Does anyone else remember the last time we went to Anfield for the first derby? Was it when Kev Campbell scored the winner in 2000/2001? I might be wrong on almost all counts there...

A computerised system is used to determine the fixtures. Once a draft schedule is produced the schedulers then consult with the Fixtures Working Party, which is made up of representatives from clubs across the Leagues and from supporters' organisations.

The final stage concludes with a consultation meeting with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the British Transport Police.

However, there are many factors that need to be taken into account before the computerised system can compile the fixture list successfully.

Fixtures can only be set once dates for other competitions have been confirmed, eg the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, and these considerations can make it difficult to find slots for some games.

In addition , there are exceptions when clubs or local authorities make specific requests if, for example, a major event is being held in the city on that day and a police force requests that a club has an away fixture. For these reasons fixture dates can change throughout the season.

We will always try to give at least four to six weeks’ notice when fixtures move and recommend that supporters do not book non-refundable travel or accommodation until live television selections and other factors such as cup matches have been determined.

"This local derby is also unique in the fact that the fixtures are played in a certain order. Since 2003, an agreement has been in place to hold the first derby of every season at Goodison Park, and the second at Anfield. There are several benefits to this arrangement: not only does this prevent long waits between home derbies for either team, but ensures that the flow of television revenue is more even due to the fact that the second derby cannot always be televised on Sky. Reasons for this vary, from cup commitments to late-season fixture congestion."

Can anyone officially verify this?!? Would make sense, but one thing I used to like about the fixture list was the element of surprise - that is now gone it would seem.

Not to mention 1984/85, when Sharpy banged the winner on 20th October at the Annie road end.

"I would like the Derby game to be the first home game for each club every season"

So, you're suggesting that its efc v lfc and then lfc v efc as the first 2 matches of the season? Same for the manchester teams etc?

Ridiculous! Would hugely favour whichever team had the better pre-season, and in the case of the manchester clubs at present,would have a large bearing on the title race within the first couple of games.

Never going to happen, thankfully.

They only needed a draw that day to break it.

1996 - four minutes from time, Robbie Fowler gets an equaliser, denying us a derby double

2000 - Graham Poll blows 15 seconds early, another double denied

2007 - If only Reina had not just about managed to toe Johnson's shot at the last second!

They'll never admit this, but as Sky are the dominant domestic broadcaster, with 6 of the 8 packages tendered, they get first dibs for most fixtures. They're also able to schedule these "blockbuster" weekends.

Interestingly, BT Vision paid such a huge premium for their 2 packages kicking in from next season as they wanted more rounds of fixtures where they get first dibs.

Colour me surprised when their allocated picks avoid all of the big matches Sky wants. £800m well spent there.

It does make me wonder whether there is a request to play Goodison first. Who could have an interest in that?

Paul Andrews (#857) — "makes no difference". It shouldn't make a difference in European fixtures: both teams play home and away, but it is always seen as a bonus if you are drawn away first. Coincidentally, Liverpool in Europe always seem to play at home in the second leg, although there may be a reason for that.

Richard Reeves (#680) — "It shouldn't really matter". Of course you are right, but it does matter, because statistically we have got a better chance of gaining a draw or a win at home, compared to our abysmal record at Anfield. Therefore, all I am asking is for the fixtures to be reversed, so that we can get our Anfield defeat out of the way early on, and then later in the season have a better chance of gaining a draw or a rare win at Goodison when the season is drawing to a close and results are paramount.

Liam Reilly (#947) – Yes, I do think 'them lot over there' give a flying fuck. I think it suits them down to the ground and for that reason I would like to change it, regardless of whether it would make any difference.

I'm betting on a draw or a single goal either way. If we go ahead early, I expect Moyes will go into his defensive shell and blow it. It would be nice to finish the season off with 4 wins so here's hoping.

As it happens, I agree with you.

This LPL team has been poor over the past few seasons and we should be going to Anfield trying to do the double over them; ergo putting the pressure on them, but consistently failing to win at home cause this anxiety.