Everton v City pre-match thread

[jay laruja]

Which of those do you class as 'question mark players' then?

Stones because of his recent form. Delph, Laporte, Jesus, and Sterling for lacking a run of games before the break.

 

[Robbie D]

It’s ages away, but might as well start this now. Returned to the old prediction format too as requested.

Hopefully the squad will be refreshed from the break, and we could even have a fully fit squad to choose from?! Obviously there will be one eye on the CL quarter final, but I’d still be tempted to go full strength here after almost 3 weeks off for the players. It’s a bogey ground for us so we’ll need to be at it, regardless of Everton’s recent struggles.

Ederson
Walker
Otamendi
Kompany
Delph
Fernandinho
Silva
De Bruyne
Sane
Sterling
Aguero

Back in the sixties and seventies Everton were one of the teams I looked forward to playing because we always did well against them and Goodison was one of my favourite grounds because we rarely lost there. Admittedly, the toffees have been a bit of a bogey team the last few games but this time I believe class will tell. I am going for a comfortable win by at least two clear goals.

 

[leth]

If all fit to play:

----------------------Ederson--------------------
Walker-----Otamendi-----Laporte-----Delph
-------------------Fernandinho------------------
-----------De Bruyne----------D.Silva-----------
Sterling-------------Aguero----------------Sane

The only minor concession i'd make towards the games that follow this one is to keep Kompany on ice. We'll need his know how against Liverpool and if we are to seal the title against Utd, even if we do end up rotating a little for that game, i want him on the pitch for it. Partly because he's best suited to handle Lukaku and a big derby atmosphere but also with one eye on him being central to any potential celebrations.

While the club have clearly been managing his games since he got fit again, i do suspect Kompany could start three games in a week (Liverpool, Utd, Liverpool) but i wouldn't tax him any further beforehand. In any case, Laporte will be fully refreshed from this international break and i think Everton is one of those games where his distribution skills will prove more useful than Kompany's pure defensive abilities.

I'd view this as one of those games where you go in as strong as you can, hope to take the lead and then manage the game out from there, conserving any energy we can. Maybe withdrawing Fernandinho to protect him from a booking that would see him miss Utd and Spurs. Maybe withdrawing the likes of De Bruyne, Silva or Aguero to keep them as fresh as possible. Maybe you look to limit Delph's minutes, given how much we'll likely want him to keep tabs on Salah. All decisions you might feel able to make during the game if things go to plan. But there's no better way to prepare for Anfield than by doing what we can to keep the winning habit going.

 

[Mancity1980]

The wait for this next game is excruciating, I know the rest will the players good but us fans need our city fix!

 

[davek1808]

Can see nothing but a comfortable victory.

 

[MarsLlama]

Win this game and win the title vs United, then play this team at Spurs:

--------------Ederson
Danilo--Stones-Laporte-Mendy
-----------Fernandinho
-----De Bruyne----Foden
Bernardo-----------------Sterling
--------------Jesus

 

[lionheart]

Fernandinho needs to miss the Everton game as he would surely pick up the yellow needed for a two match ban.

 

[bornblueegg]

Win this game and win the title vs United, then play this team at Spurs:

--------------Ederson
Danilo--Stones-Laporte-Mendy
-----------Fernandinho
-----De Bruyne----Foden
Bernardo-----------------Sterling
--------------Jesus

Agree with this. Stones Laporte need time together and this is perfect opportunity to play them

 

[citytill1die84]

I'd bored after only a week going to a long wait this 1.

Hopefully everybody comes back fit and well.

Ederson

Walker Otamendi Stones Zinchenko

Gundogan KDB

Sterling D.Silva Sane

Jesus

I'd save Vinny, Delph & Dinho for the dippers Dinho because of his card situation. I'd also play B.Silva instead of Sterling at the dippers as well.

Players know they're with in touching distance now and will probably want it won on derby day just like us I'm going 3-1 City.

 

[argyle]

I've gone for a win but this is one of the only games of the year that Everton are seemingly up for. Wouldn't be surprised with a draw.