Everton vs Liverpool

Saturday, 7 April, 2018 61comments  |  Jump to most recent
Match Preview

Idrrissa Gueye will undergo a late fitness test to determine if he has sufficiently recovered from a hamstring injury

Everton face another unwanted clash with neighbours Liverpool, hoping to register their first derby win in eight years.

Without a victory over a top-six side at all this season — indeed, with just three draws and only two goals so far, the Blues' record against those clubs is really poor — Everton must deal with a reds side in ominous form, albeit probably without top scorer, Muhamed Salah.

Fresh off their 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League and having won five of the last six in the Premier League, Jürgen Klopp's side are not the kind of opposition Sam Allardyce's men will be looking forward to facing after being schooled by City on their own turf last weekend.

Salah, who can't stop scoring it seems as he vies with Harry Kane for the Golden Boot, will undergo a late fitness test after injuring his groin in midweek, a problem that looked at the time to have certainly ruled him out of the derby but Klopp remains hopeful he can still make it.

Article continues below video content


Everton, meanwhile, will be looking to Idrissa Gueye to shake off a hamstring injury. The Senegalese international was sorely missed last Saturday as Wayne Rooney and Morgan Schneiderlin were overrun by City's irrepressible midfield.

Gueye is expected to be fit and will surely start if deemed as such. Ashley Williams returns from suspension but is unlikely to be included in the starting XI. Gylfi Sigurdsson is ruled out as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

In his pre-match press conference, Allardyce was pinning his hopes of Liverpool not having had enough time to recover from their exertions in midweek. The manager said he would be looking for his side to contain the reds' attacking threat and hopefully "get a chance to put the ball in the back of the net."

Kick-off: 12:30pm, Saturday 7 April, 2018
Referee: Michael Oliver
Last Time: Everton 0 - 1 Liverpool

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Jagielka, Keane, Baines, Gueye, Rooney, Davies, Walcott, Bolasie, Tosun

 

Reader Comments (61)

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Craig Walker
1 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:04:00
I hate these games. We have just got to hope that they have a European hangover and we decide to turn up against them, for once. Even without Salah, I think they’ll win comfortably. Let’s get this over with!
Ajay Gopal
2 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:15:16
If Gueye is not available, I would rather Sam play Baningime than Schneiderlin. Rooney should start for me in the middle of the pitch, with Davies and Beni (or Gueye) doing the running and tackling and offering him the immediate sideways/forward pass. I would play Calvert-Lewin or even Niasse instead of Bolasie, to give the 'harrying' factor. Bolasie would come on later in the 2nd half to give the Liverpool defence something else to think about. But, probably Sam will not leave Bolasie on the bench, after he go him the only goal last week.

My starting XI:

Pickford
Coleman Jags Keane Baines
Davies Rooney Beni(/Gueye)
Walcott Tosun Calvert-Lewin

SUBS: Robles, Funes-Mori, Holgate, Beni / (Gueye), Vlasic, Niasse, Bolasie

I won't make any predictions for this one, I made one last week, and we got smashed. So, fingers crossed.

Kevin Prytherch
3 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:15:31
Liverpool often play with 3 attackers who are comfortable interchanging and pulling defenders out of position, this will be a nightmare for our current back 4 who I think will get completely overrun. Unfortunately I don’t see this as a game for wingers again, we showed last week that we simply do not have the personnel to play with 2 wingers who offer nothing defensively.

I would start with a 3-5-2. Keane, Jagielka and Funes Mori at the back with Baines and Coleman at wing back. Baines and Coleman will have to be fairly disciplined and not get caught up the pitch together to leave the back 3 exposed. We should have a chance against the front 3 this way as we’re less likely to be pulled everywhere.

Liverpool’s midfield is industrious, as opposed to City’s creative one. Play Gana and Baningime sat deep and Davies ahead of them. Gana and Baningime would hunt and tackle everything, stopping the supply to the front 3. Davies would help and support the attack.

Liverpool have full backs who like to get forward, but not with the same tenacity of Spurs or City, playing Walcott as a roaming striker would be key here. He would need to play a clever game, dropping into different areas and making the full backs question whether to get as far forward.

Finally DCL up front. He’s simply better at winning long balls and hopefully Walcott or Davies can take advantage of any flick one.

Robert Leigh
4 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:16:34
If Gueye isn’t fit, Beningime has to play. Morgan and Wayne will get overrun in midfield which will expose Davies, so it’s key that we have more legs in the middle.

Would also like to see Holgate alongside Jags for his pace, Keane has been getting better but again will be passed by with their pace.

Dave Ganley
5 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:30:25
Just for once I'd like us to surprise us and actually make an effort today. A win today wouldn't even remotely make up for any of the shite that we've had to witness all season but it would be nice to wipe the smile off those horrible RS bastards. Even in violence they've managed to show no shame and just brush off Wednesday as "couple of kids up to no good and why are people still going on about it" . They may well have won on Wednesday anyway but there's no two ways about it that wrecking the coach helped them significantly. Can't believe that UEFA have put this to the side till after the final.

Just hope against hope that we can beat them and city can turn it around next week. If that happens I may well, believe that there is justice in this world

Brian Porter
6 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:36:05
Kevin #3, so you would play DCL up front and bench Tosun with 4 goals in his last 4 games? Stranger than an Allardyce selection!
Gary Fenton
7 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:38:02
Sorry but I am still not convinced that Bolasie is worth a start, we can not afford to have him in the team to me he always seems lazy slow and I cannot remember when he last beat someone.

I would like to see all the players today show some effort and put in a good shift they seem to give up far to easily.

Not hopeful but we have to have hope and in the meantime get BIG SAM out of our club now.

William Cartwright
8 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:42:55
Why are you surprised Dave, it is Liverpool, the 'protected species'. I agree though that it was extra strange that it has been brushed under the carpet, similar as for the Carragher spitting incident, the Lallana penalty dive and so on.

I was amused to see the length of time the BBC kept the Holgate homophobic teenage tweet as headline news on their premier League website; it must have been a record. Not apologising for him in any way, but was it really front page news - for weeks? Of course it was - it was anti -Evertonby association. Are the 'Authorities biased for Liverpool - Yes they are, absolutely; and by definition they are anti-Everton to boot.

Rant over and lets see some commitment from the Blues today.

COYB

Neil Wood
9 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:46:15
Pickford

Coleman Holgate Mori Baines

Walcott Baningime Gueye DCL

TOSUN ROONEY

Karl Jones
10 Posted 07/04/2018 at 08:54:09
Another nightmare...Miserable running up to it and another embarrassing week afterwards. A weakened team or not, it won't make any difference. They could field their ladies team and this lot would still lose.
Tony Abrahams
11 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:12:09
I know loads of people say they hate these games, but not me, never, I fuckin love them myself.

Hate=scared in my opinion, maybe I’m wrong, but as much as I hate Liverpool, I will never be scared of playing them. Why should I? They hate us, as much as we hate them, but because of our record against them, it’s just a lot easier for most of them phoney bastards to hide it?

Klopp, says EVERTON are aggressive, well I’d say he’s seen fucking nothing, if he genuinely believes that.

Allardyce has tried to kid us fans, told us we were no bigger than the hammers, or the geordies, so let’s also show him today. Let’s take back a bit of control of “OUR FOOTBALL CLUB” and start demanding the return of our motto.

Let this man realise why we will always be too big for him, and let’s start showing people who the biggest person will always be at Goodison Park. Let’s show Klopp too, let’s give him the aggression that’s been missing for ever!

Roger Helm
12 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:16:01
DCL and Tosun between them make up a good CF - one can score and the other is a better target man. But I would go with Tosun as we need a goal from somewhere.

Last week we were overrun in midfield with Allardyce's mad 4-2-4 tactics. He has said he will be more defensive today.

Pack the midfield and get in their faces all afternoon is the only way to win today. My prediction 2-1.

Pickford
Coleman Keane Jags Baines
Walcott Davies Rooney Guaye Beningime
Tosun

Robles Williams DCL Schneiderlin Bolasie

Dave Abrahams
13 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:19:55
What we need today is players who can run and have plenty of energy, I'd play Niasse up front, have Jonjo Kenny patrolling the right wing in tandem with Seamus, have Walcott on the left, Davies, Gueye and Banginime as the central three, Holgate as one of the centre backs,with Vlasic,Tosun and Mori on the bench.

I saw Rooney in the cup game at Anfield, enough said.

Gary Mortimer
14 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:28:05
Well "lovable" koppite kn*bhead Lawro said "Some of the City players found Anfield hostile on Wednesday, but the atmosphere will be the same for Liverpool players at Goodison Park". Apparently bricking the opposition team coach is brushed off as hostile.

If anyone saw the footage from inside the coach, they would think that the coach contained a busload of paedophiles going to court. Totally, totally unacceptable - but brushed under the carpet by the RS loving media.

They should have to play their next home CL match behind closed doors . . . let's see them spin that one!

Jim Bennings
15 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:29:04
Don’t let yourselves down!

Leave everything on the pitch after that final whistle!

Have some pride in yourselves and the fans who haven’t had a single highlight throughout this dire season!

Dave Evans
16 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:30:41
Tony@11 Great post. I'm with you.
Now where the **** are those dogs of war?
Dave Williams
17 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:32:26
Tony A to give the team talk and play Dave As team.
Dave is right- we have to play dogs of war today. Cinstant pressing, don't give them a second to play those through balls and upset the prima donnas with some really hard tackles.
Jonjo and Seamus could play well together and would shore up that side. It is not a game for Yannick to start and Niasse would be a pain in the neck to their defense.
Go out and fight like hell for 90 minutes boys- you might get to enjoy it.
Tony Hogan
18 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:39:06
I must be missing something here, of the 13 posts I read on this tread 6 advocate playing the young man Banginime.

Why? what little I have seen of him and most of you is nothing special, more important why throw a totally inexperienced youngster into a match we are almost certain to lose and likely to be humiliated.

Constant promoting his name only puts more pressure on a young player like we have done so often in the past. Are we so desperate for a hero?

Tony Everan
19 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:42:04
I hate all the excuses that arrive when we play Liverpool, and any of the top six for that matter.

We have experienced, top class, elite, extremely well paid professionals making up our team. It’s completely unacceptable having any thoughts of being defensive or starting the game from a cowering, cowardly mentality.

Fuck that. Get into their faces. This is Everton . this is Goodison Park. Every player should have the attitude that you will have to kill me if you want to beat me.

For what it’s worth I would have a 4-4-2 set up with Walcott and Tosun up front . Walcott will be a threat with is pace and Tosun can get us a goal.

Dick Fearon
20 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:44:14
Park the bus and it will be a slaughter.
Kunal Desai
21 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:47:09
Miseryside derby will create a new hero for those lot should they play a weakened team. Someone like Solanke to get a winner and become a thorn in future derbies to come.
Paul Tran
22 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:49:16
No Dick. Park the bus and it'll get smashed up, surely?
Andrew Clare
23 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:49:41
The only way to play a derby is with fight, passion and high intensity pressing for the full 90+ minutes. Total concentration is required.
COYB’s do it for us!
George McKane
24 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:53:29
Morning to all Evertonians on this Bluetiful Morning - - first things first - - sit back and relax for a moment - - go to your music download and put on Crosby Still Nash and Young Someday Soon - - just let it soak into you and collect those “posso waves”:
“Someday soon you will see by the light of day
That someday soon all your worries will fade away
Keep holding on to the love that has made you strong
And someday soon heartache will all be gone
Someday soon I hope good things come to you
And someday soon hope your wishes all come true
Keep holding on to the love that has brought you here
And someday soon darkness will disappear
When life's too hard to bear for you to take it
Have faith in what you do
You've got to tell yourself
That you can make it through
Someday soon you will get to be your best
And someday soon you will finally get some rest
Keep holding on to the love that came your way
And someday soon shadows will fall away”
Looking over The River - - mist and rain - - but a sprinkling - - a line - - of pale yellow breaking up the bleakness and just behind it a Blue Light - - hopeful - - it’s been a long grey dawn but maybe - - just maybe - - there is Light ahead - - a brighter summer - - it’s a bit of a busy day ahead - - early start and Gosia cannot drive me to the game - - so I will take my Blue Chariot to The Station and take The Steam Engine Under The River to The Dark House where I will Partake of The Golden Nectar - - The Ambrosia - - even at 11.00 the Palace of The Notre Dame (a unique Cathedral with gargoyles on the inside) of The North will be full - - - mouths poised over their Cups - - eyes raised in acknowledgment of people coming in - - that look with no words that says everything - - eyes and thoughts connecting - - “yes we sort of hate these days but we are Evertonians, at least, and this will be our day”:
“Our day will come (our day will come)
And we'll have everything
We'll share the joy (we'll share the joy)
Falling in love can bring
No one can tell me that I'm too young to know (young to know)
I love you so (love you so)
And you love me
Our day will come (our day will come)
If we just wait a while
No tears for us (no tears for us)
Think love and wear a smile
Our dreams have magic because we'll always stay in love this way
Our day will come (our day will come, our day will come)”
I Love The Whole Going To Everton Pack - - everything - the love, the joy, the sadness, the fear, the strength but mostly Just Being Blue - - Warts And All - - and Rain:
“If the rain comes
They run and hide their heads
They might as well be dead
If the rain comes
If the rain comes
When the sun shines
They slip into the shade
And sip their lemonade
When the sun shines
When the sun shines
Rain, I don't mind
Shine, the weather's fine
I can show you
That when it starts to rain
Everything's the same
I can show you
I can show you
Rain, I don't mind
Shine, the weather's fine
Can you hear me
That when it rains and shines
It's just a state of mind
Can you hear me
Can you hear me”

- - who cares about Rain- - we are going the game - - that’s what we do - - We Go - - no false phoney flag waving track suit two scarf wrist band gotta mug and a pennant been the shop carrier bag mobile phone(y) which pub is it on - - I have to make this a short message have to go pretty soon - - so come on Blue Boys never lower your heads to anyone - We Are - Have Been - and Forever Will Be Evertonians:

“Everybody had a hard year
Everybody had a good time
Everybody had a wet dream
Everybody saw the sunshine
Oh yeah, (oh yeah) oh yeah, oh yeah
Everybody had a good year
Everybody let their hair down
Everybody pulled their socks up
Everybody put their foot down
Oh yeah
Yeah I've got a feeling
A feeling deep inside
Oh yeah”

I am on my way to The Acropolis - - The Place where I have seen Gods - - I will walk from Kirkdale Station through the rain - - up Westminster Road and see TDH at the end of The Road - - above The Roof - - white against the grey:

“My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.”

I’m with you Willie Boy - - see you later in TDH.

Gosia has just left - - so I will have to go soon - -

“Yellow is the colour of my true love's hair
In the mornin' when we rise
In the mornin' when we rise
That's the time, that's the time
I love the best
Blue's the colour of the sky
In the mornin' when we rise
In the mornin' when we rise
That's the time, that's the time
I love the best”

Just packing my bag - - camera, harmonica notebook and pen - - so I’m off gang.

I close my eyes - - take a deep breath - - open my eyes and look across The River - - send my Blue Cosmic Grooves to all you True Blues - - remember We Are Blue - - Good Blue wishes To You All - - Go safe and be Brave - - Be Blue.

“As the echo of the wedding bells before the blowin' rain
Dissolved into the bells of the lightning
Tolling for the rebel, tolling for the rake
Tolling for the luckless, the abandoned an' forsakened
Tolling for the outcast, burnin' constantly at stake
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing
Through the mad mystic hammering of the wild ripping hail
The sky cracked its poems in naked wonder
That the clinging of the church bells blew far into the breeze
Leaving only bells of lightning and its thunder
Striking for the gentle, striking for the kind
Striking for the guardians and protectors of the mind
An' the poet and the painter far behind his rightful time
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing
In the wild cathedral evening the rain unraveled tales
For the disrobed faceless forms of no position
Tolling for the tongues with no place to bring their thoughts
All down in taken-for-granted situations
Even though a cloud's white curtain in a far-off corner flared
An' the hypnotic splattered mist was slowly lifting
Electric light still struck like arrows, fired but for the ones
Condemned to drift or else be kept from drifting
Tolling for the searching ones, on their speechless, seeking trail
For the lonesome-hearted lovers with too personal a tale
An' for each unharmful, gentle soul misplaced inside a jail
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing
Starry-eyed an' laughing as I recall when we were caught
Trapped by no track of hours for they hanged suspended
As we listened one last time an' we watched with one last look
Spellbound an' swallowed 'til the tolling ended
Tolling for the aching whose wounds cannot be nursed
For the countless confused, accused, misused, strung-out ones an' worse
An' for every hung-up person in the whole wide universe
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing”

Up The Blues - - With A Firm Handshake - -Your Blue Friend - - George

Iain Love
25 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:55:29
We're expected to lose this game; we're safe from relegation. I wouldn't want European qualification as it might help BS's cause for staying on. Simply put, we can afford to have a go at them today.

Three at the back, Jags flanked by Keane and Funes Mori, Baines & Coleman providing width and Davies, Gueye & Vlasic more central. Walcott and Tosun up top.

I've picked Vlasic over Rooney as I don't believe Wayne could do more than 20 or 30 minutes against any half-decent team, and Vlasic deserves a game in his more natural position.

This team might get snotted but at least it would give us a chance of winning.

Jim Bennings
26 Posted 07/04/2018 at 09:55:55
The 2017/18 season needs one high point surely?

There hasn’t been a single highlight all season and frankly cone the end of season it’ll be very hard to find a standout player, a standout result and a genuine highlight.

Winning today would at least send some feel good factor to the fans but the odds are stacked against us .

Not only do we rarely beat Liverpool but we haven’t won the second derby of the season since the late 1980’s.

Danny Baily
27 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:00:01
No Rooney in the middle for me. He's either just off Tosun or he's our international ambassador alongside Pienaar!

Pick a well balanced team and let's have a go.

Iain Johnston
28 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:03:01
Love the optimism. I'd love to see them go at them, match their formation and pressurise.

Won't happen. It'll be Tosun isolated, DCL playing as a midfielder, both full backs pushed into create 4 central defenders and Walcott & Bolasie as wingbacks... This is Allardyce.

Coleman, Jags, Keane, Baines.
Walcott Bolasie.
Snides, Davies, DCL, Rooney.

Tosun

Anthony Murphy
29 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:08:42
Sam, if you are reading this there is something I want you to understand. It’s likely that you’ll be gone at the end of what has been for us an absolutely horrendous season. You aren’t the guy to take us forward and as it stands, most fans including myself will be glad to see the back of you. I don’t blame you entirely (in fact, you took on a mess) but your not in our long term plans. So, if you want us to send you on your way with anything that resembles respect or good will, this game provides you with that opportunity. I’m not suggesting a win will change much, but a win means a lot to us Sam. We’ve not had a lot to cheer about, and too often do not show up for derbies, so beat this lot today and I for one may amend my farewell - another no show and genuinely you should leave this evening.
Tony Abrahams
30 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:08:52
Dave, it’s not me who should be in that changies mate, it would be George everytime for me!

Just hope this football match does come up with a new hero Kunal, I JUST HOPE TOSUN, CAN SCORE AGAINST THE TURKS!!

Dave Abrahams
31 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:10:32
Jim (26),you are correct,next to nothing to pick out of this miserable season so I'm picking George McKane as my man of the season, in fact a man for all seasons, let George do a lap of honour on the last home game of the season, if it just Sam and the team, they can do one, if it's George I'll give him all the time in the world, God bless you George, keep them coming.
Dave Abrahams
32 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:16:38
Ian(28)Ian even if we win today we will not get the points with that team, you've chosen twelve men, nearly said players. !!!!!
Mark Burton
33 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:17:57
My worry is that Klippity Klopp made Guardiola look very ordinary on Wednesday night with a dominant mid field. We haven't got anything near the quality of Citeh so I hope that Lardiola doesn't sit back and admire the quality of the RS football like he did last week and we are pummelled something stupid. This is a Derby and I hope the boys play for the badge.
Derek Knox
34 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:31:00
I can't say I am looking forward to this game, not because it's the RS, but just that I want this season to be over, surely it must go down as the worst in recent years.

As for the game, I hope and pray that the ' gum-chewing turd juggler' doesn't pick Schneiderlin in any capacity, or it's game over before it's even started.

Please, for the one's that do get selected, play with some commitment and passion for once.

Mark Dunford
35 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:39:47
Be amazed if we win, very surprised at a draw so I’m expecting to lose. No optimism here, I’m sorry to report. Last week was terrible, especially in the first half. We were in the street end and the whole shambles was universally anticipated before kick off. We had the usual guessing game about who was playing where before kick off. It picked up when Davies came on and stepped up another gear when Beni made his late cameo. No doubt BS will bypass the young players and pick a defensive, hard to comprehend line up and the youngsters will sit on the bench till it is too late to matter. Worst run in derby history to be extended by a defeat under the most disgraceful manager in Everton’s history, and someone who will hopefully just become a historical footnote sooner rather than later.
Steve Ferns
36 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:43:19
I’m telling you, they’re tired. They’re only thinking of City on Tuesday. They couldn’t give a shit about the derby. Most of them aren’t English never mind scouse. They just want to avoid injury and go into Tuesdays game 100% fit.

So if we smash them from the first whistle and show them what a battle it is, they will bottle it.

Pickford
Coleman Jagielka Keane Baines
Gueye Rooney Davies
Walcott Tosun Calvert-Lewin

Get DCL wide though. Aim for his head. Put their right back in an aerial duel that he cannot win and have Tuson ready for those knock downs. As for tuson, he wasn’t called the bull for nothing. Show us why mate.

Brian Harrison
37 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:52:15
Not looking forward to this game and I cant remember too many I have enjoyed going to, our record against them is woeful and even though they will have a weakened team we still wont win. I heard the delusional Allardyce still claiming its only a minority that want him out, I have never talked to any Blue inside or outside the ground who want him to stay. Even with a weakened team Allardyce will still play a defensive game, not believing for a second we can have a go at them. So with it absolutely pissing down in Liverpool and forecast to carry on for the next few hours. I look forward to getting soaked before I get in the game, then 90 minutes of torture and another soaking on the way home.
Paul Welsby
38 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:53:56
Same optimism as last week! Same result! I have no idea how anyone thinks this manager or team are somehow going to put on a performance to beat a top 7 side? The evidence has been damning that we can't beat these teams or for that matter put in any effort to give us fans some hope we could?

'Delusional' springs to mind, or you haven't been watching the same Everton team that serves up utter shite, week-in & week-out. No effort to tackle, close down or be capable of passing to a teammate 5 fucking yards away. Wake up! – we are shit but better than West Brom? So be grateful to our leader who takes the piss out of us every fucking week for that. Jeez what does this man and team have to do to you before you realise we are embarrassing and in a fucking mess right through our club?

You will just accept it, that's why 23 fucking years and counting without a trophy. We are further away than we have ever been that's how much of a mess we are in. Just keep closing your eyes and sticking your fingers in your ears until it goes away, it's worked for some of you so far – especially the ones who think we are going to beat or at least put in a performance against our enemy today.

Mike Kehoe
39 Posted 07/04/2018 at 10:55:02
George
Your positivity is admirable but I fear if our glorious leader favours Schneiderlin and Rooney an absolute hammering will swiftly follow and then Rage Against the Machine’s Killing in the Name Of will be more appropriate. When I say ‘killing’ I speak metaphorically of course, in the sense his contract is terminated, not an actual touch line execution by season ticket holders.
That would be awful; wouldn’t it?
Michael Lynch
40 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:06:07
Steve @36 I would agree completely if it wasn't for my worry that Klopp will field about 10 changes from the CL side. Even bigger worry is that their no-marks will beat our no-marks with ease. What a humiliation that will be to finish a dreadful season.

Still, until that scenario unfolds I'm happy to think you're right.

James Hughes
42 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:07:36
I would love us to show some passion today, give them a game. Tackle hard and get them worried for Tuesday. No niceties in the tunnel as we usually do and when we the pregame handshake takes place, squeeze their hands really hard, childish but let them know we mean business. 2-0 to us .
Frank Crewe
43 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:07:54
I would not play Rooney at all because he's too slow and liable to get booked or sent off. If there is one thing that this season has shown us it is teams with movement, pace and controlled aggression are the most successful. That being the case I would go with

Pickford
Coleman Jags Keane Baines
Gana Davies
Walcott Niasse Bolasie
Tosun

Subs Robles, Vlasic, Rooney, Martina, Funes Mori, DCL.

We need to put as much pace on the pitch as we can and push them back. If we stand off they'll take us apart like they did with City and City did with us.

David Booth
44 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:11:21
You just know Hippo Head will include someone completely out of left field - as he ridiculously does on such occasions - so expect Funes Mori to be brought back for his first game this season in the derby, or more worryingly, Williams appearing from nowhere.

And you can bet your bottom dollar that if Gueye is unfit, the admirable Schneiderlin will be running out to Z Cars...

So-called Champions League second leg impending or not, and irrespective of whether they play 11 reserves, we will get our usual reminder that they regard this as a routine three points.

They know their place and we, like some medieval peasants, are only too happy to accept ours time, time, time and time again.

Even I, as a fervent optimist on such occasions, have given up all hope before a ball is kicked. Not because I am defeatist by nature, but because this useless team of ours - from directors to players - just haven't got it in them.

Ashamed of myself for saying that, but that's what they have reduced themselves and ourselves (as fans) to.

***

PS: every time I predict such impending doom and gloom we win though ;)

Dave Ganley
46 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:16:10
Steve #36 Just hope you're right. Just read from the idiot in charge that we are going back to a defensive formation after last week's attacking line up.. i despair!!
Just on my way to the game now more in hope than anything else
Eric Paul
47 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:17:42
I’m with Steve @36
Ray Said
48 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:28:42
i would play 4-3-2-1. Walcott and Rooney close to and just behind Tosun with orders to try to find space ahead of their centre backs. Oh yeah TRY TO ATTACK THEM FOR ONCE
Andy Meighan
49 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:31:40
Playing Calvert-Lewin anywhere other than up front is ridiculous. It's a waste of a shirt. We had that clown Koeman playing him at right wingback a couple of times and now Allardyce has reinvented him as a winger – it's fucking stupidity! What do these morons get paid for???

This playing players out of position just does not work for us. I'm warning Allardyce now – any tactics like last week and we're beaten before we walk on the pitch.

John G Davies
50 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:37:25
If the manager gets on the back foot against the side they are putting out and it goes wrong he should be sacked after the game.

Never had a better chance of beating these for a long time.

Mike Powell
51 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:41:43
Please no Calvert-Lewin or Schneiderlin both not good enough in a game like this. COYB
Rick Tarleton
52 Posted 07/04/2018 at 11:59:24
What I'd really like is to sneak a win off a dodgy decision, to make up for all those appalling decisions that have gone their way over recent years. In reality, the referee will give them every fifty-fifty and we will struggle. No Schneiderlin under any circumstances and I'd prefer Funes Mori to Jagielka or Williams. Rooney on the bench for me and just hope we get a break in this fixture.
Jason Wilkinson
53 Posted 07/04/2018 at 12:00:43
Set pieces will be our best chance of getting a result today. We have to put Klavan and Lovren under pressure. It has to be a shop window for the likes of Schniederlin, Calvert-Lewin and Davies to get a chance somewhere else next season as they are not what we need.

Prediction: 1-1 with Sam gushing about the tremendous effort against the mighty Liverpool.

Charles Brewer
54 Posted 07/04/2018 at 12:04:51
Rick, we would have to get in their half to get a dodgy penalty, and starting with 9 players (11 - Rooney & Schneiderlin) is not a good way of doing that. I reckon Allardyce's tactic will be:

1) Pass (or mishit) the ball back to the goalkeeper who belts it as far as he can.

2) Calvert-Lewin runs like hell after it and the moment he enters the penalty area – he dives.

Unfortunately, part 3 involves Rooney taking the penalty instead of Baines. So 0-0 is the best we could hope for.

John G Davies
55 Posted 07/04/2018 at 12:07:57
Never forget what we are and what we stand for. Loyalty throughout the bad times.

Our fans good, decent people. They could never hope to have what we have no matter how many cups they win.

UP THE TOFFEES

Karl Masters
56 Posted 07/04/2018 at 12:20:01
‘Unwanted clash?’ A bit defeatist?

In many ways it’s an ideal time to play them.

One of the problems we face as a Club is that the Team and many fans have a massive inferiority complex when it comes to them. And that won’t if we regard playing them as ‘unwanted’.

Get out there and fucking get into them. Make them regard a clash with us as unwanted!

Johan Elmgren
57 Posted 07/04/2018 at 13:12:43
Another abject Allardyce-performance... I thought he was good at setting up a defence? No aggression, no closing down, no marking... It's like a friendly out there.. What the hell is going on... Do they even want to win the game?

The three points are there for the taking, Liverpool sucks big time, but we just hand over the initiative to them anyway...

Allardyce out now!!

Johan Elmgren
58 Posted 07/04/2018 at 14:26:10
A game that was there for the taking from the first minute. We start showing some urgency in attack in the 77th minute.

He must out now! We need a manager who want to win matches, who puts a positive mindset in our players... This man played right into Liverpool's hands by doing absolutely nothing. It was obvious from the first minute Liverpool played for one point, for an easy ride approaching the City-game in midweek. Why couldn't the manager see it, and attack them? It's a mystery how this man can be a manager for any club, let alone our proud club!

Allardyce out now!!

Stephen Davies
59 Posted 07/04/2018 at 14:30:11
Everyone should take a look at this... and just remember we once had managers who (may not have said it in public) had the same mindset:

We need someone who won't accept 2nd best.

Jim Bennings
60 Posted 07/04/2018 at 14:49:50
Never felt so deflated after a derby.

Liverpool were half interested but as usual we are only capable of playing 20 good minutes .

My points to make.

1) It's obvious Rooney is gone now and should play only in lesser games where opponents don't see much of the ball.

2) Calvert-Lewin works hard but I don't think I've ever seen him connect cleanly with a football when striking it, had a glorious chance to make himself a hero but gloriously fluffed it.

3) Anyone think we still need a striker? Tosun has done okay but I'm still not sure he's a potential 20-25 goal striker and at times his touch and hold-up play leaves much to be desired, should have buried that header really.

4) I don't think we'll ever beat these again, how many great chances to do them do we want???

5) I don't think I could put up with another season of Allardyce and his negative approach and it's now over to you Moshiri after the 2017-18 season ended in terms of Evertonians' interest with not one single highlight either in League or Cup football.

Most mind-numbing season I can recall as an Evertonian for many many a year!

Bobby Thomas
61 Posted 07/04/2018 at 15:08:44
I didn't watch it.

After the idiocy of last week's tactics, I knew we would shape up like a lower division side against a glamour side in the cup. At home. Against their reserves. I hear that this was the case.

Combined with the pitiful, embarrassing, and shameful complex the whole club has from top to bottom about playing them, and about them in general by the way, I had no expectation of a win.

End the season.

Gary Willock
62 Posted 07/04/2018 at 15:24:08
I would have bitten your hand off before the game to have felt ‘unlucky not to win' today, and after Man City last week, I'm going to enjoy my weekend for a change.

The Negatives:

- Allardyce's mind numbing ‘sit back' tactics.
- Rooney being outed, badly, once again in that defensive midfield role.
- Davies will come good but he's lacking the quality to play as No 10.

The Positvies:

- Gana, Beni and Calvert-Lewin made a big difference. Energy, tenacity and athleticism.
- Schneiderlin and Keane had decent games, hopefully both are turning a corner.
- Pickford is the only reason we were still in the game, best keeper since Martyn.

The glaringly obvious – still lacking a bit of quality. Get Sigurdsson back, find a new Pienaar, find someone to give Cenk some genuine competition, and find our own version of Virgil van Dijk and we'll be sound. Over to you, Mr Moshiri.

Danny Baily
63 Posted 07/04/2018 at 16:54:12
Why did we persist with Rooney in the middle? Massive improvement when he came off.

Wayne should take his cue from Tim Cahill down at Millwall. You don't need to play every game to have an impact on the team.

No more fitting him into the side at the expense of having a balanced team. A bit-part role on the field and a big role in the dressing room instead.


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