It would appear we just have to swop one player for Fellaini and keep faith with those that started against Hull. A look at the squad list we have available and no straight swop is remotely obvious, so I believe it will be a case of tactics to ensure against defeat. The obvious may be Big Vic up front with Cahill in hot pursuit. Could it be Gosling being given the Fellaini role and working box to box?

Or I just wonder could we see something like 4-2-3-1 with Castillo joining Neville as a two-man holding midfield pairing allowing Arteta to pull the strings and Osman and Pienaar being asked to put the shift of a lifetime in supporting Cahill and getting back to make it 4-2-4-1?

I pose these questions as no doubt our manager will be fully aware we are away to not only our bitter enemy but a team who can go back top of the pile with a win. I expect no gung-ho stuff but a solid away performance where a draw would be viewed as acceptable and a nicked win utopian for all concerned.

In my view, I hope for a good solid professional show where we give them nothing and always are in a position to just nick that vital goal. In such an atmosphere, with the chance always being there of someone sent off or indeed conceding the first goal, after another glance at the squad available, it's hard to see a 'Plan B' scenario.

So ? let's hope we keep eleven on the pitch, don't concede... and nick something ? then the walk from the ground will be something akin to heaven.

Yours in hope... UP THE BLUES

It has taken United, Chelsea and Arsenal all having "off" seasons for them to even have a sniff up there, and they are slowly but surely blowing that now. Moyes has to look at these 2 games as games to prove to supporters (like me) he can cut it on the big occasion. If he sends a team out there with no intention of trying to beat them fuckers, it will be unforgiveable.

It's the middle of the park where these games are won and lost and I just hope we stand up to them in that department. Short on numbers and still no activity in the window doesn't look good but I ain't giving up just yet. Maybe just once or twice luck will be on our side and we can do the unthinkable.

Whatever happens, I will be there for both of them and I am a lucky charm at Anfield. Seen us win 5 times since the Graeme Sharp volley which was the first time Everton won at Anfield in my life time. Been at every Everton victory there ever since and haven't been since the Kevin Campbell derby in 1999...

Take it from me, Boys ? we will win a least one of these games. We can't lose both because Marshy the lucky charm is going... See you there boys! COYBS.

I think the same will happen if we play Cahill up front on his own. Big Felli has done a great job of supporting Cahill recently, but we don?t have anyone who could do that job as effectively, therefore Anichebe seems the best option. Yes he?s looked a bit lazy lately for me, but it?s a derby, he?s a local lad, he?ll run himself into the ground for us.

A point Tony makes about Osman is a valid one. Whilst I like him and think he?s valuable squad member, he is ineffective against the ?big boys?. Plus he?s had a pretty poor few months by his standards. A winger in the transfer window is much needed.

I personally would drop Osman and play Castillo and Gosling to add a bit of strength and height into our midfield. I would not even consider changing our defence which I believe is as good as anything in the Premier League.

But I am so annoyed with Kenwright. He has known for some time where we needed to strengthen and ? once again ? not a single signing in sight. I hope for two draws at best.

I agree with Tony?s view that Osman?s big game input, particularly against the RS leaves much to be desired. Arteta's failure in those games also dissapoints. I hope beyond hope they give a good account of themselves and prove me wrong. Should that happen, I would be more than happy to eat my humble pie.

ps: All those of you at the game... don't forget you?re cheering for those of us who can't make it too. Shout your head off, Tony... cheers
COYB

What we have is an abundance of crocks and deadwood taking salaries and providing zilch. We desperately need some squad members to supplement the side we have ? otherwise, I am certain we will falter once again due to fatigue, injuries and suspensions. The two big games are a smokescreen to the real priorities we have at EFC.

Also, look out for him playing Hyppia, Skrtel at CB and Carragher at RB. I remember watching team news in the AJ derby and knowing immediately we were going to win it as AJ was always going to run Hyppia to ground. We do not have someone like that now but I am sure all of our midfield running at their defence is going to create goals and probably a penalty. Now, that is hope...

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