Fri 22 Sep 06
Maple Lions derby
There is a Maple Lions derby on Sunday with Damian’s Magpies up against my Toffees. Newcastle will not want to lose in quick succession to Merseyside clubs, while Everton will want to shake off a couple of iffy performances (first against Wigan in the Prem, then Posh in Carling Cup play). Should be a good game - on Fox Sports World Canada on Sunday.
Everton are watching the fitness of center back Joseph Yobo who will be key in trying to keep tabs on Martins. Joe’s had some back problems in recent weeks. Weir will be in if Yobo can’t make it, with Stubbsy definitely out with a knee.
I wouldn’t consider Harper as necessarily a weakness, at least from what I could see in the Liverpool game. Damian may feel otherwise. Kuyt’s goal was a good one and tough to do anything about and Roeder was clearly right regarding Alonso’s specky drive, if Harper doesn’t slip it is simply a loss of possession by Liverpool.
For Newcastle, Babayaro is out but Bramble is back and Ameobi is facing a late fitness test for a hip injury.
We’ll see the 4-5-1 from Moyes again with Andy Johnson ranging free up front. Arteta, Cahill, Osman, Carsley and Neville in midfield. I would rather see Nuno Valente at left back than Gary Naysmith. Valente had a great World Cup run with Portugal but he’s had a few months rest now so get him in there. Yobo appears to be Everton’s only injury question-mark, but I’d much rather see him in there with Lescott.
Mike C.
Exciting game. Both sides could have finished it off in the late stages. I won’t bemoan the missed offside call, as there were a few other questionable ones and Newcastle also had a lot of chances. The Martins-led attack looked pretty dangerous really. Stupidity from Bramble and then more from Hibbo.
I thought the commentator’s comment about the 5th place team and the 13th place team putting on such a good game as odd given how early we are in the season.
A share of the points is pretty fair. Toffees remain undefeated after six games. AJ will have to pop a few next time ~ he’s down to 5 goals in 6 league games!