Season › 2024-25 › News Leicester City vs Everton Lyndon Lloyd 19/09/2024 114comments | Jump to last Match Preview Idrissa Gueye will be absent again this weekend due to a family bereavement Everton's quest for their first points of the season takes them to Leicester this weekend for a fixture that has already taken in outsize significance following the Blues' dreadful start to the season. With four straight Premier League defeats to start the campaign and the worst record of any team in Europe's top five leagues being compounded by the hugely disappointing exit in the Carabao Cup on penalties to Southampton, Sean Dyche's tenure is arguably at its lowest ebb since he took charge of the Club at the end of January 2023. And the manager's attempts to steady the ship and find that elusive first win that would massively improve the mood are not helped by the fact that his aleady small squad continues to be stretched, although he looks likely to be able to welcome at least three players back from those that missed Tuesday's cup tie. James Tarkowski came through training today without a reaction to the minor injury that meant he was left out of the Carabao Cup defeat to Southampton and both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Vitalii Mykolenko appear to over their illnesses. Article continues below video content However, Dyche explained in his pre-match press conference that James Garner was still absent from training with the same bug and Jack Harrison left the session early after feeling unwell which makes him a doubt for the weekend. Meanwhile, Idrissa Gueye will miss the game as well following the death of his father. That will leave the Blues short in central midfield where Orel Mangala has just one game under his belt since joining from Lyon. Elsewhere in defence, Michael Keane has undergone a scan on an unspecified injury after the Southampton match and Seamus Coleman is now set for an extended spell on the sidelines as he continues to be treated for an ankle problem that was more serious than initially hoped. If the former is ruled out, it would mean a Premier League debut for Jake O'Brien, with Ashley Young the obvious choice to play righrt-back despite another encouraging display from Roman Dixon on Tuesday evening. There is light at the end of the tunnel where Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson are concerned, however, with both set to feature for the Under-21s this weekend as they take their final steps in their rehabilitation following surgery. A comprehensive update on squad fitness and availability from the boss ahead of #LEIEVE. pic.twitter.com/O2trF76sdD — Everton (@Everton) September 19, 2024 This will be the first meeting between Everton and Leicester since the 2-2 draw between the two clubs in May last year, a result that proved decisive in terms of the relegation battle that year. Jordan Pickford's penalty save that night that prevented James Maddison from putting the Foxes into a 3-1 lead and paved the way for Alex Iwobi to equalise. Though the likes of Maddison have moved on, Leicester have a number of familiar faces in their ranks, not least Jamie Vardy who, despite being 37, is still scoring break-away goals like the one he scored at Crystal Palace last weekend in a 2-2 draw. They still have a number of players from their last season in the top flight, Wilfried Ndidi, Wout Faes, James Justin and Patson Daka among them together with ex-Tottenham midfelders Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp and ex-Everton defender Conor Coady. Steve Cooper's side held Spurs to a draw on the opening day and ran Aston Villa close despite losing 2-1 in their last home game so they won't be the pushovers Evertonians would hope they might be as a newly-promoted outfit. Key for Dyche will be trying to find some semblance of defensive solidity in a team that has had none so far this season while also fashioning a line-up from those available capable of scoring goals and winning the game. Kick-off: 3pm, Saturday 21 September, 2024Referee: Darren EnglandVAR: Michael Salisbury Predicted line-up: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, O'Brien, Mykolenko, Mangala, Doucoure, Lindstrom, McNeil, Ndiaye, Calvert-Lewin Live Forum Reader Comments (114) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Tony Abrahams 1 Posted 19/09/2024 at 15:17:27 I can personally see a way around the midfield problem but the lack of good fit and available defenders is a massive problem Not many people were sad when Benitez got the sack, because his small squad suffered with injuries and not many people will feel bad if Dyche also gets the sack for the same reason.Everton are a top level club, in name only, and its nothing short of a disgrace the way we have been managed on and off the field for years Ajay Gopal 2 Posted 19/09/2024 at 15:17:59 Wow, this is worse than what I thought. Will we even have recognisable back 4 - especially if Tarkowski and Keane are out?Calvert-LewinMcNeil Ndiaye HarrisonIroegbunam Mangala Young Mykolenko O'Brien DixonPickfordSubs: Virginia, Beto, Lindstrom, Armstrong, 5 kids3 points, easy! Jay Harris 3 Posted 19/09/2024 at 15:33:11 Ajay's team except Tarkowski in for Young. I would have preferred Gana and Garner to be fit for this one so we could beef up the midfield.Hope and pray for 3 points however unlikely. Fred Quick 4 Posted 19/09/2024 at 15:45:23 Everton Extra put out on their X account today:Sean Dyche: “I remember beating Liverpool, everyone was jumping for joy. I wasn't, I went back to my flat and went to sleep.”Well, Sean, I have watched most of the Everton games since you have been in charge, either in the flesh or on TV, and I almost fall asleep waiting for something good to happen.And when the game is over, I have many sleepless nights worrying about the next fixture and where Everton will finish in the table. At least you can claim to be a calm person in the face of adversity, whilst all and sundry connected to Everton are worrying themselves stupid. Dale Self 5 Posted 19/09/2024 at 16:24:03 Uh, I think he is stating that there was heavy challenges ahead and thus no basis to overdo it on celebration. Helping you out, man. Alan J Thompson 6 Posted 19/09/2024 at 16:33:47 Ajay(#2); Sorry but you haven't got enough keepers on the bench. Fred Quick 7 Posted 19/09/2024 at 16:36:57 Dale @5,Of course Sean is showing that he's a level-headed bloke and not on the same emotional plane as the supporters.However, as his team quite easily avoided relegation – if we disregard the points deductions – last season, why is he continuing to harp on about how difficult it is for his current team to win football matches? Or doesn't he believe that his team are good enough to compete in the Premier League? Is he claiming that beating our cousins, meant little in the grand scheme, but at the same token, the long winless run should be accepted as the norm, and anything else is a bonus?It's always been difficult to manage Everton, it's always had issues, mostly mysterious ones, to the casual observer, but his job is to inspire and motivate, not only the players but the fans too. I'm not at all inspired by aiming for survival in this league, and am becoming less motivated by the game.I've never been good at blind faith whilst supporting Everton, perhaps I should have been, but given that I'm an old dog, I can't see me learning new tricks in that regard. Billy Shears 8 Posted 19/09/2024 at 16:51:58 I'd rather have the Tea Lady in place than Young!Does it matter really who starts? The Foxes will savour this one... sadly.2-1 home win, methinks, and our misery continues. Danny O'Neill 9 Posted 19/09/2024 at 16:54:46 Whoever plays on Saturday, and in whatever position, just go out there with the same desire and commitment that those 3,000 supporters and those around the globe and country watching will have.Play without fear and don't play within yourselves. Belief. Derek Powell 10 Posted 19/09/2024 at 16:56:41 With Dyche, we are going down. Make no mistake; no matter the excuses. Mike Hayes 11 Posted 19/09/2024 at 16:57:27 Ajay and Alan,With Begovic, G Pickford, Zan-Luk Leban and Fraser Barnsley, we should have enough keepers on the bench to worry Leicester and the fans!! Robert Tressell 13 Posted 19/09/2024 at 17:20:56 It looks like it might be the injury crisis that sees off Dyche.Obviously we should have done better than we have been doing, but the loss of Branthwaite and Patterson – and the fitness struggles of Mykolenko and Tarkowski mean a usually very dependable defensive unit has been shocking. Yes, I know Patterson is in and out of favour but, since we didn't buy a right-back or loan him out, presumably he was Plan A for the season. For the fifth consecutive league game, the opposition (despite being no great shakes) will field a better First XI than us (with a much, much better bench). It's a game we can certainly win – but we need a bit of luck, and we need to make our own luck too by taking our chances.If we don't take any points at all, it'll surely be goodbye Dyche and welcome back Moyes. Neil Lawson 14 Posted 19/09/2024 at 17:48:34 This is where a manager earns his money. He may well have limited choices but a good manager will organise those resources available to the best possible outcome. Dyche is not a good manager and when we lose on Saturday because of his inability to motivate and organise an effective unit, he will blame the "injury crisis" and anyone else who is not called Sean Dyche. Dale Self 15 Posted 19/09/2024 at 18:02:36 Damn Fred, being on Dyche's side I was just looking for a cheap shot there. If you want my opinion, you are a rare one; I think Dyche has shut down emotionally and is just looking to fulfill his contractual obligations. After all the vicious ad hominem commentary, I think it his right to dismiss all else. That is the other side of constantly making someone feel like they are an outsider to the club's fans. I have more opinions but will leave it at that to extend a discussion if it is wanted. Ralph Basnett 16 Posted 19/09/2024 at 18:08:38 Unfortunately, Robert Tressell, it may be the injuries that saves him. Danny O'Neill 17 Posted 19/09/2024 at 18:36:57 I couldn't welcome back Moyes, Robert, I would be at loggerheads with half of my family.Move on. And more importantly, we're playing Leicester on Saturday. Let's get that out of the way first. Tony Abrahams 18 Posted 19/09/2024 at 18:42:20 How can the injuries save him, Ralph?If Moyes comes back, Danny, he will be on a list with Allardyce, Dyche and Benitez, with regards to being another manager that will split the fan base, although Benitez was out on his own.If those appointments were bad enough, I don't know how Everton are looking to appoint a manager who never won one away game away from home against any Top 4 team in over 44 games, whilst remembering the game when we played against 10 men at Anfield for about a hour and still lost the game. Mark Taylor 19 Posted 19/09/2024 at 18:49:14 Robert,I've suggested before that I do not believe anyone at the club is empowered to pay off Dyche and his team nor sign Moyes, nor is there money to do both given Moshiri's purse has been tightly shut for years. And that is even assuming Moyes (or anyone else of any note) would be open to joining Everton under the circumstances, especially with a possibly imminent change of owner. Derek Taylor 20 Posted 19/09/2024 at 18:58:51 I'm sure you are right, Mark. Moshiri has the first and last vote on the issue and he will not want to lumber a possible successor or buyer with yet another 'no mark' manager! Robert Tressell 21 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:02:25 You might be right, Mark #19 – although we've managed to trade players this summer, so why not managers? As for this business of "dividing the fanbase", I sort of get it and sort of don't. I mean, who do we all want? What genuine candidates out there would somehow unite the fanbase? And how long would this unity last with a crap squad, an injury crisis, and no money?Do I expect Moyes to transform our fortunes? Not really, no. He's a safe but limited manager who was sacked for consistently underperforming the level of investment at West Ham. But as an interim appointment, he might steady the ship and keep us up this season – which is presumably the main thing, right? And if that doesn't unite the fanbase this season, then what does?Once we're in the new stadium and have a new owner willing to spend a few quid, then we can think about a proper longer-term appointment. But we're miles off that now.Also, as I've mentioned a few times, it's probably no coincidence that our last 4 managers were all out of work when we hired them (in fact 5 of our last 6 were out of work, I think). So the chances of us getting someone currently in a management job seems extremely slim. Seeing as though we couldn't afford the c. £10M fee for Tchatchoua (the Verona right-back now likely to join Inter in January) we probably can't afford the compensation.Do I want Moyes? Not really. It's just that, other than Potter, there aren't a lot of obvious candidates. I think Potter would get us relegated. Moyes, I think, would just about keep us up. Brian Williams 22 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:08:25 Lots of posters seem to take for granted that Moyes would take the Everton job on an interim basis.I don't believe he would (thankfully). Derek Taylor 23 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:16:50 Does anybody know the reasoning behind having two or three keepers on the bench? Is it so managers can claim to have no option but to keep their starters on the field of play? Eddie Dunn 24 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:17:21 Those wanting Moyes to return should take a look at the comments from West Ham fans who were bemoaning his late like-for-like subs, his ultra-defensive mindset, and Olde Worlde football philosophy.Ring any bells? Tom Bowers 25 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:18:43 I cannot believe Moyes would improve things.The club has little or no money to bring in the kind of player quality that is necessary to become competitive.The confidence seems to be shot after watching that anaemic display against another South Coast team following the Brighton and Bournemouth debacles.Is the return of some fit players going to improve results, I hope so but certainly this weekend could be another bad day at the office unless Dyche can improve the defending. Martin Farrington 26 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:23:46 Another player crisis and we are less than one month in, with 5 league defeats in a row a distinct possibility.With not much quality, save Branthwaite, to come back, we are in need of a miracle. Who knows? Joe McMahon 27 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:39:51 Christ, it's not looking good, is it? I hope we don't end up beating Derby's all-time points low total. I can't remember… it may have been 11. Ian Bennett 28 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:47:03 Dyche has managed 400 plus games, and has managed for over 10 years.I can only think of Trippier and Branthwaite who have improved under him. That's terrible, my nan would have a better number than that. Robert Tressell 29 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:50:43 Eddie and Brian - who do you actually want then? Is there someone you have in mind or do you just want anyone who fits the bill of "hungry young manager"? Or something else? Derek Taylor 30 Posted 19/09/2024 at 19:50:53 Looks like we have no alternative but to hope Dyche can keep us afloat.If we get relegated, I think administration will soon follow and there will be an unwanted new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock! Danny O'Neill 31 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:00:11 No to Moyes, no to Potter. Think wider, Everton, and look to the continent. Brent Stephens 32 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:04:51 Ian #28: "I can only think of Trippier and Branthwaite who have improved under [Dyche]". Ian, I sense that Branthwaite developed into pretty much what he is now when he was at PSV. Jim Wilson 33 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:06:03 Things must change right away. To get beat by Leicester is unthinkable but would be no surprise. We are far too vulnerable at the back so our defensive game has to be tightened up in midfield giving the opposition less space to play in. The way things have gone so far a draw against Leicester would be a good result in my book. I would take a 0-0 right now. Tommy Hughes 36 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:06:09 Sorry, I'm missing something… Dyche, when he walked through the door, he was banging on about improving the injures, great job: worse than ever! Kids crying off for a flu or stomach bug. Me, I'd play for Everton with a broken leg if I could. Another indication Dyche and the players are not interested, joke you all are! And you and the Rat Moshiri... Fuck off, another loss again! Billy Bradshaw 37 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:07:02 Derek @ 30, Just when I thought that big white post in front of me at Goodison was going for good. Christine Foster 38 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:07:39 Leicester are no Villa, guys, we almost turned them over, same as Bournemouth, so I think we can pull this one out of the hat. It might be uneasy to watch but we are scoring goals, we need old heads and young legs to pull it off! Brendan McLaughlin 39 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:10:06 Obviously not the "Submit" button, Tommy. Brent Stephens 40 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:12:07 Dropped his crutch on it, Brendan? Mihir Ambardekar 41 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:14:10 Dyche did well for the last 2 seasons considering the circumstances we were in. However, this season he has so far lost the plot. Yes, there are injuries… but there are no excuses for his: 1. Lack of tactical acumen. Not using tactics and formation that can suit the players we have;2. Not making proactive substitutions or correct changes to influence or keep hold of the game we are in;3. Not trusting younger players enough, especially Dixon and Armstrong. He has played them out of compulsion and not really wanting them;4. Not working with Thelwell. The signing of Jake O"Brien confused me.It will be a hard season but I don't want another manager replacing him and failing. Players should also take the blame. They lack aptitude, fortitude and ability. We have a limited bunch of footballers who have more weak points than strengths. I still feel Dyche will turn the tide just enough to save us from another relegation. But that should be it and then we should focus on hiring a manager and strengthening the squad that can allow us to compete in top tiers. The club needs a reset. Derek Taylor 42 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:15:03 If Moshiri can't find a buyer, he'll put the new stadium up for sale in order to get some of his money out for Usmanov. Believe me, he is in deep shit! Raymond Fox 43 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:18:28 There are six teams at the bottom of the table, us being one of them. who havn't won a game yet. Three have had two draws, another one draw and Southampton with zilch like us.It's way too soon to start panicking, we have only played four games. I agree that our defence is performing poorly with problems with our full backs and it does appear like Branthwaite is badly missed.We are scoring goals which is a plus but we keep letting them in at our end which is not in the script.What will happen at Leicester is anybody's guess, I have no Idea. A win would take the pressure off the manager and the whole club for that matter, we need some feel-good from somewhere.The betting is 8/5 Leicester 9/5 Everton & 5/2 the draw. Christy Ring 44 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:29:43 Injuries apart, Dyche has to rip up his team selection and tactics because it's not working and playing at home or away with 29% possession is indefensible. Even today at his press conference, trying to make a case, is totally unacceptable. Play Dixon, forget about Young, Keane has been so poor. If Tarkowski is not fit, play O'Brien, can it be any worse? Hopefully Harrison's bug will keep him out, and play 3 in midfield with Tim, Garner hopefully okay and Mangala because Gueye is out. As I keep saying, watching 2 in midfield is putting so much pressure on our back four. If I see the same 4-4-1-1 on Saturday, I give up! Dave Cashen 45 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:30:45 If its true that there really is nobody to sack Dyche, then even if he said "Fuck this!" and walked out, we can safely assume there is nobody to negotiate a package with his would-be replacement either.We have two choices: We can keep screaming for him to be removed – knowing no one is listening. Or we can unite and get behind him and the team, despite everything, until a new manager becomes a genuine possibility.All this barking at the moon will achieve precisely nothing. Alan Corken 46 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:47:54 The first thing any manager should do is to make their team difficult to beat. To which end we needed to get two new full-backs in for the new season. Mykolenko is shite, let's just say it is a good job he isn't back home defending Kyiv. Patterson is a balloon, forget him. Coleman is in danger of being remembered as a sick note rather than as the fine player and great servant that he should be remembered for. As for Ashley Young, he is surely the most inaccurately named footballer in the Premier League. It is unforgivable and a mark of managerial incompetence that two capable full-backs were not brought in during the summer break. Anthony Jones 47 Posted 19/09/2024 at 20:56:59 He was made up with that long list of missing players (excuses). The missing players that are definitely out are mostly only squad players.Also, he bangs on about losing players from last season.I think he may have been on the grarse.Onana was on the bench for several games last season and all of Dyche's favourites are still here. Danny O'Neill 48 Posted 19/09/2024 at 21:03:49 Get behind the team, Dave. That's all we can and will do. Unite and get behind the team, which we will do on Saturday.Christine, I know you'll be with us.I think I'll listen to The Whole Of The Moon tonight to put me to sleep!! Jerome Shields 49 Posted 19/09/2024 at 21:09:18 In the Leicester game, reputations can be lost forever.I am not surprised Dyche has an injury crisis. After the previous games, it is better the manager takes the heat, would be the attitude. Edward Rogers 50 Posted 19/09/2024 at 21:23:40 Alan Corken @ 46,The Mykolenko comment, poor taste, my friend. Joe McMahon 51 Posted 19/09/2024 at 21:45:07 Dave Cashen, as you'll probably know, I never wanted Dyche, but what you just said, is very true. We have no choice.Alan Corken, sorry but that's an awful comment re Mykolenko. Alex Parr 52 Posted 19/09/2024 at 21:50:38 Alan Corken, A snidey dickhead comment about Mykolenko, that. Christopher Timmins 53 Posted 19/09/2024 at 22:03:45 Get behind the team, let's hope Mykolenko does what he did, was it 3 years ago, on a hot sunny Sunday afternoon and scores a screamer as we pick up a 2-1 win.In 2018, 6 October, I was in a hospital in Portugal, just diagnosed with a stroke while on holiday, and the one thing that kept me going was another 2-1 win at Leicester on that Saturday afternoon, it was brought about by a screamer from a guy who did not kick a ball in anger for us in his final season.No matter who the manager is, support the team from the first kick to the last! Danny O'Neill 54 Posted 19/09/2024 at 22:04:51 I'll have to disagree with you, Alan. The first thing a team should do is go out to win. Bill Gall 55 Posted 19/09/2024 at 22:09:05 All the manager has to say before the game is: "Okay, boys let's forget the Dyche style, and go out and play football!" Mark Taylor 56 Posted 19/09/2024 at 22:16:48 Robert,I much enjoy your posts on the player market and transfer dealings, and the insight you have on this, which is why I'm surprised you equate a managerial change with player trading.The latter made money this summer. The former cannot, at least not likely in our situation. It requires compensation to be paid to the outgoing unless another club tries to poach them. And nobody is poaching Dyche right now.If we assume, as I do, that Moshiri's instructions are, no net cash outflow, then Dyche is here until he chooses to leave.My guess is that we will continue to lose and Dyche will go when he thinks any more time here will lose whatever reputation he still believes he has at that point. Likely no later than Xmas. If we still have Moshiri as owner at that point, I think we're down. Derek Thomas 57 Posted 19/09/2024 at 22:41:11 Mark Taylor @ 56; No net cash outflow? Thelwell and/or Chong ought to tell Moshiri that unless he allows them to sack Dyche, that there's soon going to be a massive 'Cash Outflow' every season.It's called 'No More Premier League Money'.Edit...meanwhile in the face savingly convenient department "Elsewhere in defence, Michael Keane has undergone a scan on an unspecified injury." Tom Bowers 58 Posted 19/09/2024 at 22:53:49 Leicester are no Villa, I agree but Everton at the moment are getting sucker punched and, with the defensive frailties evident in every game so far, I wouldn't fancy them against the worst team in the whole league.What stands out, and it did last season too, is the midfield being overrun at times. They don't have the personnel with speed in that area and consequently are slow to close down the opposing advancing players.They are always chasing shadows which allows the opposition more time on the ball and to put Everton on the back foot at will.Until they can get more quality across the midfield, they will continue to struggle.It would be easy to say that, down the line, Mangala, Garner and others may play better as a tighter unit; we have to suffer more disappointments that could destroy us come the end of the season.The writing has been on the wall for a few seasons now but the evidence so far this season is far worse than it has ever been that disaster looms.Another defeat and the top brass have to get rid of Dyche who is only partially to blame but who can do better with this squad, certainly not Moyes. Rob Williamson 59 Posted 19/09/2024 at 22:55:58 Alan Corken #46,Comment re Mykolenko tasteless, inappropriate, not funny. Colin Callaghan 60 Posted 19/09/2024 at 23:23:46 All you nerds on your high horse need to shush. Reading the same 10 comments from people who smell their own farts is exhausting.That is funny Alan. Factually wrong: Mykolenko isn't shit, but funny. Barry Hall 61 Posted 19/09/2024 at 00:18:01 Ignorant question font=on:Is Branthwaite playing with the Under-21s this weekend a matter of player safety? If so, I have no issue. Do not put him at risk. Or is it a matter that they don't think he is fit to play at the Premier League level?If the latter, would an 80% Jarrad be better than what we might have to put out there?I don't want to risk his health in any way. But if it is not that, but out of concern about performance, I'd put him out there. I'm not familiar with the Premier League version of an MLB rehab stint.Ignorant question font=off. Denis Richardson 62 Posted 20/09/2024 at 00:18:27 Keane and Coleman out are positives, no? Why the doom and gloom?We'll see what O'Brien can do and hopefully Dixon gets another run out. First team not that depleted…We've also scored two in each of our last two league games (yes I know we lost) so would hope we can score against Leicester. We're not playing Inter or Real tomorrow!Three points hopefully. Bobby Mallon 63 Posted 20/09/2024 at 00:31:58 What is it with "we can't sack him"? We don't need to – just tell him he's not in charge of team affairs anymore. Send him home with pay and get the next in line for a manager's job. We don't need to sack him. Mark Taylor 64 Posted 20/09/2024 at 01:00:05 Derek @57,I don't think either Thelwell or Chong have much or any influence. In a way, I'm surprised Chong has not resigned because he has a decent-ish infrastructure reputation, yet he is sailing fairly close to the wind on director duties, trading while insolvent. Whilst there are buyers, he could argue reasonably a case. But once there are not, at least not before administration. As for Moshiri, my own view (which may be wrong) is that he is disinvested from the club and won't put another cent in, either because he has reached a red line, or because he literally has no more money to spare (I'm in the camp that believes his is Usmanov's money and the latter is definitely out).As such, I think it is more likely that, as things worsen, he will be forced towards a price lowering, as might be the other creditors, hence Friedkin reportedly still in the background. You could make a case that, on the basis of risk, he might be better spending a bit to decrease the chances of relegation and a bigger shortfall for himself, but I think he now has no appetite for risk whatsoever. Hence our very obvious stasis. Phil Smith 65 Posted 20/09/2024 at 01:13:19 Bit of A, Barry, and a lot of B. U21 games are way less intense, so if he makes it through 80 minutes of that and he's no issue a couple of days later, he could be deemed bench ready to come on for the last 20 minutes or so, if needed for the next game. Dyche doesn't like to rush injured players back and seems to prefer a gradual approach, which I'm a big fan of. That's about the only thing I'm a fan of at the moment though. If Young starts against Leicester... Barry Hall 66 Posted 20/09/2024 at 04:04:11 Thanks, Phil, for the explanation. Kunal Desai 67 Posted 20/09/2024 at 07:49:20 Dyche needs to get something from Leicester, even if it's a point that then cranks up the pressure at home to Palace which makes that a must-win.Anything less and the club will have no option but to sack him. There will be mass uproar by the fanbase for failing to win either of the next two games. 1 or 2 possible points from 6 games played is simply not acceptable. The club will have to get a new man in during the international break.It appears as though it's third time unlucky for Dyche. He pulled some results around the first time after the points deduction and the second time after the Chelsea mauling. I personally think his luck is now out now and that seems to be evident from the load of rabble he comes out with in his pressers. Mike Corcoran 68 Posted 20/09/2024 at 08:40:23 Not sure about returning managers but these stats on Premier League records show that even Moyes is way ahead. Wins: Moyes 39% Dyche 28%Draws: Moyes 26% Dyche 26%Losses: Moyes 35% Dyche 46%Points per game: Moyes 1.45 Dyche 1.18Goals scored per game: Moyes 1.35 Dyche 0.98Goals conceded per game: Moyes 1.31 Dyche 1.44That's how grim we are. Paul Kossoff 69 Posted 20/09/2024 at 09:51:04 It looks likely against Leicester, we will have a glacier to climb…Sorry lads, I'll get me coat. ps: I think our scratch team will surprise us and at least get a point. Coyb. Nigel Scowen 70 Posted 20/09/2024 at 10:15:28 Christopher @53,We'll said, interestingly Jones Knows from Sky has predicted us a 2-1 win for what it's worth. A Mykolenko screamer would be welcome indeed.Come on, lads, this is the game where our luck changes and we turn it around.COYB UTFT Nigel Scowen 71 Posted 20/09/2024 at 10:46:23 Robert @13,I think Coleman was probably Plan A for right back this season, Robert. Patterson probably didn't go out on loan because he was needed as cover, or maybe he even refused to go out on loan.I actually don't really get Dyche's dislike of him, if that is indeed the case. Sure, he's made errors but what young player hasn't as he's learned his trade?Anyway, Roman Dixon for me at right back is an absolute must for this one, we need some pace. Noleen Daya 72 Posted 20/09/2024 at 11:26:19 Reasons to be cheerful: buggerall! nought! zilch! nada! Too much dross and deep rot. Derek Knox 73 Posted 20/09/2024 at 11:31:24 I sincerely hope the projected team is not the one that starts; why start with 9 men? Young and Doucoure… one is a liability, and the other a waste of oxygen, a shirt, and a starting slot! Stephen Meighan 74 Posted 20/09/2024 at 11:37:59 Fred Quick @4, Sean Dyche said everyone was jumping up and down happy. Well, everyone I know or I seen at that derby game against Liverpool last season when we beat them 2-0 hands down was. It doesn't come around often, beating the red shite, so we should savour every moment even though we all know we've been shite for years. As for going home to your flat and going to bed, well if that is what it means to you to win a derby game, so be it. But to me and thousands of others, it's the greatest feeling in the world. Christopher Timmins 75 Posted 20/09/2024 at 12:01:21 All the focus must be on the Leicester game. Let's start the process of turning the tide tomorrow. John Raftery 76 Posted 20/09/2024 at 13:00:07 I very much doubt Dyche will start with Dixon at right-back – especially if O'Brien plays in central defence. Selection of young players feeling their way into a struggling team and playing next to each other would be a gamble, potentially detrimental to their longer-term prospects. Dixon has impressive pace but his wild tackling the other night partly contributed to the Southampton goal. He was also beaten several times in aerial challenges. Christy Ring 77 Posted 20/09/2024 at 14:03:26 John #76,Dixon at full-back is better than Young or playing Garner out of position, which didn't work.And in all fairness, John, most small full-backs aren't very effective in aerial duels. Andrew Clare 78 Posted 20/09/2024 at 14:15:13 Most teams now play the possession game, making the ball do the work.Sean Dyche plays the harrying and chasing long-ball game exhausting the strikers and constantly giving possession back to the opposition.It's very unsophisticated and hard to watch. It's certainly not the type of football that gets the best out of the players.I think Dyche has lost his grip – his game management and substitutions have been awful so far this season. It's definitely a time for a change – although it's unlikely to happen until we have a new owner. Jim Wilson 79 Posted 20/09/2024 at 14:29:44 Play Dixon at right-back! He is young, quick, enthusiastic and has ability.He is easily our best fit right-back. Is this too hard for Dyche to see? Clive Rogers 80 Posted 20/09/2024 at 15:01:23 Playing Dixon would give us pace on the right defensively and IN attack. Young has stopped going forward as his legs have gone and he knows he can't get back. Derek Knox 81 Posted 20/09/2024 at 15:36:01 Jim @ 79, Come on, mate, he would rather play Dixon of Dock Green, and (Old) Young than risk being proved wrong and trusting the younger fitter players. I have a feeling that, lose this one, and his days are severely numbered. Tom Bowers 82 Posted 20/09/2024 at 16:09:19 I would sooner play my grandmother rather than Young. He has been little or no use to this team since his arrival but Dyche seems to dote on him.Surely to God he will see this before we lose another one. Kim Vivian 83 Posted 20/09/2024 at 16:24:19 Paul @69...I had to think about that one! Sam Hoare 84 Posted 20/09/2024 at 16:24:29 Dyche had a very respectable points return last season at Everton. Our best in 3 years. Something that many on here seem to have forgotten very quickly. He did this mainly off the back of results against teams around us. In a mini-league of the bottom 7 or so teams, we were top.If he is to stay in a job, then I suspect he will depend on such results again. Our next 7 matches involve 6 against teams in the Bottom 8. If he can repeat our form of last season, then there is a decent chance we will be 12th or thereabouts by mid-November. If he cannot, then he will be under pressure –hopefully as we are getting more clarity about a new owner. Fred Quick 85 Posted 20/09/2024 at 16:53:14 Sam @84,I keep saying that we earned 48 points last season, however, the manager seems to believe that, due to losing Onana and Branthwaite's continued absence due to injury, it has undermined his team's ability to get anywhere near that total this time around. Most of the players who departed in the previous window were 'surplus' to requirements in Dyche's first-team squad, and, apart from Onana, very rarely featured during last season.Dyche is usually a 1 point per game manager over a 38-game season; that may be enough to stay up but, if we have another long winless run, it's going to be touch and go. That run last season will continue to nag at even the most optimistic fan, and it's not as if Dyche doesn't have form for this type of run either.As always, we live in hope and we'll see where we stand in six games time. Billy Shears 86 Posted 20/09/2024 at 17:39:13 It wouldn't surprise me if we took the lead in this one only for the Foxes to come back at us and sadly win it!The team is simply "Broken"... 2-1 to Leicester. Mike Hayes 87 Posted 20/09/2024 at 17:41:39 Sam who's to say 6 of those teams won't be higher up the league when we get to play them? At the minute, we are dire with Dycheball – it hasn't paid off and it's never likely to. I'm more concerned with this season than the last 3 despite survival; why do we have to put up with this garbage every season, every game? I'll be relieved if we get into the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock still in the Premier League but it may prove a bigger ask than ever with the crap football dino Dyche serves up.Fingers crossed for a win tomorrow. Sam Hoare 88 Posted 20/09/2024 at 17:53:56 Mike, you say Dycheball hasn't paid off but by what standard? Dyche was bought in to save us from relegation and he has achieved it. He achieved it last season even though we had a farcical 8-point deduction, without which we would have ended up 12th.Of course this season has been awful but 4 league games is a small sample. If we're still awful and bottom after 10 games, then Dyche will (hopefully) be sacked. But he did a good job last season even if the football was dour and there seems a lot of revisionism on here. Barry McNally 89 Posted 20/09/2024 at 18:26:59 He did an unbelievable job keeping us up two years in a row, but could this be the last throw of the Dyche? Sean Kelly 90 Posted 20/09/2024 at 19:25:49 Please please please stop this "Dyche has credit in the bank" shit from last season. It's done. He has zero credit this season and looking at his victories over the last year and a half doesn't make good reading. Any other club would have booted him out by now. This charity case club just keeps on giving on and off the pitch. If he selects Young again, then he really is taking the piss. Most of the credit for the past few seasons is down to the supporters, especially those 3,000 or so turning up in every far-flung place on the map. A win is a must tomorrow – for us the supporters, not Dyche. As far as I'm concerned, he can do one – along with Dour Davey. Colin Callaghan 91 Posted 20/09/2024 at 19:31:38 Sam is right. Judge after the next 6 games. Doucoure in the pivot is an absolute liability. Not many other players are as ruthless as Doucoure in front of goal. He should be in the team but right behind Calvert-Lewin and nowhere else. Otherwise, get him off. Ian Bennett 92 Posted 20/09/2024 at 21:32:11 Bollocks.He plays shit football, he runs the players into the ground, he refers to the supporters as 'they'. He's an awful manager that will always be in relegation scrap playing pub football from the 70s.He continues to play his favourites, has an appalling record in actually developing players and is clueless in changing a game. Yes, he scored some points last season, but jesus it's 5 wins in the calendar year, and 4 of those were against some pretty poor opposition we have to be putting away.He's an overpaid pub landlord that limits what talent we have. Get rid & quick. Paul Birmingham 93 Posted 20/09/2024 at 21:43:16 This debate is very similar to other threads this time last year, which was based on the same poor start to the season, as again this season.Tomorrow, defeat is not an option, and like last week I fancy Everton to win. The players have got to take ownership on the park and the manager and his team must instil belief and steel into this squad.The perspective tomorrow tea time will hopefully be more positive. The takeover saga will hopefully be concluded on a big positive soon, with no strings attached deals.But tomorrow's game is massive for Everton and let's hope Everton win. UTFTs! Jim Wilson 94 Posted 20/09/2024 at 21:48:50 Derek @ 81,Tarkowski is a leader if fit. I hope Mangala is if he plays. This is time for characters and fight.We just about have enough players fit for this game so let's go out and give it a go.Dixon must play! Derek Knox 97 Posted 21/09/2024 at 04:36:55 Just off to John Lennon Airport, with Peter Moore, having a week in Belfast (well, Lisburn) playing a bit of golf and meeting up with our mate Andy Crooks. Now whether we can get to see the match by fair means or foul, I will try somehow but, like I say every match, hoping for a win. However, I do believe one could be possible… but only if he picks the right combination. No Young, Keane, Harrison (worker but headless chicken) and Doucoure (what a waste of a shirt number). Even if he were to get a hat-trick, my feelings wouldn't change about him. Steve Brown 98 Posted 21/09/2024 at 06:12:33 I always think we are going to get something. 0-1 win for us if Sean picks the right team and tactics. Kevin Edward 100 Posted 21/09/2024 at 08:28:10 Looking for something positive today.Just a 0:0 and a point would be a welcome return to stop the rot.Heart says our luck has to change eventually and the good from the last few games will prevail and we'll get the win.Head says that it's going to be another 5- or 6-goal mash-up with Dyche's selection flying by the seats of their pants.Hopefully the travelling Blues get something to cheer about.If we can't at the very least compete with this Leicester side, then we are in big trouble.Can't wait for the dreaded Dyche's starting line-up. UTFT! Bill Fairfield 101 Posted 21/09/2024 at 08:56:54 Hoping they can put in a performance to make us all proud for a change.Forever the optimist. COYB Danny O'Neill 102 Posted 21/09/2024 at 09:01:04 For all of us travelling, for those hiding behind the couch and those in far flung places, all we can do today is get behind the team and yes, the manager.Good luck blue boys, wherever you are. Denis Richardson 103 Posted 21/09/2024 at 09:13:28 Difficult to predict a line-up with so many injuries. Apparently we have no less than 12 players injured. By far the most in the Premier League (next highest being 7).How can it be that barely a month into the season we have a dozen players injured? Fingers crossed we can get first points on the board here. Paul Birmingham 104 Posted 21/09/2024 at 09:24:17 Danny, spot on.We must ride the latest storms, on and off the park, as Evertonians unite and believe and dream and hope. The better times will happen, hopefully before this Chrimbo.Hopefully today there will be Everton Blue skies smiling down on Evertonians this day! UTFTs! Jonathan Tasker 105 Posted 21/09/2024 at 09:43:21 Dennis 103,In 57 years of supporting Everton, there have been two constants:1) Countless players are constantly injured. The new owners should investigate this. Something is badly wrong.2) We have always been crap away from home. Someone will have the figures. Michael Kenrick 106 Posted 21/09/2024 at 09:45:44 Denis at 103, I can only find 10 first-team squad players missing vs Southampton:PattersonTarkowskiCalvert-Lewin (s)MykolenkoBrojaColemanGueye (b)ChermitiBranthwaiteGarner (s)Not all injured; some sick (s) or bereaved (b), so that's only 7 injured at most. Keane could perhaps be added now but, if you do that, you'd have to remove Patterson, Tarkowski, Calvert-Lewin, Mykolenko and Branthwaite from the list. You'd have to add in Dele Alli, plus Stan Mills, Coby Ebere, Sean McAllister and perhaps Liam Higgins from the U21s to get to 12 injured players… but the last two were compassionate contract holdovers from the summer as they recovered (what a lovely club we are), with Higgins now gone and McAllister to follow, if he has not gone already. So, er... fake news. Christine Foster 107 Posted 21/09/2024 at 09:48:55 Have a good journey there and back, Danny, Hope it's better on the way back though! Going to be a long night here! COYB! Brian Harrison 108 Posted 21/09/2024 at 10:03:29 I don't know if illness and injury will allow but I would like us to play a 4-3-3 system which may enable us not to be so exposed in midfield. For a lot of the time we have had McNeil and Harrison out wide which leaves a massive amount of ground for the 2 in midfield to cover. Maybe playing the way we have has contributed to teams being able to come back at us late in games because the 2 playing in central midfield have nothing left in the tank after 80 minutes. Dave Abrahams 109 Posted 21/09/2024 at 10:10:51 Michael (106), Not sure but I think Coby Ebere has gone, maybe to a Spanish club in the lower leagues but I might have dreamt that!Anyway no matter how many injuries, illnesses etc the game v Leicester City will go ahead so good luck to the eleven to sixteen who are fit. I hope they bring a smile to those brilliant fans travelling to the game, those who get up in the middle of the night in foreign lands, and to the rest of us glued to the box wishing and adding cheers, that no one else can hear, for a well deserved, or otherwise, win today. COYFBB'S! Bob Parrington 110 Posted 21/09/2024 at 10:32:40 Well said Danny @ 102. It will be interesting to see the starting 11. Is Dixon injured? I can't see why he is not being picked to start. Ted Roberts 111 Posted 21/09/2024 at 11:23:15 Well said, Danny. To you and all our travelling fans, have a safe trip, let's get this recovery going. COYB Edward Rogers 112 Posted 21/09/2024 at 11:32:04 Dave @ 109Re, Coby Ebere. I hope you're mistaken unless it's a good loan move for the lad.I'm sure I read an article about him in April when he was scoring for fun. Then nothing, can't find any news about him at all. I had high hopes he would kick on, but after 56 years following Everton, I should know by now it's the hope that kills you! Andrew Clare 113 Posted 21/09/2024 at 12:12:02 Good luck to the travelling fans. I hope we win and stop all of these stupid David Moyes rumours. COYB's. Martin Farrington 114 Posted 21/09/2024 at 12:12:30 By all accounts, the Southampton match was a hard watch.Well, this will cheer up someone in blue. Hopefully us There's no point speculating a starting XI. As for the score, seems 2-3 against is favourite. I wonder what the odds on a third 2-0 lead turning tits up are? Who will make the first cock-up? Anyone from 11 really. I keep saying we can win and we lose. So I am predicting a loss by a couple of goals, a penalty and VAR controversy. COYB Dave Abrahams 116 Posted 21/09/2024 at 12:19:35 Edward (112), Yes, I've tried to find his whereabouts but can't find anything about where he is now and no mention of him being transferred so maybe I did dream that! Christopher Timmins 117 Posted 21/09/2024 at 12:41:01 Just win!! Mike Hayes 118 Posted 21/09/2024 at 13:05:54 Fingers crossed we get a win - guarantee Young will be playing - good luck to travelling fans lets hope its a good result to come home to 💙 Paul Kossoff 119 Posted 21/09/2024 at 13:47:40 Unexpected 2-1 win for us. We beat Palace, 6 points and everything is rosie again. Far too early to panic, lads. I still want Dyche rep!aced at season's end, and a new set-up for the new stadium. Jack Convery 121 Posted 21/09/2024 at 13:58:51 Dave Abrahams 116.Acoording to TransferMarkt, Coby Ebere is recorded as being in the Everton U21s and has signed a 1-year contract until 2025. There is no record as yet of the 2024-25 season stats. He played 12 games in varying levels, in 2023-24, scoring 11 with one assist. Christine Foster 122 Posted 21/09/2024 at 14:15:08 Looking at the starting 11, I am unsure exactly how they are going to line up. Garner at full-back got pulled all over the place last time out and as a wingback he offered little or no tracking back to help his full-back. Is it centre midfield because there's no Tim Iroegbunam? Line-up feels a bit odd, no Mykolrnko either… is he still sick? Leaving two recognised defenders on the pitch while a central pairing that has leaked like a wet paper bag is inviting trouble. Just a few odd-looking decisions by Dyche, hope it works... Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © ToffeeWeb