Everton vs Aston Villa pre-match thread

[Demitri_C]

They've got one decent attacking threat in Ndiaye. We should be winning this.

Is mcneil back?

Him and Calvert-Lewin are both 50/50 from what I can make out.

Thanks Paul.

[DrGonzo]

Think we'll see a decent performance this time up, we're due one.  With McGinn out I'd quite like to see Emi B get a run out, his hussle in the opponent's half has been missing without our skipper.  Also would allow Tielemans to play the adavnced of the midfield 3 which is, to me, his best role.

                                          Emi B

                                                                           Tielemans


                                 Onana
   
                                                                       Kamara.
                                         

[paul_e]

Think we'll see a decent performance this time up, we're due one.  With McGinn out I'd quite like to see Emi B get a run out, his hussle in the opponent's half has been missing without our skipper.  Also would allow Tielemans to play the adavnced of the midfield 3 which is, to me, his best role.

                                          Emi B

                                                                           Tielemans


                                 Onana
   
                                                                       Kamara.
                                         

How would that work in practice though?

Our 'Normal' shape is something like this (I've probably kept the left back far too deep but it does the job):



So which role are you suggesting for Tielemans in that? McGinn sometimes covers the 7 role but generally that ends up with him being much closer to where I've put the 10 and they get in each others way a bit.

It's important to remember that however we shape up what we're looking to get into is a shape something like this (when we have the ball):



If you go with the midfield as you've suggested I'm not sure where we get the width on the right from. Maybe you push the right back on, let Kamara cover that spot and bring Tielemans and Onana in the 8 and 6 positions respectively but that seems to be a plan 'b' at best for Emery.

[OCD]

We're screwed if Click to edit is out.

[paul_e]

We're screwed if Click to edit is out.

He's very versatile, can play everywhere!

[simon ward 50]

7.30pm kick-off? Just like the old days!

Suits TV I guess (it's on TNT if anyone wasn't aware)

Two consecutive new manager bounces to - possibly - face

1-1

Nice work!

[Allan C]

I think we’ll win this 2-0 or better. They’re poor no matter who the manager is and we’re a Champions League team. I’m surprised at some of the negativity on here to be honest but if we can’t beat them we don’t really deserve to be in the shout for top 4 again

[ChicagoLion]

I’m surprised at some of the negativity on here to be honest

Maybe our away record?
       
Won   3 Drawn   1   Lost 5   Scored 11   let in 19   GD -8

[Somniloquism]

Although Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea and City have all failed to beat them this season as well. I suppose it will depend on whether we play the slow game or not. Forest pretty much gave all the possession to Everton and said come and break us down, and we will hit you on the break with long balls and pacey forwards.

[manic-road]

I hope Duran starts, going for a 1-3 win.

[steamer]

is his ban over ?
I thought it had been increased

[Dave]

is his ban over ?
I thought it had been increased

Nothing yet.

[Allan C]

I’m surprised at some of the negativity on here to be honest

Maybe our away record?
       
Won   3 Drawn   1   Lost 5   Scored 11   let in 19   GD -8

Still 8th and 4 points off 4th  and Everton are a poor side  reasons to be positive with half a season to go??

[paul_e]

is his ban over ?
I thought it had been increased

Nothing yet.

I can't see them extending now, they normally give you a bit more than 48 hours as notice if they're doing something like that.

[Dave]

I think you're right. Then again, given the abject way the whole thing has been handled I imagine they'll give us news of the additional ban ten minutes before he's due to start on Wednesday.

Then increase it again because we were going to play him.