Everton v Stoke. Boxing Day at 15.00.

[Haston]

We don't play with wingers.

Why do people always say this?

Barkley (eto'o and Naismith) weren't wingers at Southanpton.

Even Mirallas will be cutting in all game today.

Yeah you're right they don't play as wingers, but Barkley surely has to be in the middle of the 3, he just doesn't perform when he's wide. Would defo rather see Naismith in the wide area than Barkley!

 

[ijjysmith]

Besic is ill

 

[davek]

One winger. Barkley or that tit Naismith operating on the other side.

*finds wall and repeatedly bangs head against it*

 

[ijjysmith]

Yeah you're right they don't play as wingers, but Barkley surely has to be in the middle of the 3, he just doesn't perform when he's wide. Would defo rather see Naismith in the wide area than Barkley!

Defo. Barkley in the middle for the win.

 

[paulbefc]

I'm just amazed at how few injuries we have. Guaranteed couple today like, but I thought it'd be February before we saw a squad like that.

Real shame to see Barkley played out wide again if that's how we're lining up. Mirallas will give us width though, so we won't be as reliant on Ross to be a winger.

 

[kenada_blue]

Etoo is class what are you on about

As a striker or impact sub, yes.

Winger, link up number 10...just doesn't work.

 

[ianefc]

Team is boss we are gonna win this just like we did V Spurs and Swansea

And Hull

 

[ijjysmith]

What a joke Martinez is playing a talent like ross out wide YET AGAIN.

If you was pienaar and mcgeady you mustn't feel he trusts you at all

He won't be 'out wide'.

Not even nearly.

 

[Joey66]

Need KM on one wing and McGeedy on the other wing = balance in any side.

 

[dannyboy]

Made up to see Mirallas back. Not happy that we're starting with two holding midfielders, it's needless when at home to the likes of Stoke. Especially with a talent like Barkley available.

 

[Khalekan]

No Besic at all? Team is much better balanced than the team VS Saints, though Barkley is stuck out on the wing again by the looks of it.

I wonder if this the last day before the yellow card "amnesty" and he doesn't want to risk Besuc as he is one yellow away from a suspension?

 

[EverBlue86]

He won't be 'out wide'.

Not even nearly.

And that's been the reason we are [Poor language removed].

No width in the side and he won't learn

 

[bainesontoast]

Too much Christmas sherry

He's a Muslim mate.

 

[ijjysmith]

And that's been the reason we are [Poor language removed].

No width in the side and he won't learn

That I can agree with.

 

[Seamus Colemole]

Great to have all those key players back, however I have 2 concerns:

Stones, Kev and McCarthy all starting after being out. What are the odds of them being fit enough for that? Especially considering we're playing the very physical Stoke. Could be a desperate move, but we'll see.

Also, either Naismith or Ross is out wide again, and both are bordering useless in those positions.

Exactly.

It's good to see them all back on paper but anyone who has ever watched football knows players often take a few games to get back up to full match speed. 1 is ok but 3 players all coming back from injury could be an issue.

Just a shame he had to use all 3 subs at Southampton early on and couldn't at least give Stones a run out for 30 mins *sigh*.

I predict that unless injuries force his hand the subs today will be McGeady for Mirallas and Eto'o for Naismith/Barkley.