Time to put Saturday behind us., fairly sure we can expect Felli to be sitting this one out along with Mirallas, Hibbert, Neville and Anichebe. I think we will line up ---------------------Howard--------------- ---Coleman--Jagielka--Distin--Baines--- --------------Gibson----Osman----------- -----Naismith----Barkley----Pienaar----- --------------------Jelavic----------------- Howard has no credible back up Coleman has no back up available Jagielka is first choice CB Distin is second choice CB Baines... Gibson first choice Osman, I think he had done well with Gibson and don't think he should be move forward in Fellaini's absence. Naismith, whether people like it or not will start Pienaar... Barkley, I think it'll be him or Ovideo (if Oviedo then Pienaar/Naismith behind Jelavic) and considering it was Barkley who came on at the weekend then I'll say him Jelavic...
Will Fellaini definitely be banned for this or will the ban kick in after? I think this will be a draw which I think we will be pleased with given how superb you have been this season. Should be a good game. COYI
Alright mate Yeah I imagine we will know the ban within the next three days so I'm sure it will be in place with immediate effect. Even away from home, I want a win + we beat you quite often in past? I think. Not expecting an easy ride by any means though. Defend like you did today and we will struggle to break you down.
I'd like to see Oviedo given a crack down the flank and put Pienaar In behind Jelavic...Oviedo has looked pretty good from what Ive seen wasnt Mirallas taken off against spurs as a precaution though I know he missed stoke but maybe he will be back?? I can see a draw here I fear a bad few games with no Fellaini Im afraid
Hi Mate. Yeah I don't think our record against you is the best although I do remember 1 or 2 decent results against you in recent years, especially at Goodison. Not too much for us to shout about at home against you though. In fact, I'm struggling to remember the last time we did beat you at home? I think Fellaini missing has made things a lot more even and it's a tough one to call. It think both sides would be reasonably content with a draw. Will call in during the build up if you don't mind.
I think you got a couple of draws against us in the year you were relegated (not much consolation I know!) with Piquonne getting sent off at Goodison? I've just had a look, April 2007 when you last beat us http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6555253.stm I can't remember it though for some reason. You've got Diame missing as well haven't you? I think you right to fancy you're chances as Fellaini is a fantastic player no doubt but I'm hoping the likes of Barkley step up to the plate and Baines/Pienaar can have their influence. the more the better mate.
Yeah Diame is out. So we are arguably both missing our best players. We have a proper injury crisis at the moment so we will do well to manage a point I think. I remember Zamora scoring a late winner against you a few seasons ago (maybe 2007?). I was at the 2-2 when Mido missed a penalty and it was season before last when Piquionne scored what would probably have been the winner then got a second yellow for jumping in the crowd - probably cost us 2 points which would have been massive! Seems to be lots of draws between us for some reason.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7697432.stm 3 goals in four minutes aha! I'd take that again...
We could do with the soft centred version please!!! We didnt do much that game If I remember right we were looking at a defeat and had a mad few minutes to turn it around
Fellaini will be a big miss, but so will be Diame so that cancels out, time for the fringe players from both sides to step up, anyones guess who will win IMO. Jelavic will no doubt score after us being close to signing him before he went to Everton.
Does he count as a former player? All I remember is him being injured all season, claiming he owed the club for our patience when he made his debut, then leaving when we went down.
Yep. Disappointing after all the wages we paid him for sitting in the treatment room for 6 months. I remember the way Allardyce dismissed him when questioned about him in his first presser as West Ham manager. Don't think he was too impressed either. Remember he scored a blinder for us against Stoke. I thought the net was gonna break! Also scored on his debut I think in the cup. Burnley I think?
Speaking of Hitzlsperger, there is an interview on the Everton website http://www.evertonfc.com/evertontv/home/8077 ahead of the weekend, you have to be signed up I think so i will write it out for you lads... Thomas, we travel to West Ham on Saturday. You've obviously played there before, What's your reflections on your time there? "I have got good memories, although when I first started there I was injured and was out for almost six months which was very very disappointing for myself and when I got back in, I enjoyed playing for the Club, it's a very good club, there are very good people there but unfortunately we got relegated therefore it wasn't the best of seasons we had and it was very disappointing." Somethings have changed since you were there but some of the players will remain, there'll be familiar faces when you go down there? "Yes, there's still some players I know from the time I played there, like I said they're all good lads and good players. I'm glad for the team, those that are still there and the fans of course that the club managed to get straight up into the premiership after 1 year in the championship and that's where I think the club should be" Someone who you will have played alongside for a bit in central midfield is Mark Noble, he's a bit of an unsung hero for them isn't he? "Yes, he's been at the club so long, you know so many years that quite understandably fans like him. Hes a very good player and committed to the club and therefore he's also someone who always tries to improve his game and work hard and definitely a good player" What can you say about the atmosphere that can be generated at Upton Park? "it's good, the fans are known for it and create some very good atmosphere but like I said, when I played there we didn't win many games which was very very frustrating for us but obviously now when they're playing up in the premiership again and winning more games the atmosphere is quite good, but hopefully it will be quieter on Saturday" How important is it for Everton to get a good result going into the Christmas period? "I always say this, winning games or not losing when you're away from home is always important but we go there quite positive, we've had a good run again and not lost many games in 2012 so were going to try and win the game although we know West Ham is a good side." It'll be a similar game to Stoke with how direct and physical West Ham are? "Similar, not quite as direct as Stoke obviously because there's no team like Stoke in this league but I'll say they do it well, they play with what they've got West Ham, they have a similar approach but they try to play more football than Stoke do so it will be slightly different but we're prepared for a physical battle" During this schedule with a hectic period of fixtures, are you hopefully of more playing time? "Definitely, I'm looking forward to next game, hopefully I'll get a chance as I have featured in recent games but I was always on the bench ready to come on so hopefully over christmas, we need all the players in the squad because people can drop out injured, get fatigue with all the games coming up so ill be ready waiting for my chance and hopefully I'll get on soon." Has it been difficult for you?, obviously you came and built up your fitness, you were patient, you got a run of games and now you've been on the bench again. Is it difficult or are you familiar with this sort of thing "We'll, as a footballer I've come here to play but everybody would say the same so I don't find it difficult to be patient, I know my role here at this club but I want to improve, I want to be part if this team, starting more games and featuring in more games but I know from where I've come from that I've learnt to be patient but I'm not just happy sitting on the bench all season certainly and I can't wait for the next game to be playing in and hopefully it's Saturday." And have you been pleased how you have managed to play when you've came on? You had your hand in a goal we scored against Norwich with a lovely ball, do you generally have an impact? "We'll first off, I was pleased to be back playing football again after being out for such a long time, I'm glad the manager gave me the opportunity and yes, I think I've done a very good job but overall, I have to say we've got a very good squad and when Darron Gibson came in, he's been brought in by the manager at the start of this year and he's played well since. But I have to be patient and do my best when I come on. So far, I've done okay but there's always room for improvement."
