I have reason to believe that the Moutinho chase is to relieve pressure on Cahill for the attacking mid spot..
I dont think Moyes ever plays a 4-4-2 before 60 minutes into the game or 2 goals down and even in that case, the defensive mid is sacrificed. I believe the ideal starting line will be a 4-4-1-1. Moutinho offers a long term solution to the perenially crocked Cahill. Also I believe it will be Neville and not Jagielka who will be sacrificed in the event of a choice.
Anichbe will have to do bench service but might find more starting chances this season if Johnson is sold. But if the Johnson transfer does not go thrrough, I think Moyes will alternate between a 4-4-1-1 and a 4-4-2. Johnson will not be a bad player to retain.
What everton do need though is strength in depth.. a couple of loan signings here and there would ensure a smooth season worryingly similar to the previous one. I was expecting Everton to show much more ambition in the transfer market this season though.
tampasoccer
· 1 year ago
Depth is a big issue for them. What if Cahill (like last year) or Arteta get injured? And now they sold AJ. Won't be surprised if they end up after 10th spot this year, or if Moyes quits over lack of $ to spend. I think that with the available resources, he has taken this team as far as they can go.
Michael
· 1 year ago
Spot-on boys, I don't think they're deep enough at all either. Tampasoccer hit the nail on the head, Cahill's injured so often.
Karthik, you're right, they'll switch between 4-4-1-1 and 4-4-2, and I've got them starting in the latter because I'm not sure if Cahill will be ready to start the year. If he is, he'll go in for Anichebe and play in the hole.
Good comments, guys.
PapBoubDiop
· 1 year ago
What about Osman starting in a central role instead of Neville or Jagielka? He has better vision and creativity I think.
Michael
· 1 year ago
Yeah could be, I wouldn't be surprised if he was to start over one of those two. There's no doubting he's more of an attack-minded player, so it'll be up to David Moyes and what his tactics are for a given game.
St.Domingo
· 1 year ago
It is vital Everton get off to a good start as the first three away games are against the 3 promoted clubs - Hull, Stoke and WBA. Tim Howard almost equalled the club record for clean sheets last season so a top half finish should easily be achievable. It is also important to strengthen the number of players in the squad before the transfer deadline closes at the end of August using the Andy Johnson cash.
All Comments
I dont think Moyes ever plays a 4-4-2 before 60 minutes into the game or 2 goals down and even in that case, the defensive mid is sacrificed. I believe the ideal starting line will be a 4-4-1-1. Moutinho offers a long term solution to the perenially crocked Cahill. Also I believe it will be Neville and not Jagielka who will be sacrificed in the event of a choice.
Anichbe will have to do bench service but might find more starting chances this season if Johnson is sold. But if the Johnson transfer does not go thrrough, I think Moyes will alternate between a 4-4-1-1 and a 4-4-2. Johnson will not be a bad player to retain.
What everton do need though is strength in depth.. a couple of loan signings here and there would ensure a smooth season worryingly similar to the previous one. I was expecting Everton to show much more ambition in the transfer market this season though.
Karthik, you're right, they'll switch between 4-4-1-1 and 4-4-2, and I've got them starting in the latter because I'm not sure if Cahill will be ready to start the year. If he is, he'll go in for Anichebe and play in the hole.
Good comments, guys.
Tim Howard almost equalled the club record for clean sheets last season so a top half finish should easily be achievable.
It is also important to strengthen the number of players in the squad before the transfer deadline closes at the end of August using the Andy Johnson cash.