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Everton vs Liverpool
107 Comments Match Preview
Few, if any, fixtures on Everton's calendar have become as over-analysed as the Merseyside derby. No Blue needs reminding of the damning statistics around our two most dreaded games of a given season but the three victories over Liverpool in the last decade stand as a painful reminder of first the inferiority complex and then the mental block that has developed for successive Blues sides against the enemy from across the Park.
Evertonians, and perhaps the players as well, have tried to come at derby games from various angles in recent years with justifiable confidence, with dread, with fear, with apathetic resignation but nothing has really worked. An Everton team hasn't beaten Liverpool in the last five years and it's to the point now where it would probably be best for all concerned if we didn't think about it at all and just approached it like the visit of any other "big" scalp to Goodison Park.
Like Chelsea whom we've beaten four times in the same period; like Arsenal who we hammered 3-0 in 2013-14 and should have beaten by a similar margin last season; like Manchester City who, until recently, were ritually put to the sword in L4; and like Manchester United who are now on a run of three consuective losses at Goodison ahead of their visit after this month's international break.
Thankfully, since Roberto Martinez took over, the shift in mentality that has underpinned that improving record against the aforementioned big-spending media darlings means that we can go into derby games with greater confidence that, the aberration at Anfield in January last year aside, we'll at least emerge with a share of the spoils. Indeed, the current run of just one defeat in the last six against Liverpool represents the best sequence since the mid- to late-1990s.
Added to that is the fact that with Steven Gerrard now gone and the reds likely to field a starting derby XI without a Scouser in the ranks for the first time in almost 30 years, Liverpool will be lacking both their long-standing Talisman and the local spirit that has helped them surmount the odds on the occasions in recent years when Everton have been the more fancied side.
In that sense, the stage is perhaps set for Ross Barkley to step into the void and become the Scouse hero in this fixture but for the Blue half of Merseyside not so much to take up the mantle of raging, crease-headed firebrand but as match-winner and inspiration. Certainly, the 21-year-old's form so far this season suggests that he is more apt to bear that banner for Everton, as is Romelu Lukaku who comes into this weekend's game on the back of another impressive performance.
His two goals and accompanying assist at West Brom on Monday helped the Blues come back from 2-0 down to win away from home for the first time since 1985 and it has raised hopes that the Belgian can repeat not only that two-goal display but the irrepressible one he turned in against Liverpool in Martinez's first season in charge that would have earned a famous victory were it not for a very late, heart-breaking equaliser from Daniel Sturridge in that 3-3 draw.
Wisely, neither Roberto Martinez nor captain Phil Jagielka have publicly lent the notion any credence of favourites for this one but in the absence of Gerrard (and, indeed, Luis Suarez), in the midst of a crisis of confidence, and as the away side, Brendan Rodgers's outfit do not come into Sunday's derby with equal billing to Everton. However, in Sturridge (even if he is still notfully fit) and Philippe Coutinho they have two very potent weapons that will require the Blues be at the top of their game defensively. Christian Benteke, omitted from the Belgium squad by Marc Wilmost, is another player who could pose a threat to the Blues' back line, is doubtful through injury but Danny Ings could play in his stead.
Martinez, meanwhile, is waiting until the last moment to make a decision on John Stones and Seamus Coleman. Both players were described by the manager last Monday as being very close to making the trip to West Brom but ultimately weren't risked but with Stones having rejoined the team's training sessions yesterday, the feeling is that he should be OK to play, with Coleman's hamstring perhaps being afforded more time to heal over the international break. Should neither make it, it will be as-you-were from The Hawthorns, with Tyias Browning, Brendan Galloway and Ramiro Funes Mori in the back four with Jagielka.
Further forward in the line-up, Martinez has some big decisions to make, mostly concerning two positions: the other forward position playing off Lukaku and right wing. Coupled with his exploits against Barnsley and Reading in the Cup, Gerard Deulofeu's crucial role in the win over the Baggies has made him almost un-droppable in many Evertonians' eyes; if the manager agrees, he should start ahead of the more defensively-minded Aaron Lennon.
Arouna Kone, meanwhile, made another crucial entrance off the bench, bagging his second goal of the season as a substitute, enhancing his claims for another start alongside Lukaku. Steven Naismith's industry, coupled with the fact that Kone has been more impactful coming on later in games could give the Scot the nod over the Iviorian, however.
Whichever starting XI is selected, Everton's players should be in no doubt that they have the form and the ability to win this game, perhaps as comfortably as in 2006 and 2010 when they were similarly superior on paper. With no locals in the opposition team, it's possible that this derby will have considerably less blood and thunder than in years past which should allow the Blues to play their football and carve out the result we all crave. With Goodison bouncing, and the players operating under the mindset of "business as usual", hopefully that will be the case.
Kick off: 1.30pm
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Predicted Line-up: Howard, Browning, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway, Barry, McCarthy, Barkley, Deulofeu, Naismith, Lukaku
Full coverage: ToffeeWeb Match Reports
Reader Comments (107)
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2 Posted 03/10/2015 at 07:33:53
The away fans always play their part; shame those same fans don't all congregate in the same part of the ground at Goodison.
We need a winner type mentality to bury these mercenaries. We showed great character at West Brom; more of the same please.
3 Posted 03/10/2015 at 07:59:36
Now that may sound like stating the bleeding obvious but what I mean is that, if we play like we can and should, I really can't see us losing this.
Deulofeu is surely a starter... I have always hailed him as many will remember stating that if we bought him he would be the player to help us break that glass ceiling to top 4. I still believe in that statement and think he is one of those players that creates so many opportunities.
I'm looking forward to Sky's "all about Brendan" build up but I am going to try and not let it faze me this time.
Up and at 'em from the off. Predicting a show tomorrow with another brace from Lukaku and a Galloway header!
COYB
4 Posted 03/10/2015 at 08:00:47
5 Posted 03/10/2015 at 08:12:17
6 Posted 03/10/2015 at 08:40:24
Over the last few years, we seem to have gone into the derbies with a collective psychological block, an attitude of almost expecting to lose.
An early goal and Ross and Del Boy strutting their stuff should give us the confidence to get at them and send a message out to everyone that we are serious top 4 contenders.
7 Posted 03/10/2015 at 08:45:47
The Anfield antics of Dour Davie for instance clearly showed a fear of the opposition, at least on his part, but Liverpool have always seemed to be able deal with the fixture better than Everton. Especially when it really mattered.
Why they always seem to find a player, a goal, a ref or just the belief that they will beat us is really what it all boils down to.
I've lived most of my life wondering when Everton will get the monkey off their back. A good win tomorrow will be a great start and just maybe the future will be Blue.
8 Posted 03/10/2015 at 08:57:32
We need to keep our heads in the game against Liverpool though and avoid suspensions for the games against Arsenal and Man Utd.
With the international break next week, the game tomorrow feels almost isolated. I wouldn't be surprised if we see Stones and Coleman selected for tomorrow and then withdrawn from their international squads through not being fully fit, so they can be rested for the following two games. I'd actually love it if that happened!
9 Posted 03/10/2015 at 09:03:25
Remember the 4-0 debacle at Anfield had all the same hallmarks as this game: Everton playing well, Liverpool with what was regarded as a poor defence and Everton potentially without Jagielka, Coleman, Alcaraz, Pienaar, and Barkley. Martinez surprisingly brought back Ross Barkley, Steven Pienaar, Antolin Alcaraz and Jagielka, none of whom were anywhere near fit enough and we got battered.
There is no form book and no place for anyone not completely fit in Derby games. I hate them.
10 Posted 03/10/2015 at 09:09:06
I feel that we can still have a good season if we win just one of these 3 games, and there's no prize for guessing which one I'd like us to win!!!
11 Posted 03/10/2015 at 09:24:35
Naismith always seems a big-game player for me (he's often scored against the "big" teams, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea). Also his competitiveness in a derby will be useful, as long as its controlled aggression and not over the top.
Deulofeu surely is a given starter based on form... and Rodgers I'd think will set his team up a little more defensive away from Anfield, so we could do with his spark in attack.
Lennons' energy is always useful (and annoying to the opposition) off the bench, and as Lyndon mentioned, Kone has been more than useful off the bench this season vs. WBA and Watford.
Feel strangely confident for this one which is a bit scary in itself! COYB
12 Posted 03/10/2015 at 09:43:46
Martinez needs to make sure we come out flying from the off and not wait till half time to get it together. IF we play to our potential then they are there for the taking. They are shaky, relying on a striker who is just coming back after a lengthy injury and also playing in our own back yard so lets make the grand old lady a bear pit for them to come. We are well overdue a good win against them so tomorrow is as good a time as any. COYB
14 Posted 03/10/2015 at 09:59:43
15 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:03:42
I am a bit concerned at how the youngsters will react as many will be playing their first derby match if Coleman and Stones are not started. This is truly a game for cool heads and lets hope that players like Barry do not get themselves booked too early in the match.
I have always been pessimistic about derby games ever since the late '40s when they had Liddell terrifying us. I remember getting beat four nil at home in a cup match when we were in the top flight and they were in the old 2nd division.
Let's just hope that we can beat them well on Sunday as we will be fielding five or six English players and a couple of other home countries lads. We should be applauded all over the media for fielding a British team and providing our international countries with future stars.
COYB
16 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:04:12
17 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:09:37
Roberto is slowly changing the mentality of the team, making them believe they can beat anyone, and that is starting to spread amongst the fans as well. Sin miedo is back.
18 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:12:57
There is no more Stevie G or Carragher. There is no more top striker at Liverpool to fear. In fact LFC has completely lost its identity on and off the pitch.
Nothing to worry about in my book. Just another mid-table side to play.
19 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:15:04
20 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:19:52
Barry and McCarthy will have to close down quickly around the edge of the box and should not be afraid of getting stuck in really hard. Ref Mr Atkinson likes to keep the game flowing and is ignoring most of the rough stuff this season.
Up front I always go with Kone and Lennon because they help us keep possession in the final third but will have no complaints if Delboy starts. He's total class and creates chances out of nothing. Not sure about Naismith. He has the right fighting spirit for a Derby match but he'll need to perform better than last week. Ossie will be champing on the bit and might get a few minutes late on.
Can't remember how Lukaku plays in these Derby games but we'll need him at his very best. His strength, determination and speed enabled him to score a wonderful second goal last week and I hope he's in the same mood tomorrow. We may have to score three or four to win. Not impossible. We're creating chances galore and with slightly better finishing we'd be sitting on top.
Barkley is having a good campaign. (just checked the exact meaning of "campaign" in the dictionary and it said, "A series of activities designed to achieve a goal".) So yes, a goal from Ross would be fantastic but a couple of assists would be even better. Someone should give him a video of Paul Scholes who was never caught in possession because he would collect, move and offload the ball before anyone managed to get near him.
Martinez will have a plan but we have no idea what it is. The lads will have been putting it into practice all week and Ossie, Bainsey and Hibbo will have been reminding them of the importance of the occasion. The stats say we shouldn't bother turning up. We know they're the luckiest team on earth but we're a quality outfit and are worthy favourites.
21 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:22:01
Assuming Deulofeu plays on the right, putting Naismith on the left will offer us nothing going forward, Kone will at least get behind them and stop Clyne bombing forward so much.
22 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:24:29
Once again I agree with the consensus of the front 6, because Del has got to play and I would put Naismith over Kone because of his niggling qualities; but if Del is going to start-USE HIM. Martinez loves to play possession which sometimes slows the build up, but what clear this season is when we move the ball quickly we're a match for any side (Citteh accepted). We're now blessed with pace all over the park so let's blitz them from the start, they're low on confidence and the RS 'supporters' are as fickle as fuck.
3-0 to us the only players I worry about is Corthino & Sturridge; seriously apart from them, which other RS would you do a like for like swap?
23 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:25:50
Loads of interviews with ex-RS players (Aldo, McAteer, Rush, Big Nose, Carra, Beglin, Mellor, Murphy, Lawro, Souness etc.....) about the golden years and how football, and the Premier League in particular, need a mighty RS team again.
But like the Greek, Persian, Roman and British empires everything comes to an end and their time is up. Despite the wishes of the media they are in terminal decline and we need to add an extra push towards the edge. Loving it.
24 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:29:37
25 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:34:40
After we beat them, it will be a quick piece on how we were lucky and RS are below par and Brenda's future. Then straight over to the Emirates, I will be amazed if we get equal billing. COYB
26 Posted 03/10/2015 at 10:38:46
Our complex against Liverpool is a Moyes problem in my book. Our record wasn't always great before him but we usually had an inferior team! I think we lifted our game for years whereas under Moyes we underperformed.
Can the Martinez era be better? No positive signs as yet but this one is the big test.
I hate derbies, though they've given me some of my happiest days.
27 Posted 03/10/2015 at 11:14:02
28 Posted 03/10/2015 at 11:30:24
29 Posted 03/10/2015 at 11:50:59
Just our luck that the shite put in a performance worthy of their 𧶀 mill squad or whatever ridiculous amount of dough they've spent. Saying that, recent derby results say they usually win so everything to play for ....
Can't wait for 13:30 tomorrow – like a kid at chrimbo.
30 Posted 03/10/2015 at 11:57:22
Lyndon, your second paragraph nails it: we have tried coming at derby games from all angles, a bit like trying to damper your fear of an overdue dental appointment? Should we pull a win out of the bag tomorrow, however, it will give both fans and the team huge confidence for the Man Utd fixture, despite the international beak . I tend to agree with other posts that Sky TV will soon move on if we win and make it "all about Brendan." Oh for a Ross Barkley screamer to win it late on! COYBB
31 Posted 03/10/2015 at 11:57:31
We might get a mention about being overachievers and 'plucky little Everton', and what a great little club we are with a fantastic chairman etc....but the focus will be all about them. So, please god, I hope we batter them and shut hem up for a few months.
As an aside, I see Carra was at Finch Farm talking to Ossie and Ross the other day. I wonder if he's coming out of the closet and will admit his one true love is EFC? Macca has done it, Fowler sometimes seems on the verge. Come on Carra admit it, you're a Blue at heart!!
32 Posted 03/10/2015 at 12:01:14
If the fans could have adopted and vocalised a "bring it on" attitude instead of trembling in craven terror at the very thought of playing Liverpool, I am certain we would have had many more successes against them than we actually had, notwithstanding shameful refereeing episodes and media bias against us over the past 3-4 decades.
33 Posted 03/10/2015 at 12:17:13
34 Posted 03/10/2015 at 12:21:44
35 Posted 03/10/2015 at 12:23:24
I think we are a much better side than them but we all know they will get a dodgy decision, but here's hoping we take them apart. COYB
36 Posted 03/10/2015 at 12:32:32
37 Posted 03/10/2015 at 12:34:32
Everything I agree with, apart from Benteke. I hate him when he plays against us, he always plays well and one of the few players Jagielka looks uncomfortable against.
I doubt Benteke will play anyway. I think Coutinho is by far their best player, and Sturridge is always a threat, keep them quiet and I think we should win comfortably.
38 Posted 03/10/2015 at 12:49:04
39 Posted 03/10/2015 at 13:05:47
It's Martinez job to prepare the team, it's our job to support them till the winning end.
40 Posted 03/10/2015 at 13:21:02
I remember cheering our players running onto the pitch (Biley, O'Keefe, Vardi, Eastoe. Lodge, Stanley). Players of that ilk. And we all know who the RS fielded back then. None of our players would have got close to getting in their team. And we were duely thumped. So yes, I hate this fixture.
And roll forward to the Moyes era. For the most, he rolled over and waved the white flag. I hated that attitude.
We are now in a better place. We have players to match them, man for man. We can win this match. I think that if we score a few goals Then we win this match. It will be unforgiveable if we concede 2 or more goals tomorrow. Norwich, West Ham and Bournemouth have kept them to one or less goals. We can do the same. Mark Sturridge out of the game.
I agree that D needs to play. Naismith or Kone? I go for Kone to soften them up. And Naismith to play a huge roll in the second half.And Lukaku needs to be sharp from the off. This is not a game to go missing. I am taking Everton to win 2-0 or 3-1.
41 Posted 03/10/2015 at 13:29:05
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34424546
42 Posted 03/10/2015 at 13:30:57
Howard
Coleman Stones Jagielka Galloway
Barry McCarthy
Deulofeu Barkley Naismith
Lukaku
Only position worth debate in my mind is Kone/Naismith. The Scot wins it for me because of his Derby experience (in both England and Scotland) and he will ruff their defence up early doors.
#NoFear
43 Posted 03/10/2015 at 13:31:09
44 Posted 03/10/2015 at 13:44:32
Yes, I got sick of hearing friggin' Tacitus, Seutonius, Caesar etc friggin' etc, always on about their great bloody empire. What did they ever do for us?
45 Posted 03/10/2015 at 13:53:10
In today's Guardian, Rodgers is quoted as saying:- if we get a wee bit of luck, it we earn a bit of good fortune, we can win the game. I would have thought they had used up all their luck in numerous derbies over recent years. Martinez, by contrast, is a lot more positive whilst remaining realistic about his teams chances.
46 Posted 03/10/2015 at 14:05:36
Sanitation? The Aqueduct? Roads? Medicine? Education? Public baths!
47 Posted 03/10/2015 at 14:06:28
Just the sight of Gerrard & Carragher used to put the fear of God into most who played in blue, never mind the ginger defeatist who always set out for a draw.
Say what you wish about Naismith, he takes no prisoners and has never bottled it, no matter who we are facing. Let him run himself into the ground for the first hour. Deulofeu is a must start for me, they are particularly vulnerable from crosses, and it may be his day.
Nothing to fear from this RS side, only our own mental weakness. The likes of Lukaku, McCarthy, Barry and hopefully Ross can perform without any of the past defeats hanging heavily on their shoulders, so I am confident for a 3-1 win here.
ps: If we come away with a win, tell the missus I should be home for Wednesday!
48 Posted 03/10/2015 at 14:08:33
For me I think we should either go with Lennon or Kone instead of Naismith. Since starting games after his Chelsea hat trick he hasn't been that effective in the side Imo. Sure, he puts himself about and works hard but his link up play and passing are shocking. Personally id go with Lennon. He offers just as much work rate as Naismith does plus he's got more pace that we could utilise when attacking. A front 3 of him and Deulofeu flanking Rom could be lethal tomorrow!
I want us to win badly tomorrow but can see it being a really good game and a score draw though.
49 Posted 03/10/2015 at 14:26:36
He is not a winger. Most players would struggle, played out of position. Supporters need to remember that. We had player all over the shop last season. And it showed. But credit to Martinez. He seems to have learnt from mistakes.
Should (for some reason) Deulofeu not play, then I would like to see a narrow 4-2-2-2 approach. Kone and Lukaku up top. Naismith and Barkley maurading just behind them. Make their full backs (who are useless) null and void. Our fullbacks will sort them out. Well that is the theory. Again I say, this is our time.
And I would like to see Deulofeu play... just stating an alternative line up. COYBs. Make my weekend.
50 Posted 03/10/2015 at 14:31:45
I'd stick up a load of snippets of all the snidey remarks from the likes of Rodgers and others ex Kopites like Gerrard, Carragher slagging off Everton, I'd show all the players in the dressing room these remarks, I'd then show them recent dvd highlights of the disgusting refereeing decisions we have received against Liverpool over the year's, I'd make sure every player watched these clips.
Finally I'd go face to face with each player starting the match and roar
"THESE ARE SHITE, THESE ARE FUCKING SHITE!!"
"They are nothing more than name, they are not famous anymore, they are not, ARE NOT, better players than you, and that Voldemort lookalike is not a better manager than me!!"
"Go out there, close down, press, harry everything that moves and attack them with confidence and belief in your own ability and finally go out tear them a new one and end this shite record we have against them"
"Come ONNNNNNNN!!!"
51 Posted 03/10/2015 at 14:44:19
52 Posted 03/10/2015 at 15:03:23
I would use him as a sub for later in the game when defenders are tiring. Lennon covers more ground and backs up what could be an inexperienced defence better.
53 Posted 03/10/2015 at 15:35:51
Yes but apart... FFS let's not go through this one all over again!
54 Posted 03/10/2015 at 16:54:39
We have to really believe we can smash them and then go on to smash others of the so called big 5. It's in our heads that we need to start to make the return to greatness.
55 Posted 03/10/2015 at 17:01:00
I have to disagree with that statement. Deulofeu is the best we have at beating a man. The reason he was crossing from those areas so much was because West Brom doubled up, showed him the inside, and backed off him.
It's a credit to him that he has added that string to his bow. Trust me, close him down and he will go past you (on the outside)...
56 Posted 03/10/2015 at 17:02:36
57 Posted 03/10/2015 at 17:13:01
I hope your right Thomas, I just think that at times he can appear frustrated when things are not going right for him, and I think the RS will not allow him the space to cross the ball as easily as West Brom did.
58 Posted 03/10/2015 at 17:15:28
For some strange reason, I feel extremely confident about this game. If we play well, as I expect we will, then I see a 4- or 5-goal haul against the luckiest team in the league.
The only risk factor for me is the refereeing. I am a suspicious bugger at the best of times but I sense something really weird has been happening behind the scenes by many powerful interested parties to keep Liverpool in the spotlight for so long when they have not deserved it. If the referee has a good game then so will we.
Roberto has it nailed by stressing the just another game mantra, when he knows full well it's not. Brenda's response to the comments regarding favorites by virtue of expenditure was clever but he is still horribly exposed as an underachiever who's arse is out of the window. We will win, and win handsomely.
59 Posted 03/10/2015 at 17:18:53
60 Posted 03/10/2015 at 17:19:54
We have been awful out of the blocks for whatever reason, only to come out 2nd half a wee bit better.
61 Posted 03/10/2015 at 17:23:56
It's about time we went at them from the off, not after we go a goal down. El Bob should knock the tippy-tappy boring possession togger he loves so much on the head and go for the jugular. Get it to Del Boy early, see how they handle them, get them on the back foot and get the crowd going (twelfth man and all that).
They're there for the taking, let's take to those horrible red twats.
62 Posted 03/10/2015 at 18:14:13
I think we have started to show less respect to the "top 5" sides since Martinez has been here, to give him his due, we've beaten Arsenal and Manchester United 3-0 at home, plus ended the hoodoo at Old Trafford.
Of course that old psychological barrier that seems to have existed ever since Gary McAllister scored that crazy 45-yard free-kick to end the Redshite's decade without a win at Goodison.
It has basically been dread since then, but tomorrow we can totally banish that.
63 Posted 03/10/2015 at 18:19:57
COYB and show these kopites up!
64 Posted 03/10/2015 at 18:52:58
That's why you'd be in the minority, and we are all desperate to see him play.
65 Posted 03/10/2015 at 18:54:03
66 Posted 03/10/2015 at 19:14:50
The McAllister goal was bloody awful. But I sat through Rush scoring 4 against us. Souness scoring in the League Cup Final. Those FA Cup Final defeats (when we had decent teams). And even (for me) the Bryan Hamilton disallowed goal.
There are numerous psychological hangovers. That's why I hate these games. But we are getting closer to taking them on in a more level playing field. We have better players... Let's make that count.
67 Posted 03/10/2015 at 19:17:43
68 Posted 03/10/2015 at 19:47:59
Anyway, let's just do it tomorrow.
69 Posted 03/10/2015 at 20:48:47
My bet is Everton to win with Barkley to score!
70 Posted 03/10/2015 at 20:56:03
Based on LFC's game mid-week, I think if we see Gomez in then the plan will be to mark out Rom and get very physical with Naismith and Deulofeu, with lots of silly little fouls, with a view to getting one of them booked or sent off. Then the whole Everton team will get annoyed and maybe lose focus. Rodgers can afford to yellow card Gomez and then replace him.
To counter that, we need to keep the play flowing fast and directly into the box. In which case, even the Ref may have to give the correct decision.
71 Posted 03/10/2015 at 21:38:40
Anyway, the first half went well: 3-3, but we were well on top. Then we just collapsed in the last 15 and got done by 6.
I can't take double derby defeat grief on Monday so we simply have to win.
72 Posted 03/10/2015 at 22:54:46
'Judean People's Front'. We're the People's Front of Judea! 'Judean People's Front'.
I'll get me coat.
3-1 to us after going 1-0 down. Utd burn the Arse and we end up 3rd.
And to cap a "perfect day" all at talksport end up with dysentery!
COYBB FTRS..
73 Posted 03/10/2015 at 23:23:28
Ohh, nerves are starting already!
74 Posted 04/10/2015 at 01:13:03
I am old enough to remember:
• Bryan Hamilton's 'goal', Maine Road, 1977;
• Hansen catching the ball on the line at Wembley in the 1984 Milk Cup Final;
• two offside goals allowed in the FA Cup Final;
• Wayne Clarke's disallowed goal at Anfield;
• Gerrard's Goodison dive;
• Hibbert's red card;
• Gerrard escaping a red for his brutal foul on Ebbrell;
•Jack Rodwell's red for a perfect tackle on Suarez the biter; as well
• McAllister moving the ball 10 yards forward and then the same 10-yard advance in field for Sturridge's equaliser in the 3-3...
• Oh and the one where we 'scored' in injury time at Goodison when their Dutch keeper Westerweld whacked it against the back of Jeffers (I think).
Anyway, am I paranoid or is this evidence of the unfairness of life for blues? I know I have blue-tinted specs but I can't remember one case where they've had a crucial bad decision. So let's start balancing it up tomorrow and batter them, have Sturridge sent off, Brenda sacked on Monday morning.
Tomorrow is my lad's 16th birthday; on my birthday they beat us 3-0 at Anfield. Surely God, Allah, Reverend Moon, whoever can't spoil two birthdays?
Oh yeah... we're blues, of course he/she can. But I live in hope...
75 Posted 04/10/2015 at 01:22:44
Nothing to fear, but fear itself.
I think there is some truth in the fans' dread dampening the players' positivity. But that should end and a return to the attitude we had under Joe Royle is now required.
Now get out there and blow them away!
76 Posted 04/10/2015 at 06:31:37
77 Posted 04/10/2015 at 07:41:00
I love football when it does this to you. For all the pissing and moaning about the "Sky four/five/six" and the "money is ruining the game" ..... This fixture seems to eradicate those whinges and keeps me in a child like state of wonder, anticipation and excitement.
I can't just sit around til 1pm so I'm going to go golfing. One of those days where it couldn't care less about my own golf game as I'm only doing it to speed time up before the match.
My team today fitness permitting:
Howard
Coleman Stones Jagielka Galloway
McCarthy Barry
Deulofeu Barkley Kone
Lukaku
We simply have to start with Deulofeu. He's magic you know.
3-0 Everton. Brace from Rom and one from Del.
COYB
78 Posted 04/10/2015 at 07:57:57
Can't wait for that roar when the referee blows the whistle at kick off! That feeling is what it's all about!
Commmmme onnnnnnnnnn!!! Let's bury them!
79 Posted 04/10/2015 at 08:08:27
I'm already envisaging Gibson's slide-rule pass to Del-Boy, who delivers an inch-perfect cross to Lukaku to head back for Ross to slam into the top right corner from the edge of the penalty area. And I've envisaged that in combination 3 times... A 3-0 blues victory, then.
Come on boys: no Crease-Head, no Carragher, no Clattenburg: these RS are there for the taking!
80 Posted 04/10/2015 at 08:10:19
81 Posted 04/10/2015 at 08:32:51
3-1 Toffees. Lukaku(pen), Naismith and Deulofeu to score.
82 Posted 04/10/2015 at 08:48:11
83 Posted 04/10/2015 at 08:57:36
84 Posted 04/10/2015 at 09:32:04
85 Posted 04/10/2015 at 09:40:50
I'm down in London today. Any gatherings of Blues in pubs down there?
86 Posted 04/10/2015 at 09:51:49
87 Posted 04/10/2015 at 10:01:29
At least it's an early kick off and I don't have to chew my nails all afternoon waiting for kickoff.
COYB... please!
88 Posted 04/10/2015 at 10:29:15
89 Posted 04/10/2015 at 10:52:13
Think I posted the last couple of seasons to get together on the misc section but no one seems to want too.
So for future reference to yourself or anyone else. If your down this way and I have the opportunity, I'll do my best to meet up.
90 Posted 04/10/2015 at 10:52:55
Up the Toffeemen!!
91 Posted 04/10/2015 at 11:10:27
92 Posted 04/10/2015 at 11:15:28
He knows he is in trouble, anything more than a two goal defeat today will see him on his way. He is going to be set up not to lose rather than to win, and hope to get something from the match officials. He would bite your hand off for a draw.
We need to feed off their negativity and get fired right in about them. Positive, aggressive approach and take the match officials out it.
We are going to do this.
93 Posted 04/10/2015 at 11:53:19
94 Posted 04/10/2015 at 11:53:28
And we still have all our attacking threat. Deulofeu, Kone, Lukaku and Barkley. With Gibson playing the odd killer forward pass to them (it only takes one to work). But we all know that Barry and McCarthy will start. So at best Gibson, Lennon and Naismith to come off the bench.
It is good that we actually do have positive game changing options this season. Just think how we would be with a top class goalkeeper. A top class midfielder. And another forward. We are close to having a great squad. The future is Blue.
Two nil or three one to the Toffees today. Let's rock and roll.
95 Posted 04/10/2015 at 12:16:37
96 Posted 04/10/2015 at 12:45:10
97 Posted 04/10/2015 at 12:49:47
98 Posted 04/10/2015 at 12:51:46
99 Posted 04/10/2015 at 12:53:10
100 Posted 04/10/2015 at 12:54:21
Go get the fuckers!!
101 Posted 04/10/2015 at 12:54:45
102 Posted 04/10/2015 at 12:58:06
103 Posted 04/10/2015 at 12:59:01
104 Posted 04/10/2015 at 13:11:24
105 Posted 04/10/2015 at 13:20:21
106 Posted 04/10/2015 at 13:23:41
Could of done with kev for this game though but prob just as an impact player from the bench.
Can't argue with the first 11. Nais will battle more than Kone and this could be a war. Dropping McCarthy to rb would have lost our engine in middle. But I expect him to play there for the last half hour with Gibson coming on.
107 Posted 04/10/2015 at 13:24:49
108 Posted 04/10/2015 at 13:36:45
A little surprised that Kone is not playing. But Naismith will not let us down. And heres hoping that Delboy and Barkley get on the ball and boss this game. We can win this. Barring any stupid mistakes. Are you listening Tim Howard. COYBs
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1 Posted 03/10/2015 at 07:20:36
That being said, I can't see us finishing with less than a 3-1 win, helped by an all round "Great Performance".
COYToffeeeeeeeees!!!!!