Everton (A) | Pre-Match Thread

[Horlocksleftpeg]

Would it be too contraversial to suggest that I don't think KDB has been injured. He was looking fucked in games and running on empty having had no break or pre-season. I think Peps just said I want you rested for a month and come back all guns blazing. Take him a few games to be fully up to match speed now but he'll be good for the run in. Big gamble but most of the squad have now rotated out for a few weeks with either an injury or Covid. I suggest there may have been some slight manipulation of the injury situation to rest players in this strange season or I may be being a little cynical.

I love a conspiracy theory as much as the next man but I don’t think we’d have left a fully fit DeBruyne at home while we played at Anfield in a game that could make or break the title.

I do think however that the cushion we’ve given ourselves will allow us to give players as much time as possible to recover from injuries moving forward.

 

[balotelli's back pocket]

I doubt Pep changes the system too much, so I'd be surprised if Dinho came in for Gundo.

They are extremely dangerous down the left flank (Digne and Richarlison) so I think Walker will play at right back. Cancelo and Zinny both to start, one at left back and one in midfield (anyone's guess which one goes where.)

Ederson
Walker Stones Dias Zinchenko
Cancelo Rodri Bernardo
Sterling Jesus Foden

 

[Sir Joe Aguero]

Win tonight and go 10 points clear. United, Leicester, Chelsea & Liverpool will all take points off each other. 17 game winning streak. The aim will be 20. Then United would hopefully make it 21. That's an unbelievable show of dominance.

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

I expect Mahrez to come in wide right, leaving Phil to play in midfield with Bernie and Rodri. Certainly if Jesus starts up top.

 

[Magicpole]

You are looking well tasty, can't see anything but a win.

 

[abu13]

I expect Mahrez to come in wide right, leaving Phil to play in midfield with Bernie and Rodri. Certainly if Jesus starts up top.

I agree, it makes sense to do so and minimises any disruption.

 

[supercity88]

Expecting a tough game. Gundogan will be a big miss. I think we'd be better to have Phil in there making those late runs into the box and bringing Mahrez in personally.

I'm a bit concerned about how De Bruyne gets into this side and keeps us playing in the same way. Bernardo has been very good at keeping the ball moving, quite simply. Dropping deep and running the game and then finding little pockets to play give and go pass and move football. Gundogan has been a master at doing what Lampard used to at Chelsea and basically making a very timely move into space to put the ball into the net.

De Bruyne is much more spontaneous in how he plays. He can keep the ball ticking along but he'll look to play those ludicrous passes and he'll drive forwards at pace with the ball. If he is fit enough to play it would be nice to see Pep just reiterate to him that we don't need to run with the ball so much and to tone that side of his game down and just look to thread the simple passes through. He can still peel off wide right and play those crosses and Bernardo can maybe pick up Gundogan's role.

Anyway all thoughts for games beyond this potentially.

 

[yerwot?]

Win tonight and go 10 points clear. United, Leicester, Chelsea & Liverpool will all take points off each other. 17 game winning streak. The aim will be 20. Then United would hopefully make it 21. That's an unbelievable show of dominance.

But entirely achievable, imo, given our squad depth and the lack of a credible threat from the rest. That is not an arrogant rant, just dont see anyone beating us, the ten behind the ball strategy that has previously been our downfall has been nullified , by planning and sqad rotation that keeps everyone fresh and hungry......opposition has no clue to what they have to deal with unlike in the past.

 

[plattlanebenches]

I expect Mahrez to come in wide right, leaving Phil to play in midfield with Bernie and Rodri. Certainly if Jesus starts up top.

I’d start Torres instead of FFS though.

 

[Manchester33]

Would it be too contraversial to suggest that I don't think KDB has been injured. He was looking fucked in games and running on empty having had no break or pre-season. I think Peps just said I want you rested for a month and come back all guns blazing. Take him a few games to be fully up to match speed now but he'll be good for the run in. Big gamble but most of the squad have now rotated out for a few weeks with either an injury or Covid. I suggest there may have been some slight manipulation of the injury situation to rest players in this strange season or I may be being a little cynical.

I'm trying to work out if this is sarcastic or not?