Got a bit distracted playing poker, but here's what we've got so far.
I reckon we can trust the Motherwell side to follow what happened v Southampton:
Motherwell: Marshall (Smith 62), Corrigan (Keogh 45), Quinn, Partridge, Craigan, Foran, O’Donnell (Fagan 65), Leitch (Kerr 45), Hamilton (Clarkson 65), McDonald (Wright 78), Paterson
So a strong team - but quite a few changes in the middle of the park which must disrupt the side a little. Motherwell lost both goals before most of the later changes, but we can live in hope that Marshall starts again and plays true to his usual form
A similar but younger team played Clyde in midweek, running out 1-0 winners in a slightly below par performance by all accounts.
Should be a decent noisy crowd too, as its the return of James McFadden to Fir Park, and he'll be assured of a warm welcome back. I reckon he'll thrive in the circumstances, and could be a real thorn in Motherwell's side.
Here's some good news though -
Butcher won't be there! He's away in Austria on youth team business, so it'll be over to the assistants for this one. Only a friendly, so not a huge blow tactics wise, but it'll take a little of the 'out to impress the manager' incentive away from the Motherwell players, while the Everton players will have the man they need to impress barking in their ears all afternoon.
Everton have played a few friendlies, but the only first team game was vs Austrian team FC Gamlitz, and they ran out 9-0 winners.
Martyn, Hibbert, Weir, Kroldrup, Kilbane, McFadden, Osman, Li Tie, Davies, Bent, Beattie
Plus plenty subs. Bent, Beattie, Wilson, Kroldrup, Vaughan (3), Anichebe and Hopkins all getting the goals.
I think we can expect fewer changes tomorrow, maybe 5 or 6, as Moyes uses it as more of a test of his tactics and strategy for the new season, rather than a game just to give everyone a chance.
With Kroldrup and Davies signed, they'll be keen to impress. Also, with new signings on the way, the current players know that no-ones position is safe.
As always its a case of small stakes for friendlies, but I'd rate Everton's chances at around 60% in a game like this, and I reckon they can take maybe a 2-1 or 3-1 success, so there's plenty to like about the 1.80 on offer.
Saturday Friendlies - Nice Big Coupon :)
Can't find much so far, but I'm sure there'll be some good enough somewhere waiting to be unearthed.GIF "Thumb(1)")
Agree with everything you said pretty much. It is a little unusual that Terry Butcher won't be there, which will not have a massive effect probably, but all the same, can't be good for Motherwell.
