Anfield record is extra motivation for Martinez

But hey only Sunny Bobby can see the positive in that record, the rest of us may just feel a bit ashamed of it. This has not been a title winning Liverpool team in 25 years so they've not been that good, but we always make them look good no matter how bad they actually are.

Last season, I genuinely believed we going over there to give them a good game (unlike the tight horrid games whilst under Moyes) – how long was it before we were 3-0 down, was it 30 mins? We took a humiliation that I'd only witnessed once under Moyes (the 3-0 before the cup semi-final) and never before as an Evertonian in a derby game (supporting Everton since 1986).

This season, well again the posts this week have told us what we think of the season so far. I can't see us getting anything there on Saturday, I think it'll be another horror show.

I was a big believer in Roberto, I thought he was going to be the first manager since Royle to really go there, set ourselves up properly, fully fit, competitive, organised but going with the intention to win and not give them a second on the ball.

Personally myself, I'd rather be going there with a Moyes setup knowing that the back four would be solid and no-nonsense at the back, play your pretty football from midfield onwards.

You should have said something bland Roberto, big talk before the derby (especially Anfield) is always a huge mistake for any Evertonian! Let's wait and see. I'm reading it already and have been for over a week.

Thank God the Ryder Cup is on too in case we have to turn over after 30 mins or so. My optimism will return after the derby.

Around 8 o'clock last Saturday night I was feeling very optimistic, things seemed to be going our way. Two poor poor results later and that optimism has gone.

Cant remember who said it earlier this week but it is definitely time for a new blue hero to step up.

Come on boys, make us proud.

Too often its almost as if players like Jags, Osman and even Bainsey a little bit are overawed by players like Gerrard and the occasion gets a bit too much for them, I can imagine Besic having absolutely no respect for Gerrard at all and winding him and the Redshite fans right up.

They should shut up and do their talking on the pitch. The only place it matters.

This is where Bobby has to earn his salary - just how good is he at motivating his side, and instilling confidence at that place?

It's no use trying to keep them contained, that's a recipe for disaster, but just how attacking do we want to be? It's a fine balance, and we have to be up for the fight, both physically, and mentally.

We don't know what to expect these days - I feel nauseous even thinking about another defeat to those fuckers. It's not easy being a Blue just now.

I seem to remember us getting a proper hiding at their gaffe, not very good in my eyes at all.

Snuff out Balotelli and we'll be good for a draw...

Those of you who say "play Besic" – are you for real? He was woeful the other night.

I am hoping and praying we turn the corner on Saturday and give them a hiding but wouldn't hold your breath. Let's just get out off there without getting embarrassed; we have been embarrassed enough this season already.

Man City at Man Utd
Man Utd at Man City

Sunderland at Newcastle Utd
Newcastle Utd at Sunderland

Spurs at Arsenal
Arsenal at Spurs

Liverpool at Everton...

Everton at Liverpool?????

Why so long for us?

After all the hype again, I suspect both managers will be more than pleased with a no score draw, and so would I the way we are playing, in fact without Coleman I cant see us scoring, we have become so dependent on the lad.

And that's all it is: 'imagination'.

Considering he looked like a lost Hitchhiker in Rutger Hauer's headlights for large parts of the game on Tuesday, what evidence is there for concluding that he'd rip the Redshite up and give Gerrard a torrid time?

Same question to you Brett:

"Set Besic on Gerrard... No contest".

Come on, what are you basing this on? A couple of competent performances in pre-season and a match spent marking Messi? YouTube vids you viewed when the club verified we were in for him?

He might indeed become a great performer for Everton given time, but right now, it's way too early to start making declarations about him being Top Gun when he good just as easily turn out to be Tommy fucking Cannon.

He clearly hasn’t the discipline yet or the knowledge for the English Premier League, that place will be a fucking baying cauldron on Saturday and it would wreck his head.
Its one thing doing it at a slower paced World Cup match in a ground where it’s a relatively neutral support, Saturday is a whole new ball game.

What we need is 11 seriously pumped up men going out there and giving 110% in everything they do, every run they make they have to run that extra bit harder.

We don’t want one leader out there on Saturday, we want ELEVEN leaders of men.

One thing we cannot survive with is passengers, we can’t afford to carry a lazy Lukaku and can’t afford to keep failing to control the ball when it reaches him, he must be a lion, he must show strength and aggression, the flippin size of the fella, if he uses his strengths then he can have the Redshite shitting themselves.

We need massive games from our big players such as Baines, Mirallas, McCarthy.

Martinez should be drilling this into them every minute between now and Saturday.

Now is the time to make a new hero and now is high time to end this quite frankly humiliating record at Anfield.

Two words.

FUCKING WIN

I really hope Big Dunc can get inside Lukaku's head in the lead up and he has a massive impact, really putting him self about. COYB

This is this yearÂ’s Liverpool team not last yearÂ’s team with Suarez and Sturridge. Those 2 players scored over 50 goals and Liverpool scored over 100 goals for the season.

This year without Suarez and Sturridge missing games because of injury you have a Liverpool team that has score 7 goals in their first five Premier League games. ThatÂ’s a big difference.

Sturridge may play but he may not. Ballotelli could score or he could get red carded.

If Everton are able to field their best 11 (and I really hope Coleman can play and Stones plays center back) I give Everton a pretty good chance at coming away with something.

A win would be huge.

I donÂ’t expect Liverpool to score 3+ goals like they did in many games last season.

My opinion is Liverpool are struggling more than Everton this season. Liverpool have signed a bunch of high priced players ala Spurs when they sold Bale to Real Madrid. The dynamic of this yearÂ’s Liverpool team to me is unsettled with lots of players who are not used to playing as a team.

The game should be pretty open with chances for both sides. I expect the winner will be the team that converts their chances and doesnÂ’t squander them.

Look for EtoÂ’o to be a big factor in the game. He is a big game player and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to show everyone that watches Premier League football that heÂ’s still a top class player.

As for Seamus, well he needs to man up. All he got was a little bump on his nut so I can't see why he's missed a few games.

3-1 to the RS, unfortunately. Then, and only then, can I see the necessary changes being made and our road to recovery begin.

So, let's keep it tight and look for the opportunities to hit that backline with counter-attacks.

Just a desperation call on my part, John. What's to lose?

I just hope the players don't share your attitude. We can hurt them, and they can hurt us, but not like they could last year. Our defence is worse but so is their attack. To suggest we should play Besic because we have no chance of winning is shocking. Truly bloody shocking.

Under Moyes we would be going into this match thinking we might just scrape a draw, but probably lose. Now I am thinking we could lose 7-0, but could win. Big deep breath, shut the eyes - I'm going with Martinez.

They got a poxy last minute penalty to scrape past the group whipping boys in Europe. They were mullered by big Sams Hammers and they scraped past a very ordinary Boro side after an all night penalty shoot out . . .They are fucking garbage. The boat on Brenda as his side huffed and puffed against Villa told us everything we need to know. Rat boy has gone and he's worried sick.

I'm going for an Everton win!!!

The negativity is because for years we have made shite Liverpool teams look great. We have failed to win at Anfield when they have been down to 10 men from the first half. We have failed to win there when they have had midfield of Raul Meirelles, Jay Spearing and David N'gog leading the line.

This Liverpool team is still far more dangerous than the shit one that beat us THREE times during the 2011-12 season, The Redshite had a spell that term where they won just 2 in 13 matches... yep you guessed it, both against us, the 3-0 creasehead hat-trick game and the semi-final at Wembley.

Face it, they are just our bogey team, much like we were theirs on the 90s – who can forget the great chant of "You'll never beat Joe Royle"?

They were the days when it came to derbies. Laughing your tits off watching the Spiceboys getting their legs snapped off by Parkinson, Ebbrell, Horne and watch Kanchelskis and Big Dunc murder them up top.

My feeling that we'll lose has jack shit effect on the players! Throwing in the towel is something only the players can do, not us as we aint playing! Fans thinking and hoping we'll win has jack shit effect. Try as you might, you wont affect the result.

What I'm saying is: I think we'll lose, no matter what; so in that context I'd like to see Besic get more time, if only to embarrass Gerrard.

So you think anybody who thinks we'll lose is shocking? Or that some of us think we should play Besic is shocking?

You shock too easily, mate. Truly shocking.

Where did you read that, please, it's got to be bolloxs. RM has said he's looking at Coleman but has said nothing about him being a "major doubt".

For me, I fucking hate the derby, fucking hate it. I hate anfeild and that fucking prick Gerrard and Brenda, spend your 100's of millions you twat. We are so due something from that hell hole!!!!.

Finally, to all the blues with tickets in the kop, sing your fucking hearts out. I know a few who are going, so boys, take no shit from the spawn of satan!!!

The Everton team of the 90's knew that technically they weren't as good as Liverpool (Limpar&Kanchelskis excepted) so they made up for it with passion.

Liverpool in the 90's lacked the same passion for the fight, whereas we relished it.

Its no coincidence that Liverpool's record has improved immensely since the emergence of Steven Gerrard over the past 14 years, a true horrible scouse Kopite nasty bastard that will simply not ever allow his team to lose at home to Everton in the derby.

I hate the fucker but boy, how I wish we had someone with that same hunger and passion for Everton Football Club right now.

I see Martinez is saying itÂ’s going to be a open and entertaining game and the two last season were great from a technical point of view....

No, no, no, Bob – we got fucking walloped 4-0, they missed a pen and could have scored 3 or 4 more – a game that still turns my stomach whenever I think about it. So there was nothing technically great about it.

Please donÂ’t go gung ho because it wonÂ’t work. LetÂ’s frustrate the life out of them and cause them trouble on the break. Please.

They will know better than anyone that they have been awful of late. It can't get any worse and I don't think Liverpool are good enough to take full advantage of our frailties. I think this game has come at the right time. It's just what we need to get the season started. We have to be positive.

I like your thinking but I don't really see how Besic would be embarrassing Gerrard mate.

Creasehead has seen too many derbies and too many big games to be embarrassed by a wet behind the ears lad that before this season had only played in Hungary.

As I say, we'd all love some Roy of the Rovers fairytale with a new unlikely hero but I will bet my bottom dollar in 48 hours time we''ll all be having the same inquests that we have had all week.

So anyone can beat anyone! Hmmm - so I guess that goes for individual performances as well as team performances. Anyone can...

Maybe Roberto should try McCarthy in front of Jags and Stones, and pull the full backs back to free up a more advanced midfield role, given the squad that we currently possess?

I was stood in the kop for each game and wiped my shoes on the way out

Great days, but you know what, we usually had the RS beat on the pitch back then. John Ebbrell's tackle on Steve Mcmahon would get a jail sentence these days, but fuck me we were singing John's name that day!!

The RedshiteÂ’s game is built on pure speed in an open game so it is essential Everton play a patient controlling game, just as Chelski and Villa did. They cannot afford to give the likes of Sterling and Coutinho space to run at the back four, especially if Baines and Coleman (if playing) are caught upfield.

Of course, the biggest factor will be the referee; as we have seen already this season, some of the refereeing has been downright pathetic. I do hope itÂ’s not Clanger-Burg.

Yes, despite the daft goals conceded we were magnificent that day. We tore their impregnable defence to shreds. McGeady skinning his man before flying inside to send Naismith on his way to slam one past Courtois was high speed magic. Real unstoppable stuff.

On our day we can frighten anyone and right now we are in the mood to give someone a right good hammering. Stand still and smell the fear. It has a reddish tinge about it.

Up front I'm not really sure to be honest; we ain't got anyone who can hold the ball up! Kone I suppose first then Lukaku later. It ain't going to be pretty but with sensible keep ball it might work. If he plays the usual side then we will concede probably more than they will and lose the game.

Looks like we are fucked then coz the referee is Martin Atkinson!!

Howard

Coleman
Baines
Jagielka
Stones

McCarthy
Barry (prefer Besic's pace, but not ready)
Gibson

Mirallas (left)
Naismith (centre)
Lukaku (right)

Suarez has gone and they donÂ’t look anything special to me at the minute, and maybe our players have had their minds on this game since the last half-an-hour of the Wolfsburg match?

We are a very good attacking team, but havenÂ’t played well for more than an hour against anyone this season, except maybe Chelsea. When we do play for the whole game, I genuinely think only Chelsea and Man City would be better than us.

Of course, we have got to sort our defence out, but LiverpoolÂ’s isnÂ’t any better, and if we can play to LukakuÂ’s strength and keep him pushing up on the last defender, IÂ’m sure we will win.

If Everton don't take their chances well it may very well mean no points, but any Roberto Martinez side I've seen never shies away from a good fight.

The team will be ready. The team selections from Tuesday's game means to me that the League Cup isn't a priority and this weekend's game is.

Players do get up for big games and if the game plan is something that the players embrace then there's a better chance for success.

Again, the Moyes plan was semi-park-the-bus and hope for the best and Roberto Martinez has plans to take the game by the throat and go for it in the final 3rd.

I look forward to the game, the atmosphere that a derby game generates, and I think the Everton players will relish trying to win a game at Anfield.

Most of the Everton players haven't experienced decades of futility at Anfield and the team is much better than almost all the Everton teams that have come home empty handed.

I don't think either side will play with caution and that's what gets me excited about the matchup.

IÂ’m not confident but we have a better chance than last time out. We need to just stand up to them and not shit our pants as usual.

COYB – we can do these scumbags!!!!

Think the McMahon Ebbrell challenge was in the FA Cup first game before the 4 -4. Think it was ’91? McMahon went to do Ebbrell and ended up breaking his leg.

The Kyriakos(?) and Fellaini challenge a few years ago reminded me a bit of it. They both went to do each other.

That was also another disgraceful second half no show against 10 men. I knew after that we have a mental problem playing at Anfield.

Harold #62 If we approach the derby as we did the Chelsea game we will get beat.

I know what you mean, our attacking play was sharp and penetrating. But, for me, part of the problem is we are too open and indisciplined. Sterling would have a field day on the counter.

We need to marry the verve with some much needed shape, hard work and discipline. If we go all wingers, gung ho and open, then the way we are defending I will be very apprehensive.

Jagielka (in goal!)
Coleman Besic Stones Oveido
McCarthy Baines
Lukaku Naismith Mirallas
EtoÂ’o.

The element of surprise might work...

If we lose after giving our all, I think Everton fans can accept defeat but we refuse to accept below par and no commitment from any of our team against our biggest rivals.

The team owe us one come this Saturday, we go all out for the win and keep it tight at the back.

This is a huge match that can launch our season. Let's hope Martinez is talking about phenomenal, sensational, extraordinary, exceptional, amazing Everton FC come around 2:30pm this Saturday.
COYB.

Yes, you’re right: McMahon went in like a madman on Ebrell who stood his ground and Everton got the foul.

If any of you moaners have got a ticket and want to sell it, I’ll buy it off you. We are going there to win and I think we will. If you want to get rid of your ticket please put your information where I can contact you on here.

IÂ’ve never seen a referee in an Anfield derby that doesnÂ’t want to appease the kop.

We could have won all our games this season, I still wouldnÂ’t be optimistic.

A lot was made of the 4-0 last year but Roberto rushed a lot of players back who weren't fit just to give us a semblance of hope. Pienaar Barkley Jagielka Alcaraz all rushed back into the side unfit. Coleman wasn't fit and Lukaku went off early.

This time Barkley and Pienaar aside we have our strongest line up with quality upfront to hurt them. Even if Sturridge plays he's a shadow of the player without Suarez. Keep Gerrard's set pieces quiet and don't do our usual kamikaze attacking with 3 defenders bursting forward and we should be ok.

McCarthy needs to overrun Henderson in the middle. Last year was so disappointing, seeing Barry and McCarthy, who had bossed far better midfield's than Liverpool's, getting trampled by Henderson and Allen. As teams recently have shown, only the aura of Gerrard is dangerous, as a player he has always been limited if you pressure him. Sadly we've had the likes of Osman and Neville bowing down to him, allowing him to do whatever he wants.

Suffocate them, monopolise possession, get Coleman, Mirallas and Naismith probing around the box and work the opposition over like we did to every other team last season apart from this shower.

I think Lukaku is revving into top form now with 2 in 2 so I'm going for 3-0: Lukaku, Naismith & Mirallas. The only team that will beat Everton in this game is Everton. Play anywhere near the levels we did against Arsenal and Manchester United last season and we're waltzing off with 3 points.

Also, someone above is blaming Duncan Ferguson for our bad start.... we seem okay scoring goals (Duncan's job to support??)...and bad at defending the scoring of them against us (not Duncan's job to support??)... Just saying.

Is what I'd go for, fully expecting Oviedo or Naismith to come off for Osman at 60 mins. I'd let Mirallas go where he wants and allow him to interchange with Naismith and maybe even Lukaku. Give their full backs a real hard time as they look dodgy. I'd play Stones instead of Barry because I think his legs have got more in them!

Stirling is the only player we need to fear in their side, and Jags would do a good job to get Balotelli sent off by winding him up.

What do I know, though!

I'm a believer that Lukaku is the real deal.

As a 19-year-old player he scored 17 Premier League goals. He backed that up with 15 last season. He also contributes assists and is not just a poacher.

He's someone that has a decent chance of scoring over 100 Premier League goals before he turns 25 if he stays relatively healthy. How many other players in the Premier League have any chance of scoring 100 goals before they turn 25?

I've read he has a burning desire to be the best. He's hard working and as far as I know and a class act.

He's got physical gifts you can't coach. He's a physical beast, and also has pace. Everton are a bit lacking in physical players so having him really helps the Everton cause.

He's naturally left-footed in a world of right-footed players. I think that's a plus. Watching him last year terrorize Arsenal from the right wing was a thing of beauty.

He has a thunderous left foot shot and as we all know after seeing his world class right footed shot for a goal this season realize he can shoot with his weaker foot too.

Naismith has benefited this year from Lukaku dragging central defenders with him and opening up space. Even when he doesn't score or get an asset he's helping the team.

The reasons I think his first touch will get better comes down to his work ethic and has young age. It also helps he's got Roberto Martinez always being positive and I bet Eto'o doesn't mind helping out and mentoring someone like Lukaku.

Mind you, my nerves won 't be able to take it. I'll be walking our Dixie up a hill in Wales or somewhere else with a hill where no gobshites are likely.

This is the first one I can remember that I'm not looking forward to at all. Close to not even getting the kids up for the game. I can see it being a horror show.

Hope I'm wrong – which I obviously usually am when it comes to derbies.

Given their 120 mins midweek they'd better not fucking outrun us. Have to say that I don't think Martinez's Everton ever look as fit as Moyes's teams did and it kills me to see other teams wanting it more. Not this time.

The derbies are always the worst games to enjoy. I really do hope we get a good performance and result as I can see ToffeeWeb crashing either way.

Let the battle commence...

The Swansea defeat knocked me more than the Palace fiasco. Okay, we made many changes but it was men against boys. They strolled through us in 2nd gear. Little wonder many fans howled in panic and desperation. It was not a pleasant sight.

That said, we do have a very strong first eleven and I'm hoping for a decent show across the park. The odds are against it but we're due a good day.

All the Liverpool fans I know are really nervous about this one. For the first time in a while, I think we are man for man as strong as them. Gerrard is in decline. Time for another statement from Bobby's boys (like at Old Trafford last year).

After a week in which I gave Roberto a bit of stick, I am still optimistic about this one for the simple fact that we cannot play as bad as in recent games, er... can we?

Please God keep Osman as far away from this game as possible. Surely that is not too much to hope for.

Besic to give GBH, master of the starfish dive, a going over, you must be kidding. Hopefully we see a better performance from Atkinson than the one when Suarez dived and Rodwell got a red card.

Roberto, pull this off and all negativity will miraculously disappear.

David@86 It will be my 60th! It would be one hell of a birthday present, aye?

Fortunately it's still relatively early in the season so a few professional results without this gung-ho approach will see us turn the tide. We know the Redshite are a counter attacking side so let's play them at their own game. A wall of blue shirts and the opportunity to play in Mirallas on the break. Lets treat it as a European game in readiness for our trip to Russia.

I'm looking for a result and a point will do; three will be a bonus but they way we are playing I just want to see a complete defensive performance. I would also bring in Gibson for McGeady and rely on a two-pronged attack with Kev and Rom.

The voice of reason. Should I / we expect anything less?

Yes there's been dark moments early days. But there's also been some brilliant rays of sunshine.

Come on! One fucking time already!

Harness the good, expel the bad. Find a priest for an exorcism if need be!

Do it Saturday in that shit hole with all those Norwegians and glory hunting Londoners crying in their hands. Please God let Everton win – all these fucking asswipes who will watch in the pub in America who call themselves Liverpool fans, but couldn't name 3 fucking players in their side.

If there's any justice in this world, the hex will be broken, and the good guys will win.

C'MON YOU FUCKING BLUES!!!!

Both defences look poor, but we have more match winners in our team. Big Kev, Nais on blob, Rom, Eto'o.

Come on you Blue boys, NSNO!

Lukaku's touch needs improving, but we are not playing to the kid's strength one bit. He makes a run in behind, doesn't get it, does it again, doesn't get it. Ends up running towards his own goal just to get a kick, and runs to quick so it's bouncing off him.

If I'm a centre half, the one place I don't want to see Lukaku is pushing right up in between looking for a through ball. Get it forward early, Everton, because when West Ham done it last week, Liverpool were all over the place defensively!

Both teams and sets of fans are nervous about this one as both have been poor in recent games. With the two defences on show, it could be the highest scoring draw the Premier League has ever seen.

It doesn't matter how good our players are, they always seem to bottle it against the RS. When did the likes of Pienaar ever have a good game at their place? It's almost like the 'This is Anfield' sign acts as kryptonite to our players. Just go there, cut out the crap mistakes and get into them.

Get real, look at the facts, we don't ever turn up to the derbies, and I see no reason at the moment why we will suddenly turn up tomorrow. If we lose Coleman, then that's half of our threat gone. A 0-0 will do me anything better will be an absolute blessing.

I know that the above statement is obvious to everyone, but his fitness is key to our chances of success. I believe we have a good chance if he plays, but little if he doesn't.

If not, I can't possibly see why he wouldn't be fit to play ten days later. I think Bobby is at it here, trying a few mind games of his own. I am starting to get some good vibes, the RS seem to be waiting for that 15-year hoodoo to be broken, and they are tellling me it's only a matter of time.

Jagielka has even been giving it some!

Link

That is nothing on Stones who is a fine centre half but NOT EVER a Premier League right back.

Yes, Tony Hibbert was sluggish the other night, to be expected with not playing hardly, but at least he is a proper right back and being a derby he'll be bang up for the local dust-up, he at least knows what it's about.

None of them have ever turned in a "big" Anfield display, not much better at Goodison either.

Baines needs a big game tomorrow too, he never seems to take a good free-kick in a dangerous area when he plays at Anfield yet all season he is portrayed as a dead ball specialist.

Let's make it one of our players as the derby hero for a change rather than another fuck like Sterling or Balotelli, or even worse that bitch Lallana.

So Roberto – second bite at the cherry for you. Win tomorrow and most of the crap start to the season will be forgiven.

For some strange reason, I've got a feeling we may well finally win there tomorrow. The Redshite are are not playing great having lost 2 on the bounce and Sturridge may still be out. Expectations on us are low given the current run so here's hoping!

We really need Coleman back sharpish.

Derby games have got nothing to do with form and everything to do with mentality. We have sadly lacked a winning mentality over the years. We've gone behind and folded. We've gone ahead and never believed and killed them off. There's been the odd game here and there where we've done the business but sadly it has been the odd game.

An "open" game is the last thing we want. Frustrate them and hit them with pace. Let them have the ball – in their half. West Ham played them really well last week and we should be doing the same.

Anyway, about tomorrow: IÂ’m all for people being optimistic but our history over there really doesnÂ’t give cause for optimism. I suppose like the rest of us IÂ’d love to win but a draw wouldnÂ’t be the end of the world... That said, IÂ’ve a feeling weÂ’ll kickstart their season because our players just seem to freeze there. I hope to god IÂ’m wrong...

I think the other difference is one of belief, they always believe they are the better team, whereas we seem delighted with a draw at home and anything but a heavy defeat away.

Let’s just forfeit the game! We could say the bus broke down and we couldn’t find a mechanic on a Saturday. We’re going to lose anyway, and this way they can’t actually say they beat us.....again.

Maybe there's good reason for that inferiority complex?

Perhaps THREE derby wins in 15 years and NONE at Anfield just could start to affect most sensible fan's mindsets.

Maybe we'll get an own goal deflection or score from a defenders header off the bar or misplaced backpass.

Maybe Stevie me will fall on his arse again.

Let's all hope and get behind the boys to get some inspiration and belief going.

If Carlsberg did hindsight, you would be their poster boy. Wow.

There have been negatives but there's plenty of positives too.

He's a quirky manager who pulls off quirky results. Believe me !

I’m told there are a number of patent remedies for excessive bile.

So far this season that's exactly what we haven't done. Unless a complete change of mindset occurs and this endless toss of passing it around in our own half till we give it away stops, we are going to get dicked. I can't see that happening any time soon. Please god, let's get it right this time.

I remember the semi-final against Sheffield Wed and Andy (#124) – how’s this for a quirky manager. Old Felix himself. Yes Mr Magoo. Magath. Putting a lump of cheese soaked in alcohol on a defenders thigh injury. Now that really is quirky. Also a waste of a damn good cheese if you ask me.

Bobby Collins, was a very small man. As far as I am aware, he never beat up any burglars. He was twice as tough as Ferguson. A fantastic player for every team he turned out for. A true footballing hero. Bobby Collins, just one of the golden memories of great Everton players, that reels through my ageing Evertonian brain. Duncan Ferguson doesnÂ’t have a place there. COYB

Enjoy that and the others.

Nothing against them, they are a nice club and to be fair it was one of my more favourite away days when they were up but they are a club that public chef above their weight just being in the top flight for so many season's.

Martinez brought silverware to the club, something which no Wigan supporter when they won promotion in 2005 could even have dreamt of, but relegation was always inevitable for a club that size with no budget whatsoever.

Just an early goal and a bit of confidence might give us a chance. I've been watching these since 63-64 when Hunt got a very late equaliser after we'd dominated and I rarely feel confident of the result.

I donÂ’t even care about the result too much, just letÂ’s not bend over for once!

I predict a 2-0 win.

Apparently tomorrow is Meatloaf's birthday but I am unsure how this will influence the result.

It sickens me to see the modern game debased the way it is with the constant grabbing and clutching, especially in the penalty areas, much of which goes unpunished because of gutless officiating. The result? ItÂ’s getting worse. Good job Big Dunc isnÂ’t playing these days as he would be red-carded in every game for retaliation. Sometimes I think EvertonÂ’s back four could do more of this foul deed but I am sure they wouldnÂ’t get away with it like some teams do.

As it stands at the moment, I am sure both clubs and fans would have been prepared to have had this game at a later date given their recent form. Having said that, I think the Redshite may be fearing the game more... as long as Everton step up the defensive side of their game, I believe they have a great chance to win – providing that the referee doesn’t become a factor.

I think it would be a bold move but not necessarily a stupid move. Of you put him with a cool experienced Barry then why the hell not?

He may have prevented the brainless Jags and Baines offside clangers in the opening minutes v Chelsea, closed down the Matic shot, shut Arsenal and Leicester out plus others I can't remember. Don't want to remember. Howard was beaten by two half hit Swansea shots that bounced twice on the way in.

All very strange for a team with a great defensive reputation. Whether it has anything to do with the manager I wouldn't know. I'm not a defensive expert. In my opinion the players have let him down big-time, especially the seniors. They know all the ins and outs of defending and need to wake up, shape up and get their act together. Starting now.

Were you just on Counter Attack on Sirius?

Great call if that was you.

So much more than three points on the line its sickening!

Seems to be a fear factor whenever we play them.

If the Everton performance against Arsenal and Man Utd away are repeated then we will tear a piece off them.

However for whatever reason, we just seem to freeze or bollox it up whenever we play them.

A big blue happy birthday to the 4 blues on here who have birthdays over the weekend - David, Darryl, Kunai, and Vince - and I think that the lads will give you a prezzie, I don't think we will be beaten tomorrow and I would take a draw, but I have a hunch, it's all it is, that we might nick it.

Up bright and early at 6-30AM for the 6-45AM kick off! Boiled eggs, coffee, and champagne and orange juice.

Is there a better, more sagacious, and precise mind on here than seventy-nine-years-young Harold Matthews? I don't think so. And the lucky bugger was in the prime of life in Liverpool in the early 60s.

It really is another game where we need to keep possession and not give it away cheaply - which is why Osman and McGeady cannot feature at any point.

Our defenders MUST defend less narrow. It seems odd to me, given our aerial frailty, that Martinez has allowed opposing wingers in all our opening fixtures to pick up the ball unchallenged in our half. Baines and Coleman need to defend the space between the edge of the box and the touchline.

I'd like to see Atsu in instead of McGeady, And perhaps Besic for Jags/Distin. I'd also like to see Pienaar back asap - he's a much more influential player than he's often given credit for, in my view.

Regarding Besic, the Anfield derby is the wrong time to try something new. It would be like having gastric bypass and then, a week later, saying, "I've never had KFC before. I'll give that a go."

This one is written in the stars (just like winning the cup in 1933, 1966 and 1999!, well as birthday boy Meatloaf said "two out of three ain't bad")

Have faith all, Roberto will move this club forward to something special. We have an attacking side now with goals galore and IÂ’m sure when the defence is back to normal we will be on here singing the praises of Roberto. Come on everyone get behind Everton, I for one think we will beat Liverpool today, we are due for someone to get a beating and what better time to do it than today.

Excuse me, Mr Martinez, but I really don't give a shiny shite whether it's a great game or not. It'll only be "one of the best derbies" if we win it.

2. Fitness, I watched the early games and last preseason games and felt they looked shy of fitness. I don't recollect us winning a single preseason game, I may be wrong. This fitness issue, and upcoming games against utd & villa leave me worried.