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Post by dorf on Aug 10, 2017 10:45:45 GMT
I'm quietly confident. They've just sold Arnautovic to West Ham and he was probably their best player, though they could say the same about us couldn't they? Stoke are one of those teams that are hard to beat. They're definitely not the long ball specialists they once were, and it's a tricky start to the campaign. I hope the stands are going to be ready, as it looked a bit empty in preseason. COYB!! Wasn't that because of ground improvements? Anyway, we really need to get a win from the 1st game as we got some tougher games coming up.
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Post by dorf on Aug 10, 2017 15:29:44 GMT
Koeman: Rooney To Start Ronald Koeman has revealed Wayne Rooney will start in his league homecoming at Goodison Park on Saturday against Stoke City.The summer signing did make his ‘second debut’ in the home leg of the Europa League third round qualifying tie with MFK Ruzomberok last month, but the Grand Old Lady is sold out this weekend as Evertonians welcome back the Academy graduate for his first Everton league match for 13 years. Koeman says he can "smell and feel" the motivation of his squad for the Premier League opener, and hopes the European matches can help give the Blues the edge. “Wayne is back and he is showing his quality to the players,” the Blues boss told evertontv. “He is an important player and he is one of the team that will start this Saturday. “We know at home that we have that fantastic support and hopefully we can get a good win this Saturday. It is always better to start at home than away. I think we have a little advantage having played two important games in Europa League qualifying. “Everybody is looking forward to the start of the Premier League and is ready.” Koeman is pleased with the manner in which Everton have progressed through pre-season. As well as improving their fitness, the Toffees were unbeaten in matches against Gor Mahia, Twente, Genk and Sevilla. But the manager has seen a change this week ahead of the visit of Stoke and is looking forward to playing for points on Saturday. “You have pre-season where it is not about winning or losing, it is all about getting in the best physical way,” he added. “The players are fit and are close to 100 per cent. Now it is about starting the season in the best possible way and playing for points. “It really starts this weekend and everyone is looking forward to it. You smell and feel the motivation of the players to start this Saturday. That is a good signal for everybody.” Everton will be missing a number of players against Mark Hughes’ side, with Koeman comfirming the game has come too soon for Ross Barkley and James McCarthy. “We still have three players out on long-term injuries in Seamus Coleman, Yannick Bolasie and Ramiro Funes Mori, but they are doing well. “Ross and James are back in training but they are still not available for the weekend. Maybe after that, yes. The rest are ready to start.” Everton FC
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Post by Everton News. on Aug 10, 2017 16:05:11 GMT
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Post by Everton News. on Aug 10, 2017 16:19:31 GMT
Matchday Guide: Stoke CityA rundown of what's going on around Goodison on Saturday. Everton kick off their Premier League campaign on Saturday, with Stoke City the visitors to Goodison Park. The Blues faced the Potters at home in August last year and earned a 1-0 win thanks to Leighton Baines’ penalty finding the net after bouncing in off Shay Given. The hosts will be looking for more of the same on Saturday, with kick off at 3pm. Below is a guide to what’s going on and where ahead of the match. FAN ZONEKicking off at approximately 12pm, the Fan Zone is the perfect place to get in the matchday mood. There will be live music, while former Blues Mike Pejic and Kevin Ratcliffe will be on the stage. We’ll also hear from BBC Radio Stoke to learn a bit more about our opponents, and we’ll also meet professional golfer Emma Goddard who, when she is not competing on tour, is following her beloved Blues. There will also be the usual quizzes and competitions with hosts Jennifer Jewell and Gavin Pettifor. There is also plenty of food and drink available. Please note that Chang has been replaced with Carling ahead of the new season. THE PEOPLE’S HUBThe café, located on Spellow Lane, opens at 12pm and is another great place for families to spend time before the game. Again there is food and drink available, with an offer on for both kids and adults – get a pizza, chicken burger, sandwich or hot dog plus chips and drink for £4.50 (kids) and £5 (adults). PITCHSIDEHead inside early to catch all the pre-match build-up, including the Toffee Lady and player warm-up! Everton FC
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Post by evertontillidie on Aug 10, 2017 16:48:56 GMT
I'm starting to get the butterflies in the belly each day that goes by. Not long now before the whistle blows. Stoke are a stronger team than they get credit for, especially at their place but at Goodison I fancy our chances if we can start scoring a bit more.
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