Showing posts with label Toffees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toffees. Show all posts

Initial thoughts for Saturday

At the first glance,two games in England shouldn’t be overlooked.
Can’t see how Newcastle can lose at Walkers.Haven’t checked team news,but even 20 injuries wouldn’t change my opinion.Odds look generous.Will decide between dnb and away win.

Everton on the road against Wigan.Good thing about Toffees is their results follow the trend.When they have injuries and start sinking,run away from them.When start improving then should be backed.They have very good dressing room atmosphere that wasn’t shook with Cup exit.Although Sunderland’s performance is really awful in these days,I think Everton definitely have enough strength to defeat Wigan.The fact first goalie for Latics will be again Stojkovic suggests a big possibility of goals.Away win and over in this one.

Again it’s my initial thoughts,take it with caution.But it worth a small bets for me. 

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Everton - Burnley

For Toffees this season so far looks like endless nightmare. Instead a battle for Europe, Everton hold 14th place with 19 points from past 18 games. Although injury crisis has been shaking the club from the start and they had to play huge number of games, this season is under all expectations and even Moyes’ job isn’t safe anymore. Everton haven’t noticed a win in seven league games (last time vs. West Ham, away 1-0) and they’re without a win in six games at Goodison. Despite bad results, they have been putting a decent display lately, dressing room atmosphere is still high – players believe in better days, just need a first win to turn the corner. But, Moyes continues to have defensive problems, with Sylvain Distin and Joseph Yobo still not fit enough to return. Skipper Phil Neville could make his return after three months out with a knee injury. 

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After excellent start of the season, newcomers from Turf Moor felt in the crisis of results. They’re in the winless run of seven league games and hold 13th place (one point more than today’s opponent). On the road have taken just a single point from nine games (Man.City 3-3)! But, as Everton they’re performances are also above the results. In last two games on the road (two 0-2 defeats) were a little bit unlucky to get something from it. Against Pompey created plenty of real goal chances, but didn’t score, while vs. Wolves were short for a clear penalty kick and also missed few very good chances. Their main problem is attractive and offensive style of play that has brought some results at home, but on the road causes defense has been leaking too much goals. Manager Owen Coyle also has big defensive worries, as pair of central defenders, Clarke Carlisle and Steven Caldwell, missed the 1-1 draw against Bolton with groin strains and their appearance is in doubt. 

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This game looks like to be, or not to be for a home side. They desperately need a win and will host a team which has 8 defeats from 9 away games. On the other hand, Toffees still have lots of problems in back line with injuries. Neville is maybe fit but lacks in competitive games and his return could even cause additional problems behind. Burnley won’t defend, surely can score and make this game more interesting. I expect an open game, fight till the last minute and goals. Betfair offer 2.00, Pinnacle 1.94. Over.

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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona have stated they will "fight" to sign Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas next season and are ready to bid £40m for him.(The Sun) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is set to make a £6m bid for Wigan left-back Maynor Figueroa, and will raise the funds by selling Gareth Bale. (Daily Mirror) 
Redknapp is also poised to make a move for Chile's highly-rated striker Humberto Suazo, who plays for Mexican side Monterrey.(Daily Mirror) 
Everton are weighing up a cut-price deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Maxi Rodriguez. (Daily Mirror) 
The Toffees are also close to securing a loan deal for LA Galaxy striker Landon Donovan. (The Independent)
Former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is looking for a return to the Premier League after falling out with his boss at Monaco. (The Sun) 
Bolton boss Gary Megson is still unsure whether to pay £1.4m to make Ivan Klasnic's loan move from Nantes a permanent deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Hull boss Phil Brown has been told to slash £6m of the club's wage bill be selling players during the January transfer window. (The Sun) 
Alex McLeish has told Birmingham owner Carson Yeung that signing "galaticos" next month could wreck City's brilliant form.(Daily Mirror) 
On-loan winger Jerome Rothen wants to quit Rangers and return to Paris St Germain in January. (Various) 
Jerome Rothen will be told by Rangers he no longer figures in their plans and that he can return to Paris St Germain in January as the on-loan winger returns from a bout of reported swine flu. (Daily Record)
West Ham are set to bid for 18-year-old Belgian winger Geoffrey Hairemans, who plays for Royal Antwerp. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Bolton defender Ivan Campo is having a trial at Cypriot club AEK Larnaca. (Daily Mirror)
Crystal Palace have given a trial to Dutch side Heerenveen's Bonavnture Kalou, the brother of Chelsea striker Salomon. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

The Scottish FA has approached Dundee United for permission to speak to Craig Levein about the Scotland manager's vacancy. (The Guardian)
Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson is unlikely to reject the Scottish Fa's request to speak to Craig Levein about the national manager's job. (Daily Record) 
Wolves fans who travelled to see their weakened side lose at Manchester United on Tuesday have bombarded the club with demands for their money back.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Portsmouth boss Paul Hart will be appointed as the new manager of QPR on Thursday, with Mick Harford as his assistant. (Daily Mirror) 
Reading have put ex-Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate at the top of their wish list of names to fill their vacant manager's position.(The Sun) 
Or, Reading are pondering a move for former Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson to take over from sacked boss Brendan Rogers. (Daily Mirror) 
Alternatively, Steve Coppell is in line for a return as Reading manager. (Daily Star)
Former Watford boss Graham Taylor has revealed he fears for the club's future as the Hornets veer towards administration.(Daily Mirror) 
Real Zaragoza want Gus Poyet to become their new manager, despite the Uruguayan having signed an 18-month deal at Brighton just over a month ago.(The Sun) 
Hearts midfielder Laryea Kingston is on a collision course with his club again after ruling himself out of action for seven weeks, saying he has another hamstring strain while set to report for African Cup of Nations duty with Ghana. (Daily Record) 

AND FINALLY

David Beckham is hoping AC Milan draw Manchester United in the Champions League knockout phase so he can return to Old Trafford with the Italians, whom he joins on loan in the new year, and knock out his old team.(The Sun) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has compared defender Maynor Figueroa to France legend Zinedine Zidane after the left-back scored a 60-yard free-kick last Saturday. (The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

Everton - Tottenham Hot.

Everton find themselves at 16th place with just two points more than teams from relegation zone. Considering players’ potential they’re probably in the top six, but injury crisis that has been shaking the club since the season start is actually the main reason for poor run of results. Everton have only two competitive wins in last twelve games! At Wednesday they defeated AEK 1-0 in Greece, but the price was another three injuries! Sylvain Distin, Dan Gosling and Jo have joined a Toffees injury list. Long time injured are Anichebe, Arteta, Jagielka, Neville and Vaughan. Joseph Yobo are unlikely to return in time from hamstring strains, while Leon Osman is struggling with an ankle problem. Johnny Heitinga is suspended after he picked up his fifth booking of the season last weekend. In total – eleven players!

Tottenham play the season that could be different from the others. They always have big funds, top-quality players but break in the top of English football was just a dream. It seems the decisive move was bringing Harry Redknap for a manager. Spurs hold the fourth place and with possible three points today will even climb for one more position. As Everton, they also had a mid-week game at Old Trafford and notice an unlucky defeat. However, before that game Redknap stated that Premier is much more important and I think they don’t look behind too much. Spurs are once again without first choice centre-backs Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, but they used to cope with it. Redknapp is likely to recall the first-team players who were rested against Manchester United.

Despite all those injuries Everton have some attacking potential, but defense line looks very vulnerable. At this moment, Everton probably can’t be competitive against any top club in Premier. On the other hand, Spurs still have an inferiority complex when play against big four, but in other games they will always be the favorites. As today. Pinnacle offer 2.39. Away win, probably without over.

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Everton - Benfica

Everton have noticed a run of six competitive games without a win (3 draws and 3 defeats). Main reason for that and for underachieving so far (only 3 wins from 10 games in Premier and 13th place) is injury list where in one moment nine regular players appeared. Moyes still has a lots of problems with injured players, but beside Arteta (has repeated his knee injury and will be absent for a while) situation becomes better. The biggest problem lately, defense line should be decent with Hibbert, Yobo, Distin and Baines. In first game, Toffees got not a slap, but fist in the face (0-5). Moyes tried to rest some players, push some youngsters on the big scene and suffered pure humiliation. Louis Saha is in doubt, while John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are both ineligible. Everton have a great record in Europe at Goodison and have netted in all 10 of their European games at Goodison under David Moyes.

 

Benfica have decent squad and their performances so far look respectable. Strong midfield with Pablo Aimar as a playmaker, new Man.Utd. transfer target Ángel Di María on the wing and Saviola and Nuno Gomes in front scored 33 goals on last 10 games. But, the obvious is they’re not the same side on away games. For the weekend lost vs. Sporting Braga 0-2, in Europa League lost in Greece vs. AEK 0-1, before that in qualification were defeated from unknown Ukrainian side Vorskla 1-2. In fact they haven’t won in last seven European games on the road.  Manager Jorge Jesus will make some changes to first eleven. In front the goal will be Brazilian Júlio César who plays only in Europe, while mentioned Aimar should start the game from the bench.

 

Dignity is hurt and Everton seek revenge. No room for resting the players and I believe the best eleven will play (maybe without unfit Saha). Win tonight would boost team morale and game like this is necessary for getting back on track. Benfica won’t surrender, but would be absolutely satisfied with a draw. Little problem is bookies also got the latest team info and odds have decreased in past few hours. However, still worth of a bet. So, 1 dnb.

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Chelsea 2-1 Everton


A stunning Frank Lampard strike ended Everton's resistance and ensured Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink brought the curtain down on his brief spell in English football by collecting the FA Cup.
The Toffees had made a dream start when Louis Saha put them ahead after just 25 seconds - the quickest goal in Cup final history. 
But Chelsea came back strongly and equalised through Didier Drogba's header before Lampard fired home the winner from 25 yards with 18 minutes left. 
The margin of victory should have been greater as TV replays showed that Florent Malouda's spectacular strike moments later had crossed the line after bouncing down off the bar, but referee Howard Webb did not give the goal. 
In the end it made no difference to Chelsea, or Hiddink, who deservedly has a trophy to show for the impressive work he has done at Stamford Bridge as he returns to his job with Russia. 
Victory at a sweltering Wembley brings to an end the Dutchman's brief love affair with the Blues, which began when he watched from the stands as they beat Watford in the fifth round on Valentine's Day. 
And his side again demonstrated the patience and power he has instilled them as they fought back to overhaul a dogged Everton side that took the lead with a terrific early strike.


Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien (Ballack 61), Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda. 
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Di Santo, Kalou, Belletti, Mancienne. 
Booked: Mikel, Lampard. 
Goals: Drogba 21, Lampard 72. 

Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Jacobsen 46), Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Osman (Gosling 82), Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha (Vaughan 77). 
Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Rodwell, Baxter. 
Booked: Hibbert, Neville, Baines. 
Goals: Saha 1. 

Att: 89,391. 
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

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Lille 3 - 2 Nancy

1 - 0 R. Vittek  12. min.
2 - 0 A. Rami  15. min.
2 - 1 A. Ouaddou  42. min.
2 - 2 Y. Hadji  64. min.
3 - 2 N. Plestan  72. min.

Chelsea - Everton


We came to the end. With FA Cup final, the curtain is falling at the football season in England. Considering odds, Chelsea is a clear favorite. They reached the final after overcoming Arsenal 2-1 in the semi-final, at the same place. Fans and management are happy with recent team performances. They have suffered only one defeat in 21 games under manager Guus Hiddink. In the race for Premier Chelsea didn’t have a real chance, paying a bill for wasted points and all mess that Scolari made. In Champions League they were eliminated after totally outplayed later champions. Thankfully to wrong referee’s judgments (I don’t expect anything such like that from Howard Webb) didn’t get a chance to face United again in big final. So, this is the last opportunity for silverware and my impression is the entire season will be judged depending from this game. Frank Lampard has given a boost by declaring himself fit. He sat out last week's win over Sunderland with a knock but will start at Wembley, with Alex and Juliano Belletti (virus) also fit. Deco and Carvalho have some injury problems, but their missing will be covered easily. In recent FA Cup campaign, Chelsea scored more goals proper than any other club (15) and conceded five. Two last games of these rivals ended with goalless draws, but another fact is Chelsea haven’t lost from Everton in last 22 competitive games! Players are in the mood to repay Hiddink for all effort he made for past three and a half months. Also, a trophy would be a big encouragement for the next season and attack for Premier.


Toffees secured a top-six finish for the fourth season in five after three wins and a draw in their last four games. They beat champions Manchester United on penalties to reached this final. Before that, eliminated Middlesbrough and Liverpool. Probably is nonsense, but in each of the last four seasons, the club who knocking out Middlesbrough has gone on to finish runners-up in the competition. But, more serious sounds David Moyes has never experienced victory over Chelsea in any competition as Everton manager. He had a lots of problems with the injuries through the season, but made some impressive results at the same time. This time he has received good news on the injury front, with Phil Neville and Steven Pienaar fully fit following recent worries over hamstring problems. That should enable Moyes to deploy his favoured 4-5-1 formation and announce a game with small number of goals. In Premier League, Everton is considered like a typical “home team” with much better record at Goodison, than away. But, after the semi-final game vs Man.Utd. (also played at Wembley), they grab a point at Stamford Bridge, clearly showing they can play the games on the road. Long time injured are Arteta, Yakubu, Jagielka and Anichebe. 


The odds and statistics favour Chelsea - but that is exactly how Moyes and Everton like it. They will try to put a tough display, trying to keep a net and to threat from counter-attacks. On the other side, we’ll see who will join Drogba in attack. Malouda, Anelka, or both. From this choice depends the number of goals on this match (under, or over). Although I don’t like the odds (and yellow outfit for Londoners), I give a convincing advantage to Chelsea and go for their win in 90 minutes. William Hill and 188sports offer 1.75. Chelsea to win.

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Maybe more picks later.

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Everton 1-2 Man City


Robinho scored one and created another as Manchester City's bid to finish seventh and secure Europa League qualification gathered pace at Everton. 
The Brazilian opened the scoring just after the half hour, latching on to Elano's through ball and clipping in. 
And he then played in Stephen Ireland to wrap up the victory, the midfielder slipping past Tim Howard from 16 yards. 
Dan Gosling swept in a consolation late on, but a bad injury to Phil Jagielka did much to sum up Everton's day. 
It means the Toffees miss the chance to jump up into fifth, with Aston Villa only managing a draw away to Bolton. 
But for City manager Mark Hughes the win will come as a welcome relief, having recently faced questions about his future thanks to his side's Jekyll and Hyde form this campaign.
While 11 victories at home is a record bettered only by local rivals United, one success on their travels before today has ensured Hughes's outfit has yo-yoed around mid-table all campaign.

Everton manager David Moyes:

"We're disappointed but the players have put in a great effort in recent weeks so maybe this was going to be on the cards. There was a bit of fatigue there.

"We've conceded two counter-attacking goals and not defended particularly well - we needed to hang in a bit more at 1-0 and once the second went in we were always going to struggle. "Unfortunately, too, the news is not good on Jagielka. I'd say it's more doubtful than hopeful that he'll play in the Cup final." 


Man City boss Mark Hughes: 
"I thought we were really good value for the win today. There was a real focus to our play, we were dynamic and our determination shone through. 
"Yes, it was possibly a good time to play Everton, but that shouldn't take anything away from our win - we deserved it. 
"To be honest we could, and probably should, have won by more because I thought we were very comfortable. 
"Robinho was excellent today, not just for the goals but his all-round game, and he is really hitting some form for us. He's had some stick this season but his play - and that of Ireland's - was outstanding." 

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Jagielka, Baines, Osman, Neville, Castillo (Gosling 60), Pienaar, Fellaini (Cahill 60), Saha (Vaughan 60). 
Subs Not Used: Nash, Lescott, Rodwell, Baxter. 
Booked: Neville. 
Goals: Gosling 90. 

Man City: Given, Richards (Fernandes 57), Onuoha, Dunne, Bridge, De Jong, Kompany, Elano (Evans 88), Ireland, Robinho, Caicedo (Petrov 84). 
Subs Not Used: Hart, Bojinov, Garrido, Berti. 
Booked: Onuoha, Elano, Fernandes. 
Goals: Robinho 35, Ireland 54. 
Att: 37,791 
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

www.bbc.co.uk

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West Ham U. 0 - 1 Chelsea

0-1 S. Kalou  55. min.

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Barnsley 1 - 1 Wolverhampton W.

1-0 J. Macken  58. min.

1-1 K. Reid  84. min.

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Southampton 2 - 2 Burnley

1-0 B. Wright-Phillips  11.min.

1-1 G. Alexander (pen.)  32.min.

2-1 D. McGoldrick  44. min.

2-2 C. Carlisle  67. min