I think it is because Everton have been ever-present in the PL while continually being worse than us. So there are a lot more matches against them than all of the others we tend to have a positive record against. We've done very poorly against all the other ever-presents (Man U, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea)
Our points against Villa must be catching up, though. They've been absolutely **** against us for the last few years. Some of the worst performances I've ever seen.
Cheers Boss, I remember him playing for our ressies to keep fit, but I don't remember him going to Everton at all. Oh well, that's something new I've learned today.
I'd forgotten all about Villa - we were dire agianst them in the first few PL seasons and they are way behind Everton in points we've taken - 54 I think (including this year)
Blue here, Such an important game for us it's ridiculous, defeat would be unthinkable but I don't think we will lose anyway given our record at Goodison. When we've played the big boys this season we've got 5 points out of 9 (United H, Arsenal H, City A) so I'm quite happy with that as its the likes of Norwich, Wigan and Reading we're struggling against. Our injuries are Coleman, Neville, Anichebe and Mirallas at the moment. Mirallas is the only first teamer but he might be back, There's not a lot of news on his injury. I think we will line up... --------------------------Howard-------------------------- -----Hibbert------Jagielka---Distin---------Baines------- --------------------Gibson-----Osman-------------------- --------Naismith--------Fellaini---------Pienaar---------- -------------------------Jelavic----------------------------- If Mirallas is fit (to replace Naismih) then I think we will win but it will probably be yet another draw for us.
No Bale for us is a huge blow for us, even if he hasn't really ever torn Everton apart like he has with other teams. It'll be interesting to see who plays in his place, Sig or Dempsey could be moved out there or we might take a gamble on Townsend or Falque who can give us more width like Bale gives us. Others might look at your recent form and want a win but I'd be pleased with a draw. After losing 3 on the trot and then winning 3 on the trot, it's more important that we don't lose and put extra pressure on ourselves again.
I hope Mirallas is not ready for this game, been really impressed with him this year, very clever player with superb technique.
Looking at how strong Everton are in the air, and also they pass the ball superbly when Fellaini and Pienaar are on form, then if we play gallas i can't be confident of a win, which is why ive gone for everton to win 2-1 but of course ill be hoping for a gallas MOTM and a defoe double!
I would go with Dona's team. Why change a winning formula? Bale's injury has sorted out one headache for AVB with the return of Adebayor. Siggy looked good when he came on on Saturday so we have good cover if need be. Will be a very tough game. I would absolutely take a draw now. We did used to always beat Everton but the last few years it has been a lot closer. One of the best games I went to was when Keano got a hat trick and we won 4-3.
This is a risky line-up. Ade would have to cover the Everton defensive midfielder - look what happened the last time he was asked to do that....
Maybe Siggy for Adebayor but up until he was stupid we looked very good. Surely he wouldn't do that again, and I doubt he would be so wound up against Everton.
PowerSpurs I did think it was a tad attack minded considering who we are playing and where. However I do believe that for our bunch attack is the best form of defence. To make my line up a bit more balanced who would you put in. I believe Ade is a better battler than Sig. Just depends on which Ade turns up. I think they should adjust to suit us instead of us cancelling them out and playing it safe. We don't seem too good at that game. I'd suggest Ade up top instead of Defoe for ball retention at a push thus giving us an extra mid. But I think Defoe must start he has earned the right.
Read a quote from AVB talking about how Dempsey "got more space" and "offered something different" when he moved to the left the other day, sounds like it will be him.
I'm starting to believe in starting players based on tact rather than tactics. That would mean Spurlock's lineup: Ade with Defoe, Dempsey on the left, and Gylfi first sub after starting Thursday. No doubt it's a very tough game, but I like that lineup. If we're going to do well we're going to have to beat our top four rivals away at some point. As great as he is, my recollection is that we've done reasonably well without Bale--better than without Lennon, I think.
Everton was by far my favourite away day last season. Loads of beers in The Arkles and then about 30/40 of us marched through Stanley Park chanting and singing our hearts out, while a fellow lilywhite had a massive crate of Stella cans handing them out for free! Legend! Can't wait to go back there, hoping for a repeat atmosphere, just a better result! Team I'd go for: Lloris, Walker, Gallas, Caulker, Vertonghen Lennon, Sandro, Dembele, Dempsey Adebayor, Defoe Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Huddlestone, Livermore, Sigurdsson, Carroll, Falque Think it'll end up 2-2, Feillaini will cause havoc for our CB's especially as Gallas is so poor against tall bustly players - which Feillani brings a new meaning to! So I reckon he'll grab a goal or set something up. Going for Dempsey and Adebayor to grab our goals. COYS!
