Everton draw Liverpool in FA Cup 3rd Round

Monday, 4 December, 2017 235comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton will travel again to this Sunday's opponents Liverpool in the FA Cup next month following today's draw.

The Merseyside clubs, who haven't met in cup competition away from Wembley since Dan Gosling's dramatic extra-time winner eight years, will play each other in the FA Cup for the first time since the semi-final of 2012.

Everton drew 1-1 on their last cup visit to Anfield which necessitated the replay at Goodison in which Gosling registered his most important goal in an otherwise unremarkable spell with the Blues.

The midfielder, who would later exploit a loophole in his contract to engineer a move away to Newcastle, converted from Andy van der Meyde's cross with less than two minutes of extra-time remaining to send Everton through to the Fifth Round that year.

Update: The match will be played on Friday, 5 January 2018, kick-off 7:55 pm, and will be televised live on BBC One.

 

Reader Comments (235)

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Bill Gienapp
1 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:36:01
This should be an entertaining comments section...
Alan McGuffog
2 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:37:12
Thank God we will be able to concentrate on top 4
Jay Wood
3 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:37:40
I wonder if the Liverpool-Everton game will be selected as one of the live televised games...?

Bring it on! Gerrinto'em!

James Hopper
4 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:38:11
Good draw. A full-on, blood and thunder cup tie might be just what we need.

I just hope we turn up for it.

Liam Reilly
5 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:38:35
Great, unless we break one of this century's hoodoos, then the season will be over in January (baring a relegation fight).
Peter Gorman
6 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:38:48
We've done them before – Anfield is not ideal but hey ho. A chance to knock them out shouldn't be passed up!
Karl Jones
7 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:39:21
They've just given Liverpool a bye.
Mark Morrissey
8 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:39:37
Quite an unbelievable draw from the hat for us. It could have been Slough Town but no, Liverpool it is.

The stars might just be aligning for us. We beat them and then for months and months we'll have this season's FA Cup bragging rights. Sam walking out at Wembley like he owns the place, ha ha.

I've got a good feeling. Everton are on the up and up, Everton are gonna win the Cup.

Ian Burns
9 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:40:21
Who knows? If we build some confidence between now and Jan we could go there and fancy our chances.
Gerard Carey
10 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:42:18
Wonder who we will get in the fourth round.
Nigel Munford
11 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:42:26
Some conspiracy theorists might say the draw was fixed.
Terry Downes
12 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:42:49
Don't worry, lads, Sam will have this team licked into shape by then (hopefully).
Peter Mills
13 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:43:17
We’ll batter them.
Brent Stephens
14 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:43:49
6th January. How many can we sign by then? Let's hope Sam has settled in by then and turned things around.
Kim Vivian
15 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:43:57
Win or lose, if Sam hasn't won us over by then, he never will.
Darren Hind
16 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:46:31
We also won after being drawn at Mordor when Dave Watson settled matters, after the epic 4-4 first replay.

We should get about 6,000 tickets too.

Paul Birmingham
17 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:46:31
Let's focus on us.

The way they are talking they think there gonna win everything and are unbeatable.

There's time between now and the FAC 3rd round to get the squad belief and confidence up.

Nigel Munford
18 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:48:27
When we win Klopp will get that mad he’ll explode into a million pieces.
Kim Vivian
19 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:51:00
Paul – That's because they've got a psychologist.
Kristian Boyce
20 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:52:17
I wonder if ITV will be showing it, can’t wait to see a Tic Tac commercial again.
Dermot O'Brien
21 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:53:34
There's a lot of white flags waving here already. Do people genuinely fear Liverpool or just want to be able to say "I told you we'd be beaten" or are just nervous because it's "them"?

Well fuck "them", we won't be beaten. On Sunday or in the Cup.

Jesus, what has Big Sam done to me.... Up the Fucking Toffees!

Stan Schofield
22 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:53:40
It's just another cup tie, one that we can win. Liverpool are always talking about winning stuff, but never win anything, apart from the league cup, which is better than nothing but not much better than nothing. A win this weekend, and then this one.
John Wilson
23 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:54:56
So, we can't go for the FA Cup either.
Brent Stephens
24 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:55:18
Dermot, I could kiss you.

Ugh! Spits out quickly.

Simon Dalzell
25 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:55:30
It could all hinge on signing Troy Deeney.
Dermot Byrne
26 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:55:36
I think we have exactly the manager we need for this. He won't have jitters. Bring it on.
Brian Hennessy
27 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:56:05
Hate the early stages of the FA Cup, especially when you get an away draw, playing these small clubs at shitty grounds in the middle of winter.
Ray Roche
28 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:56:24
Put this on the wrong thread. Must be the drugs..

When my wife left I was sad, but since then I've got a dog, bought a motorbike, shagged three women and blown a grand on drink and drugs.
.
.
.
.
She'll go fuckin' mental when she gets home from work...

Weeellll...I thought of you might need cheering up.

Minik Hansen
29 Posted 04/12/2017 at 19:59:52
Allardyce's first Everton FA cup game!!! COYB
Andy Meighan
30 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:00:42
The bastards haunt us!
Tony Abrahams
31 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:01:10
Funny Ray, but I don’t see why people should need cheering up mate, because these games should only be embraced. We do better against them in the earlier rounds, and I’d honestly play them every day of the week, simply because they really don’t scare me!
Dermot Byrne
32 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:04:03
Love it Ray, love it.
Minik Hansen
33 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:05:40
Barkley to score in extra time, and exploit a loophole in his contract this summer to move on? :) just joking, Barkley to stay. COYB.
John Pierce
34 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:06:21
Klopp will be going mental, he loves resting players in the cup ‘cos of crimbo fixtures n that.

The 4-4 was as close heaven as you will get. Never ahead if a recall, and just kept at it.

Waggy finished them off in the 2nd replay.

Brian Hennessy
35 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:12:38
Andy van der Meyde, now there's a blast from the past.

The last line from his wikipedia page says it all

"On 24 May 2014, Van der Meyde refereed the Lingerie World Cup, which the Netherlands won on home soil"

Nigel Munford
36 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:12:53
What a psychological boost winning this weekend will be. It’ll take us into the FA cup, brimming, brimming I say, with confidence.
Joe O'Brien
37 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:14:11
Only one thing for it lads.. We'll just have to knock the fockers out.. I'm alot more confident going there with Sam besides RK or Martinez..I reckon we'll do them..
John Kavanagh
38 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:16:07
I assume they'll be bringing back Mark Crappenberg with his RS win gameplan especially for this one.
Paul Birmingham
39 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:19:09
In recent times, we have done better at our old ground in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup and no reason this time, we don't break a hoodoo.

Sam and Sammy will embrace this as we all will and will. I still need mental capacity and guile to see in the new era, by putting the RS in their place.

Gonna go for a win, double bet on us to win the League and Cup games at our old ground.


Damian Wilde
40 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:22:31
FFS – we really needed a good cup run! 😔
Lawrence Green
41 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:22:34
Those who insist on telling all and sundry that Jamie Carragher is a good pundit should see what sort of a total red nose he really is, given his reaction to the cup draw. He has no affection for Everton Football Club and his agenda is to promote LFC at all costs but without any class whatsoever.
Jamie Carragher

@Carra23

Delighted! We can f**k EFC’s Xmas & New Year up!! https://twitter.com/stanners_1892/status/937764352630849536 …

Well Big Sam and Little Sam you know what to do don't you? get it right up them and shut them up for a little while at least.

Jason Wilkinson
42 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:25:55
We're on the march with ... army,
We're all goin' to Wemberley.

What are we actually going to sing?
"Big Sam's"?
"Sammy's"? (Might be misunderstood for little fat twat Sam)
"Ally's"? (Not the old boss of the Jocks!!! Short for Allardyce)

Thoughts please, lads and lasses.

David Connor
43 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:26:35
Love the optimism, Liam 5... Let's give it 'em. COYB
Kim Vivian
44 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:31:02
Did I read somewhere that Sam doesn't take cup games seriously?

Welcome to Merseyside, Sam.

Mark Rimmer
45 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:39:02
Some great positivity shown in here! Love it! COYB!
Mike Berry
47 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:48:00
Yes lets be positive. Fat Sam can make himself an Everton hero. Just needs the correct tactics and some belief.
Ray Roche
49 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:52:20
Tony (#31),

There's always the doom mongers around when we play the RS as you can see on several comments on this and other threads. I thought a little joke might lighten things up!

Paul Kelly
50 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:55:20
Bring on the horrible dirty RS (insert any number of expletives at your leisure), couldn’t ask for a better draw.

Kill’em, no pleasantries in the tunnel before the game unless it means a sly stud rake from the neck down followed by a stamp (see Funes Mori for instructions).

Stan Schofield
51 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:56:39
On a side not regarding the RS and some who think they're at a higher level than us. I've said this before, but over the past decade and longer we've averaged 10 points less than them in the league (58 compared with 68), and consequently 3 places below (8th compared with 5th). That difference is quite a bit less than the difference between them and the likes of Man Utd and Chelsea.

If we'd taken a more winning attitude in derby games, that difference would have been a lot less than 10 points. If we'd won both derby games, we'd have finished on average above them in the table. That's how fine the the margins have been.

So on the basis of straightforward statistics, we could readily beat these sods provided we take the right approach. Maybe Sam is the man for it.

James Marshall
52 Posted 04/12/2017 at 20:57:19
We have nothing to lose playing the shit munchers at Mordor. Fuck 'em!
Peter Fearon
53 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:02:12
If we show resilience and commitment, we will beat these miserable red scum. And Liverpool five days later.
Dave Ganley
54 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:02:51
Dermot O'Brien (#21), that really made me chuckle. Well there's no better way to make a statement of intent for the new regime by turning the RS over twice in the space of a month at the khazi across the park.
Dermot O'Brien
55 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:06:59
Haha Brent, let's wait until we win the final.
Mike Powell
56 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:13:33
I hope we get a home draw in the fourth round. COYB
Jay Wood
57 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:14:00
Damian Wilde @ 40:

"FFS we really needed a good cup run 😔 "

Your offer to submit your CV to Everton to be their sports psychologist?

Thanks, but no thanks.

Joe Foster
58 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:16:18
Fuck em!!
Tony Abrahams
59 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:20:45
Lawrence, I've just wrote on another thread, about Carragher's advice to Big Sam, which is to tone it down! (How fucking typically phoney)

It's alright for them, but not for us, but one thing all Liverpudlian's know is that Allardyce has never really gave a fuck for them, and maybe this is what Carragher was really trying to say!

We played a very good Liverpool team three times without a recognised centre forward when Benitez, had them top of the league, and they never beat us once. I even got to see us score a last minute winner against them for the only time in my life, and think that this just might be the type of draw that Everton actually need?

John Davies
60 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:23:15
Carragher shows once again what a complete twat he is.

Detestable bastard. Hope we go there and shut his big mouth.

Lenny Kingman
61 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:24:24
Get real you lot. Monday night dreaming.

Recent history doesn't lie. In fact history in general as regards our strained relationship with those scurvy red dogs means that it is unlikely to be a favourable outcome.

Maybe fat Sam is already in negotiation with some dodgy character to see how the desired result can be achieved. If anyone can he can. I'll throw a ton into the brown envelope if the red filth are turned over at their soon to be outdated home.

Dave Ganley
62 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:30:16
Just heard an interesting stat – the RS have never beaten us at their place in an FA Cup tie.
Stan Schofield
63 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:31:00
Lenny @61: No mate, it's Monday night reality and a dose of winning mentality. And the comment about Sam Allardyce is inappropriate. Get real.
Paul A Smith
64 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:34:12
Is Jack the Ripper buried under Goodison Park? We are cursed. We can't even have one week of feeling settled.

The history of our club needs seriously looking at by a spiritualist group.

Our psychologist is going to need a psychologist.

Tony Abrahams
65 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:37:31
Only ourselves can change the spirits, Paul A, and it can only be done with a true belief!
Tony Marsh
66 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:37:53
It appears, now that games with Liverpool are on the horizon, fans are now actually warming to Allardyce and this is because they know that Allardyce holds no fears when his team's face off with the big boys.

To think but a few weeks ago I was being slaughtered on here for my "Allardyce in" shouts... Are the worms turning?? Is the once dismissive Everton fan base now starting to embrace Cuddly Sam with open arms?

I hope so because Sam Allardyce looks and sounds every bit like a future Everton legend. He talks the most sense I've heard from any manager since Kendall Mk 1.

I know one thing: Allardyce won't suffer any of this shithouse mentality our three previous managers took across the park on derby days. You just got love Big Sam, eh Boys?!!!

Des Farren
67 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:38:56
Such positivity! No doubt the result of all the psycho babble on here.
Fat Sam should be emboldened when he recovers from Silva's comments on his (Sam's) Trump-like utterances after his appointment.
Paul A Smith
68 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:39:19
Good post Lawrence. Carragher is a devious prick. Where is Funes Mori when you need him?
Damian Wilde
69 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:39:50
"The Merseyside derby gives Liverpool the chance to correct one of cup football's more unusual statistics – that Liverpool have never beaten Everton in an FA Cup tie at Anfield.

In fact, the last time the Toffees lost at that ground in either the FA Cup or League Cup was in 1892, when Anfield was their home stadium and they were beaten by Burnley."

Drew O'Neall
70 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:49:37
Yes! Get in!
Christy Ring
71 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:53:11
Hopefully Coleman, Barkley, Bolasie and McCarthy, will be fully up to speed by then, and a new striker signed, we'll go there full of confidence, and wipe the smirk of Carragher's gob.

Brian Williams
72 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:55:22
If we continue to denigrate our own manager by continually referring to him as Fat Sam it plays right into the hands of the RS.

Why don't we keep the insults for the gurning, fucking numpty across the Park rather than giving them lot the chance to say "Even the Evertonians slag him and he's their own manager." Just a suggestion like.

Des Farren
73 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:58:24
So 'es not fat then Brian? But Big or Small or skinny might be okay? Why not leave the editing to others.
Andy Crooks
74 Posted 04/12/2017 at 21:59:12
This a dream draw. We will be better and confident by then. We have not a thing to lose. This is the hour for Sam Allardyce. This is why he is here; it is falling into place. Bring it on.
Guy Hastings
75 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:02:59
Oh ye of little faith – remember when Palace lost 9-0 to them in the league and then did them 4-3 in the FA Cup semi? Everyone remembers the 4-3. No one remembers the 9-0. Except possibly me because I had Palace to win 1-0.
Kenny Smith
76 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:07:19
That gives us 6 maybe 7 days to get a striker once the window opens or there could be literally nothing to play for until next August.
Brian Williams
77 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:09:26
As I said, Des, just a suggestion, not editing at all.

I'd prefer to leave the derogatory remarks of "our" manager to supporters of other teams – that's all. Can't understand why "we" would do it.

Max Murphy
78 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:13:46
Away to Liverpool in the FA Cup eh?

Not too far to travel, and we'll give them a jolly good thrashing. Up the toffees!

James Thornhill
79 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:15:12
I don,t care, I would play them every week if I could, at least until we won anyway. They've dominated us in most derbies for 9 years now, can you image how big the fall will be if we win one?
Derek Thomas
80 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:17:15
Away draw; at least we avoided one of the big clubs.
Joe O'Brien
81 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:24:11
We take 9k to theirs.. we'll drown them out.. with their Norwegian day trippers singing from their downloaded hymn sheets..
Colin Glassar
82 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:27:08
Cometh the hour, cometh the man, Andy?
Des Farren
83 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:38:20
So you never passed a derogatory remark about Moyes, Martinez or Koeman? Hats off to you Brian! (;

Give it time.

Paul A Smith
84 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:49:25
Tony Abrahams, true mate; keep the faith.

Can't say I wasn't bewildered when I heard the news though.

Mike Crawford
85 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:52:21
Didn’t we draw Wigan at home in an FA Cup Quarter Final a few years ago? Look how that easy draw turned out. Thinking we might do it this year is just what’s kept me going these past 22 years!
Geoff Lambert
86 Posted 04/12/2017 at 22:52:46
Well said, Brian! it gets on my tits, name-calling our own manager.

Wish these fans would just grow up!!!!

Shaun McGough
87 Posted 04/12/2017 at 23:00:57
A win-win whatever the score for the little RS, Sammy Lee.
Kev Johnson
88 Posted 04/12/2017 at 23:15:24
Got a feeling big Sam is going to do a big Joe vs Spurs in the semi-final. Who knows...
Bob Parrington
90 Posted 04/12/2017 at 23:30:50
Message in Confidence to Mr Sam Allardyce:

"For upcoming games with RS, must feed "Fake details" of match plans, team sheets to little Sam (known RS 'plant'). Such classified information should not be allowed to reach Clipperty Klopp."

End of message

Time to beat the bastards!!!

Neil Copeland
91 Posted 04/12/2017 at 23:31:52
Carragher is such a bell end, now praying that we win both games just to see him squirm and wriggle. Would also love to see Mordor's reaction to little Sam fist-pumping an Everton goal.

I can't wait for both games to see how Sam sets us up, should be very interesting. The RS think they have already won Sunday's game and into the cup 4th round – we shall see.

COYB!

Kevin Tully
92 Posted 04/12/2017 at 00:05:05
The law of averages tells us we have to win over there at some point. You can't tell me we don't have an inferiority complex against these sides though, not just our lovely neighbours, we all know about the other teams we suffer against, especially away from home.

Lukaku confirmed it, didn't he? We only actually go to these places hoping for a draw at best. How on earth can we ever expect to win if that's the case?

You would think professional footballers would say to themselves "Fuck this, I'm sick of being fodder for these teams with a worldwide audience watching." But no, we'll see more damage limitation in these games. We may hold on for a draw in the Cup game.

Mike Keating
93 Posted 05/12/2017 at 00:31:34
Lukaku could have taken us to a Cup Final. Forget the detestable twat.

Niasse couldn't give a flying fuck about all this history shit.

Cometh the moment, Cometh the Beast. The tide is about to turn and I'm up for the ride.
COYB

David Lynn
94 Posted 05/12/2017 at 01:47:17
Years before I have decided to contribute.

Supporter for almost 60 years and my devotion has never changed. I realise I am stepping into a lions den.

I have tried not to comment here, as with the modern ability to comment time and time again, people seem to take extreme positions and stick with them. This draw gives me chance to comment with hopefully the world not murdering me.

In the past, before the derby, me and great friends divided by our colour separated depending on the pub; the group eventually came together at a disco (shows my age) and, with the piss-taking from either side, went out and had great night.

Now back to the draw.

With a passionate and tough game, I think we can take them if we get into their feet. Allow them to play and it will cost us. However, as long as we hold our own and give a decent performance, it will I hope cement a big improvement.

I am a retired professional sportsmen who considers winning incredibly important but also realises that there is a lesson in every situation, especially if it's a long term game.

Losing to the RS will hurt me, but a loss across the park with a formation and team that hold their own, will do for me in the medium term.

Paul Kelly
95 Posted 05/12/2017 at 01:54:09
Rooney won’t stand for any shit, the youngsters won’t and neither will our new management.

Bring them on, the horrible fuckers. I’m sure Sam won’t bend over with his trousers by his ankles before kick off like some previous incumbents.

It may be a bit soon in his reign for a derby? but I thought that when Royle took over in ‘94. Bring it on!

Steven Kendrew
96 Posted 05/12/2017 at 02:24:32
So many of you are defeated before you've even started, which is exactly why we have done so badly at Mordor in recent years. Time to harden up, boys.

As for the Fat Sam thing, is it not a term of endearment (or could be in future)? Fat Controller, Fatty Arbuckle... what's the problem? If he says he doesn't like it, then fair enough.

Anto Byrne
97 Posted 05/12/2017 at 03:22:48
Next few games and look at 6th or 7th should displace Burnley. Can they chase Spurs or Arsenal? Well, points are available, so let's see how Sam will give it in a few weeks. Let's get something at Anfield. It will be a good result. I'll be happy for a clean sheet. So far, so happy with Sam.
David Ellis
98 Posted 05/12/2017 at 04:21:44
He's not actually very "Big" or "Fat" to be honest. I've met him in person. He's got a big head mind (literally as opposed to figuratively... maybe figuratively too but that's okay in an Everton football manager... actually it's okay to have a literal big head as well... I am not prejudiced against those with literal big heads).

How OCM (our current manager) as an appropriate TLA (three letter acronym) that has the handy effect of being applicable to all future managers so its easy to remember, and it's got the right level of passive aggressive disdain, without being outright offensive.

Lee Brownlie
99 Posted 05/12/2017 at 04:28:42
What is it with some 'supporters' on here already giving it, 'So Liverpool get a bye then..' or even 'So, our season will be over after that, barring a relegation scrap'???... Nice one. Not. You negative ninnies!!!

Not going to be easy of course – was it ever? But carrying those type of crap sentiments into any 'battle' is both pretty fucked up and lame!! In fact, you should probably stay as far away from our team as possible if that's the sort of attitude you're bringing to the table of our great club!!!

COYBs!!!!!!!

John Smith
100 Posted 05/12/2017 at 07:49:35
"I wonder if ITV will be showing it, can’t wait to see a Tic Tac commercial again."

haha that's brilliant that is. *Cries of laughter*

John Smith
101 Posted 05/12/2017 at 07:50:40
According to the TV show Entourage, "the bigger the head, the bigger the star!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnu_bkvumxU

Peter Lee
102 Posted 05/12/2017 at 08:01:22
Welcome David Lynn. You are dead right about posts here and about the game on Sunday.

Sam and the coaching team have, as a first task, to mould the players into a flexible system that can win any game. That will take time, the return of injured personnel and recruitment. Nonetheless, the process has started and Thursday's and Sunday's games are part of that process.

We all find it impossible to ignore the opposition on Sunday but the task in essence is this.

We are playing a side that have loads of pace going forward and one inventive player in midfield. They have a crap defence; Brighton could have pulled it back to 3-3 at one point.

We have no real pace at the back so two banks, again, is the order of the day. Interestingly, Sam thought we were too deep in the middle Saturday. We have at least two players who have done a number on creative players in the past. We can scare the life out of them on dead balls.

They are not invincible, they have no chance of winning the league or the Champions League. Any team can be rumbled and go through a tough spell: They have done, they will do, cf, Spurs.

All games are one-offs and, for us at the moment, all are opportunities to develop.

As for expectations, I'd take a draw from any team away in the top six, at the moment. Like everyone one here, I hope, I believe that we have the players, and management, to achieve that now. Can't wait. As for the cup-tie, we will be six games further along on the development curve with a different set of players available.

Can't wait.

Tony Abrahams
103 Posted 05/12/2017 at 08:09:34
The only thing I wish I could change about us Evertonians, is to give us some more belief!

We do have an inferiority complex when it comes to Liverpool, but big Joe Royce knew how to play them for what they are. Don't let them have there own way and the toys will get thrown out the pram. It's what they are, and if we could get on top of them, I'll guarantee the German would be the biggest whinger out of the lot of them.

Jakub Kollar
104 Posted 05/12/2017 at 08:35:07
BFS and LFS (Big Fat Sam and Little Fat Sammy) are gonna make sure that we’ll win both fixtures. I’m sure about that. I’ve got so excited about that draw that I bought myself a kit yesterday in 50% sale.
James Hughes
105 Posted 05/12/2017 at 08:53:35
Tony, I have to agree with that, we need to get stuck in to them. Klippety has taken lessons from Wenger so will whinge like the twat he is.

If we see Jags in the tunnel giving the the RS hugs and high fives, we need to put him on a bus back to Sheffield.

Oliver Brunel
106 Posted 05/12/2017 at 09:00:08
I have a good feeling about this one. I predict a draw on Sunday and a win in the FA Cup.
John Pickles
107 Posted 05/12/2017 at 09:18:25
Good chance to give the fringe players a go.

Then again, maybe not!

Damien McKay
108 Posted 05/12/2017 at 10:07:22
This may help cheer some of you up before the derbies... just type the word "Gobshites" in Google :-) onwards and upwards blues!
Kim Vivian
109 Posted 05/12/2017 at 10:33:41
Damian – brilliant.

But you have to type it into Google Maps for the best Laugh.

Dick Fearon
110 Posted 05/12/2017 at 10:48:49
I was at Anfield on that wonderful rip-roaring night when we won 1-0. Though clear underdogs, there was a vibe in the air that started with a whisper and built into a heaving expectant roar that victory would be ours. From start to finish, the Blue end sang and out-cheered the the other lot.

In these derbies, we have nothing to lose, not even our long gone pride. Yet maybe they could be the start of something big.

NSNO

Brian Denton
111 Posted 05/12/2017 at 11:13:26
"Just heard an interesting stat – the RS have never beaten us at their place in an FA Cup tie."

This would mean something if it said how many times we'd actually played them in an FA Cup tie at Anfield.

This is of a piece with stupid stats. The example which had me yelling at the telly was when Swansea were back in the top flight for the first time in about twenty years, and Lineker told us solemnly that "Swansea hadn't beaten Everton in the League for 22 years" (exact years may be out, but you get my drift)

Jer Kiernan
112 Posted 05/12/2017 at 11:17:02
Carragher is not a pundit but a vulgur dirtbird and his lack of any class or manners regards the tweet only raises the fact that any aspirations of LFC to have anything to cheer about this season will be dependant on a run in the cup. Despite their delusions of grandeur.

I am hoping their buffoon of a manager doesn't get to influence the referee with his antics in the dugout and we have, with our squad in its current state, nothing to lose and everything to gain

I think the likes of Big Sam is the man to sort our appalling record in the derbies but I feel longer term he will not be good for the club.

COYB

Damien McKay
113 Posted 05/12/2017 at 11:22:09
Kim - it would be even better if we could get it to the top of the Google Searches for the weekend. Most searched for word in Google is "Gobshites" priceless :-)
Dave Ganley
114 Posted 05/12/2017 at 11:31:57
Played them 4 times in the FA Cup at their place, Brian, and drawn the lot and beat them 3 times in the replay. That stupid stat good enough for you or do you want to piss on a bonfire even more?
Jamie Evans
115 Posted 05/12/2017 at 11:42:17
Loving the positivity all, but didn't OCM introduce 'playing the kids' in cup competitions? Wenger also of course but I'm pretty sure OCM has never taken the domestic cup competitions seriously?

Perhaps he always had bigger fish to fry, ie, keeping a team up, which would have been more of a priority than a good cup run. Will that be the case with ourselves???

Jer Kiernan
116 Posted 05/12/2017 at 12:20:24
@Jamie,

That's the beauty of this draw – the fans will not accept a weakened team. It is also on the board to explain to Big Sam the expectations at this club, which has a very proud history in the competition – unlike most of his previous employers.

Tony Abrahams
117 Posted 05/12/2017 at 12:29:55
Jamie, I know everyone's number is different but the year Bolton won the League Cup, they got knocked out the FA Cup by Tranmere, who lost to Millwall in the quarter final. Millwall went all the way to the final, and many Bolton fans, must have thought at some stage that it could have been them.

He has come to Everton to show everyone he has got it in himself to be a winner in management. I'm sure Liverpool, don't really fancy this draw but they never fancied it at Wembley and still beat us; so it's the attitude that has got to change the most if Everton are to become the winning team we all want.

Mike Galley
118 Posted 05/12/2017 at 12:48:17
Stan (#51). That's in interesting observation. How long a time scale is that over. I'm guessing the last 10 years or so. Interesting, though.
Stewart Oakes
119 Posted 05/12/2017 at 13:08:24
They threw lighters and phones at him when Wayne scored a winner for Man Utd at the kop end, heaven knows what they'll do when he does the same for us.
Kim Vivian
120 Posted 05/12/2017 at 13:12:58
Damien – it would be.

Now someone should build a gobshites.co.uk website. Suggestions for content could be posted on here.

Stan Schofield
121 Posted 05/12/2017 at 13:39:54
Mike@118: The averaging is over the last 15 years (covers Moyes, Martinez and Koeman). The figures stay about the same when the averaging is done over the last 5 years.

It sort of demonstrates to me that, despite impressions formed by the media, we're not significantly behind Liverpool, in that the margins are small, particularly when compared with the margins between Liverpool and the top sides like Man Utd and Chelsea.

All we're trying to do at the moment is increase our average by about 10 points or so, which would make us habitual Champions League. If that succeeds, presumably the next phase is to try to do what Spurs and Liverpool are currently trying (albeit failing) to do, which is actually win the title, and hence be at the very top. Liverpool talk the talk as if they were at the top, but they actually are not.

This context reinforces my frustration in not beating them repeatedly, which we could do. I think many folks, including some Evertonians are swayed by the media propaganda about them. After all, I suppose that's what propaganda does, it sways people without them realising it.

Paul Kossoff
122 Posted 05/12/2017 at 14:42:41
Told you, we are fucking jinxed this season. Every thing that could have gone wrong at Everton has gone wrong.

Major injuries to key players, bad transfer moves, under-selling Lukaku and not replacing him, sacked a manager who shouldn't have been given the job, team that appears to not give a shit, and now this fucking bunch of cheating twats to play in the FA Cup!

Oh I forgot: Moshiri (our saviour) giving the manager's job to fucking Sam (what's in it for me?) Allardyce!!!

Nice to be a blue! 😨😨😨

Derek Knox
123 Posted 05/12/2017 at 14:53:46
Paul, look on the bright side of life, it can't (well almost) get any worse.

Admittedly, it won't be an easy task in either game, but I would say by way of positive encouragement, that in the first encounter, as in most derbies, the form book goes out of the window.

Having said that, we have a poor record at Mordor; but as we are experiencing something of a new transition; and under new management, I think this guy knows better than our previous two managers; how to motivate players for a game like this; they shouldn't need motivating though, should they?

Paul Kossoff
124 Posted 05/12/2017 at 14:54:12
Lee (#99),

It's the fucking bunch of over-paid twats we have as a team you should be having a go at, not genuine supporters of Everton, which this team don't give a fuck about! Considering what we have had to put up with, is it any wonder we have lost a bit of confidence?

We are all entitled to an opinion, and I for one will keep giving it, if that's okay with you?

Shane Corcoran
125 Posted 05/12/2017 at 14:55:59
Paul (#122), what bizarre thinking.

Apart from the injuries, none of the other stuff just happens.

Paul Kossoff
126 Posted 05/12/2017 at 14:56:40
Post me some of your optimism, Derek, please! 👦👦👦
Paul Kossoff
127 Posted 05/12/2017 at 15:02:59
Shane, I didn't say it just happened, it was obviously orchestrated by the owners. All could and should not have happened; what don't you agree with?

Lukaku under-sold?
Striker not replaced?
Koeman as manager?
Team not caring?
Allardyce as manager?

Which one?
John Wilson
128 Posted 05/12/2017 at 15:10:06
The only way we'll beat Liverpool this Sunday and FA Cup day.. is if they call in sick. I don't think we'd even beat Liverpool girls.
Shane Corcoran
129 Posted 05/12/2017 at 15:18:35
Paul, you said we were jinxed which, by definition, means we've been unlucky. We haven't. In fact, in some ways we've been lucky; soft sending off against City, softish penalty against Watford.

We've been mismanaged, but certainly not jinxed. Perhaps that's not what you meant.

Gordon Crawford
130 Posted 05/12/2017 at 15:45:23
By definition, 'jinxed' is the perfect word. As it also means to be under a curse or spell. Sums our club up perfectly.
Tony Everan
131 Posted 05/12/2017 at 16:20:14
I'm not having this white flag shit at all.

We've got a chance, we will have to be right up for it, want it more than them. Get stuck into them and stay in their faces for 90 mins.

Their defence is suspect, Sigurdsson can send some open and dead balls in that will cause them massive problems.

No need to be timid about it; we can do it. Especially with some top-class players returning from injury.

Also, who knows? Some good quality reinforcements.

John G Davies
132 Posted 05/12/2017 at 16:20:51
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5147331/amp/Mbappe-overtakes-Alli-Europes-valuable-youngster.html#ampshare=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5147331/Mbappe-overtakes-Alli-Europes-valuable-youngster.html

Big Sam got a lot of young talent to work with.
Credit to Unsy and Koeman due here.

John Wilson
133 Posted 05/12/2017 at 16:29:04
Talent... hmm, no I'd say potential. Calvert-Lewin can't score. LFC have many strikers.
Paul Kossoff
134 Posted 05/12/2017 at 16:47:07
Shane, we are badly run, everyone knows that, it's a fact. Also we are major jinxed, anyone who says this club hasn't had a curse put on it for decades is in cloud cuckoo land!
Lawrence Green
135 Posted 05/12/2017 at 16:49:50
We all know that Everton have a terrible record at the homes of the big six but is it any worse than the other clubs who are not part of that elite group?

Over the last five seasons, including the current one, the Blues have won just once at Old Trafford some 4 years ago, whilst Southampton, Swansea and Crystal Palace have each recorded 5 victories on those grounds. In total, the Big Six have been defeated 46 times by the 'smaller' clubs in the 450 matches played. Man Utd and Liverpool have lost 9 apiece whilst Man City have only suffered the ignominy of defeat to lower clubs on just 4 occasions.

The Big Six have recorded 325 victories in those 450 fixtures, with Man City recording the most, 62 from their 76 enounters, and Liverpool with just 47 wins from their 74 matches. Liverpool have drawn 18 of those games, with Arsenal and Man City drawing 10 apiece. Everton have drawn 12 games on those grounds and have lost 20. Swansea City have lost 24 of their 33 visits to those grounds with Stoke losing one less from their 31 matches played during the period.

Burnley are the only club to register an away victory at the big six clubs this season and that came on the opening day of the campaign at Chelsea. There has also been 5 draws and 24 home wins in the 'big six' versus the rest encounters, staged on the home grounds of the elite, during the current campaign.

Since the start of the Premier League era, the Big Six have played the others 2119 times and have emerged victorious 1400 times, there have been 452 draws and the visitors to those grounds have won 267 encounters. Aston Villa have registered the most victories with 23 and suffered 87 defeats from their 138 visits whilst Everton have won 16 matches from their 148 visits and have lost 90.

In conclusion it would seem that winning on the grounds of the big six if you're not a member of that group is a big ask, as the home teams have a 66% success rate and the visiting teams have a 22% chance of gaining a point and only a 12% chance of actually winning.

Everton's win percentage is a little under 11% and their chances of a draw is circa 29% with the loss rate hovering around 60% for the 148 games played at the big six clubs during the Premier League era. We must be a due a win then?

Brian Wilkinson
136 Posted 05/12/2017 at 17:14:13
Wolves received over 8,000 tickets for last season's tie, what Everton get depends on the safety officer's advice – anyone got a feeling it's the Arsenal quarterfinal again, when we got shafted for tickets on the safety advice?

I really hope our neighbours do not stoop as low as Arsenal and give us the full allocation, like we did a few years back for the Goodison replay when they received 6,000 tickets..

One final note: we have never lost an FA Cup tie at Anfield, if this has anything to do with receiving more tickets for a cup tie and the fans lifting the team... just a thought.

Shane Corcoran
137 Posted 05/12/2017 at 17:15:05
I can only assume that Gordon and Paul are sitting at a bar together lamenting how poor wee Everton never get the breaks.

Jinxed me hole.

Paul A Smith
138 Posted 05/12/2017 at 17:19:46
Good post again, Lawrence.. I wouldn't call it a write-off but, even without those stats, I would say it's obvious we are up against it.

I remember last season's home derby, for 60 minutes being one of our best performances of the season so far but we were at full throttle and ran out of gas.

I distinctly remember Gana chasing Mane around our box in the first half and thinking how have they got players a level above us when they are grim for what they should be.

Their pace is all that worries me. Or should I say our pace? They don't have many superstars but they all look like lightening when they attack.

Joe McMahon
139 Posted 05/12/2017 at 17:32:24
The leading picture about the FA Cup draw is from 2009 and includes Baines and Jagielka. It's pathetic that 9 years later they are not only still at Everton, but still first choices tells us everything we need to know about recruitment and the non-evolved playing staff over the last few years. Special thanks goes to Moyes (the Hibbert years), Martinez, Koeman and Walsh.

Steavey Buckley
140 Posted 05/12/2017 at 17:37:00
I would take an 1-0 defeat on Sunday and a 0-0 in the cup match. There is now an ocean of difference between Everton and Liverpool, because Liverpool's manager has bought real quality in the past 2 seasons, so they are scoring goals for fun.

Unlike Koeman, who wasted the resources at his disposal, so Everton have a far worse team than Liverpool at the moment.

Ian Burns
142 Posted 05/12/2017 at 17:54:32
What's with all these white flags? Okay, we are in the middle of an unexpected and depressing season but right now it's 0-0 and we are coming off two confidence-building results, why stop because it's them across the park?

Sam Allardyce won't allow them to lie down, that's for sure, and I for one will not be watching from behind the sofa! It's many a day since I've been able to attend but I will be shouting from afar, kicking every ball until that final whistle. You can stick you white flags where they belong.

Gordon Crawford
143 Posted 05/12/2017 at 17:59:54
Shane, sure – come and join us, drinks on me, lol.
Darren Hind
144 Posted 05/12/2017 at 18:31:50
I'll settle for a draw.

It would be brilliant to win at Mordor, but this is a cup tie and only one of us will be still in the hunt when it's settled

A draw then finish the job under lights at the Old Lady would do me.

Carl Allan
145 Posted 05/12/2017 at 18:51:09
Regardless of what the Bootle beaut said about wrecking our Xmas and New Year, we could actually wreck their season by knocking them out as the title is already boxed off by Man City and there is no way they are stopping the likes of PSG, Real Madrid etc in the Champions League with that defence.

Also, it could be a good time to play them after all the festive games – sometimes tiredness or complacency can set in in early January.

Paul Kossoff
146 Posted 05/12/2017 at 19:15:11
Shane, jinxed your hole!!! I hope you don't get diarrhea😁
Paul Kossoff
147 Posted 05/12/2017 at 19:17:29
Gordon, Southern Comfort and lemon for me please.😋
Jack Convery
148 Posted 05/12/2017 at 19:28:35
When we beat them – because we will – the RS will say it took one theirs to do it for us.

Fuck 'em all, fuck 'em all,
The shite and the crap, fuck 'em all!!

Jack Convery
149 Posted 05/12/2017 at 19:32:17
If Frodo and Samwise Gamgee can do it so can we!!

Carragher is obviously Smeagol – so he'll get his too.

Tony Abrahams
150 Posted 05/12/2017 at 19:33:23
We will only beat them if they all call in sick Jack. Each to his own but at least our kids have got potential John Wilson!
John Wilson
151 Posted 05/12/2017 at 20:45:19
https://www.11v11.com/teams/everton/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Liverpool/

The last time we beat Liverpool was in 2010.

John Wilson
152 Posted 05/12/2017 at 20:50:07
We need to park the bus at Anfield even better than West Ham did at Man City recently, to get a win.
Andy Crooks
153 Posted 05/12/2017 at 21:14:31
Tony (#66), I know being right means a lot to you, but you weren't being slaughtered for your "Allardyce shouts"... In fact, you denied wanting him – did that slip your mind?

You were in fact being slaughtered for telling lies. I asked you to provide a link to the thread where I said how great Koeman was. You didn't... why? Because you made it up.

Brian Denton
154 Posted 05/12/2017 at 21:14:37
Dave Ganley (#114): I wasn't looking for a fight. I would just be interested to know when the games prior to the 2009 one took place.

I don't recall us playing another FA Cup Tie at Anfield, and I'm nearly 60. But I could be having a senior moment and the others you mention may have taken place when I wasn't looking.

Tony Abrahams
155 Posted 05/12/2017 at 21:46:14
The 4-4 game with Liverpool should never have happened Brian, because we were denied a clear cut penalty in the first game at Anfield!
David Midgley
156 Posted 05/12/2017 at 22:14:25
I wouldn't like to be waiting to go over the top with some of you lot!!

Damn surrender monkeys.

Carl Allan
157 Posted 05/12/2017 at 22:14:28
Just in case anyone is supremely confident about Sunday then Bet Victor, the suckers who sponsor the LFC merchandise, have us a huge 11/1 to win on Sunday.

That must be the biggest price we have ever been to win a derby, even the dark days of the seventies we scraped a lot of 0-0s so the bookies wouldn't have risked such offensive odds then.

John McFarlane [Snr]
158 Posted 05/12/2017 at 22:14:47
HI Tony [(#155) – you're absolutely right regarding the penalty in the Anfield game, we played them twice in eight days and should have had a penalty in both games.

Both incidents occurred at the Anfield Road end and both involved the same two players, Gary Ablett and Pat Nevin. I was in the Anfield Road end for both games and had a first view class view.

I got into a bit of an argument with a Liverpool supporter on the way home from the League game, nothing serious, he was adamant that it wasn't a penalty and I said to him, "Watch the telly tonight", I'd never seen him before and I've never seen him since, so I never got the opportunity to say "I told you so!"

Dave Ganley
159 Posted 05/12/2017 at 22:14:54
Brian there was the game mentioned above, a league cup game in the 80s I think and also couple of games from way before either of us were born. The point being that amid all the negativity we haven't been beaten across the park in the cup and although it could be called clutching at straws it's still something we have over them.

We may well get a hammering but we may not. Very cliched but it's all on the day. I'm going to be optimistic about it if nothing else, smug arrogant arses that they are, we have to win there at some point and it maybe well be Sunday and then in January.

Mike Hughes
160 Posted 05/12/2017 at 22:40:17
I can't see us losing.

Big Sam's organisation, planning, churchillian inspiration and sergeant major boot up the arse should get us through.

But our new sports psychologist will have them on auto-pilot win. It will be impossible for us to lose. They'll be hypnotised to success.

3-goal margin win at least.... 4 depending on how much injury time is played.

I have a vision of a post-match photo of Sam grinning across at a twitching, despondent Klopp (with chewy stuck in his hair) and looking dishevelled (for a change).

So, 4th round – here we come.

Brian Denton
161 Posted 05/12/2017 at 23:04:35
Okay – senior moment admitted. I'd forgotten 1991 we drew first game at Anfield (not an excuse but I was in hospital with quite a serious illness at the time). I hadn't forgotten the League Cup Tie in 1987, but that wasn't FA Cup.

Anyway, I'm not negative about the coming games as long as we can organise the defence properly and Sigurdsson can put in a few decent set-piece balls into their flaky back line.

Phil Bellis
162 Posted 05/12/2017 at 23:50:38
With you, David (#156)

Mr Wilson must be drinking Leffe with his depressants.

11 to 1... hmm.

Brian Wilkinson
163 Posted 05/12/2017 at 23:57:06
Bring Tim Cahill on loan in January; legs not as quick but he would scare the shite out of their defence and fans. Probably be a bit more active than our forward line has been when crossing over the park, clutching at straws but, other than parking the bus and counter-attack, I'm clean out of ideas.
Derek Cowell
164 Posted 06/12/2017 at 00:54:52
....and we call them deluded!
Rudi Coote
165 Posted 06/12/2017 at 03:57:21
It's OUR year!
Rudi Coote
166 Posted 06/12/2017 at 04:15:08
Brian Williams, I'm with you on that. Don't let the shite think that we disrespect Sam. He will be good for us.

Carragher is an utter twat by the way.

Andy Meighan
167 Posted 06/12/2017 at 05:21:51
I agree with Steavey (#140). Koeman really has got a lot to answer for...

Anyone coming out with the "Oh, you're defeatist" needs to assess the squads of both clubs. Yes, their defence can be got at but they bang them in for fun. That, coupled with the injuries and lack of firepower we've got hardly fills me with confidence.

I personally can't see nothing but two comfortable wins for them. That's not me being pessimistic. That's me being realistic. Has anyone seen our record there?

Stan Schofield
168 Posted 06/12/2017 at 09:56:12
To all those who think we're definitely going to lose, and who think that Liverpool have a more winning mentality, it's worth noting that their 'motto' has always been (certainly since Shankly), "No Surrender".

There may be a hint there as to what our approach should be.

PG Malcolm
169 Posted 06/12/2017 at 12:20:08
Made up, let's nail the twats in their own background.
John Wilson
170 Posted 06/12/2017 at 12:29:16
Phil Bellis, see if you're intelligent enough to make a distinction between something said which was not personal compared to something which was.

Make a point – but don't bore me with personal comebacks, as it shows you have poor thinking abilities.

Scott Hall
171 Posted 06/12/2017 at 12:36:36
If we lose, we lose. But none of us should go there thinking it’s inevitable. Otherwise we’re part of the problem.

PG Malcolm has my mentality. Let’s kick the bastards in the balls right in front of their mummies.

Dave Abrahams
172 Posted 06/12/2017 at 12:54:28
John (#158), you are absolutely correct. Nevin brought down without a shadow of a doubt but we never got v and to be honest I think we just accepted we would never get – any serious decisions going our way.

Although there was one incident when Steve McMahon tried to bully John Ebbrell and went through with a very bad tackle. Ebbrell stood his ground and McMahon went down badly injured, it was his own fault.

One demented Red fan stood up by me screaming what a dirty bastard Ebbrell was, I argued back with him and finished by asking him to see who gets the foul. We got it and the Redfan never looked at me for the rest of the game.

They are not all like that obviously, but quite a few are, including many players, coaches and managers they have had over the years.

Jamie Crowley
173 Posted 06/12/2017 at 13:18:13
This is what I hope for:

Big Sam pulls Jags aside just before they leave the locker room.

“Phil lad, if you even look at them in the tunnel, or chucklebuddy up with a single person wearing red, I'll rip off your head and shit down your neck.”

Kevin Tully
174 Posted 06/12/2017 at 13:36:55
How can we win either derby if we set out for a draw in both games?

Come on now, time for a few Blues to start facing reality, and accept how we approach these matches. I've made my peace with what we've turned into. It saves any disappointment in the long run.

Purely social for me now, when I go to the footy.

Jamie Evans
175 Posted 06/12/2017 at 13:53:17
Seven thousand, nine hundred and forty six !!!!!!!!
John G Davies
176 Posted 06/12/2017 at 13:55:43
Kevin,

They are one of the best counter attack teams around. Full of pace throughout; we've got no pace.

We attack them gung-ho – we lose. It's as simple as that.

John Wilson
177 Posted 06/12/2017 at 14:21:34
One word: Niasse... he can score against Liverpool – proven record.
Kevin Tully
178 Posted 06/12/2017 at 14:44:05
John G, totally agree. Just a shame we couldn't buy some players who could compete after our spending spree on bang average players during the summer.

Would any of last summer's signings get into a top six side? Maybe Pickford at a push?

John G Davies
179 Posted 06/12/2017 at 14:58:52
None except Pickford, Kevin. He would get in their team but none of the others.

Money should have been spent more wisely. Too many players in the one go. We should have went for more quality rather than quantity.

Only two people you can blame for that. The manager more so than Walsh.

Stan Schofield
180 Posted 06/12/2017 at 16:06:34
Guys, we're not on the 'none of ours would get into a top-6 side' again are we? We had that repeatedly with Lukaku, Stones and Barkley. It simply doesn't wash.

Before Klopp arrived at Liverpool, Coutinho and Firmino were very inconsistent, much like our dear Ross. Klopp has sorted them since he arrived, organised the attack, and got a couple of good attacking additions in the shape of Mane and Salah, to fit into the reorganised attack. It's down to proper organisation, which helps players play better.

Our problem has been organisation, otherwise we wouldn't have changed our managers like we've done. On player quality, you're dreaming if you think Liverpool's are significantly better than ours. That showed in the middle of last season when their organisation on the pitch went to pot, and they were calling for Klopp's head.

Let's just see if Sam can organise our players better, rather than pre-judge.

Stan Schofield
181 Posted 06/12/2017 at 16:15:05
Just to add, I know a fair few reds, and they're not too happy with Klopp's handling of the defence, they think the players are crap and should have been replaced in the last transfer window. They're happy that the attack is cooking on gas, but fearful about a loss of form on that front, which can happen at the drop of a hat.

We definitely shouldn't attack them gung-ho style (I agree with John@176), but I can't imagine Sam wanting that anyway, and if we're well organised, they can be vulnerable.

Positivity sermon over.

Steve Ferns
182 Posted 06/12/2017 at 16:34:57
The plan for beating Liverpool is simple.

We need to set up as we have done for the last two games. A deep line of 4 and a deep midfield 3. We then need the wingers pushing out in attack, but filling back in defence. As they have been. We need to use Calvert-Lewin against Liverpool for his qualities in the air and on the ground. He needs to plough a lone furrow, chasing lost causes, and running the channels. He also needs to hold the ball up and wait for support.

Liverpool operate an aggressive press that centres on attack the man (and not the passing lanes and so very different to Man City). They overwhelm the person in possession and try to force mistakes and win the ball in danger areas.

Allardyce's default tactics are exactly how you defeat a high aggressive press. Quite simply, if four guys are closing in on you, knock it over them, to a blue shirt, and suddenly you've taken four players out of the game. This is why it is essential to have three outballs, ie the wingers and the centre-forward. Allardyce wants us to play it forward from defence quickly and direct. So we do not need to do anything special for Liverpool, just operate his Plan A.

Ray Robinson
183 Posted 06/12/2017 at 16:43:26
Wow, Steve, your first line cracked me up! If it were that simple, don't you think others would have fathomed it out? That's not to say I don't think we should have a plan!
Steve Ferns
184 Posted 06/12/2017 at 16:47:35
Ray, it is simple but difficult to do. And, for what it's worth, they have been made to look very average on a few occasions this season. It is also the reason why their defence is terrible. If you can beat the press, the defence is exposed and there for the taking.

If they play more conservatively, then that defence is not actually that bad. But Herr Klopp can only play one way.

If Allardyce rests enough tomorrow, and has them drilled defensively – and Unsworth had them half way there already (as shown in the last two games) – then we have more than a good chance of getting a result.

Antony Matthews
185 Posted 06/12/2017 at 16:53:27
As a side issue, I wonder if Clattenburg has any mention in his book about the stonewall penalty he refused to give us against the shite when Lescott was hauled to the ground by Carragher. I doubt it!
Stan Schofield
186 Posted 06/12/2017 at 16:54:47
Ray, what Steve has said is simple if you've got the players to execute it. In this respect, Liverpool are performing well against lower sides, but not well against the bigger sides, Arsenal excepted, but Arsenal didn't turn up at Anfield, they were dreadful, couldn't put a pass right.

The question for us is, can our players execute such a thing? I believe they can, provided they are organised and confident. They are skilled enough, imo.

Ray Robinson
187 Posted 06/12/2017 at 17:11:25
Stan and Steve. No disrespect but it amuses me sometimes how some of us amateurs come up with plans to do over the experts!
Stan Schofield
188 Posted 06/12/2017 at 17:21:07
Ray, I don't have the tactical insights of Steve, and I find what he says interesting. I don't generally think in terms of tactics, just entertainment value, but what Steven said seems to ring true.

About being amateurs, well I suppose we can either (1) comment on ToffeeWeb as we do, as armchair pontificators, or (2) not bother, just leave it to the professionals.

I think option (2) would be quite tedious, so I'll go for option (1) and back to entertainment, amusing or not.

Ray Robinson
189 Posted 06/12/2017 at 17:35:50
You're right, Stan. I too have no great tactical insights. I just hope we beat the buggers any which way will do!
Paul Kelly
190 Posted 06/12/2017 at 17:41:53
It's what it's all about, Ray! I know tactical analysis is not everyone's brew, but fair play to those who are prepared to stake their football manager credentials before a ball is kicked (it's a lot easier after the fact).

Compare theirs to my tactical analysis which consists of a war cry, eye-gouging, stud-raking, thumb-in-the-eye etc, more of a call to arms than any tactical input, and you can see why we need these polar opposite views.

Steve Ferns
191 Posted 06/12/2017 at 17:49:00
It's easy to “come up with plans” when paraphrasing what actual experts have written. Allardyce had a few choice comments on Klopp's Liverpool.

Q: How do you cope with Liverpool closing you down like that?

Allardyce: It's easy you just kick it over the top of them.

I've seen some detailed analysis of how to stop Klopp. Tactics ain't difficult. It's just about reading what certain people say and learning what to look for. Often the first thing that comes to you is the solution, ie, just kick it over the top of them.

Paul Kelly
192 Posted 06/12/2017 at 18:07:12
“Q: How do you cope with LIverpool closing you down like that?
Allardyce: It's easy you just kick it over the top of them“.

Brilliant that is, so simple but so effective.

Well if that's the game plan, bring it on, I should expect Calvert-Lewin will get the nod up top (Sunday). I was reading some interesting stats on the lad over on RoyalBlueMersey, he will be pivotal to our game plan if the above is the case.

Stan Schofield
193 Posted 06/12/2017 at 18:13:12
Steve, I think that some people overrate Klopp, especially the media. He seems to be a one-trick pony.

If Liverpool actually want to reach the next level, about a dozen points more than they have been averaging, I think (and I get the impression a lot of reds think) that he'll have to go at some stage. He seems less adaptable than other 'big name' managers like Maureen and Guardiola. I think quite a few Evertonians rate him too highly.

John G Davies
194 Posted 06/12/2017 at 18:33:42
Stan, he has Plan A and more Plan A if the first one doesn't work.

He burnt some Dortmund players out playing the same way. He will do the same over there.

Steve, I see where you are coming from re midfield three and would hope they play tightly to each other 30 yards from goal when they have the ball in our half. Back four 10 yards behind them. Condense the space and no room for one twos, flicks around the corner etc.

To an extent I would let them have the ball wide, don't be drawn out by triangular interplay. Only go wide if there is an overload.

Wide men in the 5 for me would be Lennon on the left and Tom on the right. Two grafters who will protect the full backs. Holgate and Williams centre-back pairing.

Mason has got the quickest feet out of all our defenders, that will be needed against their twinkletoes forwards. Just need him to concentrate for 90 minutes.

Beni, Gana and Rooney for me in the three. Calvert-Lewin the lone forward.

Is Leighton fit for Sunday?

Andy Crooks
195 Posted 06/12/2017 at 18:46:08
Steve Ferns, good analysis as usual. Sam is made for this game.
Lenny Kingman
196 Posted 06/12/2017 at 19:24:14
All of you that are fawning to Fat Sam's sound bytes, I would suggest this: With £9 million already tucked away in his Barclays Blue account then something of interest has to emit from the great man and saviour of Everton Football Cclub. I mean... he will have some pride in his work, won't he?
John Keating
197 Posted 06/12/2017 at 19:45:47
It amazes me how Premier League managers, especially those of teams who have been hammered by the RS this season, have not logged on to ToffeeWeb.

The so called "experts" on here who know how easy it is to beat them are truly phenomenal, to use a word known only too well to those of a blue persuasion.

Why Moshiri had to go outside for a new manager is surprising?

Truly unbelievable.

Stan Schofield
198 Posted 06/12/2017 at 19:47:53
Lenny, if he gets us playing well and winning, he'll be a hero, and we won't bothered about how much dosh he gets. If he doesn't, he'll be out, simple as that.
Stan Schofield
199 Posted 06/12/2017 at 19:52:40
John, as Steve pointed out, it was Allardyce (Moshiri's choice to be the main man at the moment) himself who said it's not that difficult to beat Liverpool. Steve is pointing out the detail of what was said. Now that is truly believable.
John G Davies
200 Posted 06/12/2017 at 19:57:12
We can't debate ideas on team selection because we are not managers. Does that mean we can't debate managerial appointments because are not directors? We can't debate team performance because we are not coaches?

Not a lot left really, John.

It's a bit of fun, man. Relax!

Steve Ferns
201 Posted 06/12/2017 at 20:05:31
John, just because the theory is simple, doesn't mean the execution is easy. For example, golf is simple, hit the ball with the stick and get it in the hole.

The only person who said it was easy was Allardyce, and I think he had his tongue in his cheek when he said the word, but his theory is sound and it has been often repeated for Klopp teams.

John Keating
202 Posted 06/12/2017 at 20:07:03
Stan. As many people have said over the years, Football is very simple. You score more than the opposition or make them score less.

Very entertaining to hear all the armchair experts, however. My own fault really as I shouldn't really read their nonsense, let alone comment on it.


Stan Schofield
203 Posted 06/12/2017 at 20:07:23
John@197: Just to mention, it was said earlier that the tactic Steve mentioned (that Allardyce had mentioned) of kicking the ball over the pressing players requires certain skills. The 'lower' teams that Liverpool have hammered might not quite have those skills, whilst the bigger teams who Liverpool have struggled against are more likely to have those skills.

The question now is whether we have those skills... I believe we do.

John Keating
204 Posted 06/12/2017 at 20:20:03
Don't know if you're watching the RS just now Stan but I doubt any "tactics" we employ on Sunday will stop this lot!!!!

I doubt the Moscow manager has been on ToffeeWeb as him and his team wouldn't have any time to employ our tactical analysis, pity really as they wouldn't be getting hammered.

The only tactic I would get Allardyce to use on Sunday is to make sure the whole team go to early mass and for all of us to keep everything crossed!

Peter Warren
205 Posted 06/12/2017 at 20:25:54
The difficulty is not creating chances against RS. It is conceding (their attacking play is excellent) and taking chances that come our way. (Calvert-Lewin is not proficient currently at finishing and we have little else.) Perhaps the stage is set for Niasse....?
Stan Schofield
206 Posted 06/12/2017 at 20:27:50
John, Spartak are no great shakes, perhaps like the lower Premier League sides who've been hammered by Liverpool.

I think it will be influenced to a large extent by how well we play (because Liverpool aren't the only team on the pitch), and that will depend heavily on how well Sam organises us. A well organised side can rattle Liverpool, and when they get rattled, they fold.

John Keating
207 Posted 06/12/2017 at 20:31:25
Hope you're right, if not...
Mike Hughes
208 Posted 06/12/2017 at 21:19:40
Had he still been our manager, a slippered and dressing-gowned Koeman would have been watching this RS match admiringly, plate full of Leerdammer cheese on his lap, wondering who EFC were playing this coming weekend.

Sam will be watching this tonight looking at their many weaknesses. There will be flip charts, computer monitors and various other analytical devices in the room.

Then he'll turn to his coaching team, rub his hands and say, “How many are we going to put past these shitbags on Sunday, lads?”

He'll bite into a piece of raw meat and chew on it while laughing as blood drips out of the corner of his mouth.

Under Sam Allardyce, this is the best opportunity we've had in years at Anfield.

(Let's hope the DVD will be available in time for Christmas.)


Andy Dempsey
209 Posted 06/12/2017 at 21:41:33
I can see us catching them out with balls over the top to Calvert-Lewin. I can see his movement being spot on and causing them trouble, but if he's clean through, in front of the Kop, will he finish? He may only get one chance.

Oumar off the beach to score the winner!! A new chapter in the story of the blues. Oumar off the bench to score the winner. Look into your heart, just feel it, you know it to be true.

In both games.

Brian Wilkinson
210 Posted 06/12/2017 at 21:44:53
If Sam said it's easy to beat our neighbours, good for him, give the players belief instead of the fear factor.

Our past managers shit out big time; if a manager does not believe we can go there and get a result, then we're beat before we even come out of the tunnel.

Make no mistake – they are playing well but, for all the ones not in Sam's camp, you can be sure he will have the players up for this game and won't go there fearing them.

Mike Jones
211 Posted 06/12/2017 at 22:00:58
Aren’t there two teams playing on Sunday?
Mick Conalty
212 Posted 06/12/2017 at 22:01:17
When we play the RS on Sunday, it is up to every player to win his own personal battle. We do not go there to lay down and let the fuckers walk all over us. We stop them playing at any cost; our pride is at stake.

It would be nice to see 10 Psyco Pats out their to shut the bastards up. Imagine Psyco playing against Cat Stephens out there on the wing... he would slow him down. Use every trick in the book – that's how RS got their success.

Mike Hughes
213 Posted 06/12/2017 at 22:02:41
The fact that RS won easily is brilliant for us. They will have learned nothing tonight.

Sam Allardyce will be watching with delight. He will have learned a lot from both team's performances.

Bazooka to a gun fight!!!


Andy Finigan
214 Posted 06/12/2017 at 22:16:27
I think Sam has really got that winning mentality. I said to the wife it would be great if Unsworth could take the Under-23s away for our dead rubber game on Thursday so he could spend an extra day working with the squad ready for Sunday.

There didn't seem to be a way he could do this without causing an outcry.... Low and behold, a doctor's appointment has arrived and Shakespeare is taking a young squad meaning that extra day training less 10 minutes at the doctors and Sam also confessed to the traveling supported not to expect the first team.

Very smart in my opinion.

Dennis Stevens
215 Posted 06/12/2017 at 22:21:07
Very clever, Mike (#213) – but isn't Bazooka bubblegum? I thought Sam was more into chewing gum!

Oh, & I agree with you John (#202) – Why do you waste your time reading & commenting on stuff you're only going to sneer at? It seems a bit pointless to me.

Mike Hughes
216 Posted 06/12/2017 at 22:31:18
Dennis (#215),

A bazooka is an anti-tank rocket launcher. A useful analogy for our tactics on Sunday.

I live on the Wirral.... What is bubble gum?
:)


Trevor Peers
217 Posted 06/12/2017 at 22:50:02
The only chance we have on Sunday is that Allardyce's influence has had enough of an impact to alter the confidence of the squad in a big way. If it has, we might snatch a result; if not, we will surely get crushed.

The cup tie is different. We could be much further along the road to recovery by then; hopefully we will be able to perform with even more organisation and pride, and hit them hard.

Chris Watts
218 Posted 06/12/2017 at 23:05:37
Crikey... they did look full of energy going forwards though. Mane Salah and Courtinho are some strike force. I fear I will be watching from behind the sofa on Sunday...
Stan Schofield
219 Posted 07/12/2017 at 00:10:04
Chris, yes they are good. But, football being a funny game, we're the only ones who've got a point off Man City (and might have got three if we'd been better organised), whilst Man City trounced Liverpool 5-1.
Jamie Crowley
220 Posted 07/12/2017 at 00:55:52
If we get a little "American grade school" for just a second, we don't match up well at all against Liverpool.

Their weakness is their defending.

We aren't exactly powerful going forward.

Or weakness is our defending (among other things...). We leak goals.

Their strength is holding possession and their attack.

Their attack is better than ours.

I fear. I hope, but I fear.

Laurie Hartley
221 Posted 07/12/2017 at 08:11:42
Jamie # 220 - Fear is always the enemy - the enemy within.

Bravado won't win us the derby but we, meaning the players and fan base, must start believing we can beat them.

Like you, up until two weeks ago, I was dreading the derby. I feared a humiliation because I had seen nothing this season to give me even a glimmer of hope that anything else awaited us.

The reason my outlook has changed is because we have been given a few "footholds" on which to pin some hope in the past fortnight:

1. Sam Allardyce has been appointed manager and knows how to beat them. He isn't carrying the same mental baggage as us. He has won there.

2. Rooney is scoring and playing well. He has won there. He will be captain.

3. We have kept two clean sheets.

4. We have had some luck in the past month.

5. We will have 3 days more recouperation time to prepare for the game than them.

Words and thoughts are things. Ours have been far too negative for many years. It will require an effort of will to change that. Now is the time.

11 of them against 11 of us.

Jamie Evans
222 Posted 07/12/2017 at 10:10:23
Sound reasoning Laurie. But 11 against 11 ? At Anfield ? Unfortunately that very rarely happens.
Mike Hughes
223 Posted 07/12/2017 at 10:12:29
Football is historically a working class sport, like boxing. You don't see boxers all pally with each other in the ring just before the fight. It's a stare-down.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, football has gone all middle class with Sky etc.

The pre-match rivalry is more like golf or tennis now.

Hopefully Sam brings a new attitude to the team.

Something a bit more "Travis Bickle".

John G Davies
224 Posted 07/12/2017 at 10:30:49
You have to build yourself into a "it's me or him" mentality, Mike.
Jamie Evans
225 Posted 07/12/2017 at 15:30:40
It's Friday night, boys and girls.
Tony Abrahams
226 Posted 07/12/2017 at 15:32:42
And we are to receive just under 8,000 tickets, come on the Toffees!
Mark Tanton
227 Posted 07/12/2017 at 16:11:33
That will be the whole of the Anfield Road end then?
Gary Russell
228 Posted 07/12/2017 at 16:44:32
John 194... Leighton hasnt been a 'fit' for a year or more. Not his fault, he keeps getting picked. But most would agree, he and a few more are stinking the place out like two-month-old pints of milk. Not the kind of cream we require.
John G Davies
229 Posted 07/12/2017 at 17:02:01
Gary, 228.

Who would you play left back on Sunday?

Gary Russell
230 Posted 07/12/2017 at 17:09:20
The powers that be have let it be known that when 'fit' he is the best available. Shite predicament the club has bestowed itself in...

In answer to your question, seeing as Galloway, Browning and Garbutt are all unavailable, even though they are Everton players, I would play myself, a right footer, but I'm not registered and on the other side of the world. Shambles.

John G Davies
231 Posted 07/12/2017 at 17:16:13
So that's Baines then Gary?
Laurie Hartley
232 Posted 07/12/2017 at 20:10:56
Jamie (#222) – fair comment... but we will have 11 turn up this weekend; I am sure of that.
Alan J Thompson
233 Posted 08/12/2017 at 09:49:53
7;55PM kick off on a Friday night. Who was the genius who thought this was a good idea?
Derek Thomas
234 Posted 08/12/2017 at 10:15:28
They're going into overdrive after scoring 7, even the normally sane-ish 70-year-old 'old school' was there when they were in the 2nd Division, RS brother-in-law is giving me all sorts of trash talk via txt, park 3 buses, whatever, you're going down, etc, etc.

They can't help themselves can they, it always comes out in the end.

Win this ffs lads – just to shut them up

Stan Schofield
235 Posted 08/12/2017 at 11:16:24
Derek, trouble with them is, they have delusions of grandeur. They actually think they're a top team, when in fact they're not, they're always nearly men, consistently on average over a dozen points off the top, which is more than the difference between them and us. It's all aided by the media of course, which is embarrassing at times, the sycophantic attitude towards Klopp and all that.

Maybe that's a root cause of them losing the edge when in a leading position, apart from the defence being crap of course. They get complacent, and don't have the quality to make up for that complacency.

Yes, if we could just shut them up.

Brent Stephens
237 Posted 08/12/2017 at 11:22:57
Stan (#235), I think as a Liverpool supporter, with all that media hype etc but nothing to show for it, I'd be well and truly pissed off – more pissed off than we are, because our expectations are more realistic. Sad. My heart bleeds for them.
John G Davies
238 Posted 08/12/2017 at 11:54:34
Stan 235,

A top team that has never won the league it plays in.

Stan Schofield
239 Posted 08/12/2017 at 12:20:28
John, that's what gets me about them, the delusion. I enjoy pointing out the actual figures to them, especially comparing them with Man Utd over the last couple of decades, because they seem to hate Utd. And if they snigger at us, implying we're shite, I just say, well if we are shite, you are consistently only 10 points above shite, so what does that make you, a sort of 'soft shite'.
Peter Howard
240 Posted 11/12/2017 at 18:51:34
Stan

They're shite lite.


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