Everton vs Tottenham: Match Thread

[BringBack_leGin]

Look Sissoko is far from what I want to see but he's had two weeks rest, he's been positive in the minutes he's had so far and v Burnley he was better than Eriksen, Dele and Son combined.

You might not like it, and I know I wouldn't pick him, but it is what it is and the manager is only ever going to pick the players he thinks will most likely deliver the victory. 999999/1000000 he will know better than you or me.

 

[Shadydan]

If Sissoko has a good game you lot are gonna get it

 

[cliff jones]

The might nominally play in the same position, but surely you can see that there is a massive difference in the way that they play the position?

Wanyama is a mobile ball winner who can carry it forward and use strength to go past players. ie. Exactly the type of player you need to partner a ball player when the midfield need to cover the channels that the wing backs vacate in a back 3 system.

Dier on the other hand gets behind the ball, likes to split the centrebacks, receive to feet, rarely carry and play reasonably simple passes mixed with the odd cross field ball. The entire purpose of a player like that in a back 4 is to split the CB's and effectively play with 3 CB's when bringing the ball out from the back. But that type of player just isn't necessary when playing a back 3. He's not mobile enough to do the 'hunting' role that Wanyama does; it's pretty much like playing 4 CB's all centrally. It results in a complete lack of - to borrow a BC-ism - vim or 'football' in the middle of the park.

Dier hasn't played the role in front of three CBs has he?

 

[scat1620]

Maybe - stay with me here - he's ok, but just hasn't shown it in-game.

I tried. I failed.

 

[hughy]

If Sissoko has a good game you lot are gonna get it

Law of averages mate.

 

[bubble07]

Sissoko must have something on Poch

 

[tooey]

I don't normally knee jerk at team selection but I really can't see what we're doing here, essentially playing 4 CB's (one being Dier, granted) and Sissoko. We are going to be ponderous.

 

[MetalFace D]

I wouldn't mind seeing Eriksen playing a slightly withdrawn role, almost alongside Dier, allowing Sissoko to push forward. He'd have various options ahead of him.

With the form that Eriksen is in, id be hesitant to put him anywhere that isnt his natural position.

 

[EJWTartanSpur]

I see the usual overly dramatic exaggerations are going on

 

[Spursh]

One of the issues with playing three at the back is that Son doesn't have a place in the front three, unless either Eriksen or Alli drop back alongside Dembele/Wanyama.

Eriksen would be my pick. I feel he's almost wasted as part of a front three as he doesn't possess the athleticism to be truly effective, and his playmaking talents are somewhat restricted with minimal space to operate.

Deployed a little deeper, protected by a DM and three CBs, he'd have more space to influence the game, and have increased options around him (three forwards and two wingbacks). And with the way we play (pushed up with a high line), he'd be operating around the opposition box for large portions of the game anyway.

 

[glospur]

OK so what should we do instead? You don't want Dier or Sissoko to play so what should our midfield be, assuming Dembele and Winks aren't fit enough to start.

Well keeping Onomah and actually playing him in his proper position instead of Sissoko out of position would be a start but obviously that's not possible.

But he could play Winks. even if he's not 100%, he's obviously fit enough to get through some of the match. Could play Eriksen deeper and play two up top.

Also unlike a few I actually don't mind Dier there, but prefer him in CM much more with a back 4 and not a 3.

Dier hasn't played the role in front of three CBs has he?

He has a couple of times and it was complete stodgy, defensive overkill.

 

[bubble07]

If winks started instead of sissoko wpuld have been happy

Zero creativity at all except for eriksen and dele in flashes

 

[$hoguN]

Personally I'm much happier seeing Sisokko in the middle than outwide. Big bastard will carve holes from the centre

 

[dagraham]

Presumably Poch doesn't think Dembele can play Sat and Weds. Shows how important it is to have strength in depth.

I wonder wether Eriksen will play deeper alongside Dier or as I suspect it will be Sissoko there.

Personally I would have played Winks instead.

 

[danielneeds]

Quite curious to see Sissoko given a go in the middle. He just doesn't look comfortable getting paint on his boots.

Going to be a real battle in the centre with Dier and him up against Gueye and Schneiderlin.

 

[tooey]

I see the usual overly dramatic exaggerations are going on

I see the usual exaggerations of peoples exaggerations are going on.

 

[$hoguN]

If winks started instead of sissoko wpuld have been happy

Zero creativity at all except for eriksen and dele in flashes

thats no different from usual though

 

[adamsky]

Had we beaten Burnley a draw at Everton would be a good result. Now it feels like we need a win just to keep pace with the top. Is gonna be a ery tight game, actually glad I'm at work and can't watch. Can't take the stress anymore.

 

[Johnny J]

thats no different from usual though

We so desperately need some creativity in the side. It was laughable last winter when some people were saying that Isco wouldn't even get into our side. Imagine him next to Wanyama, fucking hell.

 

[Shadydan]

If winks started instead of sissoko wpuld have been happy

Zero creativity at all except for eriksen and dele in flashes

I think the idea is to wear them down with running and pressing then bring Winks on when the gaps open up.