Marlon Fossey and Alfie Mawson had more game time in an arranged U23 friendly match against Portsmouth in midweek but, certainly Mawson, isn't yet fully fit. Our main doubt for Saturday from the regulars is Floyd Ayite who, according to the Boss, only returned to training today. Don't know what was wrong but those hamstrings seem to mean he only lasts a couple of games before being out again ! Hard to believe Everton are 9th in the League. What with inconsistent results and players like Richarlison under-performing (or so my Fantasy Team points tell me). Mind you, they have had a nice little run of wins - all against London Clubs; Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal. Time to bring back some London Pride !! Interesting to see if Marco Silva sticks with Jagielka, who got the goal against the Arsenal, or bring back Kean who is fit again. As is Schneiderlin. Have to admit they have quality in the side. As for us, will we see some youngsters being bloodied ? Think not. This week it was the turn of Harvey Elliott and Steven Sessegnon to train with the main squad but it all smacks of 'development' rather being genuine contenders. So far it's been pretty much "steady as you go" from the Boss in terms of team selection and regrettably that hasn't worked. So will he shake things up for this one and "have a go" ? Think not. ..............................Rico............. ..Christie...Chambers....Ream......Bryan.. ..........Cairney....Anguissa..Sessegnon.. .......Babel..........Mitrovic.....Kebano..
Tomorrow we have Lee Probert. please log in to view this image Never really forgiven him for that sending off of Brede Hangeland in the first half when we lost to Sunderland back in Jol's day. He wasn't even meant to be the ref that night for goodness sake, but Andre Mariner was a no show. It's seven year's on and Probert is ageing. Not badly but enough to have his bosses wondering; while he's done 26 games so far this season his Premiership showings have been limited to 15. That said, we've had our fair share of him - 3 games. The loss up at Old Trafford in December when he sent Frank off. And the two Brighton games; the 'two defensive bloopers' 2-2 draw at theirs early season and the outstanding second half 4-2 win at the Cottage in January. For the record, in those 15 games the Bristol Rovers fan has waved 42 yellows and 2 reds.
Two coking goals and a clean sheet. What's not to like. We stuttered at times and there wasn't a whole lot of flowing football. However (for once) we went out with tactics and stifled them from playing - energy, fight and closing down in numbers. Best Cairney has been and great for him to get hist first Premiership goal for us. Anguissa again put in a fine performance across the middle. The MOTM though goes to 32 year old Babel. Pity it probably means Captain will get another 'Fantasy Ton'. Fully understand Parker wanting to make sure he got his first win but wouldn't it have been a grand gesture of future intent if he'd brought on Harvey Elliott towards the end.
Some of the experts are saying Everton didn't play well today, but for me that was down to us. As Cottager said we stopped them playing, we also did lay some nice football too at times. I think Scotty is looking to get some confidence in the team as a start, then we can bring in a youngster or two. For them to come into a losing side with no confidence would likely do more damage than good. Harvey may have come on near the end but some injuries / forced subs probably put pay to that. It's nice to have a smile on a Saturday again!
let's hope they can take some confidence into the last few games and make a show of it till the end. Interesting to see Scott Parker having a long conversation with Leighton Baines after the game, one for next season may be ?
