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Everton vs Liverpool
Match Preview
Romelu Lukaku's two-goal blast almost secured a dramatic win in 2013-14
What can you say about the derby that hasn't already been written, said or thought? Most of us hate it and can't wait until it's over. The week leading up to it is a mixture of fear, dread and that annoyingly irrepressible optimism that flickers in your belly at the prospect of what could be. You know you're setting yourself up for heartache but you can't help yourself. The life of a Blue...
Everton have had the better side than Liverpool on paper on quite a few occasions in recent years but we haven't beaten them since 2010 when Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta were in their pomp. In last season's Goodison derby we really should have done — Romelu Lukaku, dreadlocks a-flying, had scored a brilliant brace and put us on the verge of a famous win but a lapse in focus at the back right at the end cost us.
Prior to that, of course, there was another thrilling 2-2 draw in which Luis Suarez was up to his snide worst, raking his studs down Sylvain Distin's heel and stamping on Kevin Mirallas; and then, of course, the scandal of the "Martin Atkinson derby" when Jack Rodwell's red card robbed us of any hope of winning the 2011 edition.
Unfortunately, the Premier League haven't mitigated the prospects of refereeing controversy in the fixture that has, historically, seen the most red cards. Anthony Taylor, no stranger to baffling decisions or cards of either color, is the man entrusted with this season's Goodison derby and that makes it something of a lottery. Who knows, although it's worth mentioning we're unbeaten in our last eight games in which he has been in charge. Perhaps Everton will be the beneficiary this time and be awarded what would be just the third derby penalty in the Premier League era... Stranger things have happened.
Of course, as Sky Sports' disgracefully biased marketing won't let you forget, the other aspect to this derby is that it will likely be the last for "Slippy G" — until he comes back to hog the limelight again on loan from LA Galaxy next January, that is. Frankly, we Blues can't wait to see the back of him given the misery he has caused us over the course of his career and nothing would bring greater pleasure than if we could ruin his send-off from this fixture. Please let it happen...
Having surprised ourselves somewhat by beating Crystal Palace last weekend, Everton come into this game with a spring in their step and, possibly, armed with James McCarthy back in the starting XI. After practically all the national dailies came out simultaneously with the news that the Irish international had suffered another setback in his recovery, Roberto Martinez claimed in his Thursday press conference that scans had given him the all-clear and that he would be in the squad.
Ordinarily, were he to start he might do so at the expense of Muhamed Besic, who has deputised impressively over the past five weeks and established himself as something of a crowd favourite, but Martinez played all three of his defensive midfielders at Anfield in September and could do so again.
If he does, it would likely be at the expense of Aiden McGeady, an immediate debut for Aaron Lennon, or a return to the starting line-up for Ross Barkley. It's hard to see the manager changing much from the team that beat Palace so it would not be a surprise to seen the new man from Tottenham start on the bench, even if his pace would be a welcome boost given that the reds have their own fleet-footed players like Raheem Sterling.
Keeping the likes of him, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge quiet is, obviously, going to be key to to Everton's chances this weekend. Liverpool's defence can be vulnerable when attacked either at pace or with any sustained pressure so there will be plenty of weaknesses for Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku to exploit. But keeping the back door closed and avoiding the mistakes that befell us at Anfield a year ago — and which, to be fair, seemed to have been heeded based on September's game — will be vital.
And, of course, keeping cool heads and rising above the usual derby fray given Mr Taylor's presence in the middle will be paramount. The Blues rarely, if ever, benefit when the red cards start being bandied about so there will be no need to give the officials any cause for rash behaviour.
We all know what a win would mean to us. Let's just get it done. COYB.
Kick off: 5:30pm
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Full coverage: ToffeeWeb Match Report
Reader Comments (123)
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2 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:17:40
Now, as we all know, itÂ’s Slippy GÂ’s swansong, so I can only see Taylor doing his best to curry favour with the RS and Brenda by giving the Shite their 11th penalty in the last 25 years. Against our two. DoesnÂ’t look promising, does it?
3 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:25:15
4 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:21:36
The Bolton game this week did give clear indications that they are being hyped up by the media as usual.
5 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:26:07
BTW, a horse called GerrardÂ’s Slip won @10/1 this week-omen?
6 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:28:02
Mingolet is suspect to any high balls like no RS ’keeper before him, bombard the fucker! Get in their face and cheat, dive, feign injury – whatever it takes, they do it every year. Nice guys finish last!
ps: They were playing on when one of their own was down in mid-week, do not start kicking the ball out for injuries, or I am likely to run on to that pitch and injure someone myself. LetÂ’s fucking Â’av Â’em!!!
7 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:35:11
8 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:33:22
10 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:45:38
IÂ’d give a couple of my toes and a few fingers for a win tomorrow!!
11 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:31:23
See you there in full voice!
13 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:54:08
15 Posted 06/02/2015 at 15:59:57
Huge game for Besic.
17 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:05:36
18 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:10:56
I watched that derby from a crappy obstructed-view seat at the back of the Gwladys and it was still one of my favourite games.
19 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:10:02
So playing piggy in the middle outside our box is not going to achieve much.
21 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:18:30
A start for Lennon then Eric.
23 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:28:45
We need to drown the 3,000 or so kopites out, but I do fear Carragher and Sky have borrowed the loud speakers from the Â’Escape to VictoryÂ’ set. Make it a cauldron for this egotistical horror on his last game. I myself are not far away from hailing distance of the radio commentators in the main stand, John Aldridge will be pissed off with our group before it even starts. COYB, Just Once, please Just Once.
24 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:38:00
If McCarthy and Lennon are fully fit I would start them. Pace and in there face from the first kick. Will be interesting to see if Sturridge starts.
25 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:40:36
27 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:46:50
28 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:53:35
We will win.
Will we win?
Win we will!
Up and at ’em with pace out wide, have their defenders turning towards their own goal – but if we revert to slow slow slow at the back, I might just have to catch a plane and throttle RM!
But no negative thoughts – we will do it!
29 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:05:45
I really hope Big Duncan has been giving Rom a history lesson this week and that he to rises above the Redshite defence and powers a header
30 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:03:37
I saw a stat today that said Gerrard had played in I think 29 derbies and only lost on 4 occasions, talk about having the wood over us. At least in some games at Goodison I can relax at certain periods in the game but not against this lot, I call them the Houdini team as they can be playing absolutely awful yet out of nowhere they will score a goal.
I will be glad when it’s all over, I just hope that Gerrard doesn’t score the winner – otherwise we will never hear the end of it.
31 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:24:10
My wife worries these days about derbies in case the television can/t take another glass of gin being smashed over it if somebody in red scores!
32 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:39:22
He thrives on it. The more you give, the better he plays. He (Gerrard) said, "I prefer the Goodison Derby, you can really feel the bitterness and the hatred." He was positively liking his lips at the prospect. Playing into his hands.
I fucking hate him with the core of my very being and I hope we turn them over tomorrow so that he scuttles off to his rock in American with his forked tail between his fading legs.
Sorry if this is slightly vitriolic, but I cannot wait to see the back of him.
33 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:39:26
34 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:43:12
35 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:34:52
My heart says Lukaku hat-trick; my head says Barry and Mo overrun in the middle.
The result is all that matters... I really do hope Martinez uses his head like he did against Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd last year and parks the bus then counters with Lennon, Lukaku, & Mirallas.
ThereÂ’s been a lot of hype about Besic but people forget the sloppy passes and the taking too many touches. I, just hope heÂ’s bang on it tomorrow and keeps his head and helps us to glory.
We need this one more than ever!
36 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:44:37
37 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:48:01
IÂ’m gonna do a bet in the morning which will include an Everton win !!
COYB.
38 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:49:14
39 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:02:35
40 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:03:05
IÂ’m going to try to remain all positive and say I canÂ’t wait...
41 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:18:46
42 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:20:56
43 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:16:50
WeÂ’re at home with the crowd and theyÂ’re as usual being overhyped. ItÂ’ll probably end up a draw but I cannot see us losing for some reason.
Looking forward to it!
45 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:20:32
My immediate thought was "Why the fuck not, given that youÂ’re meant to be working with him every day?" I think half the time managers and coaches pigeon-hole players and donÂ’t really give them the freedom to try different things out.
Probably a similar thing going on with McCarthy who was maybe told to keep it safe with his passing and runs. We saw before he got injured that he has a lot more ability to get up and down the pitch if he feels he is allowed.
As for the game tomorrow, I agree with Kevin(5). "cheat, dive, feign injury" to win. They do it every time they play us. We need a bit of nastiness in our play and we need to pressurise the ref. I reckon we might lose 10+ points a year from being too feckin nice.
46 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:29:02
I would play McCarthy Besic and Barry to beef up our MF and the bring Lennon on second half to roast them.
Hope the crowd stay behind the team no matter what.
COYB
47 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:27:31
The game is hastily moved to 3rd on the schedule from 1st. MotD show more referee issues/mistakes than the game itself. After Gary Lineker already booked to talk at length with Slippy post game, RM is quickly asked to deputise. The players from the Redshite quickly cancel the booths that are booked at the Hilton hotel for a post match celebration. The Liverpool Echo cut their 4 page spread down to 2. And throughout Saturday night in the City Centre there are choruses of... "If you know your history...."
48 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:07:14
49 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:16:46
In my version, it is 0-0 in the 86th minute when Rom scores with a spectacular diving header. This galvanises the Blues, who score again in the 89th via Kone.
And then we park a fleet of buses during the six minutes of stoppage time to notch up a famous victory! Oh and I forgot to mention that Creasehead left the field in the 60th minute after lashing out at Mo Besic.
Wonder what the Missus has been putting in my tea..
Seriously though, we will win, we have to!
COYB
50 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:36:27
That is, of course, unless Roberto can restore his shattered reputation by inspiring a sparkling win to put most of his predecessors in the shade.
51 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:30:30
52 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:44:42
LetÂ’s hope the new blood in the squad hasnÂ’t been infected with the old mentality when they set eyes on a red shirt.
ItÂ’s also nice to see every blue on here behind the team, itÂ’s been a rough season for all of us!
53 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:39:47
Mark him like stink on shit otherwise heÂ’s going to get Sturridge and Sterling past our static defense with ease. Also we canÂ’t give away free kicks around the box. They scored from two set pieces last season and we donÂ’t want them doing it again.
The longer they donÂ’t score the more desperate crease head will get to be a hero, start fouling and hitting long shots over the bar.
Our best hope is hit them on the break or a set piece.
54 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:46:22
I would love to see McCarthy back in with Besic alongside, Mirallas (paying us back) and Lennon, all on the pitch. That pace would / will cause them as many problems as they will give us. As bad as Jags has been, heÂ’s better than that yard dog Sakho.
COYB.
55 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:52:42
That bloody song always grates,
Thank fuck that heÂ’s off to the states,
Steve Gerrard, Gerrard.
56 Posted 06/02/2015 at 20:02:12
58 Posted 06/02/2015 at 20:18:39
59 Posted 06/02/2015 at 20:30:34
60 Posted 06/02/2015 at 20:43:28
61 Posted 06/02/2015 at 20:46:54
62 Posted 06/02/2015 at 21:15:19
65 Posted 06/02/2015 at 21:27:36
Not the most talented footballer, but he has got a big heart, runs all day, and understands what this is all about.
66 Posted 06/02/2015 at 22:01:47
67 Posted 06/02/2015 at 22:10:50
69 Posted 06/02/2015 at 22:32:23
IÂ’m 8 hours behind in Canada and I just canÂ’t watch it live tomorrow. I know itÂ’s pathetic, but IÂ’ll try anything, and tomorrow IÂ’m doing a Bikrams yoga class while the game is on.
ItÂ’s harder than you think, before you start taking the piss by the way!
If we win IÂ’ll come back and revel in every second, if we lose IÂ’ll delete, and find out what happened on here.
70 Posted 06/02/2015 at 22:46:11
As for the game, absolutely no reason we canÂ’t get the 3 points. Their back 4 and GK are certainly not the envy of the league. No need to rehash all the solid points made by the rest of you. If we win, IÂ’ll probably be so happy that I cry.
71 Posted 06/02/2015 at 22:47:54
With tormentor-in-chief in his swansong, us playing desperately badly, and a later Sky-mandated kick-off, I can really only see them tonking us for the umpteenth time.
IÂ’ll wait for Ken BuckleyÂ’s match report I think and spare the cat a kicking.
72 Posted 06/02/2015 at 23:01:31
The Blues havenÂ’t been playing with any aplomb this season and so we have reason not to feel excited about tomorrowÂ’s game. However, recent form has never been a factor when it comes down to the derby match and it has to be said even by Redshite fans that the Redshite are not much to shout about this season despite the extra millions they have spent.
My worry is that, despite the spirited fight the Blues will put up tomorrow, the defence without a dominant man in the air might come unglued from the set pieces Redshite will get.
Fairy tales have a way of happening to Redshite; one only has to look back to the Bolton cup-tie to see that and with Slippy Â’GÂ’ playing his final derby match (apart from the unlikely possibility of a Europa League clash) then there may be another. We can only hope that the real Everton from last season shows up and sticks it to them and we need the referee to be pretty good to help us along.
The Redshite like to play a high tempo game relying on the fast breaks, so I really hope that RM has gotten his tactics right for this one so that the Blues donÂ’t play gung-ho attacking football just because they are at home. This game needs real discipline in the middle of the park without some of the sloppy passing they have been guilty of in many games this season.
73 Posted 06/02/2015 at 23:42:35
As it is, I just hope he has a shit game tomorrow or Brenda leaves him out!
74 Posted 06/02/2015 at 23:59:00
75 Posted 06/02/2015 at 23:58:24
I would back a bit of reverse psychology tomorrow and give him a massive standing ovation. Then when he sees what is happening and begins to respond.... All turn out backs laughing!
We need to win tomorrow. Nothing else but a win.
77 Posted 07/02/2015 at 00:12:29
78 Posted 07/02/2015 at 00:13:08
79 Posted 07/02/2015 at 00:16:24
80 Posted 07/02/2015 at 00:10:47
I am sad and worried with the news about their 𧷤 million sponsorship deal, compared to ours ٤ million? I was hoping that after spending 𧴜 million, mostly on poor to average players will cost them this and in seasons to come but then they receive 𧷤M. They can buy another three Southampton teams...
It will be hard to compete with them and this is a big task to our board and everyone in club to raise our image, our brand. Europa League is huge opportunity and I would say our only chance to improve our chances. But, before that, we must deal with Liverpool and Chelsea and I believe we will do well. Come on!
81 Posted 07/02/2015 at 00:20:21
They bet Everton 5/2. the draw 12/5. Liverpool 11/8. They are betting like they think itÂ’s probably a drawn game, I think 5/2 is generous for us and a saver on the draw is the way to go.
83 Posted 07/02/2015 at 00:31:23
WeÂ’ve got a silver lining before a balls even been kicked.
Advantage Everton
COYB.
84 Posted 07/02/2015 at 01:04:39
85 Posted 07/02/2015 at 01:06:34
Flag sellers must be spewing.
86 Posted 07/02/2015 at 01:05:02
A player has to excel at one thing, be it defending or attacking; McGeady excels at nothing.
88 Posted 07/02/2015 at 03:17:39
89 Posted 07/02/2015 at 03:55:29
PS - I think Lukaku should grow his hair long again - you know like Samson.
YES! ThereÂ’s a definite cause and effect with the length of RomÂ’s hair and our form. No question.
HeÂ’s gotta grow it out man. ItÂ’s his power. IÂ’ve said it 1000 times...
Juju.
90 Posted 07/02/2015 at 04:19:01
Keane, Robson, Viera, Kompany, Toure, Fabregas – wish we could find one. As a matter of fact I see signs of it in Besic. I’ve got a feeling this lad is going to grow in stature with his team mates as he becomes a regular in the starting eleven. He’s feeling his way a bit at the moment but perhaps this is the game he will emerge as a leader. It’s that mad glint in his eye that I like.
Anyway, another derby is upon us, on our own midden – let’s hope the players are up for it. I have taken a bit of heart from the Palace win.
However, to everyone saying "please" let us win this one – sorry fellas, with all due respect, it doesn’t work like that. For us to win this derby, Goodison will have to be like a madhouse, and every one of the players will have to put a full shift in. Wish I could be there – Everton really need the fans behind the team more than ever at this point in time.
Cry Havoc.
91 Posted 07/02/2015 at 05:43:23
Besic is due a goal and I think we can win this 2-0. Young Boys, watch out.
92 Posted 07/02/2015 at 06:58:29
RS have been deploying 3-4-3 which looks like a 5-4-1 until they break.
Bobby's usual 4-2-3-1 might play into their hands because of spaces down the flanks unless he has drilled the wide men to track back so effectively we defend with two banks of 4.
Besic and Barry play far too deep at home and need to press a little higher up, giving room for Jags and Stones to attack long balls to their front men (unless Lambert starts).
Besic is definitely our catalyst. A few tackles will get the crowd going and if we are set up to be solid confidence will flow, overcoming nervousness on conceding the first goal which has dogged us recently.
93 Posted 07/02/2015 at 07:34:09
We did have our own version. Unfortunately we sold him to the Mancs for pittance.
94 Posted 07/02/2015 at 07:32:10
We have beaten a lot better teams at Goodison. We also play with more intensity against so called bigger teams. I am confident we will beat this lot today if we play to our ability. COYB!!
95 Posted 07/02/2015 at 08:04:08
Robles
Coleman Stones Jagielka Baines
Lennon Besic Barkley McCarthy Mirallas
Lukaku
When they have the ball, 4-5-1. When we have it, break fast.
96 Posted 07/02/2015 at 07:59:05
And a 34-year-old defensive midfielder certainly doesn't matter unless us and the team buy into the hype and let it affect us. If anything, we should be looking to exploit the parts of his game that aren't what they once were.
We have more than enough to comfortably beat these. Don't forget it was long ago they lost comfortably to Palace. Only hype and a mental block can stop us.
I am going the game and I intend to give everything I've got to make our players feel 10 feet tall. If 36 thousand others do the same, we will win.
97 Posted 07/02/2015 at 08:35:06
Sorry to put a dampener on it, lads, but this afternoon will not be the last time you will witness that vile creature getting one over on us... just saying like.
98 Posted 07/02/2015 at 09:03:10
Robles
Coleman
Baines
Stones
Jagielka
Besic
Barry (but I think McCarthy can come on to add bite and wish he was fit to start).
Mirallas
Naismith
Lennon
Lukaku
99 Posted 07/02/2015 at 09:07:15
Parry Power are doing a money back special if it's a draw and Betfred are giving 3-1 promotion that Gerrard plays btw.....
101 Posted 07/02/2015 at 09:29:29
106 Posted 07/02/2015 at 10:19:03
107 Posted 07/02/2015 at 10:35:53
108 Posted 07/02/2015 at 10:42:19
111 Posted 07/02/2015 at 10:45:17
I'm with Colin G, Gerrard is a vile individual. My favourite Goodison memory of him was a couple of years ago in the 2-2 when they had that last minute goal disallowed but he didn't realise and and ran the length of Goodison celebrating before it suddenly dawned on him.
112 Posted 07/02/2015 at 11:05:58
I used to approach this derby with great anticipation and hope, now as anxious and bitter as most everyone else on here these days. I may try that yoga thing to lower the heart rate.
113 Posted 07/02/2015 at 11:21:17
This particular individual (along with Aldridge, Redknapp, Thompson, Mcateer etc....) just makes my blood boil every time I see/hear him.
I’m just dreading the thought of seeing him as a pundit next year on the telly.
114 Posted 07/02/2015 at 11:26:01
115 Posted 07/02/2015 at 11:34:03
Cosmic grooves to all Blues.
Just getting ready to go to The Dark House early to get myself ready got a big win.
116 Posted 07/02/2015 at 11:55:35
No you're not. You're going for several pints of Old And Filthy and a bag of crisps.
Enjoy....
117 Posted 07/02/2015 at 12:08:11
118 Posted 07/02/2015 at 12:10:09
So do I son, so do I. Class for one so young.
119 Posted 07/02/2015 at 12:16:56
Will raise my glass to you later in TDH – Up The Blues.
Just got out of the bath (steady), had a read of Shelley – some revolutionary poetry – ready for anything now.
Rave on, Percy Bysse – Rave on, You Blues.
120 Posted 07/02/2015 at 12:24:25
121 Posted 07/02/2015 at 12:46:40
'One hope is too like despair
For prudence to smother,
And pity from THEM more drear
Than that from any other.'
With apologies to PBS.
122 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:02:50
Cheers Phil, chat tomorrow – posso waves.
123 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:11:29
http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/313619/preview
124 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:14:53
BBC presenter asks old man if he remembers the '67 derby in the FA Cup 5th Rd...
125 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:17:14
126 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:29:01
127 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:33:54
128 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:37:40
129 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:48:36
130 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:48:49
Lukaku will score today – I can feel it.
131 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:49:00
Directly into the path of a charging Hibbo who scores the winner.
Cue riot.
132 Posted 07/02/2015 at 14:14:29
133 Posted 07/02/2015 at 14:22:22
Get video Eugene... I'd pay real money to see you reenact that.
134 Posted 07/02/2015 at 14:32:51
135 Posted 07/02/2015 at 14:40:28
136 Posted 07/02/2015 at 14:44:45
137 Posted 07/02/2015 at 14:52:29
138 Posted 07/02/2015 at 15:14:56
139 Posted 07/02/2015 at 15:18:21
140 Posted 07/02/2015 at 15:26:54
141 Posted 07/02/2015 at 15:29:55
142 Posted 07/02/2015 at 15:43:00
143 Posted 07/02/2015 at 15:50:26
144 Posted 07/02/2015 at 16:08:24
145 Posted 07/02/2015 at 16:10:42
Summed it all up there Lyndon
Translate it into Latin, slap it under St. Rupert's Tower, and there you have it - our new crest.
The War Drums begin to beat!
Oh, to feel that same joy as when Oviedo did Moyes's United!
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1 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:28:53