at the back with Godfrey in for Coleman and Mina in for Coady as I think Antonio will do to us what Adams did to us last week.
Whichever way we set up, we can't play expansive. Sit deep and nick one on the break but, under Lampard, I am sick of of saying the same stuff week after week. I wouldn't be surprised with a 4-3-3 and losing with a late goal. Even if we sign Danjuma, that will re-enforce the 4-3-3.
We need a bit of luck, a freak own goal, anything to stop the rot.
Coyb… fuck the board.
143 Posted 20/01/2023 at 21:50:08
Ideally, I'd like us to play narrow and pack the middle of the park.
Pickford
Coleman (Holgate at half-time) Tarkowski Mina Godfrey
Gana
Doucoure Davies Onana
Gray
Calvert-Lewin
Play tight and disrupt WHU, then break with Godfrey, Doucoure, Onana and Gray, while Idrissa and Davies sit in.
Make sure we have Coady, Mykolenko or Vinagre, Simms, Maupay and Iwobi on the bench, and if we take the lead, make an offensive sub and go for a second, DO NOT sit back and try and hold on. Roll the dice, go for the jugular
Just sayin'...
144 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:05:16
145 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:08:30
He has been gash for months.
Coady too, I see why Wolves got rid, being a bit shouty, but slow and crap in the air only lasts 6 months at a proper fan base.
146 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:08:41
Pickford, Tarkowski, Coady and Mina as a three with Godfrey and Iwobi, the two real athletes in the team, on the left and right. Gana and Onana sitting deep with Doucouré breaking into the box. Gray pushed right next to Calvert Lewin as a two man attack.
I think we need to try and win games and get points on the board.
147 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:12:26
But just look at their players compared to ours. Their squad is very impressive.
Who sanctions the Everton player purchases? Moshiri or Kenwright?
148 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:14:58
149 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:18:12
Unfortunately, barring disaster, or a proverbial threat of plague; the Board will be gracing Goodison with their presence for the Gunners' game.
Apparently, from what I've been told tonight, more in-house security, and additional Police for the game.
Kenwright trying to make us look like the pantomime villains, whilst he's Cinderella (ie, hard done by!) (sic!)
150 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:27:19
That is not what I've heard. They are finished in any event, can you imagine the reaction of the crowd to these disastrous people if they do have the gall to present themselves? It is up to us to drive them out with our scorn, every single time (if required).
They have bled us dry.
151 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:27:28
That's not to say I back the current board members, but until they are replaced, they should be at as many games as it is possible for them to attend.
153 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:30:09
It's almost a lose-lose tomorrow. If we get beat we're 90% relegated, if we win and we keep Lampard we're 95% relegated.
154 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:35:12
Mike @153, marvellous spirit, just what we need.
155 Posted 20/01/2023 at 22:38:36
I agree, that was their choice not to attend - even if they gave 'reasons' as to why they made that decision.
156 Posted 20/01/2023 at 23:00:53
157 Posted 20/01/2023 at 23:02:06
The source I got it from is 'in-house'. So, I guess I'll know if they are dependable or not?
Mind you, a lot can happen in 9 days. They might just resign, or be pushed by then... Here's hoping :D
And, I nearly forgot, I agree with your sentiments entirely.
158 Posted 20/01/2023 at 23:09:23
Hopefully we will be celebrating in London after the match.
Neil, Rob, et Al, see you all there. Come on blue boys. Let's do this.
159 Posted 20/01/2023 at 23:16:09
UTFT!
160 Posted 20/01/2023 at 23:21:55
Let's make sure we meet up Neil.
Big game tomorrow. Thousands of Evertonians present as always.
Everton forever.
161 Posted 20/01/2023 at 23:39:28
Where are you planning to meet up?
162 Posted 20/01/2023 at 23:52:29
This is not the time for castigating individual players, get behind the team, half a season still to go!
It will be a hard slog, but surely you havn't given up already?
48 years a blue, 72 yrs old, never say die 😬😬😬🤞🤞🤞
163 Posted 21/01/2023 at 00:06:12
164 Posted 21/01/2023 at 00:16:02
165 Posted 21/01/2023 at 00:39:48
166 Posted 21/01/2023 at 00:49:02
167 Posted 21/01/2023 at 05:32:28
168 Posted 21/01/2023 at 05:41:28
I can usually spot your posts without having to even read the name, just by the nature of the content and I mostly agree with your views, especially on the board.
I'll hopefully have a pint with you at the first match at BMD, or maybe the last at GP, and we can discuss our views on Moyes departure and the circumstances.
For the record, I don't want him back and doubt very much he would come back. I just don't see him as the pariah that he is often made out to be. That honour goes to Kenwright.
169 Posted 21/01/2023 at 05:44:13
But as the heart may not be so good these days does that still count?
170 Posted 21/01/2023 at 06:14:44
Danny/Rob/Ray. 07740 786325
171 Posted 21/01/2023 at 08:28:07
He needs to have them players with the eye of the tiger in them to get a result today.
They hate Lampard at West Ham so if we go a goal down he's going to be getting pelted from all angles of the ground. He's got to be imposing figure on the side not letting players heads drop if we losing show some balls Everton Ffs
172 Posted 21/01/2023 at 08:45:36
Rob is our security!!!
Here we goes Blues. Match Day mode. The politics can wait until tomorrow. Come on Everton. If we win, I'll even eat jellied eels.
173 Posted 21/01/2023 at 09:02:47
UTFT
174 Posted 21/01/2023 at 09:03:42
The last day at Goodison, and the first day at Bramley-Moore, will both be very historic and emotional occasions, but right now it's very hard to look forward, because of the incredibly bad state we currently find ourselves in.
My final thought upon leaving Goodison last week, before stepping back,outside onto the pavement of Glawdys St, was that I'd sooner get relegated, and come back up next season.
Relegation would be heartbreaking, but coming back up would be incredibly joyful, and it's a very long time since I saw Evertonians, having genuine, beautiful happiness. (Although reading some things this week, it sounds like relegation might destroy us for years)
I'm not telling lies, when I say it hurts the soul, but I've been feeling hurt for many, many years Eric, because my own thoughts are, that I lost the Everton I desire, when Bill Kenwright came, and started kidding the bollocks out of everyone.
Football is like life though, and I believe looking forward is the most important thing, so I'm going to make sure I drive past Bramley-Moore this weekend because I've been avoiding it!
175 Posted 21/01/2023 at 09:06:57
176 Posted 21/01/2023 at 09:09:18
177 Posted 21/01/2023 at 09:18:35
Sadly. Just let fans mix and the vast majority will be fine.
West Ham are a decent bunch. I'll be honest and just through personal experience, Chelsea are the worst bunch down here. Both in my local and when I've been to Stamford Bridge.
Waiting on on the street for you to walk out of the stadium and goading to get a reaction.
I wouldn't mind but it's usually a bunch of young rich kids trying to think they're some kind of 80s crew and coming out with classics like "we pay your benefits".
Best clubs in London for not prejudicing away supporters in my experience are Fulham and Brentford.
178 Posted 21/01/2023 at 09:35:44
After 30+ years in South-West London, I fully agree with your assessment. Going to Fulham is generally a relaxing and pleasant experience. Many of my neighbours follow or attend Brentford and are very pleased as they expected this season to be a massive struggle without Christian Ericksen.
Also you never hear Brentford fans criticising their Academy players – as they don't have an academy. Instead, they just buy good players at sensible prices (as opposed to paying big money to players who see Everton as a step down from their previous club).
179 Posted 21/01/2023 at 10:07:34
180 Posted 21/01/2023 at 10:43:41
If Frank can turn us around somehow I can see a glimmer of light. Today's game is massive
181 Posted 21/01/2023 at 10:46:00
Have a good trip travelling Blues, COYB's.
182 Posted 21/01/2023 at 10:51:21
Their youth teams used to train on the same pitches as my Hayes & Yeading teams as I've mentioned before.
Great club. And to see where they are now with no academy, substituted by a B Team, new Stadium and established in the Premier League.
Great to see. Possibly my second favourite club even if they gave me an angry moment last season.
But that was Everton, not them. Very good example and model of a well run club.
183 Posted 21/01/2023 at 10:58:54
Forever
Here we Go
Spirit
Everybody's Cheering the Blues
All Together Now
Sorry if I missed any.
We're going in. We shall not be moved.
184 Posted 21/01/2023 at 10:59:11
185 Posted 21/01/2023 at 11:10:20
What I'm seeing does not end well.
These things can of course turn on a dime. A crunching tackle, a wonder goal, a surprise win. But there are deep underlying issues both on and off the pitch that I fear can only be papered over for so long.
I suspect things can only get substantially better with a change of board or manager or both.
But good luck today to all the travelling fans. I salute you.
186 Posted 21/01/2023 at 11:21:33
Mykolenko, Tarkowski badly out of form. A non functioning midfield. Coleman long past his best, and a very inconsistent front 2.
Pickford
Coleman
Mina
Coady
Godfrey
Onana
Gana
Iwobi
Doucoure
Gray
Calvert Lewin
187 Posted 21/01/2023 at 11:27:49
188 Posted 21/01/2023 at 12:01:06
189 Posted 21/01/2023 at 12:05:42
Got to play Godfrey
Got to use Onana as a target
Got to go long and be pragmatic
FRANK
Good luck COYB
190 Posted 21/01/2023 at 12:09:42
Coleman
Mina
Tarkowski
Godfrey
Onana
Gana
Doucoure
Gray
Calvert Lewin
Maupay
Who ever loses will probably be sacked, hopefully it's Moyes
191 Posted 21/01/2023 at 12:15:18
we have to stop opposition just waltzing through midfield and put some bodies in there. More importantly the team has to work hard for each other.
I managed to get 5-1 on a win for us today
COYB and respect to the all the fans travelling today
192 Posted 21/01/2023 at 12:32:00
This week, I think of their side. They are better in midfield and attack, have a more experienced manager and that big pitch will not help us.
They also have Ings, probably on the bench to inflict the inevitable coup de grace.
I hope we can somehow hold them at bay for long enough for their crowd to turn on them.
However, this manager and players have let us down far too often for any real optimism.
It will be interesting to see if Gordon gets selected.
The stakes are high so I think Lampard will err on the side of caution.
DCL alone again...naturally...!
193 Posted 21/01/2023 at 12:34:29
We are not playing either of the Manchester clubs today, so no need for a total backs to the wall effort. Keep it tight early on but have a go at their full backs when the opportunities arise.
With an opponent equally devoid of confidence and a nervous home support we can do this today.
We need to take something from the game! It's not a do or die scenario with so many games to go but a loss might be the end for the manager.
194 Posted 21/01/2023 at 12:44:26
195 Posted 21/01/2023 at 12:53:57
196 Posted 21/01/2023 at 13:08:38
197 Posted 21/01/2023 at 13:10:07
198 Posted 21/01/2023 at 13:25:59
199 Posted 21/01/2023 at 13:31:03
200 Posted 21/01/2023 at 13:33:43
Bill: Hey guys. What a week, what a chairman!
The others all stand and applaud apart from Graeme Sharp, who looks confused.
Bill: Didn't I tell you? Stick with King Billy-Bob Kenny Kenwright and everything will work out just fine.
Sharp: But boss, the police are onto us, the fans are furious, the media have turned and Ian Wright hates me.
Bill (smiling a sick sort of smile): Sharpie. Just remember why you're on this board. Smile, look pretty and say nothing. And have you paid those kids for chasing Anthony Gordon down the street yet?
Hey, Baxi, the headlock idea, pure genius – could almost have been one of mine. Don't forget to give me the false arm back. I must return it to Emu, it's the only thing of Rod's that he keeps, poor thing.
(DBB swoons)
Now for the next stage of the Bill's-a-genius-Moyesie-resurrection-masterplan. Before the kick-off sob when I sob, apparently some West Ham fucker's just died. Then, at the first misplaced pass, start the ‘Moyes Out' chant. I can't join in, the cameras are on me constantly. (Bill preens himself slightly and gazes lovingly at his reflection in the window)
Oh, and I'll be in the West Ham boardroom after the game. You lot make yourselves scarce. They won't know what to do, so they'll ask me.
Sharp: But boss, if West Ham lose, doesn't that mean Everton win? So, Moyesie gets the sack but Frank stays. (DBB sniggers)
Bill: Shut it, legend and finish your alphabet spaghetti, it's time to go.
Ok, disguises on, we can't be too careful. Them scousers get everywhere.
Later Bill and his mob witness a fine 2-0 win for Everton.
Apart from the last line, everything else is fiction – hopefully.
201 Posted 21/01/2023 at 13:53:53
202 Posted 21/01/2023 at 13:54:52
203 Posted 21/01/2023 at 14:23:04
The reality is that we will lose and Danny Ings will score.
The fact that Lampard is still with us is crazy. Have the board just given up?
In my 60 years as an Evertonian I have never seen such a dreadful team- especially considering how much money we have spent to arrive at such a low point.
I hope we win and I am totally wrong.
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1 Posted 20/01/2023 at 08:25:26