A Monumental Weekend Begins
That's followed by the big one for me this weekend - my beloved Leeds' trip to Vicarage Road. We beat Watford earlier this season by a sole Diego Llorente goal from a corner in a scrappy affair at Elland Road. That would do nicely again today. This is the last truly winnable match of the season for us - all of the other six are perilous.
Finally, we end up at Villa Park where Villa will host Champions League hopefuls Spurs. You guys will be hoping that Villa can get a result and stop Spurs' march to Europe. Join me for all of the fun today.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:12 AM
464 Comments:
Following their disastrous midweek defeat to Burnley, Everton host Manchester United as they try to put some distance between themselves and the relegation trapdoor. Having lost seven of their nine league games since Frank Lampard took charge at the end of January, Everton sit just one point and one place above the relegation zone and are in desperate need of a win.
Under pressure from both Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, United have been far from convincing in recent months but will fancy their chances against a team that looks bereft of confidence and is prone to catastrophic self-harm.
The teams warming up at Goodison now:
Everton: Pickford, Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Mykolenko, Delph, Allan, Iwobi, Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.
Subs: Kenny, Holgate, Gray, Begovic, Doucoure, Andre Gomes, Branthwaite, Rondon, Alli.
Man Utd: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Alex Telles, Fred, Matic, Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Sancho, Ronaldo.
Subs: Jones, Pogba, Mata, Lingard, Dalot, Heaton, Henderson, Elanga, Mejbri.
Referee: Jonathan Moss (County Durham)
The Premier League crew are across the Pond in Blighty today, pitched up a Villa Park today at the Etihad tomorrow.
Teams in the tunnel at Goodison now. Come on, you Red Devils!
The strains of Z Cars as Everton emerge.
Nearly ready for kickoff now - excellent, crackling atmosphere at Goodison.
Becky Lowe reporting this morning that Eric Ten Hag is about to be confirmed as the permanent United manager. Your thoughts?
And we're away at Goodison Park - come on, United - I need a win from you!
Frankie Lamps prowling the touchline as usual - he knows his job is on the line today.
Poor ball from Harry Maguire cheered on by the home crowd. That's not the kind of start he would have wanted.
United have leapfrogged West Ham into sixth just by kicking off and can also jump over Arsenal into fifth with a win today. They would need a really big win to take fourth. It is possible!
Everton, on the other hand, start in 17th, only a point ahead of Burnley who have also played 29 matches. They're five points back on my beloved Leeds but have crucially played two fewer than we have.
Good Morning, Bob. Here to join you for the big day. Just took Trooper walkies and have a pot of coffee brewing.
The teams just feeling themselves out in the first five minutes.
Morning, David - how's your week been?
WAY HAY! Coleman, Keane, and Ben Godfrey at the back. Keane and Godfrey prove that the Toffees have a soft center and Coleman proving that the Toffees haven';t cut the mustard this season
OH! Pickford turns around a shot from Rash
Nasty lunge in by Michael Keane there on Teles, setting up a first free kick chance for United. Come on!
Doing well, thank you for asking. How about you?
Oh - nice free kick routine from United. Lindelof knocked it back and Rash pulled a good save out of Pickers.
I had a really good, productive week. I've got two articles that need to go out by the end of the month and I'm making good progress with them.
I thought the locals were telling mea local myth when talking about Dogwood Winter, but walkies was really chilly. Now I know what they mean
That's fantastic Sounds like a productive Sabbatical
Did you hear that the Toffees are getting a Sabbatical next season? From top flight football. They must be exhausted after 68 consecutive seasons
You can really tell that the Toffees fans are really nervous today.
OH! Another great save by Pickford from Rash. This time e header headed for the corner off a nice cross
Those were some beautiful pictures that you posted of the local dogwoods.
I'm sure Toffees fans would love to trade replaces with you. Pool fans must be loving this
Oh - I thought Rash had scored there. United knocking on the door!
Thanks , Bob. Glad you liked them . Did you like the Azalea bush?
Probably - they've got a really tough run in.
Very much - we've had a long, long winter and our trees and bushes are just starting to bud.
OH! CR 7 took too long to shoot and his close range shot was blocked. Nice passing as the Toffees were carved apart
Sounds like you have one or two cold spells then that's. Similar pattern to us?
United in total control of this match right now - just need a goal.
Yeah - we got the tail end of the storms coming out of the southeast this week, but none of the tornado activity that plagued some states.
Obi Wan in very hard on Richarlison who's already been in the wars with Lindelof. Jon Moss having a chat.
Oh - Bruno was away there but his final ball was to no one.
Nice United move down the left then a horrible cross from Sancho. United need to do better than that
Half way through the first half now - a draw really isn't enough for either side.
That was the same as we got . Rain Tuesday afternoon and some thunderstorms Wednesday evening.
Bloody hell - a really jammy goal by Anthony Gordon.
Curses!
I wonder if DCL will claim that one - I think it went in off his bum.
BUGGER! ANTHONY FLASH GORDON GIVES THE TOFFFEES THE LEAD WITH A DEFLECTED LONG RANGE SHOT.SLOPPY BY UNITED IN THE CENTER OF THE PARK THEN A POOR PASS BUT RICH ARLISON CHASED IT DOWN THE LEFT . IWOBI TACKLED OFF HIS PASS THEN A DEFELECTED SHOT FOR A GOAL
This is the real danger for us - Everton now two points behind us and still with a match in hand.
Bob, I think you see why I said I would take young Anthony Gordon. He has played well every match during this horrible Toffees run. Maybe Rich Arlison, but I don't like his attitude
Header off a free kick headed over by former MUFC Academy reject, Michael keane
Leeds have to win at VR,mate. No doubt about that
That's for sure - it's win or bust for us today.
Here's a crazy stat or two. Think of the Toon. Only three points below ninth place. If Leeds win today they will be four points below mid table pending Foxes and Palace results
United need a goal back before half-time.
Looks like Fred has picked up a knock - Paul Pogba being readied to replace him.
Do you agree with me about Anthony Gordon? Haven't seen him have a bad match. Shame that his more experienced teammates can't say the same. They should be embarrassed.
I guess the goal deflected off of Maguire, but credit to young Gordon
Nice punch by Pickford underwear rperssure from Metic off a decent cross from Bruno
Oh - a deflected shot from Richarlison nearly evades De Gea.
Pogba on for the injured Fred
United block a Toffees shot off a corner
Iwobi was told Telles why you fell down off minimal contact? Iwobi said I dunno,mate
Promotion six pointer in the Championship and Evil Blades vs Cherries is currently 0-0
Delph playing for the Toffees for the first time in a while. Has he been out injured? Has had a solid first half
Teles got around the back there but he just couldn't find Ronaldo in the middle. Shame.
Did you get any snow during the night ? I think we had snow/sleet flurries off and on. It looked liked a light dusting of KKosher salt on the roof tops of mine and Jacquelyn's cars. IS that sleet or snow?
I'm not sure - he's a decent option in defensive midfield for Everton.
We got a bit of sleet yesterday afternoon but no snow overnight.
Nice cross from the left and Mickey Lenko does well to head out for a United corner
Terrible corner from Teles there. Ankle height.
Sound like us during the night ,mate. Glad you didn't get any snow. We're sup[posed to warm up tomorrow and a pleasant week either wide for us. Same for you? Low to mid 70s every day Monday through Friday
A minute of stoppage time announced.
I took better corners than that in AYA. A scout from Barton Mills wanted to sign me for that reason, but I didn't have transportation
A minute of stoppage time
We're in the low 40s all week, I believe.
Half-time arrives and I'm even more nervous than I was this morning. Big second half to come.
Toffees on e up at the half. Sorry, Bob. I'm trying to will United to a win, but they are really uncooperative.
What I've noticed so far is that the Everton players seem to care more about this one than United do. They're patting each other on the back every time they clear out for a corner or throw.
At least I know that every Leeds player will be up for it today. I hope that will be enough.
Second half underway from Goodison Park.
COME ON UNITED . PULL YOUR FINGERS OUT! Hope Ralf rattled some teapots at the half
Agreed with both statements, Bob. Not sure how United can't be up for this? That come down to Ralf, Fletch, and Chis Armas.
JM sure should have the players motivated. Should be a right old battle at VRE. One of Toffees matches in hand is there. Their other one is vs in form Palace
We're away in the second half now at Goodison. I want goals, goals, goals from United. Come on!
I had the Toffees getting a draw in this match on my rubricated finishing on 33 points. Now I would have them on 35 points. It's tight down there
Evil Blades vs Cherries is 0-0 any the half. Kate said that Marco Silva is pleased.
Oh - Rashford was nearly in there but didn't connect with the ball.
OH! Nice long pass from Bruno and Rash completely missed his kick with just Pickford to beat. How was that not tied up?
Yes, I do believe that Fulham could be promoted today, am I right?
Pogba with a stupid foul on Flash Gordon and rightly booked
Paul Pogba is booked for a late lunge on Anthony Gordon.
Technically tomorrow. Cottagers would have to win tomorrow vs Coventry AND FOREST LOSE today vs Brum. That's the only way the Cottagers can be promoted tomorrow.
Free header for Ben Godfrey off a corner and heads over
I'm hopeful since the Toffees blew a lead at Turf Moor a few days ago. Hoping they can do the same today
Rich Arlison lleads a break off poor ball control from Obi Wan . Decent cross
Nice block by Maguire from Flash Gordon. Their defending has been charitable today. Their United, not the United Way.
The Toffees haven't been great today. A spoor as United have been, they would be leading but for missed chances
Juan Mata abouti to come on for his first prep appearance of the season. Will it Mata?
Nice tackle by Delph for a United c corner. He's been representing the LUFC Academy well today
The short corner does Telles us that poor crossing doesn't equate to goals
Double substitution for Ralf. It's a Mata of Matic being replaced and Elanga for Rash. One like for like and the other an attacking change that I like.
Nice through ball from Flash Gordon but just too long for DCL and gathered by De Gea
Volley blocked by Godfrey's head for a corner after a cross was headed out
Hi Boys
Had to do something with Tom this morning early but I am home right....absolutely rubbish!
Bloody pathetic short corner tackled by Flash Gordon for another. Then shot well over by Elanga
Sorry to abandon you, mate - Kate needed to tell me a really long dream.
Good Morning, Dave. Horrible United performance. Ralf needs to go
Damari Gray on for DCL to make the Toffees even more direct
WOW! That must have been quite a dream. Hopefully something about a United comeback was mentioned
If it was a nightmare it surely wasn't any worse than this United performance
Demarai Gray on for a really poor DCL.
Welcome, Dave - I hope you can bring us some luck. We need it!
No hope....they just stink
Scenario time, chaps. If Palace win the Cup, Hammers win the EL, and Foxes win the Conference League then an interesting scenario comes in to play. Only seven times allowed to participate in Europe. Top four plus Hammers would be in the CL with Palace and Foxes in the EL. No Conference League team and fifth place would not even be good enough fro Europe if all three things happen
Agreed, Dave. This has been really abysmal.
Flash Gordon picks up a yellow.
I cannot believe how useless and toothless United are
I'll take an equalizer now. I can't really expect United to score twice at this point.
Everton want a pen....will VAR look
Still 0-0 at Bramall Lane and Kate says that Marco Silva is shouting for an Evil Blades goal
Never a pen!!!
ANOTHER atrocious corner by United
United wins corner as the Toffees wanted a penalty. Young Flash Gordon took a dive . Second match in a row and I've been promoting him
Rich arlifson wasting time . He doesn't have cramp. Those need to be bookings
Pogs has a go at goal at least. Good stop by Pickers.
Decent long range save by Pickford from Pogba
Maybe United don't want Champions League footer next season. They'll just take a free Wednesday off to play more Fortnite.
Did you see what I posted at 9:02 about Europe? Bizarre exception, but I think I'm correct.
BURNLEY beat Everton...Burnley make chances against Everton
United....NOTHING! They don't care
Why aren't they putting pressure on them...they crumble
That is an interesting scenario, mate. It could happen!
I think you're right, Bob. If United want any sort of European footie they're sure not convincing Your's Truly. That goes back to my 9:02 post
Oh - Obi Wan at the backpost. Shot blocked! Come on!
United had some chances in the first half and forced some good saves from Picks in the first half, but look like a side from the Championship in the second half. Toffees goal was a miss hit deflected shot
My LUFC Academy buddy Fab Delph off.
Delph walking off at a leisurely pace and replaced in a like for like switch. Bob, did he represent the LUFC Academy well today?
That slow walk from Delph must have been taught at the LUFC academy, LOL!
Hard to believe that today if I want sunshine and warmth that I need to flee to Merseyside. That's a textbook example of irony
CR 7 booked for kicking the ball away out of anger.
This has been dreadful from United today - sorry, chaps.
I knew this was going to happen!
I just hate watching them!!
So far looking like two good results for steve and Johnno
Sorry too, Bob. I know you need a win at VR, but this would have helped
Stupid fouls
Stupid decisions
No effort worth anything
Dave, can you check my 9:02 scenario? Am I correct? Bob says yes. I think I am
Pickford booked for time wasting
There is no urgency whatsoever
They just lose their heads an foul and complain to the ref
United looking like they may not even be in Europe next season
Five added minutes...it could be 25.... doesn't matter
A quintet of stoppage time minutes. It could be a thousand and it won't Mata
LOL, Dave! I think we're on the same wavelength
The Goodison crowd in full song now. This must be a tremendous relief for them. But Burnley, Newcastle and now Everton winning this week has really put the pressure on Leeds.
OH! Cross from Telles headed on then a snap shot from CR 7 fumbled by Picks then hoofed away
Of course, Pickers saving everything
Agreed, Bob except for Toon. They're all but safe and closer to ninth place than the drop zone
United are so poor
That's will do it .... sorry Bob....don't count on United to do anything
Gives Lamps a life line....I hate it
That's it - sorry, chaps. A dismal loss for your boys today. Really bad result for Leeds as well.
It's over and Toffees win 1-0. A priceless three points for them. Sorry, Bob. You need to win at VR today
Thanks, Bob. Sorry we couldn't help you out
I may be off here with my laptop being fixed AGAIN
Simple....Leeds just need to win
Lamps just really annoys me!!
Toffees four pints clear of the drop zone and the final drop place may be decided by Leeds and Toffees results aat VR. It may all come down to that
Team news out of Vicarage Road:
Watford: Foster; Femenia, Kabasele, Samir, Kamara; Sissoko, Louza, Kucka; Sarr, Joao Pedro, Hernandez.
Subs: Bachmann, King, Masina, Cathcart, Kalu, Cleverley, Sierralta, Kayembe, Dennis.
Leeds: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Cooper, Dallas; Klich, Koch; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison; James.
Subs: Klaesson, Struijk, Phillips, Gelhardt, Hjelde, Cresswell, Summerville, Greenwood, Kenneh.
Wahay! The coverage of the match has started on Peacock. Thanks again for your help with that, mate.
Liam Cooper leading the boys out now at Vicarage Road. Come on, you Leeds!
Back from walkies with Trooper. I sent you a text message. I think it was sleeting.
You're welcome .Glad to help
Watford are nicking the Z Cars walk-out from Everton.
Looks rather chilly for a walk. We may have a hike this afternoon if the weather is decent.
Evil Blades vs Cherries finished 0-0. Kate says Marco Silva is pleased
Bob an FYI. Seagulls on 34 points and 0-0 draw vs Canaries needed half a dozen losses in a row . Only wins in 2022 at Toffees and Hornets. I'm sure Steve's Gunn era will help you today. I think they're still in it due to their wretched form
They're off from St. Mary's and VR .
COME ON LEEDS!
COME ON YOU SAINTS!
Here we go then - this is a massive match for us. Probably the last truly winnable match we've got this season. After this one, three against the top six and three difficult matches against mid-table opposition.
Gunners vs Seagulls , not sure who to root for. Should be Seagulls , but United doing everything not to make Europe. You would want the Gunners in that one
Ayling tries to pick out Raph early on.
You drew vs Saints, so I would think a few points on offer in those mid table matches
As I stated earlier both l;eeds and Toffees to play at VR .It may6 come down to those
Usual high press from us but we'll have to watch out for over committing.
Some loose play and Watford nearly capitalized.
Bob, it looks like Hornets vs Citeh . Aren't Leeds the visitors?
Very scrappy early doors. This is not going to be pretty.
Lovely ball from Llorente there - he really excels at that. Wins us an early corner.
Oh - Raph had a headed chance but didn't get enough on it to trouble Foster.
Nice move there wins us another corner. We're starting to click.
Oh - Ayling on the end of a good corner there. Put it wide though.
BUGGER! CHELSEA has taken the lead at St. Mary's
Sorry, mate.
Great away support for us today at VR.
No WiFi. I'll be commenting sparingly on the phone. Got the match on USA.Goal scored while the TV was rebooting
Thanks, Bob.
Poor touch from Koch puts us under pressure and then Klich upends Kucka. Dangerous free kick now.
Phew! That was close. I thought it was in.
We see the danger that Watford pose there. We've been dominating but one lose touch in midfield and we could be dead in the water.
Now Ayling is penalized for a foul on Kucka. We'll have to watch him - he seems to go down easily.
Mark 'em up!
Phew! Hernandez nearly bends one in. Meslier tipped it around for a corner.
Difficult period for us here - I'm as nervous as a kitten.
Bugger!Chelsea Mount their way to a two goal lead. Masons pass wide right to Tongue and Cheek.His pass cut out the Mount scored
Then a super close range block by Forster from Werner to prevent Chelsea going three up
YESSSS!!!!!!!!
Boom boom boom boom - Raphinha's in the room!
0-1!
Post a Comment
<< Home