Everton v Sunderland. Boxing Day @ 15.00.

[Tommy Chong]

Barkley off the bench to score the winner!

You heard here first...

 

[ianefc]

 

[ianefc]

Poyet gone with Borini and fletcher so playing a 442?

If so very Brave, Sunderlands first choice CB's both out

 

[Furey1878]

Osman will score.

He'll have an up and down game, but he'll score.

 

[CahillsCornerFlag]

Shame Fletcher is playing, he's actually very good.

 

[lmurkder]

Glad we've not messed about too much.

With the bench.

 

[Tommy Chong]

I think the main point is to not become complacent due the fact we are playing the side at the bottom...

 

[dublinbluenose]

Ideally be a couple up by HT and allow one or two to be rested.

 

[davek]

I hope Roberto isn't dropping the same bollock he made at Palace, starting Osman and then subbing him with Barkley chasing the game.

I'd have started Barkley at all costs myself like. He IS the genius though.

 

[orchard]

I think the main point is to not become complacent due the fact we are playing the side at the bottom...

Yep, this, hope we stuff them like, and they recover afterwards as there are plenty of teams I would rather see relegated before them.

COYB's!!!!!

 

[orchard]

I hope Roberto isn't dropping the same bollock he made at Palace, starting Osman and then subbing him with Barkley chasing the game.

I'd have started Barkley at all costs myself like. He IS the genius though.

Wasn't Ossie playing a deeper cm role there mate?

 

[davek]

Wasn't Ossie playing a deeper cm role there mate?

No, straight swap.

 

[TheSpaniard]

I hope Roberto isn't dropping the same bollock he made at Palace, starting Osman and then subbing him with Barkley chasing the game.

I'd have started Barkley at all costs myself like. He IS the genius though.

I want him to start every game, but he's a 20 year old in his first full season of top flight football. He can't play every game and it's sensible to give him a rest from time to time. Dare I say a home game against the bottom team is probably the best time?

 

[evilwebby]

Barkley benched, no Baines.
Surprising restraint from Martinez. He's obviously got an eye on the next couple of matches.

 

[scratchnsurf]

I hope Roberto isn't dropping the same bollock he made at Palace, starting Osman and then subbing him with Barkley chasing the game.

I'd have started Barkley at all costs myself like. He IS the genius though.

Good to have people ready to come straight in though. Only way to do that is if they play regularly. You never know whats round the corner; injuries, red cards etc. Plus, bit of competition for places keeps people honest and those on the fringes feel they're in with a shout.