Match Thread Everton v Chelsea, 23/12/17

[BlueToff]

He'll have to do a hell of a lot better than he did against Liverpool.

Got a feeling Davies has the Ross syndrome going into derbies.

Puts too much pressure on himself to perform and ultimately flops.

 

[royalbalou]

When they say flu, it usually means a cold. I've never understood that. Flu is very debilitating and isn't something you
shake off in a few days.

If those players really have influenza they won't be back for WBA or Bournemouth.

It's man-flu....worse than bubonic plague ..sniff

 

[Lob]

We have 4 games in 8 days so its possible that Sam has also taken that into account with this selection. Not saying that this is an expected loss but it makes sense to have some of your important players fitter for the slightly not as tough games and at the same time, it is good to see if we can still be solid with a couple of different players. The 11 v 11 behind closed doors may have played a part in these decisions too. I am a bit less optimistic now though and will be very happy if we can sneak a draw today.

COYB's !!!

 

[blue61]

Jagielka's one of the quickest players at the club pal

But Holgate and Williams have both had flu this week, like Rooney

If they've had flu all week, they shouldn't have gone to a ward full of sick children really, very inconsiderate.

 

[dannyboy]

Got a feeling Davies has the Ross syndrome going into derbies.

Puts too much pressure on himself to perform and ultimately flops.

Think it's difficult for Davies against real quality players at his age, which unfortunately he'll be up against again today. There's too much emphasis on him to get the team going, when really it should be the more experienced heads doing that job.

 

[Deulofeumygod]

Hopefull snides comes off early in place for Sandro or bolasie or niasse to play alongside dcl.

Can dream.

Gana and snides doesn’t work.

 

[TheBigIguana]

I wouldn't have dropped Rooney but between the need for rotation at his age and the fact that he was sloppy against Swanasea I get it

 

[Librarian]

It's man-flu....worse than bubonic plague ..sniff

if you've got flu, get on the Anfield stadium tour and gob all over the home dressing room

 

[BlueToff]

I wouldn't have dropped Rooney but between the need for rotation at his age and the fact that he was sloppy against Swanasea I get it

He's ill.

If he wasn't he'd definitely be in the squad - if not the starting 11.

 

[catcherintherye]

I'm happy enough with that team. 4 weeks ago Jagielka and Keane would have been seen as our best centre backs. You need to keep them involved.

I also think Rooney has to be managed. I think he can remain a very good player for us, but the catch is he needs to be managed. Without being horrible, games like Chelsea are the games worth resting him for, as he will struggle to get the time/space to influence the game or enough possession in good areas to be effective. We have 3 lads in today who are effective stoppers, which will be needed. We want to make this a 1 goal game to give ourselves the best chance.

 

[Zatara]

I'm happy enough with that team. 4 weeks ago Jagielka and Keane would have been seen as our best centre backs. You need to keep them involved.

I also think Rooney has to be managed. I think he can remain a very good player for us, but the catch is he needs to be managed. Without being horrible, games like Chelsea are the games worth resting him for, as he will struggle to get the time/space to influence the game or enough possession in good areas to be effective. We have 3 lads in today who are effective stoppers, which will be needed. We want to make this a 1 goal game to give ourselves the best chance.

Agreed. Holgate also could probably do with a rest going into some winnable games where he will have time on the ball, just like rooney.

Think today will be long balls to DCL Gylfi and Lennon to draw fouls and then Keane, Jags and Schneiderlin to get in the box and try and head one in from a Gylfi free kick.

 

[TheBigIguana]

He's ill.

If he wasn't he'd definitely be in the squad - if not the starting 11.

'Sake

 

[COYB]

dm if need to watch lids

 

[Bob Latchford]

Have went from being very nervous about this to being a bit annoyed with the line up.
Morgan shouldn't be starting for us.
Quite an anti football line up with no Rooney, Lookman or Vlasic in the squad. No Mirrales either which is good - the snake.
Confident that Sam has a plan and I've got to trust him.
Here's hoping for today.

 

[Armaghtoffee]

A lot of pressure on Davies today to take the ball off the 2 defensive mids and get us up the pitch.