Everton v Arsenal. 23rd Aug at 17.30.

[ijjysmith]

Osman will defo start.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Guardian preview

While games this early in the season are not decisive, one would think that Everton’s Champions League aspirations would already take a serious dent should they lose to fellow top-four hopefuls Arsenal on Saturday. With their own European campaign not underway until 18 September, it is not the worst time for Everton to play Arsenal. Arsène Wenger’s side laboured to victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, travelled to Turkey and back this week, and have a crucial Champions League second-leg play-off to think about against Besiktas next Wednesday.

Roberto Martínez’s side are a team who need momentum: six of their eight league defeats last season came in two three-week spurts, while their seven-match winning streak between March and April, including the 3-0 drubbing of Arsenal at Goodison Park, put them within touching distance of fourth. Martínez was bold in talking up Everton’s ambitions over the summer – he will hope this team can steal a march on a European rival and lead from the front in the race to get into the top four, rather than playing catch-up

 

[kevdotbadger]

We've gone in to the 'in denial' stage of one of our best players getting injured lol

turns out I was right though

 

[Robertor]

turns out I was right though

You were! I was just getting depressed lol

 

[Royal-Blue-Mersey]

Exactly. It will be a totally different game plus Wenger will be ready if we try the same thing this time.

We need to win the midfield - They're still very soft there especially considering they'll probably play Wilshere and Ramsey so a midfield of Besic, Barry and McCarthy should be able to stop their neat passing game. They're also susceptible to our counter.

They'll be dangerous on the counter and if we don't get to them they have the ability to pass right through us.

If it was me I would go.

Howard
Coleman Jags Distin Baines
Barry
McCarthy Besic
Mirallas Lukaku Atsu​

I think it's an interesting tactic to play three in midfield against them rather than play Naismith in a number 10 position. It might make the difference. But I don't think Piennar deserves to lose his spot to Atsu, he'd be one of the first names on my team sheet, given his good performance last week and his ability to keep hold of the ball.

Would defo like to see Atsu make a subs appearance though, when legs start to tire. It'll be interesting to see what he can bring to the table.

 

[Robertor]

The thing I'm looking forward to most is this guy tearing Monreal apart...

What an absolute legend. Definitely my favorite Everton footballer right now and possibly my favorite full stop. Never wanted to see a player do well as much as Seamie and then he becomes one of the best right backs in the league.

That QPR goal is so underrated. That and Pienaar's against Hull were two of the best finishes last season.

 

[EFC Si]

Really good preview that

 

[marty mcfly]

I think it's an interesting tactic to play three in midfield against them rather than play Naismith in a number 10 position. It might make the difference. But I don't think Piennar deserves to lose his spot to Atsu, he'd be one of the first names on my team sheet, given his good performance last week and his ability to keep hold of the ball.

Would defo like to see Atsu make a subs appearance though, when legs start to tire. It'll be interesting to see what he can bring to the table.

The reason I choose Atsu instead of Pienaar was because I think our biggest weapon against them will our counter attack. They have very attack minded midfielders and not the greatest amount of pace in defence plus Barry, McCarthy and Besic are as good as ball winning midfielders as you get.

Pienaar and Naismith both played well and neither deserved to loose their place although like the rest of the team they weren't great in the 2nd half.

Pienaar holding the ball up is exactly what I worry about

 

[Robertor]

The reason I choose Atsu instead of Pienaar was because I think our biggest weapon against them will our counter attack. They have very attack minded midfielders and not the greatest amount of pace in defence plus Barry, McCarthy and Besic are as good as ball winning midfielders as you get.

Pienaar and Naismith both played well and neither deserved to loose their place although like the rest of the team they weren't great in the 2nd half.

Pienaar holding the ball up is exactly what I worry about

Without Pienaar though the pacey players won't be as effective. He's fantastic at getting the ball on the half turn and moving the team up the pitch and that's where he can bring the faster players into play. Can't drop him after his performance last week.

 

[bobafro]

That QPR goal is so underrated. That and Pienaar's against Hull were two of the best finishes last season.

Completely agree. I love all 3 of those goals but something about the QPR one seems so arrogant, lovely little pass into the net.

 

[royalbalou]

The reason I choose Atsu instead of Pienaar was because I think our biggest weapon against them will our counter attack. They have very attack minded midfielders and not the greatest amount of pace in defence plus Barry, McCarthy and Besic are as good as ball winning midfielders as you get.

Pienaar and Naismith both played well and neither deserved to loose their place although like the rest of the team they weren't great in the 2nd half.

Pienaar holding the ball up is exactly what I worry about

Atsu from the bench may be a good option but there's no way he'll make his debut against these. Pienaar deserves to start and has a good record against this lot. Be good to throw some pace at them late on if tight

 

[Groucho]

From the club;


When I used to pass that daily on my way home from school, it was always chocker with trannies.

 

[roydo]

From the club;


When I used to pass that daily on my way home from school, it was always chocker with trannies.

You dont mean old radios do you?

 

[Groucho]

You dont mean old radios do you?

No mate. Nor do I mean cross dressers.

 

[roydo]

No mate. Nor do I mean cross dressers.

Vans? As in Transits?