Saint Albert

The “Rat face kopite” thread on the Everton forum is good for a few laughs.

“A rangy and deceptively skilful striker, Baptistao has never been the most prolific of goalscorers however.” Sounds like he’ll fit right in. Sign him up!

City are in a bit of a low ebb (by their standards) in their two most recent games - a narrow win away to Huddersfield thanks to a flukey late Sterling goal, and a narrow win against Feyenoord in the CL thanks to a late Sterling goal. A home win seems most likely but we have a shot at getting a result.

Bertrand talks about some kind of meeting here. No mention of Les, though... http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/15684862.Bertrand_reveals_Saints_discussions_and_how_Pellegrino__really_got_hold_of_us_/

...meanwhile Sky Sports are apparently reporting that Everton have reopened talks with Allardyce.

He’s been mentioned on here as a possible replacement should Les and co. opt to pull the trigger on Pellegrino. Now Andre Villas Boas is being linked with Everton. His season just ended in China... http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/next-everton-manager-andre-villas-13959800

I get it, if it is a fitness issue. I’d rather see him play against Bournemouth. I don’t really understand why Pellegrino has so much faith in Long, though.

The cluster****ery going on with Everton is truly spectacular.

Bertrand had one of his best games of the season IMO. Set up the first goal with a beauty of a pass, as well.

I’ve been in the Pellegrino out camp but the “who will we replace him with” argument seems pretty lucid to me. Everton’s efforts to replace Koeman have been nothing short of farcical. W.Ham have Moyes. Palace have Hodgson. West Brom have no one so far, but Pardew is looking like a possibility. Leicester might have done alright getting Puel. Would we have been pleased to get any of those managers? Does Les have an ace up his sleeve?

One of my favourite Saints but the grass is not always greener... ...he got his move to a bigger team, he got his money, had a mare at United and it sounds like he’s now reviled by many Everton supporters. I can’t bring myself to feel sorry for these millionaires, especially when they get what they ask for.

Couldn’t agree more. Redmond has been poor this season. I like Boufal’s defensive work as well.

The commentators for today’s game were describing how Pellegrino got up off his seat unhappily for every one of those backheal Boufal moments. I am very happy that he’s getting his run of games. I hope he fulfills his potential this season.

If it’s a straight choice between JWP and Redmond I’d take JWP. He offers more going forward with his set piece delivery. Redmond has not had a good season so far.

I really enjoyed his performance today. The Everton defenders did not know what to do with him at times. His body language looks good as well -he’s all smiles, interacting positively with his teammates. It’s amazing what a difference a run of starts makes.

We’re in 10th! I’m not sure what beating such an inept team 4-1 means for the future, but it has probably given Pellegrino breathing room. Random stat from the commentators: Saints have scored as many goals in open play today, as the previous 12 games combined.

Everton are making Saints look like Manchester City.

DAVIS!!!!! JWP plays the ball to Davis, and he produces a beauty of a shot. Hint of handball in the buildup.

I almost think that Long is Pellegrino’s default striker for his defense-first formation.

Yoshi on for Boufal.

Long should have played it to a wide open JWP there.

I wonder if Boufal will get a full 90 minutes under his belt. One sub left, I think.

Austin coming off for Long.

I’ll second that. Hopefully he can start midweek.

Lemina to come on for Tadic, say the commentators...