Everton vs Luton Town

We finally have options and some goal threat. I just hope we can continue to build and get back to our rightful place and shut some of the so called experts up.

If we go about our business in the same professional way as the last two games, there are three important points to take home.

It will be interesting what side the manager picks because there are a few viable options available now. Here's my stab at the team, 4-2-3-1:

Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Garner Onana
Harrison Doucoure McNeil
Calvert-Lewin

So play him from the bench. Use McNeil and Harrison on the flanks, DCL up front (obvs), Garner, Onana, Douc in he middle and Patterson, Tarks, Branthwaite, Young/Myko in front of Pickford.

Sure that line up has probably been mooted by others but against teams like Luton, and Bournemouth to come, it should bring max points.

We've got an almost fully fit squad and for me Garner has to start. If we go with a back 4 then I think one of Gueye, Onana or Duke needs to start on the bench. McNeil and Garner need to start for me.

Maybe a hybrid 433 / 451 with McNeil and Danjuma out wide and Garner plus two of Onana, Duke and Gueye in the middle? Or same players but 4231 if that makes sense.

Start one of Beto or DCL with the other able to come fresh off the bench 2nd half, if needed. Harrison also available 2nd half.

Dyches got the formation problem - whatever the formation it's got to be a win.

If Mykolenko isn't fit then Patterson comes in and Young reverts to left back.

I see Dyche going with mcneil over Harrison.
Gana for Keane
I'd play myko if fit or it's young.
Beto to start, dcl still needs treating with care .

A clean sheet with a few goals I see coming.
I'm going to do Branthwaite & tarks every week on my bet to score, I think between them they could get near 10 this year.

I'll ride backseat on the selection. Getting all of the trusted players involved is crucial to surviving to the next windows. There are enough players for motivation now. There aren't enough for a serious second eleven in training but we aren't far away. I know, just get the fucking three but the way this is building is an irresistible call for irrational optimism.

All comments welcome. Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

Doucoure adds so much energy to the team he must start and its a close call between Danjuma, Mcneill and/or Harrison.

So for me back 4 picks itself and if we go with Garner and Onana I would play Harrison wide right Mcneill left and Doucs through the middle just behind DCL.

Bring Danjuma and Beto on after 60 minutes when we are 2-0 up.

Scoring goals? well the players we've got when all match fit, I don't think we'll be anything like as goal shy as we've been for years. I hope we beat them well, But I'll wait and see.

Steve. where did you park the last time you came up? Do you know the area round about the ground? It might/will be really busy in the Stanley Park parking. If you get up around half 12 then you'd best go to one of the chippies and get a bite of healthy chips and a meat and potato pie first! And then get a bit of liquid refreshment, there's a few caffs round about if that's your fancy.

Here's me number. 07761836536. If you want a few alternatives for parking and having a drink, soft or ale, I'm sure a few lads will give you more alternatives. Hope you both have a great day out.

Where's your tickets...Bullens Road?

We might need Gana's chasing and running against the top sides, but his distribution and passing is so poor.

I did not watch the Villa game and I am not curious how Dyche played Onana and Garner in that match. Did Onana play the holding midfielder?

Hope Mykolenko makes it though and that would lead to Patterson out. Calvert-Lewin and Harrison won't start as they are not totally match fit yet, imo. UTFT!!

So Saturday is a real acid test as to whether the attitude of the squad has really improved. Dyche himself has recognised this with his call for us to be ruthless. So fingers crossed for an emphatic win, despite the fact that Luton have played better than their results suggest. I'll go with whatever starting side Dyche goes with, as we now have options to change things from the bench if needed.

I just want us to get two good wins and then go to Satan's backyard and get a result. Now that really would transform our season!

That evening, I was at a Chinese restaurant on South Road, celebrating a former schoolmate's 21st.

Upstairs was a certain Maurice John Giblin Johnston, celebrating his equalising goal earlier that day.

We've been buying over-rated strikers for a long time, boys and girls.

I'll be in Goodison Park at the game, although these days I am living nearly 7,000 miles away. We simply have to start picking up points at home, especially against weaker teams if we are to avoid getting caught up in more last-day drama.

Playing for places, with the replenished squad, must be healthier, than past seasons where some players didn't deserve their place, but we had no options. Now we have.

Play with the same pace and tenacity, dominate possession, and defend well, as we did against Villa, and that should give us all 3 points.

You and your lad go to Bramley-Moor Dock to see the new ground.

Show him where the future is.

Please, NO KEANE! We don't need 3 centre-backs at home to Luton, and we certainly don't need calamity Keane anywhere.

There may be questions about fitness and whether it makes more sense to bring Calvert-Lewin or Harrison off the bench, but unless we show we need Gana defensively, it's time he goes to the bench and comes on when we're protecting a lead.

I'll be curious to see how things play out if Calvert-Lewin stays healthy and playing well. At least at this point, I think he's better than Beto when fully fit, but that means a £25 million striker becomes our back-up and doesn't get much of a chance to bed in. Given Dom is still making his way back, I wouldn't be surprised if Dyche starts Beto on Saturday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNTtkNa-X1g

I am slightly concerned with Beto. He was massive against Doncaster and Sheffield Utd. I know he is settling and patience is needed but, in the last few games, he seemed well off the pace or just not tenacious or hungry.

I think the next 2 games are perfect for him to make his mark and settle in the squad. He needs to be more aggressive in my opinion to put more pressure on defenders. It will be a dream scenario to have two fit and scoring for fun. Coyb!

Against Villa, the interplay in midfield, which had been missing, suited Onana, making him more of a threat going forward. I agree, Young will play due to the Mykolenko injury.

Harrison did play well in the Villa game. The use of subs will be important and hopefully Dyche shows some skill in managing the alternatives he now has.
.

Mick @36. I don't have an issue with 3 at the back.

Personally I wouldn't change a thing from midweek, although ideally, if it was me, and we had the right players it would be 3-5-2 if we're going to do it.

That formation gives the wingbacks freedom to get forward, but they have to be fit and work hard to get back and cover because, if possession is turned over, your flanks can get exposed. A counter to that can be a sitting midfielder (sweeper) who covers the gaps when needed. Midfield is covered with 3 across the middle and it gives the opportunity to play 2 strikers, which many crave.

That's not an Everton thing, just my views on football. The important thing is that you have the right players to play that system. Like any I suppose.

Anyway, I don't like predicting scores, line-ups and formations. The manager and his coaching staff will decide that.

We will just follow, watch and support wherever we are.

We've lost all three home games but the last two away wins should have confidence soaring so that we are straight out of the blocks and sink into these from the off.

Luton may well be up for it but they are not a Premier League quality football side; they did amazing to win promotion – absolutely amazing – but going through their squad, it's bare limitations at this level.

A great chance in these next two home games to go into that international break (yes, another one, lol!) in a great position.

McNeil in for Danjuma.

Patterson possibly suits playing as a wingback but I'm not sure we have got anyone with the engine to get up and down on the left side of the pitch just now. If we do continue to play with a three, I'd much prefer Branthwaite as the anchor because he is the only one with enough pace to recover. (I'd use Villa's half-chance just before half-time as an example.)

Beto is going to take time to adapt but, if he doesn't lose that rawness (in the sense that raw players usually work their socks off), then who doesn't want to see him and Calvert-Lewin playing as a pair? It's something that definitely intrigues me anyway.

Also, Beto and Calvert-Lewin could work. Early days, but Beto is looking very good at hold-up and early lay-offs and knock-on play. Dominic could thrive off that.

Good to see us higher up the pitch (apart from the last 15 minutes or so). That helped the forward players.

I think he'll start with the same team that started against Brentford and that would be fair enough – unless Patterson comes in at right-back because Mykolenko is injured.

Main thing is another 3 points.

I mean, come on, every fan up and down country, like to “Big up” their own team, whilst at the same time, try and “Put down” their next opponents, but I think these three went just a little bit too far with their views. So now, Luton have a bit of momentum, just because they scraped a draw at home to a poor wolves team. Whilst they were right about our first two goals at Brentford being from set pieces, although I do wonder was the first goal from a set piece, as the ball was cleared from a corner, retrieved and then played back into the area for a great knock down by Tarkowski and sublime finish by Doucoure. There was no mention about the battling performance by James Garner with his desire to win the ball back, then his superb pass for DCL to finish. There was no mention of our midfield having control of the game, the pressing, the defending or the effort shown by Everton last Saturday. There was no mention at all about a very similar performance against Villa the other night.

They did mention one or two players who could cause them problems, notably DCL (if he's fit, their words, not mine), maybe Beto and McNeil. No mention whatsoever about the likes of Garner or Branthwaite, two players they would undoubtedly like in their team. It seems they already have our team selected for tomorrow. Ashley Young is a certain starter at right back (?), simply because they have a speedy winger, and if he doesn't play, then it's Seamus Coleman, though they do recognise that he has been out injured for a while, but may have to come on with crutches! (Tongue in cheek, obviously)

As for their players, well obviously every one them mentioned I'd never heard of, except one. Seems Barkley has been out injured for a couple of games, so will probably start on the bench, and be used as an impact player. Spat me coffee out over that one!

The three stooges seem to think our off field troubles will be to their benefit. Did Brentford and Villa think the same? We're now the team with momentum, and I'm going for a comfortable 4-0 win.

Oh, and by the way, Kevin Sheedy dived to win the free kick for the equalising goal in the 85 semi final. Was it Sheedy who was fouled in the first place? And he's also apparently still involved in some sort of capacity at Everton! Bit of research needed there lads!!

Oh, and one more thing,.they seem to think that if we were to ever be relegated, then we would have trouble even filling a quarter of the new stadium. They don't know our loyalty, do they!

How many times have we been rolled over at home by teams below us? I would expect 3 points, but Luton will probably tag this as one of the games they can win.

I do believe we are turning the corner, a comfortable win on Sat will be the evidence. I hope Goodison roars. UTFT.

Pickford

Patterson
Tarkowski
Branthwaite
Young

McNeil
Garner
Onana
Harrison

Doucouré

Calvert-Lewin

Everton to win and keep the momentum going in the right direction.

With regards to Michael Keane, once he is surrounded by players with pace at the back, he can survive, be that Branthwaite this season or Zuma under Marco Silva.

Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Branthwaite Young
Garner Gueye Onana Dobbin
Doucouré
Beto

Have the cavalry coming on depending how the game is going with Calvert-Lewin, Harrison, McNeil and Danjuma waiting in the wings at the 60-minute mark.

We later signed him permanently thinking we might have found a world-beating winger. As it turned out we hadn't.

Highlights of the game on YouTube.

Apparently, prior to that game we had gone 3 games at Goodison without scoring (a good omen for the weekend perhaps?).

What we did against Villa's reserves will have no bearing against Luton.

If we played Villa again tomorrow with exactly the same line-ups and at the same venue, the scoreline might be completely different, for better or worse, because it's a different day and what happened on Wednesday has no bearing, quite apart from the lift it gave to the players and the supporters and a place in the next round.

Is it daft Barry? If what's gone before had no bearing, there'd be no such thing as odds on results. Every game would be even money on both teams to win and even money on the draw. Recent history and form has a great bearing on the "probable" outcome of a game.

We persist with this "daft comparison game" because we're human and are emotional. If we weren't, football wouldn't excite us so much. We wouldn't worry about Everton so much and rejoice when we win.

Don't eat so many humbugs, Barry, I don't think they agree with you. ;-)

That disrupts the balance of the side.

1) Bramley Moore,
2) Upstairs in St Luke's,
3) The fanzone.

You don't say how old your lad is hence me not recommending The Brick.

Hope you both enjoy your day.

Also, other things that make me laugh are when a team goes in for example 1-0 up at half-time but has missed enough chances to have scored 7 or 8, and the comment goes 'well, they could have been at least 5 up'. Yes, technically, however, if a second goal had gone in to make it 2-0, the rest of the game would have been different, the team going 2-0 down would have needed to kick off instead of perhaps it being a goal kick.

Lastly, I don't agree with saving our 'better' players until later in the game. Play the strongest team from the start, try to put the team in the strongest position, ie, winning comfortably, and then look at making changes.

For the deflected goal he didn't move his feet fast enough. If that would have been Tarks or Jarrad I'm pretty sure they would have got the block in and then on another occasion he gave the ball away in a dangerous area. Apart from that he was reasonably solid but for me he always has at least one or two dangerous mistakes in him every game.

As regards Luton this is a game where we should be confident but not complacent and the crowd need to be patient as it may take time to break down what will undoubtedly be a stubborn defense.

We haven't kept a clean sheet this season. This would be a good time to start.

We have options all over the pitch and we have to trust SD to get his team and the tactics right but for once we should have decent options off the bench.

What my point is and was, is that it doesn't really matter how strong the opponents were last Wednesday as it doesn't help anybody to correctly predict tomorrow's result. We hope we carry on with good form.

I don't care for humbugs!

a certain set of games in the late '70s, in the same competition, against the same side, stands wholly against your last paragraph!

Of course recent form matters. It's never a guarantee, and statistics say that the more Luton lose, the nearer they get to that eventual win etc. But to say it doesn't matter is to imply that City could still potentially get relegated. They could, but...

We are more likely to beat Luton than we were a few weeks back.

I thought Keane played well overall.

And I was greatly heartened by our team display. That Villa side was full of good players, but we made them look poor to average.

For example, that centre half Pau Torres. He's played around 170 times for Villarreal and 23 times for Spain. But we had him looking distinctly uncomfortable.

Steve back at #23, I love your optimism that you can do Paignton to Liverpool in 5 hours. The M6 can be a bit of a nightmare. Good luck.

Still, it was interesting to hear their views on us. To be fair, I think it was put together before Wednesday (brilliant support RH, thanks) but it was wryly amusing to hear that we are roughly on a par with the hatters in the relegation mix. The three wise men picked out Ashley Y as our weak-spot, wonder if Rob E (clearly their mate, how often was it "Rob" this and "Rob" that?) thinks the same.

Slight side-note: "USA USA, Get in the hole!". Five points ahead Uncle Sam! Enjoy Yanks!

You know what we're like

Brent, thanks for the heads up, I use the M53 too.

When I watch the footage of that semi final at Villa Park, I am more convinced that Peter Reid was fouled in the build up to their goal.

It didn't matter because Sheedy stepped up. Not his most spectacular, but he meant it and placed it to perfection. And then black eyed Mountfield caused a pitch invasion.

Yes, I know that means losing a midfielder but I think it could work.

No, I don't want to sacrifice what's working right now. If we could perhaps get comfortable lead (no laughing in back), we could put them together.

I'd think the two of them together "could" be a handful for any Premier League defense.

See what I did there… ;-)

Also play Garner in the middle, after his performance in his proper position against Villa, his tackling, passing and finish were a pleasure to watch, and Onana clicked with him also, why change him?

I've just done Horsham (West Sussex) to St Helens in 6½ hours so good luck with your 5 from Cornwall. Tbf, the M6 wasn't bad!

I would propose that they leave those particular statues there. Goodison Park is where they belong. Technically, they don't have much meaning at Bramley-Moore Dock. We need to create new heroes and memories in the new stadium.

I have forgotten exactly what the plan is regarding the development around Goodison Park, but I feel sure they could be included in any development to bring supporters/visitors back to see what has happened to the 'old' Goodison Park.

I assume loads of businesses will miss out on trade once we move, so in an ideal world, it would be great if we could incorporate the old with the new, perhaps an Everton Football Club Trail taking in all the relevant sites associated with Everton.

However, we also don't want to erase them from our memories as we need a nod to the past so I would erect replica versions at Bramley-Moore Dock – best of both worlds!

Both are great, so I'd move them, without hesitation, to BMD.
Now... the old second-hand programme shop on Goodison Road, that's another issue

Danny #84, sorry mate, I won't mention them again.

Andy #93, top man! I hope we don't disappoint and she brings us luck. Enjoy the game and visit.

All the outside space for congregating and the plazas and walkways around the ground, surely there's some real great spots for them?

I'm waiting to see what the club come up with, aslo regards to naming stands. The north, south, east & west need proper names are we keeping a Kendall end? Will there be homage to Goodison? It will be sad to lose all the names we've been used to, the Bullens, the Gwladys Street & Paddock but its an opportunity to pay homage too.

The Trinity Stand has a ring to it!

The Kenwright toilets with bills face on every urinal would be an idea.

But most of us go out of our way to not walk past that part of our history.

Mo Johnson got our equaliser that day. Of all people.

31 years ago - crazy.

Both sides left out 5 regular starters on Wednesday so, if we beat a weakened team, it was with a weakened team!

Better get a move on if you haven't!

Took my future son in law (an Aussie who thought he might have RS tendencies) to the friendly against Dynamo Kiev. Poor sod now sets his alarm at ridiculous hours of the night to keep up with the mighty blues.

Come on Ryan
COYB

I always leave flowers with my sons for my dad at every anniversary, Father's Day etc and many will feel the same. Maybe a replica of Dixie at Bramley-Moore Dock. My 8-year-old son said name the west stand after Dixie as it faces the Birkenhead side! Not a bad idea!

Yes. But I was in different parts of the grounds. But my initial memories of the 87 game will – unfortunately – be of be Les Sealy making a total twat of himself throughout the game and kicking a bucket of water over as the final whistle had gone and everyone – except him – being congratulated towards the Everton players.

Can't agree that Keane had a good game the other night.

For the deflected goal, he didn't move his feet fast enough. If that would have been Tarkowski or Jarrad I'm pretty sure they would have got the block in. And then on another occasion, he gave the ball away in a dangerous area. Apart from that he was reasonably solid.

Don't you remember his idiotic attempt to keep the ball to himself, halfway up the pitch on the right wing? If it wasn't for a great save by Jordan, that was a goal of his making. He only looked better at times because he had so much defensive back up.

As for the statues, I'd feel safer with them at Bramley-Moore Dock after some cretinous urchin defaced Dixie a few years ago. Believe me, the jealousy directed from the dark side when we move will be toxic, and knowing our beloved shrines and beautiful shiny stadium are tucked up behind 12ft walls and a tidal river will help me sleep easier.

1. 5-0 to the Blues 82-83. John Bailey beat Jake Findlay their goalie from his own half. Terry Curran had a blinder. Think we battered them away too.

2. Sheedy's bobbly freekick at Villa Park.

3. Degsy heading the winner with two black eyes from Mick Harford's elbows.

4. It's Lineker to chase and look at his pace!

5. Champions 87 with Reidy's dyed black hair.

The SoCal Evertonians meet at The Fox and Hounds in Studio City. Usually get a decent turnout even for the 7 am games.

Is LA where you're based or are you visiting? I'm halfway across the country in Kansas City but would love to meet up if you're ever this way mate.

I've mentioned many times, I'd rather refrain from naming the stands after former players and greats. I suggested Goodison, St Domingo and Rob came back with a suggestion of St Luke's, which I like.

Be original. We are 1878 The Originals.

I like the sound of the Trinity Stadium.

All of that means something to us. It's not living in the past. It's recognising and respecting it and giving those who take us to the future something to learn from.

Maybe it's time to put something in place to recognise the 80s team? Southall, Reid and the great one. I think they deserve recognition. Maybe something replicating that shot of the team with our (to date) only European trophy.

Anyway, the here and now. More of the same today, Blues. Be as positive and tenacious as you have been in the last two games. Players and supporters. Early days, but always good to climb the table.

Coyb, we have turned the long long corner!

As regard the stadium, I know it's not possible due to finance but I'd love it to be called The New Goodison Park! I just can't imagine not saying things like, "we'll beat them at Goodison" or "I'm going to Goodison next week, got my ticket yesterday. Fuckin obstructed view, probably but at least I'm there!"

I definitely think we should take the statues, like someone else said at least we know they're safe behind 12ft walls.

Onana for me had his best game and he with Garmer linked well and he seemed to thrive with more space.

But as long as Everton, turn up and win its an important 3 points plus get the 1st home win.

Agreed that Luton are a threat they have nothing to loose, let's hope Everton, take them out and get a lead by half time.

I'm torn regards the monuments at Goodison, it's part of the heritage of Goodison Park.

Iconic and does the club plan to move or keep them, where they are remains to be seen.

Next game counts, Everton belive and play with the freedom, you've shown this last week.

UTFTs!

It brings a link and a connection to the past that will make every fan who goes to the new stadium feel like they belong and are at home. The spirit Everton nurtured, like taking the Olympic flame from one location to another.

For similar reasons I think the statue should be moved and in a central plaza at the new stadium. Those three players would want to be in the thick of it. Everyone who goes there will want a photo, it's an artwork that brings pride and joy.

St. Domingo stand

Goodison stand

St. Luke's stand

Prince Rupert stand.

Four names from which we carry the legacy of Goodison Park over to BMD.

Anyone who wouldn't understand or see the significance of these names, simply only has to Google them and see how important they are to our clubs history.

I wouldn't mind one of the stands being Howard Kendall Stand. But maybe also appropriate if the members bar is called Kendall's Bar.

Bitter blues ? Don't make me laugh ! We are not in their league when it comes to unhealthy obsession. I visited Prince Rupert's Tower a few weeks back and the graffiti left there, not to mention the strategically thrown bags of dog crap left me under no illusion who the bitter types in our city are.

The Tony Kay stand. Make it happen

Reading this thread, has got me reminiscing about the teachers at school who used to tell us to grow up? What for sir, what is there to grow up for? I'd sooner forfeit the little bit of knowledge gained - to be rid of my aches and pains, singing We Shall Not Be Moved!

P.S………Michael won't be happy about the Matchday thread being turned into a BMD thread! 😁😁😁

3-1 to Everton today. COYB

These 2 games will go a long way to see what type of season we are going to have in my opinion. Dyche will surely see the opportunity these 2 games give us to kick on.
I'm saying clean sheet 3-0 Branthwaite to score. Worth a £10
COYB

I'm not implying anyone is racist, that would be absurd. Your Penny Lane example is a good one because it shows how that history is deeply engrained in the everyday world we live in.

Simliarly, it's a fact that the name St Domingo is linked to the history of slavery. Attitudes and beliefs from that period of history still contribute to stereotypes that organizations like Kick It Out aim to get rid of in football. If the club used the name again in any form, I think it would need to find a way to acknowledge the history that comes with it.

I think acknowledgement of the link and trying to find a way of talking about it thoughtfully would be a plus for the club.

The city has the slave trade embedded, intertwined, in it. It's not hard to see. Just like London and other places.

I agree London and many other places have these links, I'd just never seen them made in relation to St Domingo. The question for me is that its one thing when places were named in the past in a very different context, l but do we want to be naming new places/stands that evoke 'horrible histories'?

Anyway Mr Dyche go for it like we did first half against Villa.

COYB

Re Penny Lane; the Liverpool International Slavery Museum has found no link to the slave trader James Penny.

Maybe this idea won't catch on ;)