Everton vs Fulham

What will be will be.

Sean Dyche is picking the team tomorrow and probably for the rest of the season, all being well.

Interesting conundrum which will say much about Dyche. Play your best team (Branthwaite) or be loyal to a lesser player who has been performing well.

A true manager (in any walk of life) should field his strongest most effective team.

I reckon tomorrow, will be a tough game even in Fulham missing at least 3 key players via suspension and injury.

I am expecting the strongest available Team to start, to continue this good run of form.

Keggerman in my view has done nothing wrong, and would be very unlucky to be dropped, based on recent form.

I've not been his biggest advocate in his time at Everton, but he's not been the worst player when we have lost or drawn, this season.

So I'm feeling confident for tomorrow, so as long as Everton turn up inbthe right mindset, the Goodison crowd will drive, on the players to victory.

Good noises too, in view of TFG, let's hope for this deal to be done, properly and and above board, and to be a new era for Everton FC.

UTFTs!

Surely it's Tarkowski and Branthwaite as soon as humanly possible. But now with a confident and capable back up on the bench if needed for the first time in years.

That's the kind of problem Dyche will be loving. It will give Tarkowski and Branthwaite a kick up the arse too. Because Keane has been very good the last month and will be desperate to get back in and prove it.

"What I am trying to do here is change the story at Everton Football Club. There is always a lot of noise from the outside and the inside and the outside, but you don't know half of what goes on on the inside here at the club with all the noise.

The players have been on the grass all week, apart from the ones who haven't, and we are trying to change the narrative to make sure that we are all ready for the Premier League. This is the Premier League we're talking about. I've been doing it for 10 years and let me tell you, it ain't easy. It ain't a walk in the park. So that's what I mean when I say Premier League ready."

Right, but can I ask again, is Branthwaite fit to play against Fulham?

Branthwaite and Tarkowski all day. Despite the occasional screamer and half-decent defensive display, Michael Keane is not a patch on either.

He's not consistent enough for the Premier League and will revert to type sooner rather than later (crucial mistakes, poor positioning, own-goals, not being physically dominant enough, not being able to jump etc).

Heavy defeats are always just around the corner when he's in the team. What's being expressed is more relief that he hasn't cost us in the last few games rather than him playing particularly well.

I wonder which Alex Iwobi will turn up and what sort of reception will he get?

He wasn't my favourite player and that's being kind, but I hope he gets a good reception. No need to wind up him or his team into a performance.

I've always been of the opinion that a winning team should remain unchanged if injuries permit; however, without sounding like the Devil's Advocate, I think you should field your strongest side too.

Tarkowski, who I love, by the way (not in that sense) but is reportedly carrying and playing with an injury. Why can't we rest him and get Jarrad Branthwaite back in? Would he and Keane play well together?

Moving forward, I would drop Doucoure in favour of the Tea Lady (if fit) – we need a strong midfield to counter Fulham's. Never been an advocate of Harrison either, but I can never fault his work rate; however, his end product (is there one?) does not match his effort.

Now players are becoming more available, I believe we could have a few tweaks and garner all three points against a decent Fulham side.

We welcome Marco Silva back too, a much-maligned Manager 'bulleted' by the interfering Moshiri. How much have we wasted in the meantime on players' and managers' salaries and compensation?

Good points, Derek, about the squad and I hope Silva and Iwobi both get a decent reception.

Iwobi was an enigma... from what I've seen of Fulham (only on highlights), he seems the same player as he was at Everton.

Hopefully good finishing tomorrow from Everton!

Liam #10,

Totally 100% agree.

He's suddenly become something of a cult figure… but that'll turn to another c-word when he reverts to type!

Let's go in with confidence and belief. I am.

Early start to get to the homeland. A meet-up and swift trip to the Bramley Moore before heading to County Road and Goodison under the lights.

I'll see you there.

We'll do this, Blues.

Danny,

Forever the optimist and blue believer. If our team could harness half of your effort and commitment to EFC then I think we would be top of the league.

Safe journeys and hopefully another great result.

My point is:

Can Keane and Branthwaite play together?

Keep the form players in the eleven. In which case, why should it be Keane who drops out for Branthwaite?

My opinion? I agree with Derek – don't change a winning team!

Forest won again!

Isn't it funny how managers have a bad patch and the fans want them out then they get another shot and hey presto.

Hopeful we'll get the 3 points.

I would drop Keane for Branthwaite. He's been playing well but we are in no position to not play our strongest team every game if all fit and well.

I predict a tight 1-0 win!

2-nil Everton win

McNeil and Calvert-Lewin scorers.

If you are reading this, John McFarline Snr, I will try and get down to the Harlech before the game and enjoy our chat on the way to the ground.

One of the nicest people you could meet, John, and so much knowledge of our past teams.

I hope one day you return to ToffeeWeb and share some of your great memories, John.

All being well, see you before the game.

Keane did his job – he filled in capably. Scored a thumping goal and hasn't made any major defensive miscues these past few weeks.

But if you think that's enough to keep our best and most important player on the bench, that's crazy.

Given Dyche's predisposition to play his favourites, I would suspect Keane and Tarkowski would start with Branthwaite on the bench. Strangely enough, I wonder if he might rest Tarkowski because of his back injury, but that's trying an unknown combination.

As well as Keane is playing, there is that worry that he is prone to either ball-watching or losing his man, and we get punished as a result. People think Tarkowski is good, but he is not in the same league as Branthwaite in my opinion.

But it will be interesting if the deck is shuffled… but it won't happen; it will be Keane and Tarkowski to start, Branthwaite gets on if we are winning with 25 minutes to go, bolstering up the defence...

Go with 4 grocke at the back – Keane, Branthwaite, Tarkowski and O'Brien – and try to win as many corners as possible! Just kidding…

Dyche has to be credited for the remarkable turnaround in the defence – 13 goals conceded in the 1st 4 games and only 2 in the next 4.

Tarkowski and Branthwaite as centre-backs for me, with Keane coming on to support Calvert-Lewin if we are behind by a goal with 10 minutes remaining.

Calvert-LewinNdiaye McNeil HarrisonGana DoucouréMykolenko Branthwaite Tarkowski YoungPickford

Subs: Virginia, Coleman, Keane, Patterson, Mangala, Lindstrøm, Beto, Armstrong, Broja?

Edward @11, I also really hope Iwobi gets a good reception and the crowd show a bit of class.

He was initially woeful and, if the rumours are true, that it was a Moshiri signing as he was in bed with the agent at the time.

Alex was awful for that first season and a half, awful. Then, like a Phoenix, he rose from the ashes and was one of our top performers, I hope the fans remember that he ran his arse off for us. He epitomised what was needed to drag us out of the relegation zone.

I saw an article the other day which has him in the Top 6 most creative midfielders in Europe this season, his most impressive stats were around incisive passes in the final third of the pitch. Well done Alex, a top lad and pro. I hope he gets thumped today though! :)

Branthwaite has to play today, although it will be harsh on Keane who has played well. Never thought I'd say this but Young seems nailed on for right-back after recent performances.

Calvert-Lewin needs a goal and to feel the Goodison love, I hope The Friedkin Group are preparing a new contract for him as we speak…

Ajay, that bench is a bit suss mate.What happens if Pickford gets injured then Virginia comes on and gets injured as well??Hmmmm???UTFT

Keane has the shirt right now and has done nothing to lose it.Branthwaite has been Injured so ease him back slowly via the bench, at the moment he doesn't need to be rushed in too soon.So unless Keane and/or the team is having a mare Branthwaite gets a 20 minute run out.

The next game you then play your best 11...and Keane...or Branthwaite (well it could happen) might be unlucky - those are the breaks

Some interesting selection dilemmas for Dyche. Not just at the back but in midfield with Gana, Mangala and Doucoure to choose from and out wide between Harrison and Lindstrom who could exploit the space behind Antonee Robinson.

Fulham are a good team having a good season but if we beat them today then we’ll be level on points with them and right up near the top ten.

I don’t think we’ve played that well this season bar, ironically, the game we lost against Bournemouth. But if the defence can stay as solid as it’s looked this last month and McNeil, Ndiaye and DCL etc can get on the same wavelength then we can keep this mini-run going.

Nowhere else to put this, but saw The Cult last night in Manchester. Although they didn't play much of the early stuff for a 40th anniversary tour, Ian Astbury for the last song put on an Everton shirt; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMlLKMengjE

Some are dilemmas. You or I might choose something different but either is defensible.

Branthwaite vs Keane. I've never considered Keane to be as bad as made out, but there's no doubt Jarrad is a better player, all things being equal. But Branthwaite without match fitness or Keane in decent form (even ignoring the goal) is a judgement call where I could understand either call.

I'd be all for bringing Patterson in but he may need a gradual introduction. That said, it feels pretty inevitable that he won't be getting a go on the grass. I'm not sure Coleman v Young is a straightforward call nowadays either.

I don't see Doucoure being any kind of dilemma. You take him out of the team as soon as you have an option who can control and pass the ball.

Nowhere else to put this either……..but anyone on the season ticket waiting list and probably got no chance of getting one, then here’s a way in for nothing…….

https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2024/october/25/everton-launch-search-for-500-new-stewards-as-stadium-move-nears/

Rob, my nephew was thinking of giving up his season ticket. I told him no. Youll never get itt back. Transfer to me and we'll keep it in the family

Rob, my nephew was thinking of giving up his season ticket. I told him no. Youll never get itt back. Transfer to me and we'll keep it in the family

Rob, my nephew was thinking of giving up his season ticket. I told him no. Youll never get itt back. Transfer to me and we'll keep it in the family

I'm going to put my culottes and replica shirt back in the drawer and not risk wearing them today Eddie. Small minded some people.

As far as the team selection goes. Pick you strongest team based on ability and fitness. If he's ready Jarrad goes straight back in alongside Tarky. It's not U.12s and the best coaches are ruthless (the Mighty Kendall had no qualms about bringing his best players back in no matter how the replacements had performed)

Branthwaite will have to bide his time for me, we have started getting results so leave the team as it is.

Dyche will have his own thoughts tactically, so he might feel a different set up is called for to improve our chances, who knows.They are no mugs but I think we can win this game.

The neutral view is around 6/4 Everton 7/5 Fulham 9/5 Draw. A very tight game in other words.

Ernie@33, I’d not be sad to see Doucoure out of the team but the ground he covers will always endear him to a manager like Dyche and I’m not sure his passing and control is quite so bad as some make out, though it’s far from perfect.

I’d not be surprised to see him in the lineup and historically the stats suggests we win more with him than without him; though that’s probably indicative of our limited playing style in recent years.

If Branthwaite is fully fit he should start the game. I like Keane and have defended him on here many times against the same people who have quietened down since he hasn't put a foot wrong but I do believe in playing your strongest 11.

Dyche always plays his favourites is another lazy comment, we have a threadbare squad with little competition for places hence a 40 year old getting a shirt most weeks.

Doucoure is a terrible footballer but our only fit centre mid who is capable of a goal and has the energy to get around the pitch.

Fulham will be organised and have their system as Silva is pretty predictable with his set up. We had chances in the last 2 games at home against them and got nothing maybe it's time we got the 3 points.

Maybe the 3 boiled eggs whatever the fk that means, Harrison's lack of quality, Keane and Young's accident waiting to happen or dcls championship at best efforts might just see us over the line.

Roll on 1730

Sam, I think you can make a case for Doucoure in midfield. He'll run all day and put in an honest effort. At times that's represented as much as we could hope for from our boys in blue.

I've always hated him in an advanced role though. He might chip in with the odd goal but he destroys any possibility of playing football and has that great knack of making those around him look worse than they are. The least talented "number 10" in the history of "number 10s". A very weird experiment that somehow became a regular occurrence.

Tough game today, but is a definite marker for which direction we are heading.

Always liked Fulham as a club, except our poor record at the Cottage under Moyes.

But at Goodison we have nothing to fear here, 2:1 to the Toffees. Automatic Blues.

“against the same people who have quietened down since he hasn't put a foot wrong“

Rob, are you suggesting that those people who criticised Keane when he played badly should have carried on criticising him when he played well? I’m not sure what other sense this comment makes.

I’d say plenty of people have criticised him when he played badly and praised him when he played well. Isn’t that just how it’s meant to be?

The same with Dyche. When the team look awful, throw away leads and lose games he should be criticised. When they look organised and disciplined and get results he can be praised. Why do people get upset that this happens?

Mike 56 We all know Keane is the whipping boy and has been for years. Regardless of form he is singled out as a weak link in the team before a ball is kicked.

Nobody is above criticism and everyone has their opinions, I was just highlighting the usual type comments about the team before a ball is kicked.

As players return from injury there’ll be more competition for places, which can only be a good thing.

Keane and Young deserve praise for their recent performances, I hope people leave them alone now (fingers crossed they now don’t make any stupid mistakes).

I’m on the ale this afternoon with some old friends, so a good chance I’ll be watching the game with one eye closed later! Hope we see the bad Iwobi today and not the ‘Iwobinho’ who can turn a game, developed a soft spot for him by the end of his time here.

2-1 to the Blues would do nicely.

Has Keane played all that well though? He was part of a defence that shipped 13 goals in first 4 games. He was poor. Dropped out against Palace, where we won for first time. Not particularly great against Leicester or Newcastle. Scores a banger against Ipswich and we keep a clean sheet against a struggling team. That's all it seems to be based on to me?

I'm not a fan though. Never have been since he walked through the door. So maybe I'm refusing to see what others are seeing. However, If he does play will be hoping he scores another cracker and we win with a clean sheet. UTFT!

8 points from 4. Fulham just got spanked twice by City and Villa so they have probably been eyeing this fixture to right the ship since the season started. They'll be up for it.

I'll take a draw. At least 5 more points before the break please.

Gap between 9-16th is 4 points and 16-17th is 4 points. Let's climb the table and put some distance between the bottom early.

Thanks Big Sean.

Isn't there some mad stat about us and Fulham? We don't draw against them and it's usually a win for whoever plays at home?

That said I remember Mitrovic bullied the hell out of us a few years ago under Silva and they won 2-0 here, IMO it was a superb no9 performance and I wanted us to sign him after watching. We could do alot worse than try and get him back from Saudi in Jan. Proper snarky bastard.

Joe@44

Ian Astbury was born in Heswall, a Wirral Squirrel like myself and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. Good to see him still giving it loads culottes or not.

Steve@63

That was the case for about 10 years Steve but they have won their last 3 here. Not today though I fancy us for another clean sheet and DCL responding to some of his critics, 2-0.

Hmmm... no mention of Dixon?

No surprise then that he starts for the U21s as they take on the shitbag local twats in PL2.

Probably better for him to get a game than sit on the first-team bench unused for another week.