Sunderland v Everton, 31 Dec [R]

[Rocket]

Toffees visit Sunderland on New Year's Eve.


We should win this one, shouldn't we? :o

[sarabella]

I'm not banking on anything these days. :(

[The Old Lady Hertha]

Me neither.

But I do have a question. Do you think Li Tie gets a start? I'm pretty sure he's going to be on the bench, due to the fact that Carsley is out and Neville and Arteta are out.

[sarabella]

Is he fit? Cuz if he is, I say give him a shirt.

[The Old Lady Hertha]

Is he fit? Cuz if he is, I say give him a shirt.

I think he's been playing reserves matches...not sure. I don't think he's too match fit. But who else do we have to play in MF? Davies is doubtful, Neville, Arteta, Carsley, van der Meyde are all out.

[sarabella]

Excellent point. Will we even have 11 men to put on the field? Maybe we should let Richard Wright head up the midfield. He can't be any worse there than he is in goal.

[The Old Lady Hertha]

Excellent point. Will we even have 11 men to put on the field? Maybe we should let Richard Wright head up the midfield. He can't be any worse there than he is in goal.

He should be striker, what are you talking bout?

A hat trick and the assist for Li Tie's first ever goal for Everton. :D

[mischaDCU]

But who else do we have to play in MF? Davies is doubtful, Neville, Arteta, Carsley, van der Meyde are all out.

And Valente and Kroldrup are still hurt too, btw, so the defense isn't much better.

I'm guessing Ferrari takes Nuno's spot, and the midfield comes from the following: Osman, Cahill, Kilbane, Faddy, Bent. Strikers are Beattie and Dunc. Li Tie is definitely on the bench, if for no other reason than the fact that we have no senior defensive subs; Kilbane would have to slide back into defense as cover, leaving us one more short in midfield.

We must be paying for some seriously bad karma...

[Big_Bad_Mcnabb]

Ok on the Lie Tie part of it. As im sure you know he was out for about 9months or so with shin splints. I can remember him saying soon after he started back in the reserves that he was abit scared to start playing again.
I would expect that he isnt gonna play much of a part for Everton anymore and will be shipped out in the summer.

[mischaDCU]

I thought Li Tie was out with a broken leg? Regardless, it is hard to imagine that a professional footballer would be too afraid to play again (concussions/spine injuries withstanding), but if what you say is true than he should be shipped out as he is of no use. I'll wait and see, though; he had great attitude and work rate as I recall, so it would be good to see him playing again.

On a slightly different topic, it looks like Naysmith will make the subs bench for the Sunderland match, if only as emergency cover. I hadn't realized he'd been training. http://www.evertonfc.com/news/index.php?page_id=8633

[Big_Bad_Mcnabb]

I thought Li Tie was out with a broken leg? Regardless, it is hard to imagine that a professional footballer would be too afraid to play again (concussions/spine injuries withstanding), but if what you say is true than he should be shipped out as he is of no use. I'll wait and see, though; he had great attitude and work rate as I recall, so it would be good to see him playing again.

On a slightly different topic, it looks like Naysmith will make the subs bench for the Sunderland match, if only as emergency cover. I hadn't realized he'd been training. http://www.evertonfc.com/news/index.php?page_id=8633
Lie Tie is a good guy, i know someone who works in the players lounge behind the bar. Obviously hes met all the players especially Big Dunc ;).

I think he was more scared about playing and putting stress on the leg and ending his career. You are right with the work rate he is tireless and gives his all ever match something that were lacking at the moment.

I think this should be an easier day on the defense that the past few weeks. I swear that if Jon Stead scores against us then im looking for a strong peice of rope and an Oak tree. ;)

This could be a confidence booster if we can get a good passing game together and some confidence back in our keeper and defense. Also a few goals from a very disapointing Beattie.

[The Old Lady Hertha]

I'm guessing Ferrari takes Nuno's spot, and the midfield comes from the following: Osman, Cahill, Kilbane, Faddy, Bent.



None of those guys are defensive midfielders. We need at least one guy to sit just in front of the defense, and who else but Li Tie who is a tireless worker, a good passer and a good tackler. However, he hasn't played in what, 2 years?, so he may not be all that any more.

[mischaDCU]

None of those guys are defensive midfielders.

True, but we've had the same problem all season. We haven't had a true defensive middie since Carsley went down. Neville is the closest thing we have, and thusfar I haven't been overly impressed with him at that spot.

If Li Tie can fit the bill with Nev out, I'm all for it! This may be a good chance to try him out. But like you said, he hasn't played in a long, long time, so I wonder if Moyes will go for it. We'll see...

[sarabella]

Audio Link:

http://play.www.planetfootball.servecast.net/downloads/sky/everton-pl04-t0ffee.ram


No video today. :(

[sarabella]

Where is everyone?

[sarabella]

We sound really sloppy today. Not getting a good feeling about this one.

[The Old Lady Hertha]

*yawn* just woke up.

[Rocket]

*yawn* just woke up.
At least you haven't missed anything. :o

[sarabella]

We are going to lose this game.

[The Old Lady Hertha]

I think I might go back to sleep...