chicagoblue

Still 1-0, but Swansea keeping possession now and we're not pressing as well.

Montero running past us at will

We're still on top. Going to win this. Keep at it. COYB!

"Totally against the run of play" been hearing this too much lads

Are we in a 4-3-3?

Sounds like we've settled nicely. Besic, Garbutt and Atsu sound on the front foot.

Sounds shaky at the back.

Sounds like McGeady and Atsu on the wings

Got the two reported lineups mixed up, thought Stones, Alcaraz and Distin were all in and couldn't figure it out.

Hibbert and Eto'o in the same starting 11, whodathunkit? Have to say I think our venerable riot provocateur in chief if probably the weak link there. Hope he proves me wrong and shows some fitness and sharpness. Excited to see how Gibson and Besic do in the middle. Hope that Browning and Kone get on and that Lukaku and Mirallas stay rested. Is Alcaraz playing the holding midfielder?

I sure hope we do. Gives us a good opportunity to bring in the fringe/young players. I for one would like to see us reach the same sort of level that Arsenal have with their second squad where they can basically hand this competition to the B team and still expect to make it few at least a few rounds. I think that should be the expectation and I think we're getting close to that level of competition in the squad.

I stuck him in my team for the Swansea game, but I can't tell if he's even around the first team. :I surrender: Not been in the squad for the last three matches. Did we send him out on loan?

Is Browning out on loan?

-----------Robles-------------- Browning - Stones - Distin - Garbutt McGeady/Atsu - Besic - Gibson - Kennedy/Oviedo? --Kone -- Naismith (or even McAleny) --- http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2014/09/22/oviedo-and-kone-set-to-return I'd be chopping and changing. Distin and Stones to stay and they'll be played together in big games at some point and need the time together. I can see the argument for a strong team, get the confidence back etc, but I think this is really our chance to trot out the fringe players and see who will be available to slot in to the rotation on a regular basis. Europa League is going to mean regular Thurs/Sun fixtures and if we don't acquaint a few of these lads with the first team experience we'll be caught short. Are Swansea without Bony on account of his red card or is that only for the League? Won't make any prediction until I see the team sheet. That said, if we trotted out my team I expect we'd lose.

Missed the game, but caught some text updates. Still in shock that we managed to lose this one and the manner of the loss is even more dumbfounding. How anyone, let alone a premier league manager can think that it's a reasonable strategy to start Leon Osman is beyond me. It's been painfully obvious to the most casual observer for at least the last 12 months that the man, while talented and valuable in certain scenarios, simply does not have the legs for 90 minutes. Again, I've only seen the highlights, so grain of salt and all. One can accept Atsu's error. He's young, first PL game etc. The clangers from Osman and Howard though, well... And how did Osman stay on when Stones came off, crazy. Oh well. On to the next one. Would like to see both Barry and McCarthy sat, but I'll go put those thoughts in the appropriate thread.

I'd be resting Jags if possible, not sure if DIstin is fit, but I thought he only had a dead leg, be surprised if he missed three games with that. Wouldn't even have too much of an issue with Stones and Alcaraz at the back. Palace are strongest on the wings, I don't see Chamakh or Gayle really troubling a Stones/Distin or Stones/Alcaraz partnership. Steady on LB/RB One or both of McGeady and Mirallas could also use a rest. I get the sense Martinez has some reservation about Atsu, but not knowing what that is I'd give him at least the first 45. If it's not working bring back Mirallas. In the middle I'd be tempted to give Barry a rest. I know he's vital, but he's not young and if we push him too hard early I fear his performances will drop off. We've got two options there, but I'd go with Besic for the added energy and fitness to make up for what we lose in Barry's positioning. Up top I'd keep on with Naismith and Lukaku. Robles and the rest who are fit for Swansea. Think someone else mentioned it, but was great to see Ross up and about. Saw a spring in his step when he popped into his box yesterday. I haven't watched enough of Palace to judge what they're like this year, but apart from Gayle's performance in the league (??) cup I haven't heard any worrying reports. 3-1

Class was never in question. Once he decided to sign for us on less than was available elsewhere that put attitude to bed. The only real question, and the one that remains, is fitness. He's already had one injury and that came after a 20 minute cameo. No question we won't get 90 minutes out of him week in week out, and I for one doubt we'll get more than a handful of 90 minute performances out of him full stop. Completely see him as a 30 minute player, and there's no problem with that. The best return for everyone is probably in keeping him fit so that he can come on and terrorize teams for 30 minutes. With Lukaku, Naismisth and (fingers crossed) Kone, we've got a formidable battering ram to soften defenses up, besides which Eto'o brings a completely different threat.

Strange one that. From the sounds of the first half we were battered. From what I saw in the second half we were battered, and yet we've come out looking comfortable winners. Wolfsburg will do well in this group and their left back will be at Bayern by year's end. A draw in the other game does us now harm, but it's clear Krasnodar aren't the whipping boys. At win at their ground though and we'll be in good stead. As to this game, I'd've liked the subs earlier. And is Atsu shit? How's he not got on? Don't see what we stood to learn or gain from bringing Osman on at the death. It's going to have to be changes at the weekend as we've put in a real shift tonight.

Coleman!! 2-0

We're giving it away (McGeady and Lukaku in particular) and they're breaking quickly and dangerously

Sounds like Lukaku letting us down a touch. 3 mistakes in a row

Naismith!! -- Well own goal apparently according to radio. Apparently great buildup from Baines and McCarthy then scrambled over the line.

Yes. See link above, on Evertonfc.com http://www.evertonfc.com/listenlive

We're "chasing shadows" according to the radio

Early mistake from Stones. Cut that out.