Team for Everton...

[DEFchenkOE]

V West Brom we had Bale and Lennon on the wings, Parker and Sandro in the middle, and I think we created quite a few chances before finally killing off the game.

That line-up was balanced and effective even without Mod and VdV, everyone knew their jobs. Parker and Sandro holding with Bale and Lennon given freedom to join the attack on every opportunity from the flanks.

For me when you add the likes of VdV and Mod we need to play a 4-3-3 and not try and fit them into a 4-4-2.

 

[nldnboi]

Friedel

Walker Kaboul King BAE

Kranjcar Parker Modric Bale

Defoe Ade

 

[Wellspurs]

Any system which incorporates Defoe in makes us weaker as a team so whilst I can appreciate his decent form in front of goal, he should undoubtedly start this game on the bench.

FFS goals actually win games...as long as we dont let JD take any late penalties.

 

[talkshowhost86]

FFS goals actually win games...as long as we dont let JD take any late penalties.

Yeah and actually having the ball is a pre-requisite for goals. If Defoe plays we either weaken the midfield (meaning we get less of the play) or play him upfront on his own (where he can't hold the ball up meaning we have less of the play).

 

[ajspurs]

The reason why it's especially tough on Defoe is that despite not touching the ball as much as he should in a match he still looks more likely to score than anyone else at the moment.

In saying that though I still want to see the team that felmani26 has but I feel we really need Modric, Bale, VDV and Adebayor to step up in concern with attacking and quite strangely that's the only thing that worries me.

 

[DEFchenkOE]

I think we need to start Defoe in this game, not his biggest fan but doesn't make sense to not start with the guy that has looked most likely to score in the last couple of games.

Not sure how he should fit in but I think Harry will start him.

 

[bubble07]

I think we need to start Defoe in this game, not his biggest fan but doesn't make sense to not start with the guy that has looked most likely to score in the last couple of games.

Not sure how he should fit in but I think Harry will start him.

If he plays he will have to drop Van der vaart and play Modric on the right so cant see it happening

 

[felmani26]

I think some of you are getting carried away with Defoe's input of late and the implications of playing him on Saturday.

442 away from home just doesn't work well for us and particularly when Defoe is partnered in attack - that's not a dig at him as such, but I can't recall an away game where Defoe has influenced our performance and nor is his goals ratio good enough to warrant starting over a more solid and disciplined unit.

If we continue to persist in playing 442 with Modric in the centre as well then we will cede ground in the middle and make us extremely open with the onus on Parker to try and tame what will be a solid and workmanlike midfield unit of Everton's which coupled with the fact of a roaring Goodison crowd and our lack of confidence, it doesn't bode well for a successful visit.

 

[Blake Griffin]

or he'll just play vdv on the right of a 4 ... not something i want but wouldn't be surpised to see it.

 

[Mr Pink]

or he'll just play vdv on the right of a 4 ... not something i want but wouldn't be surpised to see it.

I wouldn't be surprised either, with Ade and Saha up top.

Hope he goes 4-3-3.

 

[alfiespurs]

To me is all about the mentality .... Really worried about the Everton trip - They wil be no pusho vers. The most we will get is a DRAW ! Scum will beat the Barcodes ...

 

[felmani26]

or he'll just play vdv on the right of a 4 ... not something i want but wouldn't be surpised to see it.

And again would only provide us with an uphill struggle before we even kicked a ball but I certainly wouldn't put it past Harry.

I just can't see how we could fit in VdV, Defoe, Bale and Modric in a competitive side here without seriously compromising our team work ethic and to restrict Everton's attacks.

The only way to incorporate Defoe would be to drop Rafa and that shouldn't happen but would perhaps line up as such;

Bale Sandro Parker Modric

Defoe Adebayor

But the alternative isn't much better either;

VdV Parker Modric Bale

Defoe Adebayor

Therefore, to me and what would provide us with the best in terms of balance of attacking prowess and work ethic without possession has to be this;

Sandro Parker Modric

VdV Adebayor Bale

 

[mpickard2087]

I think we do need to stabilise the midfield a bit and shore up defensively, it was better against Man Utd with two more defensive minded players but can still improve.

What I will say though is that I dont think Sandro, Parker, Modric and VDV fit into the same team and provide balance, especially when you throw Bale into the mix as well.

 

[YiddoJames]

Friedel

Walker Kaboul King Ekotto
VDV Parker Modric Bale
Defoe Adebayor​

Cudicini Gallas Rose Sandro Livmore Kranjcar Saha​

Defoe looks like scoring goals at the moment, has to start.

VDV on the right is not ideal, but his involvement anywhere puts out possession up, and contrary to popular belief he has actually had some wonderful games from that position.

Modric and Parker together is our best central midfield. It's with that central midfield that we've had our best run and found ourselves in our best position in the Premier League. Sandro's time will come.

Logical and sound selection. I'd go with this as well

 

[mendesstormer]

I think we do need to stabilise the midfield a bit and shore up defensively, it was better against Man Utd with two more defensive minded players but can still improve.

What I will say though is that I dont think Sandro, Parker, Modric and VDV fit into the same team and provide balance, especially when you throw Bale into the mix as well.

Why not though? Seems to me the 4-3-3 mentioned is the best balance - especially the best balance between attacking potential and defensive solidity. It may be losing something in attacking flair (compared with 4-4-2) but surely in terms of balance it's hard to argue against it?

 

[shaqTHFC]

Anyone remember how we lined up at West Brom away? Did Modric and VDV both miss that game IIRC....not like that's what I'm thinking, just trying to remember who lined up in the middle.

I think it was Lennon, Parker, Sandro, Bale....

Adebayor was excellent that game, playing up top with Defoe.

I want the 4-3-3, just trying to have an open mind about things.

I thought it was Lennon Sandro Modric Bale. Parker missed the Everton and WBA games through injury and Sandro missed one of them (Everton I think) with Livermore replacing him.

Can't remember if Defoe or VDV started West Brom though, but VDV set up Defoe's goal to win it for us so maybe JD replaced Adebayor in the second half.

EDIT: According to BBC

24 Friedel
03 Bale
04 Kaboul
13 Gallas (Bassong - 67' )
28 Walker
32 Assou-Ekotto
11 Van der Vaart
14 Modric
30 Sandro (Livermore - 30' )
10 Adebayor
18 Defoe

 

[mpickard2087]

Why not though? Seems to me the 4-3-3 mentioned is the best balance - especially the best balance between attacking potential and defensive solidity. It may be losing something in attacking flair (compared with 4-4-2) but surely in terms of balance it's hard to argue against it?

Because in reality it never ever turns out as 4-3-3. What happens is Modric, Sandro, Parker and VDV stand around in the centre circle playing keep ball, Bale faffs around wherever he wants and we have no-one up the pitch with Adebayor (who likes to drift around himself)

As soon as teams get it they go direct and get down the flanks at us. Swansea, Chelsea and Arsenal (second half when we went with this set-up) all did this.

 

[mendesstormer]

Because in reality it never ever turns out as 4-3-3. What happens is Modric, Sandro, Parker and VDV stand around in the centre circle playing keep ball, Bale faffs around wherever he wants and we have no-one up the pitch with Adebayor (who likes to drift around himself)

As soon as teams get it they go direct and get down the flanks at us. Swansea, Chelsea and Arsenal (second half when we went with this set-up) all did this.

Hah. Yes, I take your point. But can it really be so hard to coach these professionals into playing some kind of system and sticking with it??? I mean, what do they actually have to do all week other than play golf and count their money? It does seem to be something of a weakness in the Redknapp school of coaching - great when the players are 'expressing themselves', but a bit lacking when they need to show a bit of discipline. I was shocked that HR didn't do more about Sandro's indiscipline (and others) during the 2nd half against Arsenal - didn't even seem to try to tell him what he was doing wrong.

 

[Blake Griffin]

I thought it was Lennon Sandro Modric Bale. Parker missed the Everton and WBA games through injury and Sandro missed one of them (Everton I think) with Livermore replacing him.

Can't remember if Defoe or VDV started West Brom though, but VDV set up Defoe's goal to win it for us so maybe JD replaced Adebayor in the second half.

EDIT: According to BBC

24 Friedel
03 Bale
04 Kaboul
13 Gallas (Bassong - 67' )
28 Walker
32 Assou-Ekotto
11 Van der Vaart
14 Modric
30 Sandro (Livermore - 30' )
10 Adebayor
18 Defoe

that's the home game.

 

[shaqTHFC]

that's the home game.

crap lol I read it wrong.

24 Friedel
03 Bale
04 Kaboul
26 King
28 Walker
32 Assou-Ekotto
07 Lennon
08 Parker
30 Sandro Booked (Livermore - 80' )
10 Adebayor
18 Defoe

There's the away game team