Everton Pre-Match Thread

[Chris in London]

Four things for me give us the edge in this one.

First, the possibility of a CL place for Everton has all but gone. After last night Arsenal are 100-1 on to get the 4th CL place. Everton know that. They will be professional and we will need to work hard, but the extra 3% that comes from having a really juicy carrot on offer will be gone from their game. You could see the same thing at Palace on Sunday.

Secondly, the whole of Everton knows what a City defeat means in the title race. When Liverpool play they will know our result. We win at Everton and you can see them slipping up at Palace because their heads have gone down, but if we lose it is in their hands again and they won't make the same mistake twice. So Saturday is hugely important (like Newcastle was two years ago) and because of that Goodison will not be the hostile place we have encountered in recent visits. Without the crowd on the ref's back and with the Everton players giving that bit extra they seemed to against us when Moyes was winding them up, they are not the force we have had to deal with recently.

Thirdly, they are hit heavily by injuries. I can't imagine them rushing either Jagielka or Distin back. Baines is a doubt and they are without Barry. We however have come through our injury nightmare at just the right time, and may even have Merlin back.

Finally, we have the title to play for. The extra few percent missing from Everton will be there for us. I don't think it will be a case of us struggling to cope with the pressure, because we have done this before.

It is a tough ask to go to Goodison needing a win, and I would have hated to do it if Everton were scrapping like mad for points. Had this game come any earlier in the season few would have said we are on course for a win. This time, I think we are.

 

[Big Swifty]

I just wish Everton hadn't been such crap recently. I imagine they'll come at us like rabid bull terriers from the start. Beware conceding early!

 

[Blue Is the Opposite of Blue]

Win this, and we have one hand on the trophy.

I'll make an educated guess that Liverpool fans thought this after they beat us.

You can never be sure.

 

[Ducado]

Strangely enough I am quite confident about this game, there was just something about the way we played the other day that showed me that the team had fire in their bellies again.

I am quite sure that Everton will not role over for us, and neither would I want them to, but I beleive we will have the psychological advantage

 

[aguero93:20]

Win this, and we have one hand on the trophy.

I'll make an educated guess that Liverpool fans thought this after they beat us.

You can never be sure.

They did have one hand on the trophy. They fucked up.

 

[willipp]

Four things for me give us the edge in this one.

First, the possibility of a CL place for Everton has all but gone. After last night Arsenal are 100-1 on to get the 4th CL place. Everton know that. They will be professional and we will need to work hard, but the extra 3% that comes from having a really juicy carrot on offer will be gone from their game. You could see the same thing at Palace on Sunday.

Secondly, the whole of Everton knows what a City defeat means in the title race. When Liverpool play they will know our result. We win at Everton and you can see them slipping up at Palace because their heads have gone down, but if we lose it is in their hands again and they won't make the same mistake twice. So Saturday is hugely important (like Newcastle was two years ago) and because of that Goodison will not be the hostile place we have encountered in recent visits. Without the crowd on the ref's back and with the Everton players giving that bit extra they seemed to against us when Moyes was winding them up, they are not the force we have had to deal with recently.

Thirdly, they are hit heavily by injuries. I can't imagine them rushing either Jagielka or Distin back. Baines is a doubt and they are without Barry. We however have come through our injury nightmare at just the right time, and may even have Merlin back.

Finally, we have the title to play for. The extra few percent missing from Everton will be there for us. I don't think it will be a case of us struggling to cope with the pressure, because we have done this before.

It is a tough ask to go to Goodison needing a win, and I would have hated to do it if Everton were scrapping like mad for points. Had this game come any earlier in the season few would have said we are on course for a win. This time, I think we are.

I know it would seem that CL football is the be all and end all, but what about them needing 5th for Europa League? Everton havent exactly been blessed with season after season of European football, but the thought of ending the season in 6th and therefore nothing to show for it should give them added incentive. I can understand the fans being slightly apprehensive, but i remember exactly the same when we played Leeds back in the 90's and we hammered them 4-0. The fans that day still supported City and loved sticking it up Leeds regardless of the outcome to the title.

I don't think we can expect any favours from Everton fans or their players. I think they will be well up for it to cement their good season with a top 5 finish and also to have an impact on the outcome of the title. I really hope your right as small margins make a big difference, but i just can't see it.

 

[Ancient Citizen]

Four things for me give us the edge in this one.

First, the possibility of a CL place for Everton has all but gone. After last night Arsenal are 100-1 on to get the 4th CL place. Everton know that. They will be professional and we will need to work hard, but the extra 3% that comes from having a really juicy carrot on offer will be gone from their game. You could see the same thing at Palace on Sunday.

Secondly, the whole of Everton knows what a City defeat means in the title race. When Liverpool play they will know our result. We win at Everton and you can see them slipping up at Palace because their heads have gone down, but if we lose it is in their hands again and they won't make the same mistake twice. So Saturday is hugely important (like Newcastle was two years ago) and because of that Goodison will not be the hostile place we have encountered in recent visits. Without the crowd on the ref's back and with the Everton players giving that bit extra they seemed to against us when Moyes was winding them up, they are not the force we have had to deal with recently.

Thirdly, they are hit heavily by injuries. I can't imagine them rushing either Jagielka or Distin back. Baines is a doubt and they are without Barry. We however have come through our injury nightmare at just the right time, and may even have Merlin back.

Finally, we have the title to play for. The extra few percent missing from Everton will be there for us. I don't think it will be a case of us struggling to cope with the pressure, because we have done this before.

It is a tough ask to go to Goodison needing a win, and I would have hated to do it if Everton were scrapping like mad for points. Had this game come any earlier in the season few would have said we are on course for a win. This time, I think we are.

Good post, exactly what I was thinking. We needed Arsenal to win last night, which they did comfortably, so I can't see Martinez whipping up an injury depleted squad to break their collective bollocks trying to beat City, thereby handing their local rivals the title.
He is a very astute manager though, and it won't be handed to us on a plate, but I'm pretty confident.

 

[chris85mcfc]

Win this, and we have one hand on the trophy.

I'll make an educated guess that Liverpool fans thought this after they beat us.

You can never be sure.

They did have one hand on the trophy. They fucked up.

Hence why its called 'one' hand

Another point worth making, i dont think its being over-confident in believing that the players won't let this one slip this time

That's the way I see it anyway, you could see it in the players eyes on Sunday that they've had a door opened for them and i just can't see us not seeing this through now

 

[aguero93:20]

Four things for me give us the edge in this one.

First, the possibility of a CL place for Everton has all but gone. After last night Arsenal are 100-1 on to get the 4th CL place. Everton know that. They will be professional and we will need to work hard, but the extra 3% that comes from having a really juicy carrot on offer will be gone from their game. You could see the same thing at Palace on Sunday.

Secondly, the whole of Everton knows what a City defeat means in the title race. When Liverpool play they will know our result. We win at Everton and you can see them slipping up at Palace because their heads have gone down, but if we lose it is in their hands again and they won't make the same mistake twice. So Saturday is hugely important (like Newcastle was two years ago) and because of that Goodison will not be the hostile place we have encountered in recent visits. Without the crowd on the ref's back and with the Everton players giving that bit extra they seemed to against us when Moyes was winding them up, they are not the force we have had to deal with recently.

Thirdly, they are hit heavily by injuries. I can't imagine them rushing either Jagielka or Distin back. Baines is a doubt and they are without Barry. We however have come through our injury nightmare at just the right time, and may even have Merlin back.

Finally, we have the title to play for. The extra few percent missing from Everton will be there for us. I don't think it will be a case of us struggling to cope with the pressure, because we have done this before.

It is a tough ask to go to Goodison needing a win, and I would have hated to do it if Everton were scrapping like mad for points. Had this game come any earlier in the season few would have said we are on course for a win. This time, I think we are.

I know it would seem that CL football is the be all and end all, but what about them needing 5th for Europa League? Everton havent exactly been blessed with season after season of European football, but the thought of ending the season in 6th and therefore nothing to show for it should give them added incentive. I can understand the fans being slightly apprehensive, but i remember exactly the same when we played Leeds back in the 90's and we hammered them 4-0. The fans that day still supported City and loved sticking it up Leeds regardless of the outcome to the title.

I don't think we can expect any favours from Everton fans or their players. I think they will be well up for it to cement their good season with a top 5 finish and also to have an impact on the outcome of the title. I really hope your right as small margins make a big difference, but i just can't see it.

They need 1 point or the scum to fail to take all 9 points available to guarantee EL. They play Hull in the final weekend who will be planning for the FA cup final.

 

[Chippy_boy]

Strangely enough I am quite confident about this game, there was just something about the way we played the other day that showed me that the team had fire in their bellies again.

I am quite sure that Everton will not role over for us, and neither would I want them to, but I beleive we will have the psychological advantage

Oh god, the dreaded vote of confidence. LOL

 

[blueparrot]

Strangely enough I am quite confident about this game, there was just something about the way we played the other day that showed me that the team had fire in their bellies again.

I am quite sure that Everton will not role over for us, and neither would I want them to, but I beleive we will have the psychological advantage

I've said it somewhere else but for me it was the way they walked off the pitch instead of over confident celebrating, there was a steely, job not finished calmness about them them.

 

[skbytes_efc]

So, for any blue scouse on here. Would you rather qualify for the chumps league and pool win the title, or miss out and they miss out too...

I doubt we've not got a chance of Chumps League now....... if your an Evertonian living in Liverpool then it's Liverpool NOT under any circumstances winning the league and us being in the Europe.... I think if West Ham beat Spurs in the early game then that would be good for you guys.

We just need a draw or a win in our last game at HULL. I think they'll not put a side out with the FA Cup just around the corner.

The fans do not want Liverpool to win the league but it's the players who are playing and not the fans i'm afraid. I think if Man City go 1 - 0 up then you may get Man City songs sung by Evertonians.

 

[Marvin]

I'm looking at the WHU v Spurs game, the lunchtime Kick off. if WHU win, then it's very likely that EFC will finish 5th whatever they do win or lose as Spurs wont be able to catch them

But I am not sure all this is relevant.

It's a big game. Players and fans want to win. Pride matters. Points been made a few times but in very similar circumstances City beat Leeds 4-0 in the title run-in and we all left the game thinking what have we done.

 

[Mattyc55]

Wish this week would fucking hurry up

 

[Kevindxb]

Four things for me give us the edge in this one.

First, the possibility of a CL place for Everton has all but gone. After last night Arsenal are 100-1 on to get the 4th CL place. Everton know that. They will be professional and we will need to work hard, but the extra 3% that comes from having a really juicy carrot on offer will be gone from their game. You could see the same thing at Palace on Sunday.

Secondly, the whole of Everton knows what a City defeat means in the title race. When Liverpool play they will know our result. We win at Everton and you can see them slipping up at Palace because their heads have gone down, but if we lose it is in their hands again and they won't make the same mistake twice. So Saturday is hugely important (like Newcastle was two years ago) and because of that Goodison will not be the hostile place we have encountered in recent visits. Without the crowd on the ref's back and with the Everton players giving that bit extra they seemed to against us when Moyes was winding them up, they are not the force we have had to deal with recently.

Thirdly, they are hit heavily by injuries. I can't imagine them rushing either Jagielka or Distin back. Baines is a doubt and they are without Barry. We however have come through our injury nightmare at just the right time, and may even have Merlin back.

Finally, we have the title to play for. The extra few percent missing from Everton will be there for us. I don't think it will be a case of us struggling to cope with the pressure, because we have done this before.

It is a tough ask to go to Goodison needing a win, and I would have hated to do it if Everton were scrapping like mad for points. Had this game come any earlier in the season few would have said we are on course for a win. This time, I think we are.

Good post, exactly what I was thinking. We needed Arsenal to win last night, which they did comfortably, so I can't see Martinez whipping up an injury depleted squad to break their collective bollocks trying to beat City, thereby handing their local rivals the title.
He is a very astute manager though, and it won't be handed to us on a plate, but I'm pretty confident.

If we are to win the title, we'll win it because we deserve it. I say, forget the speculation, we are a capable team and its up to us to raise to the task and leave with the precious 3 points. Simple as.

 

[willipp]

Four things for me give us the edge in this one.

First, the possibility of a CL place for Everton has all but gone. After last night Arsenal are 100-1 on to get the 4th CL place. Everton know that. They will be professional and we will need to work hard, but the extra 3% that comes from having a really juicy carrot on offer will be gone from their game. You could see the same thing at Palace on Sunday.

Secondly, the whole of Everton knows what a City defeat means in the title race. When Liverpool play they will know our result. We win at Everton and you can see them slipping up at Palace because their heads have gone down, but if we lose it is in their hands again and they won't make the same mistake twice. So Saturday is hugely important (like Newcastle was two years ago) and because of that Goodison will not be the hostile place we have encountered in recent visits. Without the crowd on the ref's back and with the Everton players giving that bit extra they seemed to against us when Moyes was winding them up, they are not the force we have had to deal with recently.

Thirdly, they are hit heavily by injuries. I can't imagine them rushing either Jagielka or Distin back. Baines is a doubt and they are without Barry. We however have come through our injury nightmare at just the right time, and may even have Merlin back.

Finally, we have the title to play for. The extra few percent missing from Everton will be there for us. I don't think it will be a case of us struggling to cope with the pressure, because we have done this before.

It is a tough ask to go to Goodison needing a win, and I would have hated to do it if Everton were scrapping like mad for points. Had this game come any earlier in the season few would have said we are on course for a win. This time, I think we are.

I know it would seem that CL football is the be all and end all, but what about them needing 5th for Europa League? Everton havent exactly been blessed with season after season of European football, but the thought of ending the season in 6th and therefore nothing to show for it should give them added incentive. I can understand the fans being slightly apprehensive, but i remember exactly the same when we played Leeds back in the 90's and we hammered them 4-0. The fans that day still supported City and loved sticking it up Leeds regardless of the outcome to the title.

I don't think we can expect any favours from Everton fans or their players. I think they will be well up for it to cement their good season with a top 5 finish and also to have an impact on the outcome of the title. I really hope your right as small margins make a big difference, but i just can't see it.

They need 1 point or the scum to fail to take all 9 points available to guarantee EL. They play Hull in the final weekend who will be planning for the FA cup final.

Is it 5th and 6th then that qualify? Im guessing thats because we won the league cup and the extra place goes to the league?

 

[mekonmcfc]

Jagielka, Baines likely to be back, and Sylvan is 50/50

not good news !! but we have to beat whats put in front of us

 

[aguero93:20]

I know it would seem that CL football is the be all and end all, but what about them needing 5th for Europa League? Everton havent exactly been blessed with season after season of European football, but the thought of ending the season in 6th and therefore nothing to show for it should give them added incentive. I can understand the fans being slightly apprehensive, but i remember exactly the same when we played Leeds back in the 90's and we hammered them 4-0. The fans that day still supported City and loved sticking it up Leeds regardless of the outcome to the title.

I don't think we can expect any favours from Everton fans or their players. I think they will be well up for it to cement their good season with a top 5 finish and also to have an impact on the outcome of the title. I really hope your right as small margins make a big difference, but i just can't see it.

They need 1 point or the scum to fail to take all 9 points available to guarantee EL. They play Hull in the final weekend who will be planning for the FA cup final.

Is it 5th and 6th then that qualify? Im guessing thats because we won the league cup and the extra place goes to the league?

Yep. Doing ourselves a favour with the COC cup win now it seems :).

 

[willipp]

They need 1 point or the scum to fail to take all 9 points available to guarantee EL. They play Hull in the final weekend who will be planning for the FA cup final.

Is it 5th and 6th then that qualify? Im guessing thats because we won the league cup and the extra place goes to the league?

Yep. Doing ourselves a favour with the COC cup win now it seems :).

Funny how things can end up working in your favour. Though i imagine a late surge for Europa League football from ryan and cronies might well add to his growing reputation to keep the job.

 

[fozza]

Tactics....

Hart, Zab Clichy Kompany Demi, Silva (if fit) Fernandinho Toure Milner, Negredo and Aguero
or
Hart, Zab Clichy Kompany Demi, Nasri (Silva if fit as can rotate) Fernandinho Toure (advanced or deep if silva advances) Garcia Milner, Aguero