Btay

Stones for me. Absolute gem

Really glad to see McGeady getting some plaudits, we didn't set out to dominate or attack and he really put in on defence. Looked a threat! Hope he continues against untied

We were away deep in Russia against a team who are performing very well.

We came away with a point which if offered at the start we would have taken.

It's not all doom and gloom guys.

Exactly, and the old cliche of not performing well but still get something from the game shows a good team. We need to limit the chances other teams are making though- we are no where ready for champions league, 2 years minimum...

For me, this game will be won in the midfield... Albeit our defence has started to solidify a bit, we still allowed far far to many chances in Russia. Limit their time on the ball, I really don't rate any of their defenders bar Shaw but even he will surely be rusty, I'd like to 3 in the CM again and possibly even Oviedo/Baines double teaming on the wing to counter Di Maria..

In the end we fielded a considerably weaker team and managed to get a point, only really started playing in the last 15 which could be due to travel/atmosphere. Can't wait until they come to Goodison as we looked a class above in the last 15.. Shame we didnt sneak a winner but complain with the point! Stones MOM and must start from here on.

I would love lukaku to get this winner. He needs it!

He's been MOTM for me.

Strongly agree, first CB for me right now

Martinez is a genius.....

Well well

We've gotten a bit of momentum here, we need to freshen up and give it a go!

Stick hibbo on the wing see that pace!!

What the actual fuck was that...

Osman for Oviedo on 60 please.

Not with Osman as the left wing

Should not be allowed anywhere near the wing!!

.......and there's your problem.

It stems from our Central midfield not having control. Eto has done sweet FA but you don't pick on him because it's Eto.... Osman and Gibbo have been off tonight and can't seem to make a pass, we've had little to no possession and had to do alot of defensive work of with McGeady has done tonight, something he's needed to work on and seems (early signs) that he has.

Agreed. Mcgeady, Atsu not good enough.

I don't think McGeady has done anything wrong tonight... He's had very little ball and he stood it up well to the back post for Stones's header... He's worked hard, I'd be taking off Atsu before McGeady.

It's not an excuse though mate. We're just shite this season. Blamin RM

I agree it's not, but realistically, both our starting wingers are out, main creative Attacking CM, McCarthy out, starting RB, Oviedo who is a starter before Atsu, Distan and Kone...

That goal was always coming I guess

No creative midfielders. Wingers aren't good enough.

Given our injuries and quick turn around of games I'm not sure what we can expect... I may be scraping for positives here but our squad 2-3 years ago would have been half the team we have out their now with this many injuries..

Get atsu off, he's gonna cost us. He's no better than magaui

Looks terrible....

Aiden is working a lot harder tonight.. Stones is keeping us in this

We are getting killed....

Two bad early give aways from GIbson putting us under pressure.

Hasn't started well has he...

I don't want to get it again

My word!!! I had the craziest experience the other month, were I felt awake but I wasn't sure if I was a I couldn't move, like I was pinned to my bed and I could feel a presence, something demonic... I tried to move and could feel my muscles tense and then I felt like I was getting dragged off my bed. I was trying to shout by couldn't and eventually I managed to shout and still to this day I'm not sure if I was awake or asleep, I've asked my family if they heard anything because whatever state I was in, be it asleep or awake I shouted as loud as I could for my brother.... Truly terrifying moment

I like the look of atsu... Let's not forget this is his first crack at such a level and he is rapidly fast. He will get better and looks weaver to learn! On the note of McGeady, he is now our senior winger, time for him to step up.... I know he gets slagged off a lot and deserves a bit of it, but there is a talented, mercurial player in there and he needs to find it fast or we are going to become very one dimensional...

This is a tough one... How hard do we push here. I don't think we should underestimate Krasnodar however I think we should also be looking to leave a few at home.. We are already without Kev if we start to lose others we will struggle hugely.

Alcaraz and Distan perhaps? Oviedo and Browning as we need Baines fresh. Gibbo should start with either Besic or dare I say Osman. Eto up top and hopefully Kone has a few minutes in him. We're real thin on wingers now...

I'd like to see this team.

Howard

Coleman Stones Jagielka Baines

 

McCarthy Besic Barry

 

Mirallas Lukaku Naismith

 

Mirallas and Naismith to have a free role.

This formation for me, however I like the tactic of Naisy central and false 9 with Kevin and Rom advanced wide forwards, let Rom get ontop of either Fullback in the box and creates space for Baines and Coleman... Besic will either have a whole hearted blinder, or send off