To be honest, I’m not really inclined to write anything about this game.
I just thought I’d better because no doubt some of you will have been wondering why I’ve been so quiet of late.
It’s part of my new policy of “if you haven’t got anything good to say, keep your trap shut” which has come about because I realise that me constantly saying how poor we are is depressing. I even depress myself.
Unfortunately my thinking hasn’t changed, but if I stick to the policy too much, it’s going to be a long time before I write anything at all.
And now I’m struggling, because I don’t think we’ve got a hope in hell tonight.
I’ll watch it, or more likely half watch it while doing other stuff, because it’s what you do as a fan isn’t it?
I have to admit to not feeling like much of a fan at the moment, but I find it impossible to give up on things entirely. A lifetime’s support isn’t easily thrown away, after all.
It’s just that it feels like such hard work watching the players constantly give the ball away.
Anyway, squad news and for us, injury-wise, I don’t think anything has changed.
Grealish is still out and according to Smith, who I struggle to believe these days, is back to the “loading” stage, which I assume is applying weight to his leg. So basically, he’s miles off, I would have thought.
Matty Cash is back after his suspension and I’ve seen it suggested that he might be left out as a punishment.
That’s ridiculous in my opinion and I just don’t see it for one minute.
It’s also been suggested that Davis might come in in the middle with Watkins moved out to the left. I’d say that’s possible and possibly even a good move, but I’m not sure Smith will justify it on the back of the last game, even if he did score a goal.
It doesn’t really matter to me what Smith does at this late stage of the season, to be honest. Everybody said he should have changed things up weeks ago and I personally think he’s left it too late.
As for Everton, they’re in pretty good shape, with defender Michael Keane being available again.
Abdoulaye Doucoure (foot) and Jean-Philippe Gbamin (knee) are their only injuries.
I think our best bet is to hope for a draw.
I just don’t see how you can get a result when the players make it so easy for the opposition.
I’m sure I read somewhere that John Mcginn gave the ball away 22 times against the Albion.
That’s just shocking and if you’re going to do that against a team that is certain to be relegated, you’re struggling from the off.
Dean Smith came out with some comment about how he’s been disappointed lately, but he’d do better saying he’s fuming about how poor our basic passing is and dragging them in for extra practice.
He also said something about how he thought we’d done well over the last couple of months, which frankly had me laughing. How you can think we’ve done well when we’ve been next to relegation standard for months is beyond me.
The strange part is I still fully support the manager for now.
I do find things concerning though. They say your form often carries over from the end of the season to the next.
Still, it’s ok, as Smith says we’re strong performers at the back end of the season, which suggests he’s expecting a lot of improvement.
This is a bit of a tough game to start improving though, isn’t it?
Everton to win, 2-1, I’m afraid. I’m tempted to say everton will get more, but in fairness, we don’t concede too many, do we?
