Alcaraz confident his injury problems are behind him

Discounting his injury problems, his actual performances on the pitch (with the exception of the Anfield derby) weren't that bad last season. Sure, he scored an unforced own goal against Southampton but, as evidenced by Seamus in the very same game, that can happen to even the best when the pressure's on.

At the very least, he's another option in case of emergency and, given the recent form of our back four, that's not to be sniffed at. If (and I know it's a big 'if') he can stay fit then he could really show his value to the squad over the next few months.

....Yeah, he should be alright at Everton unless he runs into a bit of form. Just don't start playing as well as Barkley, Oviedo, Coleman, McCarthy, Mirallas or Stones if you want to stay fit at this club! If Rom scores a hat-trick he'll probably be out for a season at least!

If he gets a chance, good luck to him. Granted heÂ’s not the best defender going but, as a short term fix, he seems to generally do okay for us.

I admit he had a shocker in the derby, as all our defenders did, but against Southampton him and Stones were vilified but Alcaraz was much the better of the two on the day. He cost a goal but kept showing hunger to win the game as did Baines but the rest of the team escaped criticism yet they didn't show any desire or fight. It was one of the worst team performances under Bobby as players like McCarthy, Barkley and Coleman, whose effort you would never question, looked as if they weren't bothered.

Distin is gone and Roberto is right to have taken him out as he's been a liability since pre-season. I don't know how Paul would prefer him over Alcaraz... has he not been watching us this season? Our defence has been transformed since he has come out of the team – and I take no delight in saying that as Sylvan has been great for us over the years but his body has finally caught up with him.

I would still love to see Browning get a start. He would handle a counter-attack well, I think, with his pace and allegedly being the best one-vs-one defender at the club.

I would prefer to see him in than the tragic trio of Distin, Jagielka and Howard.

Far be it for me to pull you up on your movie reference but Sloth moves pretty fast on the ship near the end. I think Chunk would be the slowest if they had a 100-metre race... well, provided there wasn't a Babe Ruth bar at the finish.

I really believe that Antolin is a decent player and is a good rotation option for Barry or McCarthy along with young Besic. The likes of Stones, McCarthy and Besic would benefit from AntolinÂ’s experience.

I would also try Oviedo in the Pienaar role in front of Baines as the lad has bags of pace, is intelligent and has a decent shot on him. I would try: Howard, Coleman Jagielka, Distin and Baines with McCarthy and Alcaraz in defensive midfield. Then Naismith, Osman and Oviedo with Lukaku up front.

I think it would be a disaster to have Jags with another very much over 30 player. I hope the manager gives the youngster a chance or he will be doing exactly what OFM did-play safe.

We need 3 points against Villa nothing less will do.
The manager needs to do what is best for the team. I don't know what went on between him and Distin but they need to get out of the playground and grow up!

I really want them both to do a job for us in the VERY near future, but I know I'm not alone in thinking, money down the drain with both of them and hideous bad luck so far.

1. He’s soooooo slow. I should not be able to out-sprint any Everton player and I’d about guarantee I can beat Alcaraz in a foot-race. He’ll have to play very deep or we’ll get roasted.

2. A pet peeve of mine: I’ve seen him, in his limited appearances, fizz a ball up to the Striker / CAM at about 250 mph into the teammate’s feet. He’s done it a few times and frankly a touch of a feather couldn’t control his pass and we concede possession. Has anyone else noticed this? If he can curtail the cannonball pass up the middle on the carpet and play a more simple ball that’d be good advice in my opinion.

Other than that give him a run. If he hits form and recognizes his limitations I think he’ll do fine.

Fingers crossed. Nervy times ahead I think.

Besic has to start – he looked pretty comfortable at Anfield and Old Trafford. Maybe Naismith and Eto’o to start with Rom on the bench to make an impact. Howard’s form has not been good... perhaps the break will freshen him up a bit. If not, let’s have a look at Robles for a few games.

DonÂ’t call us weÂ’ll call you though eh?

We were that screwed for defenders in last year's Anfield Derby that Alcaraz had to have a jab before the game to play through the pain; I'm pretty sure another defender, maybe Jags, also played and also had to have a jab.

Two unfit defenders who cannot run is bad enough, but to then get them defending high up on the pitch was of kamikaze proportions, giving Ratboy and Sturridge the space of Stanley Park behind them.

If I live to be 100, I will never figure out Martinez's way of thinking that night to allow so much space behind our defence.