Everton (A) | Pre-Match Thread

[LongsightM13]

Got a feeling Ferran will start this one

 

[aguero93:20]

Ederson

Walker
Stones
Laporte
Zinchenko

Rodri
Bernardo
Foden

Sterling
Jesus
Ferran

 

[pavelsrnicek]

Ancelotti has only faced Pep 3 times, our win last January was Pep’s first win having lost the previous 2. So at the moment he may have the best head to head record v Pep of any manager.

After their last bad run Ancelotti went back to basics, quite defensively and played on the counter. I’d expect him to do the same tomorrow night. Means when they’re in their defensive shape we’ll have to move the ball quickly and be clinical. If we get in front they’ll have to change their approach.

With Gundogan likely to be missing I think Pep will play Foden in midfield. Without Gundogan we will lose a little bit of control and the game could be a little frantic. For that reason I think Pep will start Mahrez as he’s better and keeping the ball and we may need him to occasionally slow the match down.

 

[shevtheblue]

Agreed. I do like Ancelotti though. I think he'll know this and perhaps why he rested a few key players against Fulham. Unfortunately for him and Everton it backfired big time. Now he has to hope his players can keep constantly shuffling across the field for the whole 90 mins. Ilkay will be a miss but I think we can cope. Have to be watchful of their front two of course but I think Stonesy and Ruben will handle them fine. Remember we hate giving up goals.

DCL is out for them, so that's also helpful.

 

[CatMan]

Doesn't sound like KDB is being discounted from starting! How good would that be for him to drop straight in.

 

[The Black Shed]

Doesn't sound like KDB is being discounted from starting! How good would that be for him to drop straight in.

If he's fit, he plays. Simples

 

[EdersonsSmiley]

I would put Foden in for Gundogan then Torres or Mahrez to come in on the wing.

This could be a game to have Ferna play alongside Rodri but I don't see it. Everton are very hit and miss.

 

[Mancity1980]

Doesn't sound like KDB is being discounted from starting! How good would that be for him to drop straight in.

Kind of negates the issue of losing Gundogan.

 

[jimharri]

If he's fit, he plays. Simples

I wouldn't start him. Have him on the bench. If things are going tits up, bring him on with 20-25 minutes to go. And if things are going as we hope they will, give him the last 10-15 minutes. We've coped without him fairly well so far!

 

[Horlocksleftpeg]

Doesn't sound like KDB is being discounted from starting! How good would that be for him to drop straight in.

I got that impression too.

I hope he’s 100% though if he does start. Absolutely no point rushing him back whatsoever given the position we’re in and the upcoming games.

I’d prefer to lose tomorrow than for DeBruyne to be rushed back and get injured. He’s that important to us at the business end of the season.