Pamplemousse

Very encouraging performance. Final 20 minutes the most important for me in terms of our development. We didn't hang on at all; after that spell in the second half, they didn't put us under any sort of pressure. And that was due to how we played. Last season we'd have lost that.

Calf

Walcott has been a passenger. Decent pressing at times but defensively isn't doing well.

Attacking wise we're good. Defensively shambolic.

We did lose our first home game last season 5-2 against Spurs. Then Ralph changed things and we went on a good run. So maybe a thrashing today and Ralph will see he has to change things quickly!!

Yup, exactly. Bednarek was a disaster for much of last season. Stephens is dependable at this level. We need better but he does OK.

Let's be honest, we all know that if it wasn't Walcott playing, it'd be Redmond Tella should have been a shoe in for this game but hey ho.

Minor calf injury for Stu according to Blackmore

Only on the bench against Everton though. There's something a bit odd. I hope he is only injured.

Bizarre Where is Stuart?

Not if Arsenal lose by more!

Don't even say that.

Echoes of the summer of 2014, which of course ended in our relegation as predicted by all the experts.

We're going to win.

I trust the board on this one. Welcome aboard Lyanco.

This is going to be horrific viewing. Our only hope is that at home against the "bigger sides" last season, we didn't do so badly (narrow defeats by Man Utd and City, draws against Chelsea, Leicester, West Ham, beat Liverpool). Spurs the only team out of the top 7 who comprehensively beat us. Just got to go with pace and hope we counter attack at lightning speed. Tella has to start.

Stephens is a solid back up for this level. Hopefully the black box has already identified our new signing, because we're going to need them. Fast.

The only reason to go to Aston Villa is money. Anyone with ambition would avoid - hence why their best player just left them.

Will everybody attending the game have to present proof of double vaccination or a lateral flow test result? Not all fans will be asked to provide evidence of a double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test result. There will be spot checks taking place around the ground and all fans aged 12 or over are encouraged to bring with them proof of a negative lateral flow test no more than 48 hours before the kick-off of the fixture or be able to present proof of double vaccination via the NHS app. https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2211094/return-of-fans-202122-faqs

Unless the finances at the club are worse than we realise, makes no sense to sell Ward-Prowse at all. His value is hardly going to go down next summer.

Looks like proof of vaccination or negative test is required

I don't think we'll go down. There are worse teams than us in this division, and we have a better manager as well. 11th-15th is a reasonable prediction. It'll be three from Burnley, Newcastle, Palace, Watford, Norwich, Brighton and Brentford.

Bertrand starting at Wembley

Will Richarlison play? He's been at the Olympics

Tino surely our second choice left back, unless KWP is injured. But then you could just put JWP there.