Everton 2nd February

[Johnny75]

I’ve seen this a lot but I don’t get it. 7th place will be enough to qualify for the Europa League. We are currently 7th. We could get all the way to Wembley and then have Man City in a one off game. For me, the league and finishing 7th is our main priority and if we can have a decent cup run alongside that whilst utilising the squad (as Nuno has been) then we’ll have had a cracking season.

Anyway - absolutely zero chance of Boly not starting this. Jonny came straight back in after his injury because he’s part of our best 11. Boly is no different.

Saiss played well the other night but first 20 minutes he misplaced quite a few passes out from the back, and let’s not forget the goals that have been scored down his side in the two games before West Ham. Boly starts every day of the week, it’s not even a debate!

7th only qualifies for the EL if another team qualifies for Europe by another means. If Watford or Palace win the FA Cup they qualify instead.

 

[Jinky]

7th only qualifies for the EL if another team qualifies for Europe by another means. If Watford or Palace win the FA Cup they qualify instead.

Yeah, I should have said “7th will likely mean a place in the Europa league”.

 

[Johnny75]

Yeah, I should have said “7th will likely mean a place in the Europa league”.

Which means the best way of qualifying for the EL is winning the FA Cup.

 

[Kenny]

What was Saiss's celebration all about, btw?

A bit Leon Clarke wasn't it. Presmue he reads forums and wasn't happy with people having a pop after Leciester/Shrewsbury games...

 

[Tredman]

What was the weird ear thing then?

 

[Jinky]

Which means the best way of qualifying for the EL is winning the FA Cup.

I think we’ve got more chance of finishing 7th then we have of winning the FA Cup. Fully expect Nuno to continue to utilise the squad in the cup games, unless we find ourselves in the in the Semi Finals.

 

[Tony Towner]

What about winning the FA Cup because you know it's a Cup? Prioritising 7th smacks of Wenger, Poch etc

 

[machin05]

What was the weird ear thing then?

One finger to his ear, the other hand doing the "shush" thing over his lips.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

What about winning the FA Cup because you know it's a Cup? Prioritising 7th smacks of Wenger, Poch etc

Plus - win the cup and you enter the Europa at the group stage rather than in the early preliminary rounds for 7th. That would have a pretty big impact on pre-season.

 

[Kenny]

What was the weird ear thing then?

Harder to to do some fake typing and then shush I guess...

Probably nothing but generally when the shushing celebration comes out it is because they think the fans have been on their back

 

[machin05]

Well he should have another read a be heartened by the suggestions he retain his place over Boly!

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Probably nothing but generally when the shushing celebration comes out it is because they think the fans have been on their back

Just don't do it when you're a striker (allegedly) and come January you have scored one goal all season. And no-one was really having a go at you, you fat bastard.

I remember Downing doing it for Liverpool too when he broke his amazing run of 0 goals and 0 assists for a full season.

 

[Tony Towner]

Whatever Saiss' gesture was it was deliberate as Dendoncker pulls his hand down and he puts it back. Didn't see it at the game, but on the highlights it looks very Leon.

 

[StuardoWulf]

On the Saiss thing, I am a big fan of Saiss but Boly will come back in. However well he played I wouldn't be swapping anybody else about to accomodate him.

As for the F.A. cup I wouldn't be playing the 1st team (wholesale) though we do get nearly a weeks break after that. Also we are fast approaching the International break so it is possible we will go stronger. It is a good chance to progress but lets face it if we meet Man City after (hopefully) these two rounds coming up our chances are limited. Especially if they are out of the title race they will be going for it. What I don't want to see is Costa (bereft of any confidence) paired up with Traore (add your own description). I don't think we can carry these two maybe one but not two even against Shrews. I'd probably go stronger looking to kill the game asap then subs to rest players. Maybe Saiss, Donk and MGW midfield.

 

[StuardoWulf]

Whatever Saiss' gesture was it was deliberate as Dendoncker pulls his hand down and he puts it back. Didn't see it at the game, but on the highlights it looks very Leon.

Players do all this crap nowadays, as an old fart I take no notice and let them enjoy themselves it's all contrived anyway. It must be hard to not look at social media and take humbrage at whats said on there by alledged fans. What the players need to remember that there are far more who don't do social media than do.

 

[The Bear]

I assume any signings Everton make tonight will be done in time to play against us?

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Yeah, should be fine (although you'd think given they'd have one day's light training at best, probably not even that if they're signed from abroad, they probably wouldn't start)

 

[lemonjelly]

You can't pick and choose what you win and don't win. Liverpool took that risk and we knocked them out.
We should be going for the Cup game, AND aiming to finish 7th in the league. Nuno aims to win every game.
We'll always have the risk of getting to the quarter, semi or final and coming up against city. I think we'd give them a game, but they'd be favourites.

There's no debate from me. Aim to win every single game. Get to the cup final and finish 7th, and we're in europe. With a chance of winning the FA cup.

 

[The Bion]

We shouldn't need the first XI to get past Shrewsbury (then again, were saying that on Saturday) but I'd play near enough full strength at Brizzle, for sure. Johnson will no doubt bang the table and remind everyone about last year and Nuno being disrespectful with his celebrations or whatever other bollocks he can think up and they'll be up for it.

 

[Aikiwolf]

Anyone made the trip? (other than Mike, Lycan and I)

Boly in for Saïss for me, always place your best 11