Crystal Palace vs Everton

After the cup game, we have got 10 days until our next Premier League match, I think I would be tempted to give Dobin and Djanuma a run on the flanks, rest McNeil and Harrison, and possibly have Calvert-Lewin on the bench and start with both Beto and Chermiti; I would not risk Doucouré.

Then we should be up to speed for the Aston Villa game, fully refreshed and charged.

The next game is almost always the most important, so play your best eleven from the start and let's get back to basics.

That must include Doucouré if he is close, not sure about Chermiti, Dobbin, and Danjuma.

Many of our starting eleven looked knackered from the start today. They have given everything in recent weeks but today the well ran dry.

Sticking to exactly the same group for another game in five days will very likely produce the same outcome, another defeat. Bringing a few new faces with something to prove into the team at Palace might just freshen up the performance level.

Pickford
Coleman Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Onana Garner
Dobbin Gomes Danjuma
Beto

Both Onana and Garner looked tired, but with Gana out we are desperately short at centre-midfield. We've got to be looking for a loan on Monday. Thelwell will have to trade Godfrey to get some wriggle room.

No player should walk on to Goodison Park to the sound of Z-Cars and be tired. Every Blue who posts here would run till they drop.

Sean Dyche and his team will do the same.

I want to stay up. I want to win the cup. We can do both.

McNeil looking after his sick girlfriend, Dele Alli buggered his groin again, Onana and Branthwaite carrying knocks etc… Sometimes we are too quick to rush to judgement, me included.

We have a minuscule squad (talent-wise) so only a few injuries is enough to knock us off our stride. Let’s hope these next few days rest will see these lads back to their best.

I would like to see anyone telling any of those 4,000 face to face that the FA Cup doesn't matter, or you're not bothered. I wouldn't like to be in their shoes if they had the nerve to do it!

A good cup run boosts the morale of the supporters and the players.

An early cup exit would do the opposite.

Surely the whole point of having a squad of players is to be able to utilise them, but most of our substitutions are always the same. Beto comes on for Calvert-Lewin, Danjuma comes on for Harrison, other than for injuries.

I don't know what Sean Dyche's record was like at Burnley for his use of subs or giving youngsters some minutes, but he seems quite reticent to change things and often the changes come to late to change the game.

Despite this season being better than last points-wise until the Premier League deducted 10 points from us, we have still to win a game once we have gone behind.

I remember Everton being fined for playing a weakened team in the league game before the 1966 FA Cup semi-final.

Of course I'm not stupid, I know there will soon be new owners coming into our football club, and this will be followed by Everton finally moving into a stadium that is befitting of our motto. But isn't it about time we started adhering to our motto, now that the man who completely changed the narrative – in every single way, but with romantic words – is no longer here to split the fanbase?

Besides “Mystic Meg”, who thought we would win the cup in 1995? I remember being amongst five or six thousand Evertonians, at Ashton Gate, one dreary Sunday in January, watching Everton getting battered by Bristol City, then, out of the blue, Matt Jackson hit a screamer and us Toffees never stopped screaming until Dave Watson picked up the famous trophy against the famous Man Utd. Remembering the song of that day – any Evertonian who is not interested in winning the cup should just fuck off! imo.

I'm getting off this website for a bit. I hope to come back on when the clocks go forward – and Everton are still in the cup. 🤞

Sean hasn’t got a lot to choose from all over the pitch but Dobbin should always be used especially in the last quarter of the game and not just on the wing but right across the line,

There's a few players who might benefit from a start like Beto, Danjuma and Gomes but hopefully we are going to take it very seriously.

Well, we are being forced to accept mediocrity at the moment, on the field, because that's what we have mostly got. But Sean Dyche is using that mediocrity to the best of his ability and getting some surprising results out of them.

Not surprisingly injuries have taken their toll in the last couple of games but I believe Dyche will get them regrouped in the New Year and we will get enough points to stay up.

That's all we can hope for at the present time. None of us want this mediocrity, it's here because of the way the club has been run for a long time. with the new ground, new owners and new ideas not far away, we can start the slow but necessary move back to being a properly run business and club.

By the way, you won't stay off ToffeeWeb ‘til Spring – you can't bleedin' help yourself, like plenty of us!!

I ended up playing for both Liverpool schoolboys and The Stanfield, with Vinny Scott, and hearing The Last Post always makes me sad and reminds me of my childhood football friend who was blown to pieces in Northern Ireland a few years after we had spent an absolutely wonderful weekend in that great place doing the things we loved most.

This is my last post, and because it's clear (to me) that Everton won't be fighting relegation, right until the bitter end this season, then I believe we should be putting all our energy into winning the cup. You know it makes sense really, so get your head up straight, think logically, and banish the thoughts of constantly worrying about relegation, because this only makes us put our head down, imo.

Contradiction is a word that constantly amazes me, so get yer heads down, Everton, and then lift them up with pride, when the hard work pays off. I love Everton, with every single fibre of my body, but I don't love what way too many Evertonians are willing to accept anymore.

Well, we'll all have to think what we think, yet still be Evertonians, whether we go home and away, go to home, watch as many as they can on the telly, or listen on the radio.

My view is that, above all, I want to see our club when they run onto the pitch down at the Bramley Moore, be in the Permiership. I don't see it it as accepting mediocrity.

I certainly don't think I'm accepting mediocrity, by wanting every player we've got, available for as many league games as possible for the next five months. These months and the games we've got left are what decide our fate,

No wonder that T.at Klopp wanted 5 subs from a bench of nearly another team. They, and at least another half dozen can put almost two 1st teams on the pitch. We are lucky if we have our full first choice team, available every week.

Accepting mediocrity? I don't see it like that.

I've been going the match since the fifties and during that time, I've seen way to much mediocrity! We've had much of the sixties where we had very little of mediocrity, in fact we had had a magical period in the sixties til, in my humble opinion, Catterick buggered it up. We had the very early 70's...then mediocrity, plenty of it, til Howard gave us magic again in the mid 80's and that went all too soon.

Joe got us the Cup in 95.

I remember being at the final against Chelsea and our surrender.

I don't want to go on after that, except to repeat what that useless (and I'm being kind!) Chairman said to us "We've had some good times!"

What we;ve got now? From what I've seen McNeil looks knackered, Calvert-Lewin looks off the pace, How many goals has he scored this season since he's comer back Patterson is a good lad but is the weak link in our defence, as he's got a lot to learn. Seamus? is he able to play a run of games? Keane?? whole hearted but!!

Chermiti, Danjuma, Beto, well I like them all, but are they ready for the first team for a run of games.

I don't see this next five months as accepting mediocrity, I've had way too much of that. What I want to see is every first-team player possible, ready to play in as many of the remaining league matches as possible.

We saw what it's like with Doucouré and Seamus missing. Any one of our first-team players missing and we're a weakened team.

I'll willingly accept mediocrity if it improves our chances of playing in the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock and still being in the Premier League!

Sadly I've had to listen to The Last Post too many times as we put the boys on the back of a Chinook Helicopter or Hercules aircraft in a wooden box on a near weekly basis to send them home from Afghanistan. Very sobering but, as the military saying goes, you turn to the right and crack on.

Your reference to your mate in Northern Ireland reminds of when we were on a helicopter back from South Armagh. We diverted to pick up a young Infantry man who had been shot in the chest. As the medics desperately tried to save him on the way to Newry hospital, we were mopping up his blood with blue roll. He didn't make it. I never knew his name. We headed back to get ready for the next job.

Rob, for once, I won't have your journey as opposed to when I attend Goodison. But bang on. Don't tell the thousands that the cup doesn't matter.

Stoke almost 40 years to the date when we were struggling and Howard Kendall's now legendary method of opening the windows and telling the players to not let the near 10,000 travelling supporters down.

From the depths of despair at the home match against Coventry in December, we finished 7th and won our first trophy in 14 years.

Anything is possible. Go to win every game, Everton. None of this modern "it doesn't matter" shite. Every game matters.

We are definitely missing Doucoure right now.

On to Selhurst Park.

I would have them both on the bench if needed, but I would certainly try Danjuma and Dobbin on both flanks, some fresh legs, if anyone thinks that is surrendering the cup, as far as I can see it is making use of the squad, it's hardly 16-year-old rookies we would be throwing in, both have played in the league.

I would certainly start with Coleman, to give him some much-needed game time, we have some players waiting to come in and get a chance, now is the time to make a couple of adjustments, see if any of those coming in can do a job, that's not saying I do not want a cup run, of course I do, for me it's about rotating the team and bringing in similar players to try and get the job done.

If it is not going to plan, there is always a chance to bring McNeil, Harrison off the bench, if plan a is working leave them on the bench and save them for the Villa game.

Now I cannot see any harm in trying a few fresh legs, utilising the squad, not too many changes, but enough to have a chance of getting a result..

Pickford
Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko
Dobbin, Garner, Onana, Danjuma
Gomes,
Calvert-Lewin or Beto

A few tweaks but I think the above could give a good account of themselves, Gomes playing just behind the striker, and giving options on the bench if needed.

They could get crocked in any number of league games.

Go out to win every match with your best starting 11 available.

We could rest players against Palace and then they go and get injured against Villa in the league.

I want to win the FA Cup — as will 4,000 of us at Selhurst Park this week.

Everton star Dwight McNeil's secret struggle as partner details major surgery in emotional message

Apologies if this has already been posted elsewhere.

They are not robots.

See you Thursday in that cesspit of a ground with McNeil getting the winner.

Best wishes to Dwight and his partner. God bless and god speed.

With a small squad, and not a lot in reserve, then the longer the season goes on, the worse it's going to get.

“It gives us a bit more time on the training pitch to work on other things. Hopefully we get a couple of players back in that time, which would be nice.

"Also, it’s a month where we can go and win games. If we beat Crystal Palace in the cup we get another round at the end of the month so we have the opportunity to go and win.

“It definitely feels like we’ve made big strides in this year for me. Definitely stronger, the team seems to be in a much better place. The club seems to be in a better place. There is definitely a unified feel between everyone at the club so we’re definitely in better shape than at the start [of 2023].”

Thousands of fans traveling down there on a ridiculous Thursday night in early January.

They've got to put in a big shift, we've a long 10 day break before Villa so no excuses.

The time has come to give Dobbin more playing time. He is 23 on Wednesday, nearly 8 months older than Amadou Onana. Dyche needs to find out this month if Lewis can contribute more than the occasional cameo in the rest of the season. If he can’t the player needs a loan move. At his age spending most of his time on the bench will not be helping his development.

I would play our strongest available team v Palace. Let's get the winning spirit back asap.

I wonder if Palace might rest a few? Olise and Eze preferably.

Dyche would have to balls the size of watermelons to play that team! I'm not sure he will. :)

For me, McNeil needs to be given a little bit of passionate leave for the cup game, let him spend some time at the side of his girlfriend.

Everyone knows my current favourite player is McNeil, so I for one would certainly look at letting him recharge his batteries, the guy gives everything, four quick game turnarounds take it out on players, more so wingers who are up and down the pitch, if not attacking, then defending.

I just think the guy could do with sitting the cup game out, and yes there is a 10-day grace after that, but you have to question what a fifth game so quick would do to the player, especially now not being able to switch off.

By all means demand our strongest 11; me personally, I would make a few tweaks with fresh legs: McNeil and Harrison, rested with Dobbin and Danjuma filling in out wide.

If Gomes is not in the plans, mad as it may seem, I would look to push Michael Keane just behind a striker. Laugh all you want, but I think Michael Keane could do a job just outside their penalty area… that's if Doucouré is still missing.

Olise is injured and won't be playing.

I agree with you, I am a big fan of McNeil. Great delivery and not shy of a goal or two. Enjoys his football and gives everything regardless as to whether it comes off or not. You can also see he is popular with the other players.

Always difficult. We see many occasions, not just in football, but life, when faced with challenging situations we make decisions. For some, they need to step back. Others need to stay focussed.

I am sure that Dwight, with the support of his family and Everton, will make the decision that's best for him.

More so, the current dynamic has seen Everton play very well in 3 out of 4 games, where they could easily have won 2 and at least drawn with Man City but bad fortune and cack officials and the VAR saw to it.

Wolves was an off day.

Rebuild momentum for a strong start to 2024, starting v Palace.

UTFTs!

Leicester City did beat Chelsea to lift the FA Cup in 2021, the only time in the last five seasons that a club from outside of that select group has even made it to the final.

The last cup final that didn't have a team from that select group in the final was in 2008 when Portsmouth beat Cardiff City.

The odds on Everton lifting the trophy aloft in May are very much against it happening. It would be nice, it would be fantastic, but I suspect that one of the serial winners will in all likelihood be once again parading the trophy around Wembley.

Given that Spurs haven't appeared in a final since 1991, I'd put an imaginary fiver on them lifting the trophy in May, only because they are a half-decent team, and their manager is the type who might be able to steer that club through to the final.

During my time of watching Everton, unfashionable teams that have lifted the cup, include, Sunderland, West Ham (2) Southampton, Ipswich Town, Coventry, Wimbledon, Portsmouth, Wigan and Leicester City. So that equates to an 'unfashionable' team lifting the cup about once every 5 years, since 1973.

Since the formation of the Premier League that number increases to about a once in every 10 years event.

Romance of the cup? It doesn't exist, if it ever truly did.

For all the travelling Blue Army making the trip, safe travels and see you all there.

A terrible ground to get to. Especially for those on coaches.

Let's be loud and proud amongst the fake Italian ultras.

Remember Stoke. Open the dressing room windows, Sean Dyche.

You can keep the FA Cup… but it would be nice to win it though.

It would be nice if those of us at the game tomorrow could show him our support by giving him a round of applause on 7 minutes, whether he's playing or not, and irrespective of whether you're a fan of his or not, the man is a class human being and one of us.

35 years ago, Everton were in the top 5 of semi-finalists as history proves. Since then, Everton's FA Cup pedigree has slumped year on year.

But tomorrow, I believe Everton will get over this Beechers Brook in terms of a fence challenge and await the luck of the draw for the 4th Round.

Arsenal will see off Liverpool, providing they get an exorcism of their stadium before the match.

In 1981, Imre Varadi and Peter Eastoe beat Old Nick at the Old Lady, a great day in very difficult times for the club and communities – no one expected Everton to win.

Those were the days.

UTFTs!

Wow there's two names from the past Imre Varadi and Peter Eastoe, a player who I admired greatly. He was a bit of an unsung non-glory hunter. His ability to control the ball wouldn't go amiss on some of our present players.

I know it's a different ball these days, but even so! By the way not sure if it has been mentioned but we are on ITV 4 tonight for our encounter with Palace.

COYB 💙💙👍

I dare you to justify your attitude and that team to the thousands of us who will be at Selhurst Park, including good old Rob, who lay the mantle down. You won't, of course, because you don't have to.

It's dead easy online, isn't it?

Doucouré back would be a crucial lift as he enables us to play our strongest formation and his energy in the middle is hard to replace.

Big worry for me is the form of Calvert-Lewin. I predicted this season that, if he was mostly fit, he'd get 15 goals for us. He only has 4 so far, with only 3 in the league, from an xG of over 7 which simply put means he is not scoring nearly as many as he should.

His all-round game has also dropped off in the last few games. Not sure if it's a confidence thing or physical struggles but we need him to do better. Or Beto.

A good performance please to put to bed the dross from last weekend behind us.

COYB

For the sceptics out there, think about how the FA Cup kick-started our season in early 1984 in what was previously a pretty grim situation.

Think how we felt in 1995 and we looked as if we could rise again, attracting Kanchelskis.

On to Selhurst Park. Have no fear, Everton. Kickstart the season and take that momentum into the league and next round.

Here we go.

I actually think there will be more than 4,000 of us there as Palace haven't sold out.

He is now in the position that he has to prioritise the Premiership. Where had he managed the four previous fixtures better he would have been in a different situation now.

Everton could be back in the relegation zone in January.

I have seen enough of Gomes to know he doesn't do enough.Nice on the eye but not really effective at either end of the pitch.

I would also stick with Patterson, the lad needs minutes and a bit of confidence. The coaches should be working him hard on the training ground, his defensive work is child like at times but he is showing improvement.

Go there sit tight then grow into the game. We can't play expansive stuff.

Pickford
Patterson tarky jarred Myko
O'Neil Garner onana Harrison
Beto
DCL

Coyb.

Like others I obviously am desperate for success in the league but should that come at a cost of possible success and revenue in the cup and further disappointment for travelling fans tonight? I don't think so myself...

We can then get in a couple of loans, a freebie and a £5m signing, surely.

It could be a game with both teams holding players back with the Premier League more important to both clubs.

My other hope is that whosoever pulls on the (grey?) jersey tonight knows what this means to the fans, and that they give their all, especially given the sacrifices our fans make to get to these god-awful places where there is little chance of getting home until the sun is rising in the East.

If we can somehow pull off a victory tonight, it would do wonders for our morale, players and fans alike. I really like the quote from Tarkowski, and although he needs a rest like several others, I feel he has become indispensable in our defence and hope Dyche plays him tonight.

The FA Cup should never been discarded lightly by a club that hasn't won a trophy for 28 years.

We can't worry about tiredness, they will have a 10-day rest before the Villa game after tonight so it's important that we apply ourselves in the right manner tonight.

Losing becomes a habit in the same way winning does, and a win tonight could just give everyone that timely shot in the arm after a few disappointing results. On the other side of the coin, a defeat brings more negative feelings.

Let's hope they can go out there and put in a big effort.

Best team playing every match to win.

I think Dyche would have to have a brain like a watermelon to play Bobbie's team!

We have a threadbare squad as it is and selling the likes of Gomes and Godfrey just doesn't make sense.

My sentiments too.

I've never understood this tiredness excuse in football.

90 minutes when you are a normal fella playing as a hobby twice a week in between putting a shift in at work, fair enough, tiredness can be used.

But these are super fit athletes where everything they do, everywhere they go, is laid on a gold plate for them, they travel business class, they fly to venues in the UK for heaven's sake.

I can't imagine tiredness being a factor when we've had a 5-day break since Wolves and a 10-day break before Villa.

I want Everton to progress in the FA Cup as much as I want them to stay in the Premier League.

Every game is key and we should aim to win as many as possible.

UTFT

Then someone put up a case explaining (might have been Sam H or Robert T) the fatigue issues and I found it quite convincing.

However, I don't think that many of our players feel the same about our club as we do (kissing the badge is toe-curling). For us, Z-Cars and the shirt would banish tiredness.

Going out of the FA Cup in the 3rd Round without a fight should not be an option so go to win the game; at the very least, do not lose. I believe we can do that and bounce back after the poor show at Wolves.

We need to see a performance, the fans deserve it, the Premier League need another reminder of who we are, and this cup final - trophy drought must be put behind us.

If this is a new improved Everton then I want to see it carry on past 4 January. UTT!

To be eliminated from cup competition is not a good thing and we need to get away from the mindset that we are a club that can pass up the domestic cups when any hope of European football is not likely to be forthcoming by league position.

The Carabao Cup loss to Fulham last month initially really annoyed me, because it was a massive opportunity; yes, it would have taken a herculean effort to beat that lot over two legs but you never know unless you get to that stage.

Problem is we're knackered. That doesn't mean as pros they can't run around, but they'll be lacking that extra 5% (?) that 7 days rest gets you.

I definitely don't want Doucouré risked tonight; has Gueye gone to the African Nations Cup? He is another I wouldn't risk tonight.

Maybe it's the training making them tired? How about less chasing cones in the fastest time when we have a busy run of games, and more shooting, passing and defending practice.

I remember players being rested in the past, only for them to then get injured in training. If there's a risk for a player, then stick them on the bench or rest them. If you're fit, you're in.

Or maybe it is the small threadbare squad hit by two,or three injuries which showed how much we are depleted with even one injury, I don't want to risk any more injuries or bringing back players before they are ready.

What you say is true; however, Everton also had a Quarter-Final game against Fulham, which ended in disappointment on 19 December, plus the league games were away to Spurs and at home to Man City.

I think it's more to do with mental tiredness than physical tiredness, that causes the standards to dip during such busy periods. The Wolves manager asked for a delay of the Everton match and his team that faced the Blues on 30 December were inspired and motivated by the death of one of their teammate's parents.

It is a different story for Wolves, whose players paid tribute to the absent Mario Lemina by holding up the shirt of the midfielder who was missing following the death of his father. A show of togetherness from a team now closer to the top four than the bottom three. source: Sky Sports

Onana's penalty miss may have changed the season for Everton, in more ways than one.

To play a weakened team because you think the fixture is not worth giving 100% effort is a slap in the face to the supporters – especially to those traveling to the game. Winning regains confidence; losing gets a negative effect.

Living 4,000 miles away does not lower the emotions I get watching Everton play and I want them to win every game, and I want every player to be fully fit to play in every game.
I have booked a trip back home in April and can't wait to see them at Goodison Park.

I don't think there's anything to worry about regarding the players who play. I also don't really care if we go out of the cup – the league is the priority. If we go down, we're screwed.

Winning a cup would be nice but would do nothing for us financially.

I'm on my way across to Selhurst Park to be amongst the 4,000.

I know there will be the likes of you and countless others watching from around the globe, some at ridiculous hours.

We only have to read the words of John Moores.

We are not travelling or waking up with the mindset of throwing the towel in.

Apart from that we have been quite rubbish. We were totally pathetic against Wolves. We also have our injury woes.

Through this season there will be patches were we will win and play well and lose as well. At the end, our aim should be to finish as high as possible and keep distance from relegation.

Unfortunately we don't have that option. It's for the player to choose.

It would be good if Dyche could use all of our allowed subs tonight.

Can a club stop a player from representing his country?

They have 10 days off afterwards.

They have masseurs and dietary experts and people analysing their every emission, so they are pampered and prepared beyond belief.

And you're right about the fans and the emotions stirred when backing Everton. My dad, your namesake with whom you played table tennis in Clubmoor in the 1950s when you both probably had teddy boy quiffs and brothel creepers, is now basically housebound, but still in Liverpool L9, and his connection with and passion for Everton is undiminished.

He will be going mental tonight watching us on ITV, so come on Blues and give us a lift after that miserable Wolves game where we looked absolutely bloody terrible.

There was talk a few years back about Liverpool stopping Salah playing in the Afcon for Egypt, and the same rules would have applied as they do for an injured player that doesn't go to the tournament: any player selected who refuses to go or is injured and can't go, they still can't play till their country is knocked out.

As for tonight's match... a 2-2 methinks.

Our magnificent away support deserve a decent showing from our lads tonight, whoever is in our team. If not, before we know it, it'll be 30 years without silverware.

His words, not mine.

You can't stop a player as far as I'm aware.

That's the same as stopping a player going to the Euros or the World Cup. Just because it's the Afcon, people seem to think it's meaningless and the club can do whatever they like to stop players going – it's not the case.

Hi, John, as I mentioned, I will be back in Liverpool for 2 weeks in April. If your name is in the phone book, I will try to reach you, I would like to meet your Dad.

It's not about a weakened team or essentially throwing this game; just about giving any that need it a break whenever we can.

It's rubbish to say it's just about 90 minutes of effort. You can't separate these 90 minutes out of the cumulative effort already put in during the season in both games and training sessions. Sensible supporters will realise that. If this squad is decimated with 3 games to go and needing to win to avoid relegation then the complaints will all be about poor management.

I want effort and competition tonight, but if it is a starting 11 that reflects the main focus is on the league then I won't have any complaints if we don't prevail against useful (but patchy) opponents.

COYB!

If this game was played Saturday or Sunday instead, I would fully back playing as near our strongest squad as possible being played.

I still stand by giving Coleman, Danjuma and Dobbin a start, along with Beto, with options on the bench if needed.

We simply cannot risk another key player picking up an injury, let some of the players recover from fatigue, at least then we have 10 days to be ready for the Villa game, or the very least bring a couple of loan signings in.

I fully understand there will be thousands attending the game, but we simply cannot risk not rotating to please us fans, it's not weakening the team, players like Coleman, Danjuma and Dobbin are experienced players, why not use our squad depth?

That's not throwing the towel in, or accepting going out of the cup; players given a chance have a point to prove. I would rather try a couple who will be working their socks off to make an impression, than someone who might be running on fumes after 25 minutes.

Just in case you didn't know, they can also get injured in league games and even in training. Strongest possible team is required tonight!

However, they would likely be the first team – (I think?) to be fined, either financially if they lose, and probably eliminated if they were to win on the grounds of subversive activities.

Shit, I need therapy – this cynicism is killing my interest in football…

We did win the penalty shootout at Stamford Bridge in 2011.

Nothing up with that team, with the likes of Calvert-Lewin, Harrison, McNeil, Patterson on the bench if needed.

Coleman
Branthwaite
Tarkowski
Mykolenko

Garner
Onana

Dobbin right
McNeil centre
Danjuma left

Beto

Subs: Gomes, Godfrey, Calvert-Lewin, Harrison, Keane can all come on for the last 30 minutes to give breathers.

Absolutely spot on. Dyche must play what he feels is his strongest possible team. Anything else will be a slap in the face to those of us who have waited patiently for 29 years.

It will be more like a punch in the face for younger Blues who have never seen their team lift a trophy.

Jesus, it's a game of football that apparently they are trained and paid handsomely to compete in, it's not a trek across the bleeding Sahara — enough of the mollycoddling already!!!

On my side of things I am simply suggesting using the squad depth, bring in Coleman, Dobbin, Danjuma and Beto, make use of fresh legs and players pushing for a start, you can still make subs with a strong bench.

But if those brought in do a job, then why risk key players starting.

We looked tired in the Fulham cup game later on, to be honest, why not try some fresh legs, if anything happens to McNeil, Harrison or Calvert-Lewin, they would be the players to bring in for our next league game anyway.

I just do not get people thinking people are not bothered about the cup, of course they are.

It's just the fact we have to play this game 2 days earlier normally than we would have to play, the extra 2 days would have given us at least a fair crack, for me the game has come around too early and game management will hopefully come into play tonight.

Paul, yes, there is a 10-day rest after this, the problem lies with a fifth game on such a short turnaround and having to play 2 days earlier than we normally would play a 3rd Round tie.

When I say I'm not bothered about cups, it's in the context of staying in the Premier League over winning a cup.

Managers with crap squads have jumped on the bandwagon enjoying the shot to nothing opportunity it presents. A win sees them basking in the false light of genius a loss doesn't matter – it was only cup.

It's where I feel totally removed from the game because I'd give an organ to see us to win a cup at Wembley again.

I actually think we will struggle even with a full-strength team, but will have no chance with a load of reserves.

I would think that, as we have less possession than the opposition in most games, then naturally we will be more likely to concede penalties.

As we have so little possession, we are also less likely to be awarded them.

We are also near the top of "shots blocked", ditto hands being hit and own goals being deflected in.

We also won the 2009 Wembley Semi-Final vs Man Utd (on penalties). Maybe we can only win penalty shoot-outs if they are in London…

You feel removed from the game because you can’t understand the reasoning behind husbanding limited resources?

No one is ever going to ask you to donate any part of your body to magic a trophy for EFC. My organs are reserved for saving people’s lives. Everton can trade them for silverware when I’ve finished with them and if no one needs them.

I was lucky enough to go to every round in '66 and it was magic. I know everyone who has ever been to a final understands that.

This season, I don't believe it is a matter of not being bothered. This season, we've been docked 10 points and we don't know if we'll get any back, and if so, when, or how many.

Would I feel better if we go out tonight? What I'll feel is a huge sense of relief if we get no injuries, and no yellow or red cards.

It's all about priorities to me. Someone has posted "Would we feel better if we go out tonight, if we put out a weakened team?" I don't know about 'better'. I'll feel relieved if we go out and have a full squad available for the next Premier League match.

The priority is to have as many players available for the next league match, not the cup.

We have a tiny squad, with not much in the way of swapping around if injuries or suspensions hit.

I want to see us have every chance possible to go to the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock while we are still in the Premier League.

It wasn't aimed at any particular individual or I would've addressed them. Quite honestly, I hadn't read the whole thread when I posted; no need.

It just gets a bit old to read it every time there's a cup tie. Of course we're low in the table, of course there's a chance of injury.

Imagine we got to semi-final stage and then fielded a weakened team due to fighting in the table. I wonder how that would fly. Not that I'd want to do a Wigan, but...

As Barry above alludes, I guess it all comes down to one's view between business-esque resource management versus sport. I just see it as, we're in the FA Cup.

yYou're right about the 10 points (however the penalty finally plays out) but our magical 4-game Fuck-You response has left us with a workable chance. :-)

No previous season have I been in favour of perhaps dialling it down a bit in the Cup competitions.

I’d consider it professionalism for a professional sports club to be run with more attention to resource management than you’d get in Sunday league or a knockabout with your work colleagues.

I’m not sure why you are clinging to Barry’s point of view. He is never going to be asked to trade one of his organs for any Everton victory and we all know it.

Is that a winking smiley face at the end of your other post? Even kids will have worked out by now that, despite the media announcements, you cannot wipe out a points deficit simply by winning games. You are still 10 points less well off (and currently just above relegation places).

UTFT!