02 Dec 2025 12:47:45
Slot speaking very positively about Mo in his press conference.
Hoping to god that Arne has learned at least one lesson in the last few dreadful weeks, and keeps Mo on the bench tomorrow.
Sunderland will be so physical, we need 10 hard working outfield players. Cannot afford any passengers!
If we somehow fight, deal with the intensity of Sunderland tomorrow and get a win.
I may actually start to believe we can somehow claw our way out of this.
It will be a far more accurate representation of where we’re at compared to Sunday however, and I’m still not convinced.
It’s the hope that kills you as they say.
02 Dec 2025 13:30:43
Sunderland is a critical game in Slot’s and the team’s future.
02 Dec 2025 13:56:10
With our current lack of control in games, starting Mo is a gamble.
If the boys are up for it he could be great but it’s more likely we’ll have sporadic control and be up against it for extended periods. In those moments having Mo is like playing with 10 men and for me is simply not worth the risk.
It may also lift the likes of Wirtz and Isak to know the faith that’s been shown to them over the old guard.
02 Dec 2025 14:01:26
Pretty sure he said Mo was rested at the weekend with Sunderland in mind.
02 Dec 2025 14:09:52
I think that if Isak isn't starting, starting Mo is perfectly fine. My problem is having Isak and Mo in the same team, at this point it doesn't work. I feel like we can only afford to have one player in a starting eleven who doesn't need to put in as much effort off the ball as everybody else.
02 Dec 2025 13:19:35
Mo should start. He will have a point to prove to slot and he will occupy their fullbacks thinking which creates space elsewhere. Opposition managers still respect salah and his impact so we should do the same.
Salah ain't lost it he's just out of form.
02 Dec 2025 13:20:36
My 11 would be
Beckers
Joe konate virgil robbo
Gravy
Dom Jones
Salah Isak Wirtz.
02 Dec 2025 15:01:05
Definitely not ….
Salah ekitike gakpo.
02 Dec 2025 14:26:59
Alisson
Gomez Konate Virgil Robertson
Gravenberch Endo
Szobo
Wirtz
Ekitike Isak.
02 Dec 2025 15:40:33
I would prefer to keep same team as Sunday but have to keep inmind we have 3 games in 6 days this week. also considering we have isak+ wirtz only coming back from injuries, gomez hardly be fit for 3 games in 6 days either I'd go for 2mo nite:
Ali gomez konate vvd robbo. Grav jones wirtz.
Salah isak szobo.
02 Dec 2025 17:14:31
Isak will start given he scored and was taken off after 70 mins. Slot said he can't play 3 games for 90 minutes but intimated he can play a part in all 3 games. I agree with PB, it's too risky going back to playing Salah and Isak in same team as they don't have the intensity we need right now.
Add Wirtz to that who should play as he had a good game and I think it's even more unlikely Salah starts the game. Prob come on if we need a goal. If Slot starts Isak, Salah and Wirtz and we lose, he's probably cooked his goose.
02 Dec 2025 18:28:21
Bigger worry is Gomez, he certainly can’t play all the games coming up and we don’t have any other options.
02 Dec 2025 18:00:31
I totally agree that Salah and Isak can't both start and I'd personally ad Maca to that list and say no two of those three should be on the pitch at the same time. I don't see how Isak gets in the team ahead of a fit Ekitike ever personally, but I'd start Salah, Ekitike, and wirtz.
02 Dec 2025 19:01:07
Bradley might be back for the weekend.
02 Dec 2025 19:12:14
Have always loved Gomez. If only he could break his bad luck with injuries.
He played a huge role in Klopp’s title. What is striking is how all of Virgil’s partners have had exceptional periods, and then dreadful runs of form.
Matip, Gomez, Quansah, and Konate have all had dire times.
Testament to Virgil’s greatness that, while he has sometimes not been his usual 10/ 10, he has been pretty much perfect over so many years.
02 Dec 2025 19:55:37
Unfortunately with Jo he’s just not built for 20 plus games a season. He had a few great seasons performance wise, so he’s got it in him, but the most we could probably expect is 10/ 15 games. Joel Matip type profile, but maybe not as good as Joel. Good squad player when fit.
02 Dec 2025 20:32:16
I think Gomez has had an injection recently in his knee, so I would guess he will certainly have to manage how much he plays.
02 Dec 2025 21:28:53
............
{Ed025's Note - listen mate if all you can post is slagging off your own players and manager then i would rather you not post..
02 Dec 2025 21:46:36
Might be onto something there, PB. re: Isak and Salah. Isak and Salah are two players who don't (Isak shouldn't) track back so when outta possession, we will be one or two players short esp. on the right with Salah not tracking back.
02 Dec 2025 23:14:45
Bravo, Ed25 - there are only so many angry, negative posts one can take. Worth saying, though: your willingness to see the best in people is what makes this forum tick. You support Everton, but you are always so funny and generous in your responses. It’s a rare quality. And so hugely appreciated.
{Ed025's Note - this is supposed to be an enjoyable forum MS and while im an advocate of having different views on players and managers we cant let it descend into just slagging people off at every opportunity mate...cheers..
03 Dec 2025 00:18:24
I think we'll see a lot of Salah and Isak playing together. They're too good not to.
03 Dec 2025 02:12:30
Back to the match v Sunderland - if every one is fit enough, why not play the same team that beat West z ham? We actually looked like we all knew the plan and played like a team. chopping and changing can’t do much for continuity and team morale.
03 Dec 2025 02:28:27
I don't see why Salah can't play with Isak. Mo just has to get his passing boots on and take off those Blue Circle ones he's been wearing this season.
I'll get a game before Endo. This isn't the game for him. Sunderland love a good dive and the last thing we need is him flying in.
03 Dec 2025 07:37:36
Because the game isn't just about scoring goals, red flyer, we also have to press and defend off the ball, and having two non-pressing forwards is proving to be terrible for us.
03 Dec 2025 12:24:22
"Ed025's Note - listen mate if all you can post is slagging off your own players and manager then i would rather you not post. "
Trust me Ed25, he will NOT take the hint. Why? Cos he can't read the room.
{Ed025's Note - he will have to Oli or he will be removed mate..