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Post by Everton News. on Oct 2, 2020 13:14:07 GMT
TEAM NEWS
Everton will be without Allan, Andre Gomes, Jonjoe Kenny and Moise Kean for Saturday's home clash with Brighton & Hove Albion (3pm).
Richarlison faces a late fitness test ahead of the Goodison Park contest.
Allan was forced off after 69 minutes of Everton's 4-1 Carabao Cup win over West Ham United on Wednesday night with an abductor problem.
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is confident he will be ready to return in Everton's first game after the international break - a Merseyside derby showdown at Goodison, which is scheduled for Saturday 17 October.
Richarlison was substituted just after the hour mark against the Hammers after twisting his ankle and Ancelotti says his availability will be assessed ahead of Saturday's match.
Jonjoe Kenny was withdrawn before half-time of that match with an ankle problem and is expected to be sidelined for four weeks.
Ancelotti added Gomes will miss the Brighton game with a minor injury and could have been available had the game been played one or two days later.
Striker Kean is unwell and is unable to feature, while the Blues will also be without long-term absentees Jean-Philippe Gbamin (Achilles) and Cenk Tosun (ACL).
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Post by rugbytoffee on Oct 2, 2020 14:09:50 GMT
Allan will be a big miss imo. Delph will presumably fill his role.
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Post by Avinalaff on Oct 2, 2020 16:47:19 GMT
Allan will be a big miss imo. Delph will presumably fill his role. Delph has looked steady so far, do you think?
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Post by rugbytoffee on Oct 2, 2020 18:20:56 GMT
Allan will be a big miss imo. Delph will presumably fill his role. Delph has looked steady so far, do you think? Did well against West Ham.
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Post by Everton News. on Oct 3, 2020 12:26:37 GMT
Ancelotti programme notes
For all of us Evertonians this is a good time.
The team is playing with motivation and courage and belief. Every player is focused and showing me they want to be part of what we are trying to build in this club.
The most important thing this season was to always be competitive. Our opponents must know that for them playing against Everton is going to be really difficult.
They should expect a side ready to fight for everything, that plays quickly and creates chances.
And which is never satisfied.
It would have been beautiful to hear a full Goodison Park during our past two home matches.
I imagined how it would have sounded on Wednesday when Dominic scored our third goal after West Ham had been trying for an equaliser.
We had lost some players to injury and it was a difficult moment. I have felt how Evertonians sense when their team needs them and I know you would have made an incredible noise inside Goodison.
The players, too, are showing their character and belief. If something happens against them – like when Crystal Palace and West Ham scored in our two games last week – they keep their confidence in our plan.
You cannot lose your idea just because you concede a goal and this is one of our biggest changes.
We stay strong and composed and have faith we can recover the situation.
Our ambition before the international break was to win seven matches.
Honestly, this match with Brighton could be our hardest challenge so far.
We had little time to recover and prepare after the cup match and we have to pay attention against a very strong opponent.
I was really pleased with the performance against West Ham.
We controlled all of the game, except for that small part when we had to readjust after losing Richarlison and Allan.
I liked how our players stood up for the battle in that period, then we got two more goals from Dominic.
He is at a good level, scoring consistently and really sharp in the box. Dominic listens and is hungry to keep improving.
For his first goal, there was a fantastic pass from Michael Keane. Michael is the only player I kept in for all our six games.
I have a lot of confidence in him. He is smart tactically, very comfortable with the ball and fantastic in the air.
He never panics and is always calm.
We welcome Graham Potter and the staff and players of Brighton & Hove Albion.
I watched Brighton’s games and really enjoy their football.
They have a clear idea and fast and skilful players. It is a team which is growing with Graham and they will try to cause us problems.
When I came to the dressing room after the match on Wednesday I learned straight away Everton Women had won their FA Cup semi-final.
For me, this made it a perfect night.
Willie Kirk is doing brilliant work with his team and they have won every match this season.
We want a situation where people expect Everton to be playing finals at Wembley.
Also, we have been hearing on Saturdays good news from our Under-18s before we play. David Unsworth’s Under-23s won their past two matches.
When any Everton team is winning the positive feeling spreads through the Club.
For us, the injuries on Wednesday were disappointing but this is part of football. If this happens to you as a player, you cannot feel sorry for yourself.
It is the same for teammates, they have to continue and not be distracted.
Alex Iwobi came on and did well and all the players who did not play in the league have shown they are ready to help the team.
They are all really professional and have stayed concentrated and in top condition.
Gylfi and Fabian were leaders for us against West Ham. It is really good for me I can count on them.
In my opinion, our results shouldn’t be a surprise.
We have a lot of quality in our squad and if you have ambition you should expect to win.
This is a pressure we want.
I can see the happiness of Evertonians.
I am an Evertonian, too, and I have really liked watching the Spirit of the Blues videos made by fans.
We had the song playing in our dressing room on Wednesday.
I am trying to learn the words. I like to sing but my rule is I only do this when we win trophies. I hope I can be singing soon and that you can be with us to hear it.
Before that happens, we have to do a lot of hard work and make more improvements.
Our thoughts now are only for Brighton and a game we will win only if we are at our best.
Everton FC
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