It would be nice to go…

…out on a high ahead of a full, 2-week international break; with our next game being another Saturday, 5:30pm KO (BST).

A few words on last Tuesday’s win…

I didn’t see it due to feeling a little under the weather / being asleep at the time.

A few MORE words on last Tuesday’s win…

I’ve seen the highlights and read the reports – by all accounts a very professional performance from us in a game that we controlled from the very start. Brilliant performance from Phil and a crackin’ goal from Kev being two of the highlights. Fab!

A few words on the draw for the Champions League…

When Erling Haaland arrives for the first leg (but more on that very soon), do you think we could find a way of not letting him back on their coach after the game whilst, at the same time, getting him to sign a piece of paper that has the words, “5-year contract” on it?

A few MORE words on the draw for the Champions League…

Now that we’ve drawn yet-another German side (and then-possibly another one after that should we progress past Die Schwarzgelben); is this going to be another case of playing both legs at neutral venues (and then again for the next round if…) not only due to Germany’s current Covid-19 travel restrictions for its own citizens but also because of a recent rise in Coronavirus cases in Deutschland, as well as neighbouring countries? Nothing has been said of that since the draw as far as I know but I’m guessing that has to be the case, don't you? Huh…we could be back in Budapest for a 3^rd visit in 2 1/2-weeks’ time!

v Everton

Goodison Park

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 8/11).

Fluid 4-1-4-1 / 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:

____________________Aguero___________________

 

 

__Jesus_______________________________Torres__

 

__________Gundogan_______De Bruyne___________

 

_________________Fernandinho__________________

Zinchenko_______________________________Walker

 

___________Laporte___________Dias_____________

 

 

____________________Steffen____________________

Subs: Ederson, Cancelo, Mendy, Stones, Rodri, Foden, Silva, Mahrez, Sterling.

Zack has been getting the F.A. Cup games and, so, I’ve no reason to think that he might not continue to put the gloves on for this competition.

I’ve got to think that, having had just 26 minutes of ‘the 90’ 5 days ago, that Oleksandr will start in the left-wing back berth but, opposingly…literally, I think we’re gonna need Kyle’s pace & power against Richarlison on the other side and, so, I think he’ll be asked to ‘go again’; despite having played the whole match in midweek. Aymeric & Ruben to partner in-between those, I would say for this one.

Fernandinho might get the defensive midfield role this evening – that’s what I’m going for.

Ahead of the Brazilian, I’m quite confident that we’ll see a strong pairing of in-form Ilkay and rapidly-improving [since his comeback from injury] Kevin in the middle…but I’m sticking my neck out and using my instincts to suggest that we might see Gabriel being used as a left-sided winger / forward and Ferran being used likewise on the opposite flank. If I’m right, that’s gonna raise more questions about what’s happening with Raheem and / or between him and his manager; even though Pep has already stated that there’s no sinister reasons.

And in another slightly risky forecast, I think we might see Sergio being given a starting run-out for this clash.

Ederson takes a step back step as reserve keeper. However, I just wonder…should it look like the game is going to penalties (games decided on the day this season with no replays); whether Ederson will be brought on as an outfield player / penalty taker? Benjamin, Joao & John make up the full range of left, right & central defensive cover, while Rodders, Phil, Bernardo, Riyad & Raheem provide the midfield & wing replacement options from ‘the 9’ (remember, 5 subs allowed in this one on [still] no more than 3 occasions).

Notable absences:

-       Eric Garcia – Not selected.

-       Nathan Ake – Not selected.

No injuries whatsoever! Let’s hope we can say that after the flippin’ international break…

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

Yeah, I’d be happy with that.

Result? I think this’ll be a crackin’ cup tie and a difficult game for us. Everton have lost their last 2 league games and, in general, their home form is pretty bobbins.

However, this is the F.A. Cup and form does tend to go out of the window. I’m hoping that’s not the case for us, of course, because we’re in very good form.

Although I think they’ll get a goal despite us-seemingly resolving a little blip-period at the back; I think we’ll get past The Toffees to see ourselves in the semi-final and, therefore, another trip to Wembley to add to both the recent and up & coming trips to HA9.

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: Dull, breezy but dry at least. 9C doesn’t even sound too bad. No conditions that will affect gameplay.