Everton V Arsenal, 23rd August, 17:30

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

2-2

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I'm thinking a counter-attacking 433 is the way to go for this one - field the paciest* front 3 we have available (Alexis, Ox and Campbell would be my choice), with either Ozil or Cazorla behind them picking out quick passes (or maybe even Rosicky, if we want to sacrifice a bit of the precision passing for a bit more relentless running and aggression? I actually quite like that idea). As counter-attacking generally involves sitting a bit deeper than normal, and keeping the team relatively compact, while you wait for the other side make the first move, I'm not sure I'd actually bother with a pure defensive midfielder? I'd maybe stick a couple of B2B midfielders in front of the defence, who are good at turnover play, and can turn defence into attack quickly once we've won it...

----------------Szcz----------------

Debuchy---BFG/Chambers---Kos---Monreal

-----Ramsey---Rosicky---Wilshere-----

--------Ox-----Alexis----Campbell-----


* pacey player must also be competent.

I like it.....though I might just replace Wilshere for Flamini to make it a tad less experimental.

[Dein-machine]

I'm thinking a counter-attacking 433 is the way to go for this one - field the paciest* front 3 we have available (Alexis, Ox and Campbell would be my choice), with either Ozil or Cazorla behind them picking out quick passes (or maybe even Rosicky, if we want to sacrifice a bit of the precision passing for a bit more relentless running and aggression? I actually quite like that idea). As counter-attacking generally involves sitting a bit deeper than normal, and keeping the team relatively compact, while you wait for the other side make the first move, I'm not sure I'd actually bother with a pure defensive midfielder? I'd maybe stick a couple of B2B midfielders in front of the defence, who are good at turnover play, and can turn defence into attack quickly once we've won it...

----------------Szcz----------------

Debuchy---BFG/Chambers---Kos---Monreal

-----Ramsey---Rosicky---Wilshere-----

--------Ox-----Alexis----Campbell-----


* pacey player must also be competent.

For me I would play with OX & Cambell down the flanks with Flamini & Ozil replacing Rosicky & Wheelchair. Sanchez up top has to happen now - it cannot be any worse than having Giroud or Sonogo.

[Niall_Quinn]

For me I would play with OX & Cambell down the flanks

Same here. It was only pre-season but these two showed twice the energy, twice the desire, twice the ambition in their play. They create unexpected problems for the opposition, whereas our alternatives are painfully predictable and easy to contain. It's great to see both Ox and Campbell willing and able to take on a defender with pace and beat them instead of always looking for the safe option. Defenders hate it, managers have to change their game plan to deal with it. It gives us, instead of the opposition, the advantage.

As for the central man, Giroud doesn't get in the box anyway so it;d be no loss having a smaller, pacey, trickier front man like Alexis. Ozil and Ramsey in behind, Flamini (we need better) as the stopper (which is why I'm all for dumping big cash on Pogba, he can break things up but he's also composed and can pass a ball). We might be a bit light in the middle but when you have Alexis and the two wide men as outs then you can survive it.

Of course I'm not a football manager, none of us are, but having watched Giroud and Sanogo so far it's so obvious how our play breaks down around them and how they end up giving the opposing defenders and easy ride.

No place for Cazorla either, his stats are okay if you check them but that just goes to show how stats aren't everything. He's been average for a year now.

I;d also keep Chambers in the team considering he's been our best defender so far. Monreal at the back is a real problem. He's done okay defensively, but that will change when he faces a bit of pace, but when Gibbs is missing we have nothing going forward on that side. Problem area that one, considering the amount of injuries Gibbs picks up. I'd splash the cash right now on Clyne from Southampton. He's going to be a super star - get him before the price becomes Luke Shaw ludicrous.

[Dein-machine]

Same here. It was only pre-season but these two showed twice the energy, twice the desire, twice the ambition in their play. They create unexpected problems for the opposition, whereas our alternatives are painfully predictable and easy to contain. It's great to see both Ox and Campbell willing and able to take on a defender with pace and beat them instead of always looking for the safe option. Defenders hate it, managers have to change their game plan to deal with it. It gives us, instead of the opposition, the advantage.

As for the central man, Giroud doesn't get in the box anyway so it;d be no loss having a smaller, pacey, trickier front man like Alexis. Ozil and Ramsey in behind, Flamini (we need better) as the stopper (which is why I'm all for dumping big cash on Pogba, he can break things up but he's also composed and can pass a ball). We might be a bit light in the middle but when you have Alexis and the two wide men as outs then you can survive it.

Of course I'm not a football manager, none of us are, but having watched Giroud and Sanogo so far it's so obvious how our play breaks down around them and how they end up giving the opposing defenders and easy ride.

No place for Cazorla either, his stats are okay if you check them but that just goes to show how stats aren't everything. He's been average for a year now.

I;d also keep Chambers in the team considering he's been our best defender so far. Monreal at the back is a real problem. He's done okay defensively, but that will change when he faces a bit of pace, but when Gibbs is missing we have nothing going forward on that side. Problem area that one, considering the amount of injuries Gibbs picks up. I'd splash the cash right now on Clyne from Southampton. He's going to be a super star - get him before the price becomes Luke Shaw ludicrous.

But isn't Clyne a right back? - Still agree with you though, would have bought him ahead of Debauchery.

[Niall_Quinn]

But isn't Clyne a right back? - Still agree with you though, would have bought him ahead of Debauchery.

According to Southampton fans he can play anywhere across the back and for them he's the best of the bunch. Saw a quote where they were lamenting the sale of Chambers but tool consolation in the fact at least nobody grabbed Clyne.

Think Debuchy has slotted in well and been very solid. Would rather have him to Sagna, especially now Sagna is a massive cunt.

[Dein-machine]

1st big test of the season - let's hope Wumgers decided not to wear nappies in the big gams this year. It's all very well using money as a excuse to not compete with the Chavs & Gypos but Everton should be a team we look to beat home & away if we want to compete for the league.

[GP]

Ches

Debuchy
Mertesacker
Koscielny
Monreal

Ozil
Ramsey
Flamini

Cazorla
Giroud
Alexis

0-3

[pakgunner]

Schzez
Debuchy
Merts
Kozza
Monreal
Flamini
Ramsey
Ozil
Ox
Campbell
Alexis
With this pace up front we can focus on the defensive side and play on the counter, it would be nice to see chambers playing dm but too much risk involved against a good opponent. Giroud can come in if we need to chase the game in a 442.

[Syn]

Thinking it might be too early in the season for this. Need more crystal palacey games before the cobwebs are gone. Ozil, Alexis, Ramsey on the pitch is going to be exciting though.