Match Thread Manchester City v Everton - Preview, Match Report and MotM Poll

[TheBigIguana]

Depends on what the priority is.

The Cup win would be far more satisfying in the short run, but I think we need the points more than we need the Cup run. Finish sixth and we lock at least one major rival for transfer signatures out of Europa (or perhaps two, depending on how the FA Cup goes)

Finishing ahead of say, United and Arsenal or the two North London clubs would speak volumes about the state of the project as well. If we finish with that kind of tally, a signee could have realistic expectations of a serious push for top 4 placement next season based on the second-half results.

That said, I suspect that the City game will be the squad rotation game so that we can go all out in the derby. Scalping *that team* at Anfield would mean a great deal for the team's confidence and for Carlo's relationship with the fans, so I'd expect him to chase that.

I don't think making Europe is really dependent on beating City. Sure a point would help but if we are going to catch teams it is going to be because of a long run of good form against the teams we can match player for player.

 

[Bob Elstone]

Otamendi is an absolute clown of a defender. Target him

 

[Jeff Jones]

Have only lost once in 12 months.

The idea they will lose at least 4 or 5 times in 5 months is actually ludicrous.

I think they could subconsciously relax if the points margin increases, or even stays the same. Winning the league so quickly is anticlimactic, really.
Where's the adrenalin surge and feeling of elation when you've fought a hard battle and won it at the death. It could be mathematically over by the end of March.
I'm over it already and literally 'don't care what the reds....do'. Being an Everton supporter is great right now.

 

[Jeff Jones]

I got a short ban, don’t know what for, I asked but no reply.
Make of that what you will.

That reminds me, what did ijjysmith do wrong? Probably not allowed to tell us if you know, but it must have been bad, bad .He was such an amiable poster.

 

[wesh]

4 in the middle to contend with Debruyne and co, but three up top to overwhelm their bland defense. Fully expect them to score multiple, but think we can be aggressive and put at least two past them. 2-2

 

[efc.1878]

Carlo Ancelotti press conference highlights:

Schneiderlin very close to full fitness.

Gomes and Gbamin recovering really well and hopefully we'll see them soon.

We haven't had time to change too many things but all the players have shown good character and a good attitude.

I've been surprised by the spirit of this team. The work Dunc has done with them really was very good.

We have changed some things a little bit. It's dangerous to change too much too soon but we have slightly changed how we are offensively.

There are lots of rumours but the transfer window is not open yet. We have two big games coming up and the first time we'll talk about transfers is Jan 5th (after the cup game) but remember this is a really good squad.

It will be a fantastic test for us playing City and the [Poor language removed] (I so wish he'd said that). We need these type of games to test where we are and we need to be playing the top teams in England and Europe.

Liverpool have been on a fantastic run and have won nearly all their games but they are only where they are because Man City aren't at the same level as they were last year. They have a fantastic team and manager and it will take confidence to beat them but we are a really good position now.

I have the greatest respect for Pep. We have met a few times and the man is a genius.

I like to live the normal life (in Liverpool). I like to eat out and meet people. I've had many opportunities of selfies and I like that as I like to stay close with these fans. I want to look forward and enjoy it.

 

[little elfin]

 

[Nymzee]

Burnley team.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

I'd take a point in this one and then a win over Liverpool

 

[Mickey]

Everton at 11.00 to win. Worth a cheeky fiver that.

 

[MrGrumpy]

Ederson is available for them he only misses there game today against Sheffield

So if a GK gets a red he gets 1 game but if an out field player get a red 3 game ban

 

[TippEverton]

I'd take a point in this one and then a win over Liverpool

Pretty sure there isn't a single Evertonian who wouldn't, COYB.

 

[JobForTheMoyes]

Otamendi is an absolute clown of a defender. Target him

How much did they spend on him? Another big wedge defensive failure!

 

[GwladysBlue]

I want to win an away game completely out of the blue. This is going to be the one.

 

[little elfin]

When is it the last time we won all 3 matches in boxing day period?