c1982

I can see where many are coming from here with it not being all EFC's fault... players will often have their own agenda/plans. It happens to the best of them - Barca have lost a few over the years, Pogba's a massive recent example. Fingers crossed we offer and he signs but none of us know the full story on this.

It used to have a slope each side which peaked in the middle. Sat there years ago for the Umbro tournament when Chelsea, Newcastle and Ajax came - Shearer crocked himself for the season I seem to remember.

The amount they spent on a young lb in Moreno makes me feel that this is no more than a twitter rumour. He'd be closer to a starting spot here than there. It wouldn't shock me if he opted to leave but more likely for somewhere he'll play as 1st choice. I'd be gutted if we didn't hang onto him because I think he'll be international quality in a few years.

Agree sadly, brilliant player (on his day).

@tancredipalmeri: Everton too in the race for Shaqiri

http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/01/02/the-one-player-everton-need-to-sign-this-january-is-lille-defend/

@NBCSportsSoccer: Justin Bieber is an Evertonian (via @Followtonians) http://t.co/YPYHxtKv7N

I've said since the summer that we need extra wingers but now I actually think that wingers aren't going to make a jot of difference unless we sort the back-line out. A defender who can lead our defence is a must - I want Kjaer. Brilliant against us in Europa at Lille and shouldn't be too expensive. He'd be cup-tied for Europa but that's not been the problem; we need him for the league. We need a keeper too - maybe just a short fix until the summer, I'd seriously look at Schwartzer, in dream world Cech, but that's just unrealistic. We need someone who is going to command and lead as that is not evident. We do need wingers/creativity but that's irrelevant if we continue to ship so many. I don't expect us to go out and sign 4 or 5 players (although we should) so if it's only 2 then these are the areas in my opinion.

Laudrup's managerial career is hardly illustrious. The grass isn't always greener.

Why all the Laudrup shouts? He had one good season with Swansea and then had a poor 2nd... sounds familiar! Martinez has not become a shite manager over night - he's got 4 and a half years left on his contract, he's not getting sacked and doesn't deserve to either.

Kenwright's not paying that contract up though so he'd need to walk or come to some arrangement.

Sounds like we're playing 3-4-3 with Barry at the back.

I think we'll see a new system today - 3-4-3 or 5-3-2.

Bury

Hull 2 - 3 Everton Baines

1) Osman 2) Hibbert (but sure it's joint with either Howard or Osman) 3) McBride 4) Anichebe 5) Vaughan 6) Radzinski 7) Does Basque count in this? Maybe a trick qu so I'll go 2 with Joel and Gerry (but maybe 3 with Arteta!) 8) Hitzlesperger 9) Big Dunc and Dunne 10) Bilic

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2891789/Roberto-Martinez-weighing-short-term-Wigan-goalkeeper-Ali-Al-Habsi-Tim-Howard-injury.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Many will be hoping this happens if you're making that promise.

It's shocking - I've tallied up 5 blatant ones over the past few weeks off the top of my head. Gomez Mangala Fernando Walters Cisse Sure there are more!

West Ham's a cup game so 12 points and a place in the 4th round please. Think we'll get 7 points and through the west ham tie.

Main 3 areas for me... Balance - far too many players have been played out of position all season so we've not had the balance to play 4-2-3-1 which Roberto has persisted with. We've got too many 'Number 10s' and not enough wingers in the squad. Most of us commented that we needed another winger or Pienaar type wide man - I think Cleverly was that player Roberto had ear marked but that didn't happen for whatever reason and has left us short. Centre backs - we've actually been very unfortunate with injuries in this area and haven't had a settled pairing BUT we can't keep playing out through players who aren't comfortable on the ball. Roberto either needs to invest in another ball playing centre back or stop playing out through them. Teams are wise to this and are pressing us - we've made 10 unforced errors which have led directly to goals, more than any other and more than we did in the whole of last season! Chelsea are the model to follow - Terry and Cahill defend properly and play long when they need to - you don't see Terry, Cahill and Courtious dicking about with the ball putting each other under pressure. Bottle/Leadership - it's not obvious to me at the mo and I include Martinez in this. We're just far too nice. Eto'o summed this up perfectly today - we've got the ball in their box and he kicks it out and ends our attack - Tiote had only had a ball in the midrift - that was at 0-1.

Eto'o - was delighted when we signed him but if he's not going to be played in the right position then what's the point? If there's truth in Valencia wanting him then we shouldn't stand in his way. Distin - he makes too many mistakes, we need a new 1st choice CB. McGeady - I've held out and given him time but Martinez clearly doesn't trust him so we should cut our loses and get a better winger (or 2).

I see your point but there's 'less responsibility' at left mid. There's a case for either.

Massive chance to shine for a few. Coming off the bench may also suit Lukaku should it be tight in the last half hour.

This time last year we beat Southampton 2-1 with Joel, Distin and Alcaraz playing together (and Baines/ Coleman completing the back 5).