Easy 3 points for Everton now vs Watford?

[burnleymik]

Half the Watford squad are out, seems like a gift for Everton.

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[AwayClaret]

Think it was always going to be an easy 3 points. Ben Foster was criticising the players for their efforts the other day. It would be absolutely hilarious if Watford beat them but Imo it's time to forget about Everton being in the mix. I can see them getting at least another 7 points. Leeds could get 4 points so we need at least 4 points somehow.

[Hibsclaret]

Was always going to be an easy 3 for Everton. That said do they have enough players to field a team or do we have another Bristol Rovers v Scunthorpe type situation. Smells a bit tbh as I reckon if they had our points tally with a chance of staying up at least half of those injured would be magically available.

[burnleymik]

It seems pretty clear that Watford are protecting their saleable assets, but it wasn't a foregone conclusion if they put out their best squad. However this seems to be unjustly doing Everton a favour at the expense of us and Leeds.

[RVclaret]

I know whoever is relegated will deserve it over a season but it’s actually incredible the differing levels of luck we’ve seen during this run in.

Everton have barely had one key player missing through injury, have scored around 4 deflected goals to decide games, have had goals handed to them on a plate (Chelsea at home), teams not bothering to turn up (Chelsea / Leicester) and now Watford making their best players unavailable for their game.

Meanwhile we have lost two strikers, one to an ACL, two key defenders and been without our top scorer. Really does feel like we are up against it. Just watch Chelsea go and put in a no show again tomorrow at Leeds.

[Jeffbfc]

Whats new, Man United and Chelsea didn't show up at Goodison.
That's what's given Everton the confidence.

[Murger]

Mind blowing the amount of rolling over teams are doing for Everton.
Chelsea's half arsed display, Leicester changing about 8 players and now this with Watford. It all stinks.

[kentonclaret]

Mind blowing the amount of rolling over teams are doing for Everton.
Chelsea's half arsed display, Leicester changing about 8 players and now this with Watford. It all stinks.

We can only hope that we manage to put on the same level of half arsed display against Tottenham that Chelsea managed at Goodison. 78% possession 17 shots 5 on target. The fact that they got nothing from the game was largely down to some worldy saves from Pickford and some bad luck hitting the woodwork.

[dsr]

We can only hope that we manage to put on the same level of half arsed display against Tottenham that Chelsea managed at Goodison. 78% possession 17 shots 5 on target. The fact that they got nothing from the game was largely down to some worldy saves from Pickford and some bad luck hitting the woodwork.

And when the defender gave the ball to Richarlison and stood aside to let him have a free shot.

[NewClaret]

Imagine we’ll be seeing Brighton & Brentford with similar injury crisis soon!

[bumba]

Mind blowing the amount of rolling over teams are doing for Everton.
Chelsea's half arsed display, Leicester changing about 8 players and now this with Watford. It all stinks.

Leicester probably made the same changes after every European game, Chelsea weren't brilliant but still would of won but for Pickford.

We are where we are cos of Sean Dyche this season not because of any other club.

[SalisburyClaret]

That number of players missing would probably have caused a cancellation under Covid

[Jakubclaret]

I know whoever is relegated will deserve it over a season but it’s actually incredible the differing levels of luck we’ve seen during this run in.

Everton have barely had one key player missing through injury, have scored around 4 deflected goals to decide games, have had goals handed to them on a plate (Chelsea at home), teams not bothering to turn up (Chelsea / Leicester) and now Watford making their best players unavailable for their game.

Meanwhile we have lost two strikers, one to an ACL, two key defenders and been without our top scorer. Really does feel like we are up against it. Just watch Chelsea go and put in a no show again tomorrow at Leeds.

At some point we need to accept accountability ourselves without bemoaning others fortunes. We stuck with a manager underperforming for far too long, arguably let our best striker go whether he would have scored more than WW is open to opinion but looking at track records you could persuasively go 1 way & not strengthened sufficiently in key areas last TW, do we blame that on other teams or accept some sort of responsibility that we just haven’t done things properly or not as well as other clubs.

[IanMcL]

I think Watford want to win at home and would love to beat Everton.
I think the mindset of their incoming players will be just tight. Everton, on the other hand, will think they can take it a little easier.

A win for Wotfor? Come on Woy!

[ElectroClaret]

I think we can safely forget about Everton. Their two wins against Chelsea and Leicester has changed things for em.

Between us and Leeds now.

[RVclaret]

At some point we need to accept accountability ourselves without bemoaning others fortunes. We stuck with a manager underperforming for far too long, arguably let our best striker go whether he would have scored more than WW is open to opinion but looking at track records you could persuasively go 1 way & not strengthened sufficiently in key areas last TW, do we blame that on other teams or accept some sort of responsibility that we just haven’t done things properly or not as well as other clubs.

Completely agree, hence the first sentence of my post. There have been a series of failures at our club this season, no question. However, the point still stands that we’ve had an awful amount of things go against us in this run in, compared to others we are competing against.

[Quickenthetempo]

Another get the violin out thread.

It's in our hands and has been all season.

[ClaretLoup]

Precisely. Re Watford didn’t Burnley give them their first clean sheet of the season, Norwich their first point and Newcastle their first win and clean sheet. This season has been all about us, not Everton’s opponents.

[Milltown1882]

It’s us v Leeds. We sacked a manager 3 months too late and signed a striker that doesn’t score goals. It’s all on us.

[warksclaret]

Can see Everton winning by about 5 goals. They have genuine pace and set up very strongly to defend and counter attack

[Lancasterclaret]

Leicester probably made the same changes after every European game, Chelsea weren't brilliant but still would of won but for Pickford.

We are where we are cos of Sean Dyche this season not because of any other club.

Well, we are where we are because we've not been good enough all season

Everyone has a part to play in that, not just Sean Dyche

[Elizabeth]

It’s always been a case of picking up points for yourself and not bothering about the opposition.
Does anyone think that if we get 6 points from the remaining games that we will be relegated ?

[Sammy Bubbly]

Plus the fact that Leeds play Chelsea tomorrow. No doubt Chelsea will field a weakened side a few days before the FA Cup Final.

[Elizabeth]

Always was the case before FA Cup Finals until the Champions League qualification came into play

[CrosspoolClarets]

It’s always crazy to hear that luck balances out over a season - total nonsense, statistically 38 games is not enough to guarantee equivalent experiences for all sides.

I do believe Burnley have been unluckier than most this season. But it’s not luck. It’s decisions. Those penalties not given for example. Our record of pens awarded is far worse than any other. Having all those Covid games off unfairly is another.

But injuries I disagree. Both Leeds and Everton have lost massive players for long spells (Mina, Calvert Lewin, Phillips, Bamford). Our timing of injuries though - now that is yet more bad luck.

[kentonclaret]

Leeds have thus far played 11 fixtures against the "big 6" clubs losing all 11 games by an aggregate score of 48 against 6.

Chelsea will have to field a very weak side for Leeds to turn around a rotten record against the better sides in the PL.

I was reading an article by a pundit over the weekend who was of the opinion that Dyche had been sacked just before Burnley were entering an easier round of winnable games. He failed to mention that under Dyche Burnley had played Norwich and Watford 3 times and failed to even score a goal. And 2 of those fixtures were at Turf Moor and considered "6 pointers".

[kentonclaret]

Our timing of injuries though - now that is yet more bad luck.

I am sure that Leeds are saying the same about losing the ever-present this season Stuart Dallas.

[HunterST_BFC]

Plus the fact that Leeds play Chelsea tomorrow. No doubt Chelsea will field a weakened side a few days before the FA Cup Final.

That was actually my first thought on this. Now way Chelsea will be full strength - just hope they actually Work Leeds hard but doubt they actually care enough to do so Away midweek 3 days before the FA Cup Final with a Top Four Place in the bag.

[Oppycat]

No, Chelsea do need to keep playing tonight to guarantee a top 4 slot. Can still be overtaken by Arsenal and Spurs if Spurs win on Thursday

[Pickles]

We haven't scored against Norwich home or away. Or Watford at home. Lost to Newcastle when they were appalling in one of the most insipid performances I can remember in a long time. Thrown leads away, missed easy chances, started slowly, stifled our most creative players, conceded sloppy goal after sloppy goal...

If we go down it's because of what we did in our fixtures. It's because of us, and no-one else.

Anyway. UTC.

[tiger76]

We haven't scored against Norwich home or away. Or Watford at home. Lost to Newcastle when they were appalling in one of the most insipid performances I can remember in a long time. Thrown leads away, missed easy chances, started slowly, stifled our most creative players, conceded sloppy goal after sloppy goal...

If we go down it's because of what we did in our fixtures. It's because of us, and no-one else.

Anyway. UTC.

100% correct if we drop we've only ourselves to blame for not getting the required points on the board.

We can't keep making excuses for where we sit, we're 4th bottom for a reason.

[warksclaret]

Can see Leeds raising their game tonight, so dont be too surprised to see them pull off a 1-0 win. Chelsea of late have been dreadful. Hope I am wrong

[aggi]

That was actually my first thought on this. Now way Chelsea will be full strength - just hope they actually Work Leeds hard but doubt they actually care enough to do so Away midweek 3 days before the FA Cup Final with a Top Four Place in the bag.

I don't think Chelsea are secure enough in their Champions League spot that they can throw points away.

[Hibsclaret]

5 of the players who started against Palace the other day are on that list. Something smells about the fact that 5 starters are ruled out of the next game. Another one was sent off so at a maximum they will be fielding 5 from the previous game. Thanks Woy.

[NewClaret]

I don't think Chelsea are secure enough in their Champions League spot that they can throw points away.

Was about to reply saying they’d secured top four when I looked at the table & realised they very much haven’t. Not sure what I was reading last time I looked!

If Chelsea lost tonight and Spurs won, there’s two points in it with 6 to play for. Albeit both home fixtures for Chelsea, against Leicester and Watford, so they may still rest players tonight in anticipation that they can get over the line at home.

[NewClaret]

5 of the players who started against Palace the other day are on that list. Something smells about the fact that 5 starters are ruled out of the next game. Another one was sent off so at a maximum they will be fielding 5 from the previous game. Thanks Woy.

Has there been any explanation of their illness or injuries? Were any substituted? To be honest, that level of absentees from a previous fixture is very rare and it’s hard not to draw a conclusion that an envelope may have changed hands or the PL are desperate to keep Everton in the league somehow!

[dsr]

Has there been any explanation of their illness or injuries? Were any substituted? To be honest, that level of absentees from a previous fixture is very rare and it’s hard not to draw a conclusion that an envelope may have changed hands or the PL are desperate to keep Everton in the league somehow!

It's much easier to draw the conclusion that the players don't want to play.

In general, conspiracies that involve a dozen and more people and vast amounts of money, that depend on the conspirators approaching only those who are willing to participate and never finding a naysayer, knowing that jail sentences will result - do they really happen?

[NewClaret]

It's much easier to draw the conclusion that the players don't want to play.

In general, conspiracies that involve a dozen and more people and vast amounts of money, that depend on the conspirators approaching only those who are willing to participate and never finding a naysayer, knowing that jail sentences will result - do they really happen?

Dunno really. Watford & Everton don’t really strike me as having the most legitimate owners, and since football authorities seem pretty much toothless to corruption. And their owners are presumably live abroad (mainly), I doubt they’d seriously worry too much about being imprisoned.

It’s odd, either way. Something I’d say should be investigated. But like Richarlisons flare throwing, will likely be swept under the carpet.

[Quicknick]

Watford will win. They can't keep on losing at home.

[dsr]

Dunno really. Watford & Everton don’t really strike me as having the most legitimate owners, and since football authorities seem pretty much toothless to corruption. And their owners are presumably live abroad (mainly), I doubt they’d seriously worry too much about being imprisoned.

It’s odd, either way. Something I’d say should be investigated. But like Richarlisons flare throwing, will likely be swept under the carpet.

You think the owner's don't know they'd be relegated if caught? You think Hodgson doesn't care about his reputation and is desperate for cash? You think all 9 players are willing to risk long bans for the extra income? Given the choice of a large scale conspiracy costing millions, or a few players sick of losing who don't want to play, it's pretty obvious which is more likely.

[Hibsclaret]

2 were substituted. So there’s 3 that played a full game and are immediately unavailable. They played most of the second half with ten men. Hard to prove but definitely whiffs whatever the reason.

[aggi]

I don't think Chelsea are secure enough in their Champions League spot that they can throw points away.

Chelsea are looking pretty full strength tonight.

[tiger76]

Bump! and this is exactly why I don't gamble, most folks including myself thought it was a nailed on Everton victory tonight due to Watford's under strength side, but once again the PL throws up a surprise.

And although Everton should have enough to fain points in their next 2 home games it's not a given, and if they need a result on the final day they'll face a testing trip to Arsenal, so I've no doubt Lampard would like to be safe before then, which although likely isn't guaranteed yet.

[AwayClaret]

I had them getting 7 points which is now down to 5 after tonight. They shouldn't be in the mix now but it's football and impossible to predict a lot of the time.

[what_no_pies]

Has there been any explanation of their illness or injuries? Were any substituted? To be honest, that level of absentees from a previous fixture is very rare and it’s hard not to draw a conclusion that an envelope may have changed hands or the PL are desperate to keep Everton in the league somehow!

Didn't hear whether it was linked with those specific players absences but apparantly Ben Foster called out half the team after their last game and said they didn't turn up. Was supposed to get very heated. Foster kept his place and several players he dug out have been hooked. It also appears to have prompted a better performance.

It's just as easy to dismiss your brown envelope theory.

[kentonclaret]

Bump! and this is exactly why I don't gamble, most folks including myself thought it was a nailed on Everton victory tonight due to Watford's under strength side, but once again the PL throws up a surprise.

As you can tell from my comments earlier up this thread I was pretty confident that Chelsea would beat Leeds. Yesterday Betfred were offering enhanced odds of 7/2 Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton winning their games. In view of the situation with Watford this seemed like a good offer but I left the shop without placing the wager and was regretting the decision as Chelsea and Manchester City took command of their games. Surely, it was only a matter of time until Everton scored?

At least I still have the money to have a few wagers at York this afternoon.

If an offer looks too good to be true it often is. Especially if the person making the offer happens to be a bookie.

[Devils_Advocate]

A good tip for anyone who's not sure on something is to check if Hibsclaret has posted about it and if he has just go with the opposite cos he's usually miles off the mark on everything. He's that rubbish he probably still thinks Brentford are going to get relegated

[IanMcL]

Watford, despite being very poor, kept Everton at bay. Only 1 win from overtaking them. Everton are not good.
Fingers crossed.

[bumba]

Well, we are where we are because we've not been good enough all season

Everyone has a part to play in that, not just Sean Dyche

He persisted with the tactics and style, nobody else.