03/10/2024 112comments  |  Jump to last
Match Preview

Everton are back at Goodison Park for a late-afternoon Saturday kick-off against Newcastle United hoping to establish some momentum having picked up their first win of the Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Dwight McNeil’s second-half brace lifted the Blues over the Eagles after Marc Guehi had given Oliver Glasner’s side a 10th-minute lead but they face an altogether more difficult proposition in the Magpies.

And the headline news ahead of the game is that Jarrad Branthwaite could be missing from Everton's back line again this weekend after suffering a minor thigh problem in training.

The defender made his much-anticipated return to the starting line-up against Palace but could miss out against Newcastle if he doesn't recover in time for the evening kick-off on Saturday.

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If he doesn't make it, Michael Keane would be the likely candidate to step back into the line-up given Sean Dyche’s selection preference in central defence so far, with Branthwaite then targeting the trip to Ipswich on the other side of the international break to return once again to action.

Seamus Coleman is still ruled out and won't travel for international duty with the Republic of Ireland but he will be assessed over the upcoming break as he continues to "get stronger" in Dyche's words following the injury he sustained playing against England last month.

Dyche said in his pre-match press conference that the approach with Nathan Patterson "is just common sense now" after he came through another hour with the Under-21s earlier this week.

The Scot is making a patient recovery from a serious hamstring tear in April and the surgery required to repair it, with Dyche saying that he is making good progress and now needs "a game programme" as his next step before he can be regarded as match ready.

Meanwhile, Armando Broja took another step of his own towards returning to action when he began light training this week. The Albanian international arrived on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day with an Achilles problem and was not expected to play again before the end of October at the earliest.

Branthwaite’s absence would force the manager into at least one change to the team he named to face Palace but it’s likely he will switch personnel wide on the right following Jesper Lindstrøm’s struggles in the first half last Saturday.

The Dane was substituted at half-time and replaced by Jack Harrison whose greater experience of the league was evident and he weighed in with a wonderful assist for McNeil’s winning goal in the 54th minute.

Harrison is probably a shoo-in to reclaim his role in that part of the pitch but Dyche was asked how Lindstrøm had reacted to being hooked at the halfway stage and he replied:

“He’s fine. It can happen. He had a below-par first half but all these players are adapting. I’ve said [that[ of all these players we have brought in — none of them have played in the Premier League regularly so they’re adapting to the challenges of it.

“Finding that in-game consistency, which I’ve spoken about endlessly — it’s not just about week-to-week consistency — during the game, staying true to the cause.

“Say, if you’re a talented player, which I think he is technically with the ball at his feet, and if it’s not your day to be good at that then you’ve got to do the team job. And if both are not operating as well then sometimes it needs a change.

“It’s all about him learning what the Premier League is about [and] there’s certainly no question marks other than learn, move forward, and we get ready again.”

In central midfield, meanwhile, Dyche has a decision to make over which pairing to go with given that he has five fit players all vying for two places. Abdoulaye Doucouré and Orel Mangala were deployed against Palace, with the former not as effective last weekend as he was at Leicester the week before, whereas Idrissa Gueye and James Garner are now match-ready, as is Tim Iroegbunam who hasn’t started since the defeat to Aston Villa in the middle of last month.

Newcastle travel buoyed by a good start to 2024-25 and an impressive 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend but key injuries up front mean that Eddie Howe may need to use Anthony Gordon as a makeshift striker again.

The ex-Everton winger scored from the spot against City after earning a controversial penalty at St James’s Park and it looks as though he will be asked to lead the line again with Callum Wilson ruled out and Alexander Isak only in with an outside chance of being able to overcome a toe injury.

Defenders Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman plus midfielder Lewis Miley are also unavailable, Matt Targett is a significant doubt but Kieran Trippier could be passed fit to play.

With Everton having ceded so much of the initiative and space to Crystal Palace last time out, Dyche will need to ensure that his midfield tightens up for this one, particularly against the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

The other key concern (apart from Craig Pawson refereeing a fixture he almost ruined for Everton 18 months ago by sending Allan off), especially if Branthwaite misses out, is set-piece defending which has become Everton’s own Achilles heel lately. With the likes of Dan Burn in their side, it could be a weakness Newcastle deliberately seek to exploit, that along with a lack of pace at the back should it be a partnership between Keane and James Tarkowski.

It does feel as though Branthwaite’s availability is key. Without him, victory seems a tough ask based on the first five games and would be something to celebrate so the Blues might consider a hard-earned point heading into the international break a good result.

Kick-off: 5:30 pm, Saturday 5 October 2024
Referee: Craig Pawson
VAR: Chris Kavanagh
Last Time: Everton 3 - 0 Newcastle United

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Young, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Gueye, Mangala, Harrison, Ndiaye, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin

 

Reader Comments (112)

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John Raftery
1 Posted 03/10/2024 at 18:34:25
‘Minor' always worries me.

Still, effectively a 3-week gap between matches gives him an opportunity to shake it off. If it is minor of course.

Larry O'Hara
2 Posted 03/10/2024 at 18:37:50
Oh no….
Andy Peers
3 Posted 03/10/2024 at 18:47:34
I don't think I can handle another game with Young and Keane in the back line!!!
Brent Stephens
4 Posted 03/10/2024 at 18:50:04
"I don't think I can handle another game with Young and Keane in the back line!!!" – said Tarkowski.
Bill Gall
5 Posted 03/10/2024 at 18:55:05
What's the saying? "It never rains but it pours!"

Definitely at Finch Farm.

Christopher Timmins
6 Posted 03/10/2024 at 19:02:25
Buying players that are not ready to go is something that we have a patent on.

Maybe our finances are such that it's the only way we can acquire them.

Jay Evans
7 Posted 03/10/2024 at 19:26:03
Keane I understand — but why can't we handle Ashley Young in our back line again?

He has been excellent in our last 2 games.

Edward Rogers
8 Posted 03/10/2024 at 19:29:23
I suppose Jarrad will be accused of being a 'sick-note' now instead of Calvert-Lewin?

Please let us not go there again.

Paul Hewitt
9 Posted 03/10/2024 at 19:37:23
Time for O'Brien to start a game.
Christy Ring
10 Posted 03/10/2024 at 20:08:20
Did this happen to Branthwaite today after Dyche's press conference, because there was no mention of it today?
Ben King
11 Posted 03/10/2024 at 20:09:39
Big shame.

However, if there's a doubt and a rest will clear up his issues fully, then I would rather we let him sit it out.

Gutting though because it'll mean we concede 2-3 goals minimum without him.

Paul Rattle
12 Posted 03/10/2024 at 20:33:18
Players these days… I ask you.

Get some painkillers and then have two weeks rest.

We will get pasted if we start with Keane against the Skunks.

Either get Jarrad Branthwaite through it or get the big lad in that we spunked £16M on.

Dale Self
13 Posted 03/10/2024 at 20:57:34
What the hell is Dyche doing? I've supported him until now but this will be his fall.

Oh wait, we won last week. Scratch that.

Paul Kernot
14 Posted 03/10/2024 at 21:35:05
Wan-Bissaka for £15M ticked all of those boxes. Premier League experience, solid if not spectacular, and a steal at that price given our full-back dilemmas.

As much as Moyes has significant limitations, he was the architect of our team that had Baines, Jagielka, and Coleman in the back line plus Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, Arteta and more in it, all of whom had a goal threat in them.

Phillip Warrington
15 Posted 03/10/2024 at 21:36:22
Why do we have so many injuries?

Do we even have physios or a match conditioning coach?

Peter Mills
16 Posted 03/10/2024 at 21:48:32
Jarrad was visibly in discomfort with a leg problem for most of the 2nd half on Saturday.
Tony Abrahams
17 Posted 03/10/2024 at 22:17:13
I was very surprised he played, Peter, because he looked like he was lacking half a yard in the training video the club released the night before last Saturday's game.

He was still as good as anyone else the next day though because the kid is simply a natural footballer.

Danny O'Neill
18 Posted 03/10/2024 at 22:18:44
We've missed him, but we probably shouldn't have played him, Peter.
Mike Gaynes
20 Posted 04/10/2024 at 00:43:12
Oy gevalt!
Ashley Roberts
21 Posted 04/10/2024 at 01:44:24
I cannot believe our luck sometimes. Just when I thought we had turned the big proverbial corner, we are dealt another blow. Having Branthwaite back last week was significant in so many ways, leading of course to our first win of the season.

We are going to need some pace in defence this weekend because the Barcodes will use Gordon's speed as they did against Man City. So Keane is not going to cut it.

It may be worth playing Dixon as he has some pace along with O'Brien. Otherwise, we are going to have to play deep which opens up the middle of the park to their superior midfield.

I really hope Dyche has got his thinking head on for this game without the Carlisle Kaiser.

Andy Peers
22 Posted 04/10/2024 at 02:34:02
Jay #7…

I will admit he's been better for the last two games but the prior 30+ games he's an accident waiting to happen. So you're kind of grading on a curve.

He still is an accident waiting to happen. Anthony Gordon will probably shred him apart.

Ernie Baywood
23 Posted 04/10/2024 at 03:09:10
I hope I'm wrong but in my experience, there's no such thing as a minor quad injury. They don't pass without rest and you never really know if it's fully sorted.

It was a quad that started Calvert-Lewin's problems.

Ernie Baywood
24 Posted 04/10/2024 at 03:13:59
Young was improved against Leicester and Palace. But that needs to be put into perspective. It was against Leicester and Palace.

His issue isn't doing okay for the majority of the game. His issue is that, when he's put under pressure, he makes mistakes that cost games. Newcastle will put him in positions that neither Leicester nor Palace could.

Paul Hewitt
25 Posted 04/10/2024 at 06:39:22
If Branthwaite starts, we win.

If Keane starts, we don't.

Gary Norman
26 Posted 04/10/2024 at 07:20:53
Pawson ref again… he’s only just done our game against Bournemouth!!! Our record with him in charge is dreadful
Bob Parrington
27 Posted 04/10/2024 at 07:26:44
Mike, would a use or Aussie translation be Oh Shit!

Anyway, it is what it is and we have to win with the team we can put out. If it's not working after 30 minutes, sub the likely weakness and get on with it. Don't wait until 60 minutes, as the coaching rule book seems to preach ( a load of crap IMO).

I hope the crowd stays behind the team all the way!

Mark Murphy
28 Posted 04/10/2024 at 07:39:25
Anyone know if Calum Wilson is fit and in line for selection? He seems to punish us as well as get away with murder.
I predict 2-0 to us - Pickford will infuriate them.
UTFT
Steve Shave
29 Posted 04/10/2024 at 08:05:37
I seriously question the O'Brien business in the summer, it was most of our budget and yet he is 4th choice! Keane starts over him everytime yet he has good pedigree and has looked decent in his appearances so far. What is that all about?
Derek Thomas
30 Posted 04/10/2024 at 08:08:29
Young or Keane Vs Gordon = Penalty...especially with that diving little rs twat - but we'll still win.
Derek Thomas
31 Posted 04/10/2024 at 08:10:26
Steve @ 29; it's maybe about the DoF and the manager not being on the same page?
Rob Hooton
32 Posted 04/10/2024 at 08:11:12
Mark, according to Lyndon’s preview Wilson is out and Isak is a major doubt, Newcastle have plenty of injury concerns of their own. Howe continues to get a tune out of them though.

Gutted to read that Branthwaite probably won’t make it, I’d probably fill the midfield a bit more whiteout him and perhaps drop Harrison - Harrison had decent second half against Palace and a great assist, but he usually frustrates me and tends to lose the ball in the final third. Just the one ‘winger’ in Ndiaye perhaps? The barcodes have a solid midfield so we may need to wrestle control of that.

Anything can happen, we’ll create chances and hopefully Gordon has a stinker if he plays up top - preferably sent off for diving!

Steve Shave
33 Posted 04/10/2024 at 08:20:27
Derek @31 yes that maybe true but I wouldn't be surprised if the business had something to do with our Lyon links.

I have never liked the bashing of ex players but Gordon has shown himself to be an odious RS twat so i am open to him getting some rough treatment but players and fans :)

On the defensive pairing topic I am hoping our new manager (who will inevitably come in with Friedkin) is open to playing 3 at the back and giving Patterson a new lease of life as a wing back (his favoured position). That back three of Jarrad, O'Brien and Tarks would have any striker shitting themselves.

Dave Cashen
34 Posted 04/10/2024 at 08:22:03
Ashley Young wasnt the first Everton player ever to be sent off against the shite, but it gave the over-excitable's their opportunity to scream he is a "Red card waiting to happen". Every single week...Before every single game. Their cries of I-told-you-so after his sending off against Brighton could be heard in Kent. The fact that they had been wrong every week for over a year didnt seem to occur to any of them.

When Young was red carded against Brighton. we were already beaten and being run ragged. However, unlike Tarkowski who has been repeatedly exposed without Branthwaite, I cant think of a single goal we have conceded through a Young error this season - Happy to have one pointed out to me though.

I also think Gordon must have turned into Ronaldo since he left because the guy dubbed (again by the over-excitable's) As a " orrible useless twat, with no end product" Is now giving them sleepless nights.

Why is he even being mentioned ?

Baahhhaaa

Mark Murphy
35 Posted 04/10/2024 at 08:45:03
Ah thanks Rob - I missed that. Having read through again I must say that Newcastles injury issues, carrying on from last, knock ours into a cocked hat!
I reckon Tarks(owski) will “catch” Gordon, hopefully outside the box) and slow him down significantly. A nice professional “leveller” and a garlicky breath warning to “try that again and I’ll snap your fcuking legs off” Sunday league style.
UTFT
Danny O'Neill
36 Posted 04/10/2024 at 08:56:15
I don't care about Anthony Gordon, he's no longer an Everton player. I'm more interested in our players, whoever lines up.

Newcastle are a good team and have injuries. We are a good team and have injuries. Any game of football can be won.

I won't be going to Goodison thinking we can't win. Play without fear. Support without fear. I'll see some of you there.

John Keating
37 Posted 04/10/2024 at 09:08:55
Tarks and Kean's, in fact all our potential back four's, lack of pace will be a serious concern tomorrow, especially if Gordon does play up front as last week.
Hopefully Dyche will have something in mind to counter Gordon - within the laws of the game!

As Lyndon says realistically a point might not be a bad result tomorrow. Get more fit and ready for the Ipswich game

Christopher Timmins
38 Posted 04/10/2024 at 09:25:47
Everton to win against a team without a recognised striker.
Joe McMahon
39 Posted 04/10/2024 at 09:31:46
I'd feel a lot happier if Branthwaite was playing. Looking at our goal difference you can see why.
Mark Murphy
40 Posted 04/10/2024 at 09:42:05
Danny, you know I love you mate, but I hope Dyche does care about Anthony Gordon and formulates a plan to contain him rather than hope that whoever lines up against him, probably Tarks(owski) and Keane (gulp) to just play to their best. Their best, with respect, is not quick enough to deal with him.
And without meaning to add a(nother, sorry) negative here, were still a bit away from "a good team", despite that purple patch in the first 20 minutes of the second half last week.
We are short on quality against teams like this and this is when we have to hope Dyche has more of a plan than eleven v eleven and play without fear.
My hope is for an early goal for us to shut up those fat, shirtless knobheads with their inflatables and a penchant for punching horses, before they get into the game.
I'm still going for a 2-0 but thats based on Newcastle having a bad day and us our best.
UTFT
Nigel Scowen
41 Posted 04/10/2024 at 09:57:21
I think Branthwaite is crucial for us tomorrow.

I think that Tarkowski and Keane just don’t pair up effectively, whoever’s fault it is, it just doesn’t work, I think we have seen that already this season, so if no Branthwaite then I would go O’Brien for Keane.

I would also swap Young for Dixon. I actually think Young has played well recently but he must only be used as a sub now for a part of the game, he is too old to play a full 90 at full back imo, we need some pace.

Dave Abrahams
42 Posted 04/10/2024 at 09:59:30
If Branthwaite doesn’t play he will be missed but I’’mlooking forward to Dnaiye tearing the back out of a slow and aging Trippier although Newcastle will double up and be very physical with him like they were with City last week especially the black lad with the blonde hair who was well over the top with some of his tackles even after he had been booked and
got away with them. Ndaiye can lift the crowd again and lead us to another three points..
Jon Harding
43 Posted 04/10/2024 at 10:08:56
4 3 3
Lose one of the attacking players (Lindstrom) and bolster midfield with all those choices we have.
Ernie Baywood
44 Posted 04/10/2024 at 10:24:46
Dave 34, he's only started 4 games hasn't he? And he got sent off in one of them.

It might be a bit early to make any claims of dependability. His ratio of disasters is still holding strong.

Bob Parrington
45 Posted 04/10/2024 at 10:59:04
We're playing at home. Let's go out to win. Not what they expect with Dyche ball. We have the players now, who can blitz the prison bars. So let's just be positive and Nike!!!!
Paul Hewitt
46 Posted 04/10/2024 at 11:03:28
I see Jose Mourinho is being tipped to become Everton manager once TFG take over.
Bob Parrington
47 Posted 04/10/2024 at 11:06:38
Pickford, Dixon, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Gueye, Mangala, Lindstrom, Ndiaye, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin

Dave Abrahams
49 Posted 04/10/2024 at 11:21:10
Jon (43),

Definitely two in midfield is giving the pitch and the game to the opposition. Palace should have scored more in that first half last week. Harrison is hardly anyone's favourite but he strengthened the team when he came on last week, can he keep it up?

Maybe not but he is much better than Lindstrom in his present form and some knowledgeable fans say Lindstrom is being played out of position, whatever his best position is he doesn't look strong enough for the Premier League at the moment.

Noleen Daya
50 Posted 04/10/2024 at 11:42:52
Last weekend was great! But I will not get my hopes up, I will not remotely get my hopes up, I will not in the slightest get my hopes up. I. WILL. JUST. NOT!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom Bowers
51 Posted 04/10/2024 at 11:44:34
We have to see which Everton shows up, the poor team or the even poorer team.

Defense is the key but they cannot seem to look anything but out to lunch almost every game.

If they can ride their luck and Young has a decent game against Gordon, who knows?

Bobby Mallon
52 Posted 04/10/2024 at 11:51:54
Dave Abrahams @49.

What you say about Lindstrøm not being strong enough, is exactly what I said after seeing him in the Premier League. The lad needs to bulk up a bit or he's going to flounder and he's too skillfull for that.

Anthony Jones
53 Posted 04/10/2024 at 12:21:50
Sarri plays a high defensive line. He would have a torrid time with Tarkowski and Keane in the centre.

Andy Crooks
54 Posted 04/10/2024 at 12:38:49
We never do as badly as some predict, so I'm concerned at the positivity so far.

I'll have to do the job myself; without Branthwaite we could lose 10-0!!

Steve Dowdeswell
55 Posted 04/10/2024 at 12:53:23
Yet another injury in training!

What are the fucking coaching staff doing at Finch Farm?

David Bromwell
56 Posted 04/10/2024 at 12:59:35
Branthwaite has clearly become our most important player, which for one so young is an enormous responsibility. If he is unfit for tomorrow most on here are clearly worried.

Let's hope he plays, if not I would hope the Manager finds a way of adding some pace to the defence or at least adding a further person in midfield to give the defence more protection.

Dave Cashen
57 Posted 04/10/2024 at 13:30:36
Ernie 44,

He's actually played over 700 games.

I don't think mentioning the games he didn't play in strengthens you case against him. Just the eight goals conceded by calamitous defending when he wasn't even on the pitch.

If it's disaster ratios you are interested in, then a quick look at the goals we have conceded will tell you everything we need to know. X most definitely, marks the spot.

Look Ernie. I know you are right. A fella approaching 40 shouldn't be getting anywhere near our team, But he is and it pisses me off when people slag our players off long before a ball is kicked.

I truly believe that anyone prepared to climb down from the TW bandwagon will testify that Young has been the very least of our problems this season. 40 is not good, but five international defenders and an international goalkeeper looking like they have never played the game in their lives Is a whole lot worse.

The defensive unit is not functioning. Scapegoating the only one who looks like a professional at the moment isn't the answer. It will not fix anything.

Jim Wilson
58 Posted 04/10/2024 at 13:41:38
The Premier League might as well let Newcastle fan Michael Oliver referee the game. I know they want to and Everton Football Club wouldn't say a word.

But Pawson is just as bad if not worse than Oliver. Kavanagh a partner in crime too.

So somehow we have to get through this game without tackling while Newcastle can foul away.

It is time Dyche showed some initiative if Branthwaite is out. We don't need a strapping big slow defender to replace him we need a mobile defender best able to deal with Gordon.

I will be delighted with a draw and no red cards for us!

COYB!

Mark Murphy
59 Posted 04/10/2024 at 14:47:37
Mykolenko out as well, I'm hearing…
Christy Ring
60 Posted 04/10/2024 at 15:03:35
Since yesterday’s team news from Dyche, Branthwaite is doubtful and now Mykolenko is out? Do you not be taking things easy two days before the game. If Jarrad is out forget about a winger and play 433, to protect the back four, because nothing sure Gordon will be upfront, and definitely diving which he gets away with in every game.
Jay Harris
61 Posted 04/10/2024 at 15:51:21
It's not definite that Branthwaite nor Mykolenko are out. They will both be late fitness tests. Let's hope for the best and plan for the worst.

If Jarrad is not available I would beef the midfield up with Gana, Mangala and Ironbraum, leaving Calvert-Lewin up front with McNeil and Ndiaye for support.

Neil Lawson
62 Posted 04/10/2024 at 15:57:22
Everton without Branthwaite are like chips with no egg.

Everton with Keane and Young are like tripe and onions.

Bill Hawker
63 Posted 04/10/2024 at 16:10:41
How in the world is O'Brien not even getting a sniff? We know what we're getting with Keane. Dyche knows what we're getting with Keane.

What does O'Brien need to do to get a start and prove himself?

Mike Connolly
64 Posted 04/10/2024 at 16:36:28
Branthwaite was not getting a start until Keane started fucking everything up and Dyche reluctantly put Branthwite in through pressure from the crowd and media.

Personaly I think Keane has something on Dyche. Simon Jordon pointed out the other week, when Keane plays, Everton generally lose.

Steve Brown
65 Posted 04/10/2024 at 17:00:08
If Myko is injured, we might play a back 3 as we would be down to one fit experienced fullback.

Dale Self
66 Posted 04/10/2024 at 17:10:07
Noleen, we are getting over the hump tomorrow.


Mark Murphy
67 Posted 04/10/2024 at 17:10:46
But Keane wasn’t fcuking up Mike. He wasn’t as good as Branthwaite that’s a given but it’s unfair to say that he fcuked up anymore than Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Seamus and Garner did in those defeats. In fact, Keane was probably the least worse of those.
Denis Richardson
68 Posted 04/10/2024 at 17:13:36
If Myko is out then surely Dixon comes in and Young moves to LB. Good chance for Dixon to get some minutes and stake a claim.

I’d like to see O’Brian get a game. Supposedly paid £17m for him and he’s catching splinters on the bench. However, I cannot imagine it won’t be Keane in the middle, especially if Dixon has to come in.

We’re at home and scoring and they have Isak and I think Wilson out so both suffering with injuries. Hopefully we get something out of the game to keep momentum going. Then have a couple of weeks to get the walking wounded back.

Apparently in our last 20 home games against them we’ve won 12 and drawn 7 so no need for doom and gloom (just yet).

Looking forward to it.

Mike Morgan
69 Posted 04/10/2024 at 17:18:43
O'Brien looks too slow and clumsy to me.

I hate to say it but Godfrey at least was fast and could play as an emergency full-back.

I think these changes were led by financial fair play constraints rather than football.

Denis Richardson
70 Posted 04/10/2024 at 17:25:51
Mike 69 - so you’re saying O’Brian is worse than Keane?

He’s not really had a chance to show what he’s about tbf.

Nigel Scowen
71 Posted 04/10/2024 at 17:42:16
Where is it saying that Branthwaite and Mykolenko are out?
Dale Self
72 Posted 04/10/2024 at 18:24:07
I am somewhat concerned about the crowd since we will be deep, playing for the counter attack.

And I guess a little concerned about anything Dyche chooses being a blunt instrument for character assassination

Paul Ferry
73 Posted 04/10/2024 at 19:21:19
It's hard, I know, and 99.99999% it won't happen, but I wish that we wouldn't boo Gordon tomorrow. Ignore him. Not because the red shite twat doesn't deserve it, but it will make us look better and, who knows, any one of our 11 might think that the boos are being aimed at them!
Dale Self
74 Posted 04/10/2024 at 20:06:30
Just keep it close until the second half. I can't get to a TV until then.
Mark Murphy
75 Posted 04/10/2024 at 21:01:52
Nigel, “The Bobble” posts on Twitter and apparently he's never wrong.

I don't know who he is but it's widely accepted on TPF that he has a contact in the club.

Ernie Baywood
76 Posted 04/10/2024 at 21:11:24
Dave #57,

I'm not trying to claim he's been our biggest problem this season. Just that, as you yourself say, he shouldn't be in the team.

He's got this knack of looking alright until he makes a game-defining mistake. He simply doesn't have the reactions or the recovery speed. Not his fault – he's doing 'pretty well for an arl fella'.

In 4 games, he's had one disaster. Play him another 4 times and he'll have at least one more. Decent teams know they can target him.

If the argument against Dixon (or Patterson when fit) is that he's young and will make mistakes then I'd still go with him – at least there's something to learn from those mistakes.

Whereas Young just continues to learn that Father Time has caught up with him and he can't do anything about it.

Colin Malone
77 Posted 04/10/2024 at 21:17:08
I'd like to see Martin Sherif get a chance from the bench.
Nigel Scowen
78 Posted 04/10/2024 at 21:44:19
Ah I see Mark, thanks for clarifying, relatively new on here.
Mike Gaynes
79 Posted 04/10/2024 at 22:38:57
I won't see the game tomorrow... sometime in the first half, I'll be taking the competition stage in Portland with my chorale.

Like Everton, we have serious fitness problems. Our normal contingent of 25 is down to 18. Missing both of our inspirational 80-year-olds and a guy with a hand injury. (Hand injury???) We're shooting for top 4 after finishing 6th last year, but it'll be tough with our depleted ranks.

Hope to come home to find the Blues have banked three points, but honestly, without Jarrad and Vitalii, I'll cheerfully settle for one.

Paul Birmingham
80 Posted 04/10/2024 at 23:50:57
Dave @57, a good balanced and fair call out.

Hopefully the turning point for Everton fortunes is near.

Jack Convery
81 Posted 05/10/2024 at 06:06:13
I have two words for this game - Harvey Barnes.
Ajay Gopal
82 Posted 05/10/2024 at 07:07:05
If Branthwaite and Mykolenko are unavailable, then I like the idea of playing 3 at the back with Young and Harrison as the wingbacks. It will demand a tremendous amount of work from them, but Dixon coming on for Young after about 60 minutes and Garner playing left-back in a switched back 4 would give Newcastle something to think about.

My starting XI:

Pickford
O'Brien Tarkowski Keane
Harrison Gueye Mangala Young
Ndiaye Calvert-Lewin McNeil

Subs: Virginia, Dixon, Garner, Iroegbunam, Doucoure, Beto, Lindstrom, Armstrong

Newcastle also have significant injury problems of their own. No reason not to try for all 3 points.

Colin Glassar
83 Posted 05/10/2024 at 07:32:01
This is my umpteenth, and last, attempt to re-join TW after the recent technical meltdown.

I hope it works. If not, I enjoyed my time on here and, UTFT!

Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
84 Posted 05/10/2024 at 07:41:02
Welcome back, Colin. Sorry you've been having problems!
Paul Ferry
85 Posted 05/10/2024 at 07:49:47
Can I second Michael K, a ToffeeWeb without CG is like the Spice Girls without Posh.

Right, off to zzzzz after the last dry white is poured, thinking of a Ndiaye romp and a Gordon missed pen.

Wish me luck please with my FPL team for today: Raya - Gabriel - Digne - Porro - Mbuemo - Semenyo, Saka - Palmer (C) - Jackson - Solanke - Watkins

Colin Glassar
86 Posted 05/10/2024 at 08:00:40
Cheers, Michael/Paul. Good to be back. Hoping for an Everton win today but with all the (defensive) injuries, I’ll take a draw.
Dave Cashen
87 Posted 05/10/2024 at 08:18:47
Fair enough Ernie.

It's difficult to argue with any of that. The fact is; Young is an Everton player. We should be supporting him. After two excellent games, he is entitled to expect some praise.

Fans pay their money (one way or another) and they are more than entitled to criticize players who can earn more in a year than they may earn in a lifetime, but for fuck's sake, mate, can't we at least wait until the game starts before we start putting the size nines in?

We're meant to be on their side!

Mark Murphy
88 Posted 05/10/2024 at 08:39:58
Mike G, good luck in your chorale
What is it btw???
Paul Ferry
89 Posted 05/10/2024 at 08:40:49
Choral competition, silly!
Mark Murphy
90 Posted 05/10/2024 at 08:45:30
Ah of course - thanks Paul, it was the hand injury that confused me! You can go to bed now Paul, wake up refreshed for the Blues 2nd win on the trot.
Jack - I’ve two words for you - Harvey Smith!
UTFT
Derek Knox
91 Posted 05/10/2024 at 08:47:21
Mike G, best of British Old Boy, I really do hope you are all singing from the same hymn sheet. If You Know Your History, and We Are The Goodison Gang could be good bets for the Final :-)
Mark Murphy
92 Posted 05/10/2024 at 08:58:27
Yes George, good luck! Hope you’ve got some good Welsh voices in your gang.
But don’t sing that nonsensical dirge if you want to win!
UTFT
Paul Ferry
93 Posted 05/10/2024 at 08:58:57
I was thinking Derek K of some EFC Baroque:

'you're gonna get your fucking heads kicked in', 'we are evil', 'you'll never make the station', 'you're going home in a fucking ambulance', 'i was walking down lime street swinging my chain ... ' 'jesus christ was an evertonian', 'i'm a bone legged ... '

Brian Williams
94 Posted 05/10/2024 at 09:03:23
"Bow legged" Paul.

Come on now!

Kunal Desai
95 Posted 05/10/2024 at 09:06:32
Low block setup, horrid football but hope to eek out a 1-0 win.
Paul Ferry
96 Posted 05/10/2024 at 09:11:00
Agh Brian, you caught me, cheers mate. It's late, too much dry white and music. Lady slagging me of from the bedroom; I can hear you. Thinking of Dave Thomas and socks rolled down, and Big Bob's Elland Rd semi-goal, and climbing on board the Lawrenson's coach for the '77 final, humming 'groove line' by Heatwave.

Take care mate, hope you are feeling good.

Christy Ring
97 Posted 05/10/2024 at 09:16:52
If Mykolenko is out, he has to play Young at left-back, and Dixon right-back.

But knowing Dyche, he'll play Garner at full-back, which hasn't worked, instead of in a 3-man midfield.

Tony Abrahams
98 Posted 05/10/2024 at 09:34:02
Dave @87, because some people want to use any stick they can find to beat up the manager sometimes.

Benitez got slaughtered for Rondon but I'm sure if you would have asked him, then I'm certain he would tell you that, if the club had given him some money, then there is no way in the world that Solomon would have been asked to sign for Everton.

(Benitez should have never been given the job either, especially when they gave him about £2 million to spend, I know!)

We are fans who want the best for our club, and will all obviously disagree with the manager on his team selections at different times, just like thousands of us will do today if Michael Keane, is picked Dave, because that Tarkowski looks awful without the calming influence of Jarrod Brainthwaith playing next to him!!

Justin Doone
99 Posted 05/10/2024 at 09:34:22
As my wish last week, I don't care how, don't care who, don't care why. I wish for 3 points; failing that, a clean sheet would be very welcome.

Every fan, player, coach supporting each other. NSNO!

Mark Murphy
100 Posted 05/10/2024 at 09:45:06
Paul - a lullaby for you…

“We're all mad we're all round the bend!
We are the Stanley Stanley Park End - graaaaahhhhhhh”!

Sweet dreams, Yanqui!

Derek Knox
101 Posted 05/10/2024 at 09:48:32
Paul @ 96,

"Lady slagging me off from the bedroom." I assume that is your next door neighbour! :-)

Jeff Spiers
102 Posted 05/10/2024 at 10:07:35
Sky Paper Talk:

Jose Mourinho possibly our next manager!! What the Fuck???

Matt Traynor
103 Posted 05/10/2024 at 11:38:20
Jeff #102, I really can't see it. Didn't TFG sack him at Roma?

Also, I can't see him working at Everton under our current financial situation – he's not one to operate within constraints.

Robert Tressell
104 Posted 05/10/2024 at 11:56:55
The £17M paid for O'Brien is really not a lot of money. He's a late developer and I expect the coaching team are working very hard to get him up to standard.

He may yet prove to be a good signing but it could take a bit of time.

Si Cooper
105 Posted 05/10/2024 at 13:06:51
Isak and Wilson out is a bonus but they will still be expecting Barnes, Murphy and Gordon to look to exploit any space behind defenders.

Can't see a back three starting today so I'd have my three most mobile central midfielders. For me that would include Iroegbunam but I suspect the manager will pick Doucs.
Ndiaye, Calvert-Lewin and McNeil looking to keep them fully occupied at the other end.

Keane is getting Tarkowsis share of criticism as well as his own at the moment. I think Lindstrøm is obviously still adjusting and a knock last week affected his performance.

He's got decent pace (well, definitely when compared to McNeil and Harrison), looks to play forwards, looks to make himself available, runs the channels, and is a dead-ball specialist. I think there is a lot more to come from him.

A game in the balance. Right attitude and focus essential. Come on you Blues!

Raymond Fox
106 Posted 05/10/2024 at 13:24:08
The neutral view is that Newcastle are the most likely winner at Evens, us at 2/1 and 2/1 the draw.

Myself I have a feeling we will win this game, no great logic involved but I think we can do it.

Kevin Naylor
107 Posted 05/10/2024 at 13:58:04
Betfair Exchange odds (the only place to bet).

5/2 Everton
6/5 Newcastle
11/4 The draw

Robert Tressell
108 Posted 05/10/2024 at 14:58:39
Is anyone having trouble accessing ToffeeWeb via mobile phone? For the last few days I can only access by laptop.

I get the message:

"Bad request: your browser sent a request that your server could not understand. Size of request header exceeds server limit."

Tried to access from a few different search engines but no joy. No problem accessing any other website either.

Last resort of turning phone on and off again... fingers crossed.

Alan J Thompson
109 Posted 05/10/2024 at 15:01:43
I was trying to remember which of Tarkowski and Keane played on which side and I thought Keane played on the left and wondered if it might be worthwhile playing them the other way around, Keane on the right.
Anyone remember?
Andy McGuffog
110 Posted 05/10/2024 at 15:21:09
Robert. Click th 3 little dots top right.Go to Delete browsing history,then more options, then tick Browsing history,Cookies, and Cached images and files. Then click Delete data down bottom right. this worked for me half an hour ago.
Robert Tressell
111 Posted 05/10/2024 at 15:37:46
Brilliant Andy - thank you!
David Bromwell
112 Posted 05/10/2024 at 15:45:11
Alan 109, Michael Keane has generally been selected to play on the left which exacerbates his slowness especially on the turn. Trouble is in this respect he and Tarkowski are similar and as a consequence they are not an ideal pairing.
Dave Lynch
113 Posted 05/10/2024 at 15:51:12
Is live forum down, seems to be nobody on it
Robert Tressell
114 Posted 05/10/2024 at 15:52:09
At Burnley, I think both Tarkowski and Keane benefited from playing alongside the faster (and left footed) Ben Mee.

Neither are especially good as a left-sided centre back.

O'Brien is right footed but may be a better bet there.


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