Royal Blue Mersey - Everton at Lyon: Europa League Matchday FourIt's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2017-11-02T22:00:04+00:00http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/rss/stream/163615032017-11-02T22:00:04+00:002017-11-02T22:00:04+00:00Toffees execute four-game Brexit
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<img alt="Olympique Lyon v Everton FC - UEFA Europa League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xMX_PdW4i6bQj_jY_IGRquz8QFs=/0x160:4281x3014/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57444253/869498514.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Three losses in four games ends Europa League campaign</p> <p id="i9aUsk">I am at a loss, truly. I’m not even sure if this is real life or I’m stuck in some sort of night terror which just keeps repeating itself. I can’t understand how a team that when last in Europe dominantly dispatched one of Germany’s biggest sides, Wolfsburg, away from home. Yet now two years on we are out without even a whimper. </p>
<p id="1wbkx8">I crucified <span>Ronald Koeman</span> time after time for his tactics and team selection this season so it’s only fair I hand out the same damning criticism to David Unsworth. In a pretty much must-win game he decided to start the game without a recognized striker on the pitch. No Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and <span>Wayne Rooney</span> is at home celebrating his son’s 8th birthday </p>
<p id="IUpVUr">Cuco Martina, who struggles in his most comfortable position on the right, was thrust in at left back in place of <span>Leighton Baines</span> who was left at home. The other two natural left backs at the club were unavailable with <span>Luke Garbutt</span> not registered in the squad and Brendan Galloway out on loan. After just six minutes Martina was booked however and it looked like an inevitable second wasn’t far behind. </p>
<p id="HEFXPE">An Ademola Lookman / Gylfi Sigurdsson one-two was, devastatingly, the high point of the first half for <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>. Yes you read that correctly, a couple of passes were the best thing we produced all half. Sigurdsson had a half chance after <span>Aaron Lennon</span> had brilliantly knocked down a long ball to the Icelandic talisman but he completely scuffed his chance. Lyon dominated the first half although as far as real clear cut chances; they were few and far between as the home side were not at their sharpest. </p>
<p id="EF6tUV">However two came at once for them just after the 20 minute mark as Bertrand Traore found himself unmarked in the box and headed a Memphis Depay cross at Jordan Pickford’s goal. The young keeper managed to get down and make a smart stop but it dropped for Nabil Fekir, he glanced his effort agonisingly wide. Later in the half Depay stung the palms of Pickford with a 30 yard free kick with the goalie comfortably parrying the ferocious strike away. </p>
<p id="IXTptT">With minutes to go in the half, Martina fell awkwardly from height and had to be immobilized and stretchered off with fans of the game everywhere fearing for his safety.</p>
<aside id="hNMJCk"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Lyon 3-0 Everton: Humiliation","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/2/16599552/lyon-3-0-everton-final-score-recap-results-instant-reaction-bertrand-traore-highlights"},{"title":"Everton at Lyon: Europa League Matchday Four","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/2/16597462/lyon-everton-europa-league-2017-matchday-four-david-unsworth-last-chance-rooney"}]}'></div></aside><p id="gVlLvN">In the second half, Everton’s best move of the game came as <span>Morgan Schneiderlin</span> dispossessed Lyon as they looked to counter and the ball fell for Lennon. He came inside and found Lookman who in turn laid it off for Sigurdsson to blast one just wide of the mark. This would be Everton’s final chance before they collapsed in the lame and weak manner they have perfected this season. </p>
<p id="jxQePR">Schneiderlin’s slide tackle rebounded off Lyon midfield enforcer Tanguy N’Dombele and into the path of a clean through Traore. The defence was completely asleep and the former <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> man had all the time in the world to round Pickford and slide home. Most Everton fans knew that was probably the winning goal but Lyon didn’t let up as they smelled blood. </p>
<p id="BbteP1">A simple long ball from the back was enough to get former Real Madrid man Mariano Diaz through on goal. The defending from Mason Holgate and <span>Ashley Williams</span> was infantile as Pickford managed to blocked the Dominican’s shot, however the ball came out to Depay whose clever reverse ball to Houssem Aouar gave the substitute the time and space to slot past Pickford and put the game, and Everton’s Europa League future, well and truly beyond any doubt.</p>
<p id="xWgkNC">Schneiderlin’s first booking may have been silly as he was booked for dissent after berating the referee for a number of minutes, but his second was well-deserved and off he went with ten minutes left to play. Depay then headed home from a cross into the box with Williams again lost and Holgate scrambling to mark the Dutchman to make it three. </p>
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<img alt="Olympique Lyon v Everton FC - UEFA Europa League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J8Ks_cwt93kHZg-gWudRsPc-45E=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9596569/869494532.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="AGXzXK">Everton are out of Europe after falling at the first group stage hurdle, and what an embarrassing time it is to be an Everton fan. Just when you think we’ve hit an all time low the players get out their shovels and start digging again. The danger is we’ve dug ourselves so deep that we might not be able to get back out. Every part of the pitch is a shambles from back to front and it’s getting worse as the weeks roll on. </p>
<p id="pl61T9">David Unsworth cannot be considered for the job. I don’t blame him for the last three losses as any manager in world football would struggle with this squad in this form, let alone a man with zero experience and his tactical naiveté at the top level. The players are an absolute joke at the moment and completely unfit to wear the royal blue. Whoever becomes the permanent manager has a hell of a job on their hands as this is surely one of the worst periods in recent times for the Blues, harkening back to the relegation-threatened 90’s era.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/2/16600120/lyon-everton-recap-3-0-olympique-lyonnais-europa-league-loss-embarrassment-humiliation-brexitCalDumbell2017-11-02T19:59:23+00:002017-11-02T19:59:23+00:00Lyon 3-0 Everton: Humiliation
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<img alt="Olympique Lyon v Everton FC - UEFA Europa League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QxeS9-op5UBIan7cQOfkIDOYOLg=/378x0:4457x2719/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57442945/869477816.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Attacking impotency and defensive frailty see the Blues out of the Europa League.</p> <p id="GAVgHl">We’d be remiss to not begin this post by sparing a thought for <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> defender Cuco Martina, who looked to have suffered a serious injury in the first half tonight against Lyon. Caught high in the air on a challenge, Martina fell and landed violently on his back. </p>
<p id="yJ8vhy">The Curacao native had to be immobilized by neck brace and transported off the field via stretcher. We’ll keep you updated on his health. Get well soon, Cuco.</p>
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<img alt="Olympique Lyon v Everton FC - UEFA Europa League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KZeI8RvqNyvZ1sLJFl4cM7dU_bE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9595979/869468336.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="fuC2At">Elsewhere, Everton were eliminated from the Europa League after putting in a meek, toothless, and embarrassing performance in France. </p>
<ul>
<li id="9LARSF">David Unsworth set up his side to avoid losing in a game the Blues had to win. Gylfi Sigurdsson played most of the match as a lone striker, with three defensive midfielders behind him. It didn’t work. </li>
<li id="xlKFGN">If there are any positives from this match, the play of Ademola Lookman could be one. Incisive, tricky, and positive, it continues to baffle why the youngster isn’t in the team more often. </li>
<li id="lgUzB3">After performances such as this, it’s hard to continue placing the blame on the manager. Nearly every player on the pitch is foolish, mistake prone, out of position, and late to everything. </li>
<li id="wFWVoD">That being said, it’s clear now that David Unsworth will not get this permanent job, nor does he deserve it. Rhino may end up an excellent manager in the future, but he is in over his head right now. </li>
<li id="GbP6m0">It’s easy to pick out <span>Ashley Williams</span> or Mason Holgate as Everton’s worst player this season, but <span>Morgan Schneiderlin</span> deserves a real shout there. The Frenchman can’t complete his trademark forward-progression passes, he can’t tackle, and he was sent off today for the second time this season. Frankly, on current form, Beni Baningime is better. </li>
<li id="RWxhEl">Nonsensical tactics. Obscenely stupid mistakes. No quality. No attack. Heartless. Same as it ever was.</li>
</ul>
<p id="5epWLF">Let’s forget this ever happened. </p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/2/16599552/lyon-3-0-everton-final-score-recap-results-instant-reaction-bertrand-traore-highlightsevertonchris2017-11-02T18:00:52+00:002017-11-02T18:00:52+00:00Everton at Lyon: How To Watch, TV and streaming info
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<img alt="Everton FC v Olympique Lyon - UEFA Europa League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/18dbptzOO4zyH7eXJJ9iXqgCKB4=/12x0:5274x3508/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57427025/863178162.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Toffees need a win to keep their European dreams alive. </p> <p id="5e9QLq"><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> desperately need to start winning matches if they wish to continue on in the Europa League Shockingly, <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16580946/everton-europa-league-qualify-permutations-group-stage-knockout-round-lyon-atalanta-apollon">it is still very possible</a>. However, the club has more pressing matters, including hiring a full-time manager and ensuring they stay in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england">England</a>’s top flight. This match make take a back seat.</p>
<p id="aOEBgQ">David Unsworth will oversee his first European competition. Based on the photos come directly from the club, an awful lot of Unsworth’s U23 lads are on this trip with the senior team. Will they all of them play. One would hope not. Yes, this competition is close to being a lost cause, but Everton have already been embarrassed enough this season. They don’t need the kids to go out and get slaughtered by a European team flexing their first team muscle.</p>
<aside id="djO3D8"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Everton at Lyon: Projected XI","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16586622/everton-lineup-lyon-europa-league-starting-eleven-projected-injury-news-latest-updates"}]}'></div></aside><aside id="OUSHMe"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wayne Rooney among those left out of Everton squad for Lyon tie","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16593088/everton-lyon-europa-league-wayne-rooney-leighton-baines-phil-jagielka-david-unsworth"}]}'></div></aside><aside id="p4D0VP"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Everton at Lyon, vs. Watford: Writer Prediction League","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16589606/everton-lyon-watford-prediction-league-david-unsworth-premier-league-europa-league"}]}'></div></aside><h1 id="tj4rzW">Match Details</h1>
<p id="Tn0k5V"><strong>Date and start time:</strong> Thursday, November 2nd at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m ET / 6 p.m. BST</p>
<p id="jLb1aE"><strong>Stadium:</strong> Groupama Stadium, Lyon, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/france">France</a></p>
<p id="q0OkPR"><strong>Capacity: </strong>59,186</p>
<p id="jWmOa0"><strong>Weather: </strong>63°F/17°C, partly cloudy, 1% chance of rain, 7 mph winds</p>
<h1 id="NylbZy">How to Watch/Listen</h1>
<p id="ZqDVb5"><strong>TV:</strong> Fox Sports 2 - <em>United States</em><em>; </em>BT Sport 2 <em>- </em> <em>United Kingdom</em></p>
<p id="mGBAfE"><strong>Radio: </strong>Everton Match Centre, TalkSport 2 Radio UK, SiriusXM FC, </p>
<p id="zQPBRS"><strong>Live stream: </strong>BT Sport Live, Fox Sports 2, Fox Soccer Match Pass</p>
<p id="FsYgq9"><strong>Gamethread:</strong> Comments section below starting one hour before game time</p>
<p id="eB2O1I"><a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/2575359/olympique-lyonnais-vs-everton/">Information from LiveSoccerTV.com</a></p>
<h1 id="k6zWnV">Lineups</h1>
<h3 id="Zz6RPN">Everton</h3>
<p id="HBo89P"><strong>Starting XI </strong>- Pickford, Kenny, Martina, Williams, Holgate, Schneiderlin, Baningime, Gueye, Lennon, Sigurdsson, Lookman</p>
<p id="sCVCti"><strong>Bench</strong> - Robles, Mirallas, Klaassen, Besic, Vlasic, Calvert-Lewin, Feeney</p>
<h3 id="TSgCv6"><strong>Lyon</strong></h3>
<p id="curC6F"><strong>Starting XI </strong>- Lopes, Mendy, Diakhaby, Marcelo, Rafael, Ndombele, Tousart, Memphis, Fekir, Cornet; Traore</p>
<p id="cQhrSG"><strong>Bench </strong>- Gorgelin, Aouar, Diaz, Ferri, Morel, Marcal, Tete.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/2/16591576/everton-lyon-europa-league-start-time-lineups-tv-schedule-live-stream-how-to-watch-online_TyYoung2017-11-01T20:30:02+00:002017-11-01T20:30:02+00:00Everton at Lyon - Europa League Match Preview
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<img alt="Everton FC v Olympique Lyon - UEFA Europa League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PSYgS6qyQl8a9Ac4D_6JosgSmQI=/0x0:3288x2192/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57427633/863194418.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Toffees likely need three wins from three to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages - but even one victory looks a tall order at the moment</p> <p id="akMHI4">After another bruising week in the life of <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>ians, attention once again turns to Europe and the Toffees’ rapidly diminishing European hopes.</p>
<p id="ktTSCE">Everton still have a chance of reaching the knockout stages - <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16580946/everton-europa-league-qualify-permutations-group-stage-knockout-round-lyon-atalanta-apollon">as this articles shows</a> - but it would take a remarkable set of results and a revolution in form in order for it to happen.</p>
<p id="fosVcu">Last month’s home defeat to Lyon all but ended our chances of playing European football in the new year, and indeed meant Everton had made the worst ever start to a Europa League group by an English team.</p>
<p id="YYO3YI">Since then Everton have dispensed with <span>Ronald Koeman</span> but two further defeats suggests little has changed.</p>
<p id="epkiFm">The Leicester defeat in-particular was a huge disappointment, especially in the first half.</p>
<aside id="EHpTdQ"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How Everton can still make it out of the Europa League group stage","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16580946/everton-europa-league-qualify-permutations-group-stage-knockout-round-lyon-atalanta-apollon"},{"title":"Everton at Lyon, vs. Watford: Writer Prediction League","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16589606/everton-lyon-watford-prediction-league-david-unsworth-premier-league-europa-league"},{"title":"Wayne Rooney among those left out of Everton squad for Lyon tie","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16593088/everton-lyon-europa-league-wayne-rooney-leighton-baines-phil-jagielka-david-unsworth"}]}'></div></aside><p id="BkLMUH">David Unsworth did his best to try and change things around but the reality is, whoever is in the dugout still has to deal with a slow, ponderous defence, ill-balanced midfield and blunt attack.</p>
<p id="UQfP8t">It is a horrific combination and one that does little to counter the argument that Everton could be in serious trouble this season.</p>
<p id="z4JShQ">Some errors can be corrected in the January window but that is still two months away and there’s a lot of football to be played before then.</p>
<p id="OOko6y">With the league position so critical then, does that mean Sunday’s game with Watford should take precedence over Thursday?</p>
<p id="eM8bBn">It is a difficult balancing act Unsworth, who will not want to be seen to be giving up on Everton’s European hopes so easily.</p>
<p id="8CKth2">However, with the damage already done in Europe he knows a win in the Premier League is important.</p>
<p id="7FVCBf">Conversely, with morale so low, any sort of result right now is needed to try and rebuild the team’s shattered confidence. What sort of mindset will the team be in on Sunday if they get hammered 5-0 in France?</p>
<p id="zISfXs">It’s a fairly ugly situation and an unenviable one for a relatively inexperienced coach such as Unsworth, who knows this may well be his best ever chance of taking the job full time.</p>
<h3 id="mOFxpx">The opposition</h3>
<p id="27lyq0">Lyon’s form was patchy going into the meeting at Goodison last month, with just one win in six games.</p>
<p id="44oMKX">However, since their victory on Merseyside Bruno Génésio’s side have won both their league games without conceding a goal.</p>
<p id="ZeJtJO">They also have a formidable record at home, losing just three times this calendar year.</p>
<p id="0HEo8U">Their last defeat was against eventual champions Monaco in April, with Les Gones winning five and drawing three of their eight home games this season in all competitions.</p>
<p id="DJdG8H">Good luck Unsy.</p>
<h3 id="K9Xch5">Team news</h3>
<p id="dB0jgi"><span>Wayne Rooney</span>, <span>Leighton Baines</span> and <span>Phil Jagielka</span> all miss out after being left at home by Unsworth. Ashley Williams will captain the side in the absence of the experienced trio.</p>
<p id="Earj5w">Michael Keane is also still missing as he continues to recover from an infection in a foot injury. Academy defender Morgan Feeney is in the squad but is likely to start on the bench</p>
<h3 id="mP8gOQ">Predicted starting XI</h3>
<aside id="9MkDz9"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Everton at Lyon: Projected XI","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16586622/everton-lineup-lyon-europa-league-starting-eleven-projected-injury-news-latest-updates"}]}'></div></aside><p id="mu6NvF">Pickford, Martina, Williams, Holgate, Kenny, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Vlasic, Sigurdsson, Lennon, Calvert-Lewin.</p>
<h3 id="rIOWeX">Final word</h3>
<p id="VVxihM">This was always going to be Everton’s toughest European assignment (on paper at least) but their recent form makes in even more imposing.</p>
<p id="SCcMff">They can’t seem to buy a win at the moment so any sort of result to provide a slither of positivity would be most welcome.</p>
<p id="9dhBAx">Unsworth insists he is going for the win despite leaving three of his most experienced players at home. </p>
<p id="BDX5Ei">But I can’t help but thinking Sunday’s game carries more significance and will eclipse whatever happens in France on Thursday.</p>
<p id="wzKg4Q"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16591446/lyon-everton-europa-league-2017-david-unsworth-wayne-rooney-ashley-williamsTom Mallows2017-11-01T17:45:10+00:002017-11-01T17:45:10+00:00Wayne Rooney among those left out of Everton squad for Lyon tie
<figure>
<img alt="Everton FC v Apollon Limassol - UEFA Europa League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XR-ThSyQV1KmCUGcXHG0pKdtiBs=/1363x277:3822x1916/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57424803/855241892.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Unsworth says he wants to “freshen up” his selection for Europa League tie</p> <p id="9nXCCp">David Unsworth has confirmed <span>Wayne Rooney</span>, <span>Leighton Baines</span> and <span>Phil Jagielka</span> have been left out of the travelling squad for their Europa League tie against Lyon.</p>
<p id="hEdGjn">The Toffees have arrived in France ahead of Thursday’s Group E match, which <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> have to win if they are to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages.</p>
<p id="A6ox5j">With a crucial game against Watford in the Premier League also to come on Sunday, Unsworth has chosen to rest three of his most experienced (also read=old) players.</p>
<aside id="8vMA2d"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How Everton can still make it out of the Europa League group stage","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16580946/everton-europa-league-qualify-permutations-group-stage-knockout-round-lyon-atalanta-apollon"},{"title":"Everton at Lyon: Projected XI","url":"https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16586622/everton-lineup-lyon-europa-league-starting-eleven-projected-injury-news-latest-updates"}]}'></div></aside><p id="IukHFA">Speaking at the Groupama Stadium in his pre-match press conference, Unsworth said: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="iqj75x">“We wanted to freshen it up, with one eye on Sunday as well. Those lads have played a lot of games. </p>
<p id="7bvAL7">“It's a great opportunity for some of our lads and a chance for them to give me a [selection] problem ahead of Sunday.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="7TVPhU">Unsworth also confirmed <span>Ashley Williams</span> will captain the side in France in the absence of the Jags, Baines and Rooney.</p>
<p id="whsyO2">Michael Keane misses out as he continues his recovery from an infection, meaning Academy defender Morgan Feeney has stepped up in his place.</p>
<p id="4YU3rj">When asked about the inclusion of 18-year-old defender Feeney, Unsworth said:</p>
<blockquote><p id="eqMRIT">“He's there on merit because he's been outstanding. We're a little bit short in that area. He'll be involved, but it'll probably be from the bench.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="GUsoqN">Despite travelling to France with what looks like a makeshift defence against the strongest team in the group, Unsworth insists he is not conceding the match in order to focus on Sunday.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="2vvfYY">“I want to win the game. We've got an uphill task but it's not impossible. I certainly want to go for it tomorrow and win the game. </p>
<p id="QonGlA">“We're absolutely focused on winning the game. It's a great opportunity for our lads to come to a great stadium against a great team and win a game of football. </p>
<p id="Cz58GE">“I can assure you we will give it everything to win the game.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="34T8ll"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16593088/everton-lyon-europa-league-wayne-rooney-leighton-baines-phil-jagielka-david-unsworthTom Mallows2017-11-01T17:28:30+00:002017-11-01T17:28:30+00:00Everton at Lyon: Projected XI
<figure>
<img alt="Everton FC v Olympique Lyon - UEFA Europa League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/brqR17No5vtCYJ7NVNnXQtckdNU=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57424631/863791376.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Assessing the Blues’ personnel options ahead a legitimately do-or-die Europa League match.</p> <p id="2kr6q6">Assuming Atalanta get at least one point against Apollon Limassol, Everton head to Lyon facing a win-or-be-eliminated situation in the Europa League. What’s more is that knowing that, David Unsworth has left some of his most reliable players back at USM Finch Farm. </p>
<p id="auUWsA">How in the <em>hell</em> will Everton line up? </p>
<h3 id="TEoM5S">Tactics and Formation</h3>
<p id="IHzHJ6">Unsworth’s...peculiar, shall we say?...lineup on Sunday got largely stomped on by Leicester City. Under Ronald Koeman, that wouldn’t necessarily have generated a big change in the following match.</p>
<p id="7UA5tQ">But Unsworth has really given us a change — and not necessarily a good one. Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Michael Keane, and Wayne Rooney have all been left home to rest, with Ademola Lookman <a href="https://twitter.com/EvertonNewsFeed/status/925770828553302016">apparently still back in England</a> hanging out with Yannick Bolasie. </p>
<p id="kzRHZK">That leaves, largely, a lineup that picks itself.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YsbEsYTyEu1ijMctlsz1b5Wd4lw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9585557/lineup__36_.png">
</figure>
<h3 id="2M9v2r">Starters (likelihood of starting rated out of 10)</h3>
<h4 id="kWvk4Z">
<span><strong>Jordan Pickford </strong></span><strong>- 8/10</strong>
</h4>
<p id="oaXyLc">We don’t <em>think </em>Pickford will get a rest too, but it isn’t impossible either, given the other decisions.</p>
<h4 id="va2e18"><strong>Jonjoe Kenny - 10/10</strong></h4>
<h4 id="Bj7Qwl"><strong>Ashley Williams - 10/10</strong></h4>
<h4 id="AL4apu"><strong>Mason Holgate - 10/10</strong></h4>
<h4 id="gjk9gb"><strong>Cuco Martina - 10/10</strong></h4>
<p id="9J25DF">Unsworth only traveled with five defenders, one of whom is Morgan Feeney, who the manager said will not start. That only leaves the four listed defenders as the go-to players. Whether Kenny or Martina will play on the left is up in the air, but both will definitely play.</p>
<h4 id="inRexw">
<span><strong>Morgan Schneiderlin</strong></span><strong> - 7/10</strong>
</h4>
<p id="pQ2TF4">Schneiderlin was evidently fit to play on Sunday, yet did not feature at all. Unsworth named the Frenchman and Beni Baningime to the bench, and when looking to add some stability to his midfield, opted to use the latter as his substitute.</p>
<p id="5Zkmdv">Despite Schneiderlin’s struggles this season, his team has looked even more discombobulated when he’s not been on the pitch. We think Unsworth will see that — but it isn’t impossible that he’s inexplicably freezing out the midfielder either.</p>
<h4 id="oFh3jU">
<strong>Idrissa Gueye </strong><strong>- 8/10</strong>
</h4>
<p id="er19Oj">Gana <em>should </em>start in the center of midfield on Thursday, but Unsworth has shown a preference toward Tom Davies so far as well. </p>
<h4 id="Wr7s70"><strong>Gylfi Sigurdsson - 7/10</strong></h4>
<p id="MJUHAS">The Icelander’s exclusion on Sunday, after not starting on Wednesday as well was...puzzling. He’s not gotten off to an outstanding start, but he’s been at least decent when deployed at his preferred position. He <em>should </em>start, but Unsworth’s strange central midfield decisions thus far have made us doubt everything.</p>
<h4 id="Ysbfp0">
<strong>A</strong><strong>aron Lennon - 7/10</strong>
</h4>
<p id="nNhw1e">We originally slotted Ademola Lookman into one of the starting wing positions, but his social media habits appear to have revealed he’s not even in France. We think Lennon will start over Kevin Mirallas on one of the wings, then.</p>
<h4 id="qnGcdV">
<strong>Nikola Vlasic</strong><strong> - 7/10</strong>
</h4>
<p id="lUoYlG">The young Croatian has missed out on the last few matches, and we think he’s fit enough to play at this point. Given the way Unsworth appears to be approaching this match, it would be strange for the youngster not to get a go.</p>
<h4 id="0vm340">
<strong>Dominic Calvert-Lewin </strong><strong>- 7/10</strong>
</h4>
<p id="7aLKDf">Sandro didn’t travel with the team last week, Oumar Niasse is ineligible, and Wayne Rooney didn’t travel with the team this week — so Calvert-Lewin seems the most likely option.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton FC v Olympique Lyon - UEFA Europa League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/By4iUKclMcj6xHLQksXT_El_zfg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9578675/863894550.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="QsPERM">Bench</h3>
<ul>
<li id="WRM7JW"><strong>Joel Robles</strong></li>
<li id="diCYMw">
<strong>Morgan Feeney - </strong>The academy graduate is with the squad in France, and Unsworth doesn’t really have any other options on defense.</li>
<li id="SAaaX7">
<strong>Tom Davie</strong><strong>s</strong>
</li>
<li id="4Rjs9B"><strong>Kevin Mirallas</strong></li>
<li id="bX1jHP"><strong>Beni Baningime</strong></li>
<li id="Pm7Vkn"><strong>Sandro Ramirez</strong></li>
<li id="3MiySB"><strong>Davy Klaassen</strong></li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="L3uft9">
<p id="5sPRFp">There’s an outside possibility that David Henen could slot into the bench in place of someone like Sandro or Klaassen, but for the most part, David Unsworth’s 18 man squad is self-evident. </p>
<p id="JJJfF1">The defensive personnel slated to start against the likes of Mariano, Nabil Fekir, Memphis Depay, and Bertrand Traore are going to make for a wild ride. Everton have to go for all three points. See you on the other side. </p>
<p id="kX8Ch9"></p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16586622/everton-lineup-lyon-europa-league-starting-eleven-projected-injury-news-latest-updatesevertonchrisAdam.Braun2017-11-01T14:30:02+00:002017-11-01T14:30:02+00:00Optimism low for Unsworth’s make-or-break week
<figure>
<img alt="Leicester City v Everton - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HBFZZnQPIYhkwSFUIFojjmevwyQ=/0x0:3318x2212/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57418681/867855066.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Our staff has its say on David Unsworth’s make-or-break matches this week</p> <p id="5HlcRQ"><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>’s firing of <span>Ronald Koeman</span> and temporary appointment of David Unsworth made predicting the Toffees’ matches last week tough work. </p>
<p id="2F0ZLI">Wednesday’s match against <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> created reasonable cause for optimism, but the club’s utter failure against Leicester on Sunday put things back to square one to an extent — again making prognosticating tough work!</p>
<p id="GWu6Qo">Before we take a look at this week’s trip to Lyon and home match against Watford though, let’s review last week’s picks.</p>
<div id="lzxlS7"><div data-anthem-component="table:709919"></div></div>
<div id="JfSlAc"><div data-anthem-component="table:720314"></div></div>
<p id="QmU3Aw">Four writers picked both the proper winner and scoreline in the Chelsea match, the highest number right so far this season. Nobody managed to pick the correct first goalscorer or Everton man of the match, however.</p>
<p id="BDAmTV">Our picks for the result in the Leicester match weren’t quite as good — only two writers correctly guessed the Foxes would win. However, four correctly predicted <span>Jamie Vardy</span> as the first scorer of the match.</p>
<p id="WA7RSj">These results created a table with an ever-distant upper echelon. </p>
<div id="LFjQN0"><div data-anthem-component="table:593558"></div></div>
<p id="qQ0z8Y">Calvin and Mike are continuing to grow their lead atop the table, with everybody else playing catch-up. Brian F. and Matt are the closest behind.</p>
<p id="p0FV2j">This week, Everton faces Lyon in a must-win Europa League match, then Watford in what may prove to be Unsworth’s last match in charge. We’re moderately optimistic about the Watford match, but the trip to Lyon isn’t looking good.</p>
<div id="ttOl5l"><div data-anthem-component="table:734718"></div></div>
<div id="WRk3LG"><div data-anthem-component="table:734720"></div></div>
<p id="DdBauD">Only one writer has Everton going to France and picking up the needed three points on Thursday — I admire your optimism, Brian. The majority of us have Everton dropping the match by multiple goals, and officially dropping out of the Europa League as a result. </p>
<p id="pJOjBQ">Picks for the Watford match are a little more of an even split — five Everton wins, four Watford wins, and three draws.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16589606/everton-lyon-watford-prediction-league-david-unsworth-premier-league-europa-leagueAdam.Braun2017-11-01T08:00:01+00:002017-11-01T08:00:01+00:00How Everton can still make it out of the Europa League group stage
<figure>
<img alt="Everton FC v Olympique Lyon - UEFA Europa League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S3wPJ-g-3Vjkpz8-V8QuqXLd1pQ=/0x0:3288x2192/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57402163/863194418.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Despite miserable results thus far, the Toffees still have a feasible path to qualification for the knockout round</p> <p id="fT63lc"><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>’s first three Europa League matches couldn’t have gone much worse.</p>
<p id="au3vmH">The Toffees got obliterated 3-0 away to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/atalanta">Atalanta</a>, conceded a late equalizer to 10-man Apollon Limassol at home, and lost 2-1 to Lyon also at Goodison Park. With one point in three matches, Everton sits in last place in Group E, behind even Cypriot side Apollon Limassol. </p>
<p id="g8TJvL">The group table is pretty ugly.</p>
<div id="1iwMdO"><div data-anthem-component="table:732703"></div></div>
<p id="ufCfih">Despite how bad it looks though, the Toffees actually have a pretty manageable path back into knockout-stage qualification, at least on paper.</p>
<p id="pOIENh">In the most basic terms, to qualify for the group stage, Everton will have to:</p>
<ul><li id="P5KT5I">Catch Lyon by gaining five more points than them in the final three matches, <strong>OR</strong> by gaining four more points than them and making up five in the goal differential column</li></ul>
<p id="s3Oe6t"><strong>OR</strong></p>
<ul><li id="1h7YiU">Catch Atalanta by gaining seven more points than them in the final three matches, <strong>OR </strong>by gaining six more points than them and making up nine in the goal differential column.</li></ul>
<p id="paXDvW">On the face of it, those sound like two tough asks, but remember that Everton has matches against both of those clubs still left to play — so a win in the head-to-head match between Lyon or Atalanta would guarantee a three point swing to start with.</p>
<p id="2FjrKJ">Still, the most difficult part of these considerations is the obvious — <strong>for Everton to pull off this turnaround, the club will almost certainly have to win each of its last three group stage matches</strong>.</p>
<p id="0sBHXZ">I know that on current form that’s unlikely, but the other three clubs in the group are all beatable given the raw talent the Toffees have. The toughest remaining match is probably Thursday’s, a trip to France to play Lyon. After that, Everton hosts Atalanta in November and finally finishes the group stage with a trip to Cyprus to play Apollon Limassol. </p>
<p id="gtNSZz">For the sake of argument, I’m going to ask you to assume that they pull off the perfect finish — because if they do, a top-two finish in the group is eminently possible.</p>
<p id="oGc0vy">Let’s take a look at a few scenarios in which Everton would finish top-two in the group, assuming a nine-points-from-nine conclusion to the group.</p>
<h4 id="eNKRN2">Scenario 1</h4>
<p id="7OdbBr">This scenario seems the most likely of possible Everton success stories. The Toffees win out, finishing with 10 points in the group.</p>
<p id="ibiCQF">Atalanta, the top team in the group as things stand, loses to Everton at Goodison Park, but holds form against Apollon and Lyon, winning both of those matches. Atalanta would then add six points to their existing seven, ending the stage atop the group with 13 points.</p>
<p id="Z0owF8">At that point, a victory for Lyon against Apollon wouldn’t be enough for the French side to climb back into second. They’d end with eight points, two back of Everton for second place.</p>
<p id="jC9JMa">Without a doubt, the least likely part of this scenario is Everton winning out. The other results simply assume that the current form of the other clubs in the group remain constant.</p>
<p id="QwghVk">In short:</p>
<p id="MlpxqV"><strong>Matchday 4: </strong>Everton defeats Lyon, Atalanta defeats Apollon Limassol</p>
<p id="zLJrIN"><strong>Matchday 5: </strong>Everton defeats Atalanta, Lyon defeats Apollon Limassol</p>
<p id="ez3PaD"><strong>Matchday 6: </strong>Everton defeats Apollon Limassol, Atalanta defeats Lyon</p>
<p id="YuJYYE">Group standings end as:</p>
<div id="ADZToc"><div data-anthem-component="table:732759"></div></div>
<p id="hUtOJo"><em><strong>Note:</strong></em><em> A draw between Lyon and Atalanta would also be sufficient for Everton to qualify, in this scenario.</em></p>
<h4 id="8ajp02">Scenario 2</h4>
<p id="nOIsyd">It is, in fact, relatively possible for Everton to even enter Matchday 6 in control of their own destiny in the group. Assume the following results in Matchdays 4 and 5.</p>
<p id="TBAbBu"><strong>Matchday 4: </strong>Everton defeats Lyon, Atalanta defeats Apollon</p>
<p id="S4qaOC"><strong>Matchday 5:</strong> Everton defeats Atalanta, Apollon draws (or beats) Lyon</p>
<p id="fxlmoN">Apollon has been a tough side to play so far, so the idea that they’d nick a point off Lyon isn’t particularly far-fetched.</p>
<p id="fKfMlH">In this situation, Everton would actually enter Matchday 6 with seven points, while Lyon would only have six — meaning an Everton victory over Apollon would guarantee the Toffees a top-two spot, regardless of what happens in Lyon v. Atalanta!</p>
<p id="8ekr27">The final table in this scenario, at its closest, would look like this:</p>
<div id="291uks"><div data-anthem-component="table:732776"></div></div>
<h4 id="hl1o7Q">Scenario 3</h4>
<p id="LvZFVS">This one is my personal favorite — because it ends with Everton actually winning the group! Assume the following Matchday 4 and 5 results.</p>
<p id="C1ZHXi"><strong>Matchday 4: </strong>Everton defeats Lyon, Apollon draws Atalanta</p>
<p id="uf81hC"><strong>Matchday 5: </strong>Everton defeats Atalanta, Lyon defeats Apollon</p>
<p id="FkIVl5">In this scenario, Everton would enter Matchday 6 on seven points, while Atalanta and Lyon would both have eight. Because Atalanta and Lyon play against each other on the final day, an Everton victory would actually guarantee the Toffees a spot in the knockout round.</p>
<p id="xl2r0p">Everton would jump up to 10 points, while only one of Lyon or Atalanta could theoretically top that — and if the French and Italian clubs played to a draw, they’d both finish on nine points, leaving Everton atop the group!</p>
<p id="VYu5mv">The final standings would look like this:</p>
<div id="F5Xf0i"><div data-anthem-component="table:732795"></div></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1xSzRA">
<p id="gWxOGQ">After Everton’s home loss to Lyon, I had assumed that the Toffees were completely out of knockout round contention, even if they took nine points from their final nine available. A quick run of the numbers, though, revealed that actually isn’t at all true.</p>
<p id="eeBPKh">A perfect finish from Everton combined with any number of potential results from the other clubs in the group, included several not mentioned in this post, could definitely put Everton into the next round in the Europa League.</p>
<p id="VlIoz8">Of course, a perfect finish seems incredibly unlikely with the way things are going at the moment, but if results turn around, hope definitely still remains.</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cbMKkybNeLsk-L-psXthDRqT4Zg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9575485/giphy.gif">
</figure>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/11/1/16580946/everton-europa-league-qualify-permutations-group-stage-knockout-round-lyon-atalanta-apollonAdam.Braun