Doucouré remains a doubt ahead of West Ham trip

I watched the press conference, he had me in riddles, never heard so much waffle since Martinez!

We have 4 good centre-backs. 4 good-strikers? He said we were playing the long ball to Calvert-Lewin, which Ancelotti told him was the same as him?

He didn’t mention Richarlison and James provided a lot more crosses and Dom didn’t have to chase every ball.

He mentioned Branthwaite’s original injury, but no reason why he hasn’t being picked now?

Anyone got a spare for the West Ham match, please?

I will be in London on Saturday, so could meet at the ground, if necessary. Text or phone Ray on 077950 14152. Thanks

The BBC reporting that a “fit again Seamus Coleman” returns to the Ireland squad for the upcoming international break, while Dyche says he will miss the Ireland games due to a hamstring injury.

So who’s right? You’d think Dyche is right and Seamus will be withdrawn from the Ireland squad.

Well it’s time again to start getting into match day mode. As always, I go into every match thinking we can get a result.

I hope the players have the same faith as the supporters.

Listening to Dyche today gives me little confidence that Branthwaite will be in the line-up on Saturday. He said Keane and Tarkowski played well last week.

So forget that Branthwaite is left-sided, faster, brings the ball out of defence, gives the midfield a rollicking if they pass the ball back to Pickford, and Mykolenko is a lot more confident beside him, and has the defence playing further forward, instead of playing deep, which Keane and Tarkowski do, because of lack of pace… but none of these things matter! Is he for real?

He also said today Calvert-Lewin is playing the same role as he did under Ancelotti, that’s why they kick the long ball? Did he not remember he had Richarlison and James providing the ammunition?

I see Harwood-Bellis has been picked today for the England squad. Branthwaite would surely have been picked ahead of him had he played in the last few games.

How must he be feeling? Even less chance of keeping him when the January window opens.

Hopefully the squad is in positive mood. There’s a few rumours doing the rounds… who knows, but hopefully Branthwaite starts this Saturday.

This for me is a 6-pointer, and hopefully Everton will turn up take their chances and win.

If he doesn’t play Branthwaite, then the fans at the game need to let him know.

Once again, we are going to a team with a manager under pressure and you know what that means… Hopefully all their players have scored within the last 10 games! 😂

Dale #7, I’m not buying that.

Dyche is trying to cover his selection of Keane. He said Branthwaite was fit 2 weeks ago, and fully training since then, but wasn’t picked because the two boys were playing well.

McNeil went off injured against Fulham, didn’t train until the following Thursday, and started against Southampton?

I also watched the interview, in full.

Our manager explained, to my ears, very clearly, that Jarrad had a minor operation but has broken down 3 times since with various issues as he nears a comeback.

I paraphrase, but words to that effect.

So Doucouré remains a doubt?

As far as I’m concerned, his ability, without doubt, has been rubbish this season.

Christy,

Stop making crap up. It is ridiculous.

Dale 14. Struggling to understand your logic and the inappropriate criticism of Christy. Not sure just what ” she has made up”.

From my perspective, Branthwaite has been fit to be on the bench, ergo he is fit to play. Not playing him is a crime and Dyche is just spuddling. McNeil was selected on the back of an injury and it looks like Doucoure will play ( or more properly, make up the numbers) despite his injury. If Christy or others wish to question the veracity of our manager for what they see as valid reason, then they are entitled to do so. I’m with them.