Liverpool vs Everton

It'll be a shame because Sam Allardyce (the most successful manager in our history after 2 games in charge I think) would have spoilt the predicted party.

If it goes ahead, 1-2 or 1-3 to The Mighty Blues.

Getting back to the projected team, it terrifies me when I see Martina's name on the team sheet, let alone on his shirt. I make no secret of my dislike for him in an Everton shirt, another Koeman cock-up, he is totally inept as a defender, it's like employing an accountant that's useless at Arithmetic. He is probably a decent chap away from football, nothing personal against him, he's just awful for Everton in my opinion.

...deep breath, breathe in, karma and all that shite.

Trust me, it is not often I am wrong with my predictions... :)

Oh... wait... half of theirs will come from Norway...

I don't feel good about this game, but hoping for that elusive three points that has escaped Everton long before I took any notice.

Will be up at the ass-crack of dawn here in America to watch. COYB.

This dog's body of a game will go out the way but another one is coming.

About Martina, he might have defensive shortcomings but going forward he has something of the Carlos Alberto about him.

In other words, there is a style of his play that I enjoy. Good luck to Martina and may the spirit be with him overall.

Come on you Blues – just give it a real go & tackle as if your lives depended on it, like Peter Reid, Paul Bracewell etc always did.

If outplayed,take no prisoners & ensure they know there has been a game – unlike so many previous attempts !!!

C O Y B ALWAYS

"Sam, Do you think the wind and possible snow will be to your advantage, and stop Liverpool playing football?"

Fucking hell, we really are viewed as fodder. This is a question you would ask a League 2 manager in a Cup game. Even our own former manager said it, didn't he? "We have to knock it long and hope for second balls."

We have such a long way to go before we can start to even think about playing like these sides we aspire to join. First step, stop kidding ourselves the youngsters will get us to where we want to be. Some may prove to be competent, that is all. Secondly, stop buying players from relegation threatened sides, they don't have the mentality to compete, or the talent.

We really need to regroup, steady the ship, and hope we can find something special in the transfer market. Until then, mid-table. I include 7th place in that bracket. We will play for a draw, and lose, exactly like the Man Utd game. I just hope we can keep the scoreline respectable.

If we were to take the lead, this side would shrivel up before our very eyes.

I would be tempted to start Niasse up top, and may be Calvert-Lewin on the right. Lennon has done okay, but I think Niasse's nuisance value and Calvert-Lewin's aerial presence for the diagonal ball would be key to get anything going in their half.

Gueye needs to stay on his feet, we need 11 men on the park.

Pickford
Kenny
Williams
Holgate
Martina

Gueye
Davies
Rooney

Calvert-Lewin
Sigurdsson
Niasse

Win it! Fuck 'em. now is the time to end the misery. Can someone please produce a Kingy moment of shear joy!?

Subs: Robles, Keane, Jagielka, Schneiderlin, Lennon, Vlasic, Lookman

Stick with the same back 4 – no need to force Keane or Jagielka back into the team. Don't mess with something that is working.

I wouldn't mind seeing Lennon on for Niasse – but I think that Niasse & Calvert-Lewin up top give us a proper threat.

I would love for Klaassen to get a spot on the bench too... he's such a hard worker, he needs a confidence boost to allow his undoubted talent to shine through.

Nice to see a bit of positivity on here after the last week or so. 1-3 it is then!

Jamie (#7),

The distance to travel for football fans is irrelevant. All depends on whether it is the right or wrong kind of snow.

The wrong kind (to use the technical UK term) means that everything grinds to a halt. No trains or cars. Power cuts. National emergency declared. The army are on the streets. Food coupons issued. Curfews. News interviews with pensioners. Third World countries sending aid etc.

Other countries have tornadoes and earthquakes and volcanoes but they are nothing compared to the wrong kind of UK snow. If it is white it is the wrong kind. Then, God help us all.

They have enough admirers in the media and elsewhere without Evertonians feeling they have to pump up their already inflated egos. Sky deemed fit to have a day of Liverpool Football Club today, hardly the action of an organisation that has no favourites is it?

Everton may well leave Anfield with their tails firmly between their legs on Sunday but in no way should the Everton team or the Everton supporters be entering that ground with a defeatist attitude.

Everton are not Tranmere Rovers or any similar club going to the home of the detestables hoping to keep the score down, we are a Premier League club who should be looking to earn three points from a tricky fixture – admittedly that does seem unlikely given our teams dreadful away form in 2017. But, our bad league run away from Goodison has to end somewhere and where else would be better to do that, than on our old stomping ground? COYB

I'm worried, they are scoring goals for fun and despite our recent run, our defence does not look rock solid in any way.

If it does go ahead, and the RS followers can't make it from their home countries, I'm sure there'll be enough Everton fans to fill their dump.

Stranger things have happened before though, and it will be interesting to see if the 'Big Sam' factor comes into effect... Here's hoping.

I feel a lot happier now that Sam is manager, helped by Shakespeare and Lee, it looks a very strong experienced management team, I have to say.

Whatever happens on Sunday, I think we will be going the right way with these in charge.

We have a psychological issue with derbies. If we didn't, that 10-point difference would be a lot less, and would equate to finishing 2 points above them (on average) if we beat them at home and away.

That's the actual difference in facts, rather than fearful opinion, ie, small margins. The difference between them and the truly top teams, like Man Utd, is greater than the difference between them and us.

Very interesting figures there.

Despicable. Disgusting rats. A bit of rain would clean that yard up. Any blues going have a bath afterwards. Vile place.

Therefore, we cannot contemplate an Everton victory. However, by not contemplating a victory, we subconciously contemplate it. Thus envisaging an outcome that we did not wish to contemplate.

Yes, this is what the derby does to me. It causes psychological injury; I have had enough. Let us win!

I agree with you on the strength of our management, I am so much more confident with this team, Sammy Lee doubters... I don't understand? He's a professional and if he's good at his job – what's the problem?

I still worry about their goalscoring power though, but I'm sure Sam has a plan and won't roll over.

Please Everton. Enough is enough. We love you. Please give us something back.

Logic therefore suggests we could be in for an absolute battering, but maybe for once the people who say "anything can happen in a derby" might actually be right.

That's about as optimistic as I can get!

The less respect we give them, the better we will do against them, and maybe then the media might even stop disrespecting Everton.

but that's not something that really bothers me if I'm being honest, it's losing every big game we play, is the thing that gets on my nerves.

We haven't won away from home for almost a year, some people have their fingers in their ears, singing at the top of their voice when it comes to this club. About time some of us spoke a few home truths, no matter how uncomfortable.

We are witnessing Everton turning into a very mediocre Premier League side. I can't see it changing direction unless someone like Usmanov declares an interest. The top 6 have raced away.

I intend to go behind the couch shortly after midday Sunday and stay there until Friday. I've read up on how the SAS get rid of their piss and shit and have made plans.

I am hoping that when I surface Friday the slagging from the RS has reduced to an almost acceptable level and they are planning their next goal haul.

Sorry guys I would to be optimistic but realism on this occasion wins.

We wet our pants about the proper number of posts on here and about whether we should all be nicer to one another. That's after we've finished (maybe) our diva swooning about hiring Fat and Evil Sam.

Meantime, the Shite expect to crush us and are quite happy to tell us so.

Grow up and man up.

Rest assured the game will go ahead, when did the gods ever smile on us when we played our neighbours?

The attitude of some fans is ‘surrender monkey' at best.

Why not just shit your pants now lads and get it over with? You can do it again tomorrow before match day. Then you can hide behind the couch with your beer, shit yourselves again and piss your pants for good measure.

Attitude is the starting point. If we do lose, I'd prefer to go down fighting rather than smelling of my own shite.

Sam will have them psyched-up like Rambo in the jungle, bandanas on and ready to spill some guts (metaphorically speaking).

Jesus wept, no wonder we are where we are – more ‘high principled' than high standards. Wave your white flags at the match as well if you like...

Total mediocrity.

Moyes over-achieved massively on a shoestring budget, most of his signings where brilliant after selling Rooney because we were on our knees as a club. Baines, Jagielka, Lescott, Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill, Coleman, Fellaini, Stones, Howard – that's a few that come into my head, he signed all these for pennies...

Then Martinez got Lukaku an Co after selling Fellaini. We have sold Stones, now we have sold Lukaku – we persist to weaken the team before we spend, it's as simple as that.

You can't keep doing that and hope you get good players for less than the amount, you will eventually come unstuck and this is what we are seeing now. The Lukaku cash has been spent on players who are not up to it – so this is where we are... a club with real ambition keeps Lukaku and Co, and then spends the £150 million!

The closer this games gets on Sunday, the more I fear the same old embarrassing display. I hope they prove me wrong but, after 18 years of it happening, it doesn't get any easier! It requires a big one... Keep the faith!

Thanks for that. I posted similar re mid-table. I was informed by a fellow ToffeeWebber that general football concensus was mid-table was anywhere between 7th and 13th.

Oh, and can Leighton Baines please not play? He upsets the Liverpool players by begging them for autographs and fawning before them in the tunnel.

As fans, metaphorically puffing our chests out would be a better starting point than metaphorically shitting ourselves.

I'm 51 years old and we've been mediocre for most of my life. I woke up and smelled the coffee long ago. We've been in the top flight for longer than anyone but our MO for the last 30 years has been ‘survive' for the most part.

But why post that on the eve of a derby match?

If we have any chance at all (which we have), I'd suggest talking us up rather than down.

We have a new manager who has made a good start, has beaten them at their place with an inferior side, and we are on a 3-game winning streak. And we're playing the Red Shite.

If only the pro-EFC passion was as strong as the anti-Allardyce bollocks was last week.

"Oh that nasty, corrupt man. I'd rather we didn't exist than had that brute in charge. The shame."

Bollocks.

It's a game of footy. Dear me. 51 you say, Mike? You don't even know me.

Note to self.

Just used your post as the general theme on here was negative.

Seriously - nothing personal.
(Note to self).
,"Internet Bravehearts"? Kevin
You don't even know me. LOL.

Seriously - nothing personal.
(Note to self).
,,,1,22:47:59,,81.178.148.178,ok,1651,12/08/2017 22:47:59,blue_runner,reader,, 880144,35926,toffeeweb,08/12/2017,John Keating,johnjkeating@hotmail.co.uk,"Mike, as a young man of 51, you need to lighten up or you won't see 52.

I doubt Sam's doing his team talk based on what he's reading on ToffeeWeb.

I think you'll find my posts are a lot more "lightened-up" than several others on that thread. Yours included.

I might not see 52 but it'll be better than whatever miserable world some posters are in.

Again, nothing personal.
But it's a derby match FFS.

At 1-0 down, we got a grip on the game, could/should have at least equalised and had so much control Jossie pulled off Rashford for a midfield player. This was when we did the opposite. Bonkers, but hardly playing for a draw.

That kind of comment undermines any other judgement you might make.

People are posting some serious and some light-hearted posts. Try and differentiate or you will be in the Royal before kick off

United we stand, divided .....? Well, you know the rest.

Any RS will be laughing out their arses if they're reading this.

Much appreciated.

Honestly.

I remember we had not won at Elland Road for about 50 years and Rooney changed that in 2002. So I hope another chain will be broken on Sunday.

Wayne must be played as a defensive midfielder but he must have a license to do what he does best, be everywhere and spread those passes and maybe arrive in the enemy territory to score like he did against West Ham.

It's going to be a hard, hard game but if we can hold the storm their defense could be vulnerable.

I'm told Norwegian Blues stun easily, but COYB, let's leave them pining for the fjords!

To expend much-needed energy, risk injuries and suspensions are not worth it. Liverpool have a much better team, who are now scoring many goals without really trying. They are just scoring goals for fun as though it is an exercise training game.

Quite frankly, the Liverpool manager, Klopp, has bought very well over the past 2 seasons (including this one, so far) with direct fast players who can score goals (such as Mane) no older than 26, while Koeman has bought players for a lot of money who are not good enough or are in their late 20s. So it's fair to state, Everton may only get one good season out of Bolasie when he returns to full fitness next season.

I don't know if this derby has come too soon, but I do know that, with Sam's experience and know how, with these coaches, we will do a number on a lot of teams.

Let's hope for at least one win there, either Sunday or in the cup. I seriously expect them to not be outwitted by Klopp, twice in a month.

Address to follow.

We need to be tight, confident and unafraid. I think we will be.

I am baffled by the idea that we are only entitled by some cosmic law to win either the league game or the cup game. I think we have a perfectly good chance to win both.

Winning depends to a large extent upon a collective belief, upon creating a psychological momentum that expects victory, or that does not expect defeat. There is no curse upon us, there is no given narrative. It's about will and courage, primarily. Yes, talent is important but concentrated mind will generally win over matter.

Now is a very good time, if we are brave enough.

They will want to play us before we reinforce the squad with a top striker and bolster the defence.

However, the lads have regrouped the last 3 games and can give a good account.

Are you honestly thinking of throwing the derby?

It's been painful for many years but you can never give up.

I think we have all seen enough genuine surprises in the game to throw in the towel.

Martinez's possession obsession was brushed aside. The Zombie football Koeman took over there, simply embarrassed us. We have to hope Sam can get us up-and-at-them

They don't like it up 'em, those RS!

When the game is replayed, they will win 1-0 – just our luck.

Pre-arranged excuse for losing on Sunday before we turn up, if you ask me. I'd rather talk myself up and then deal with the shit if it goes badly, at least we had heart, belief. Getting our excuses in before it happens, if you ask me. I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees.

Fuck it, change of attitude please! Fuck them, most of it is in the head, and that starts with us... stop being a fucking pussy and let's fucking have them. Come on!!!!!!

The goals look a bit like this: Link

And fuck the rest , we are Everton. Do a man-to-man on their Brazilians, and they don't have any reliable alternatives.

Well overdue for a win at our old ground? I'm in pub nostalgic mode but belief mode we can beat them.

We can and will beat them, this weekend.

During that time, Klopp has added an array of attacking footballers plus the impressive Coutinho, Firmino and the scoring sensation, Salah. My question is, which ones do Everton players mark, that's if they can get near them?

If Tom Davies, Gueye and Schneiderlin play against them with their usual silly late tackles, with a packed Anfield roaring and howling for their dismissals, Everton will be losing 1 or 2 players for games in the future when they have a better chance of getting a result.

'The only certainty is that Everton wont win'.

Nice. Victor fucking Meldrew's kid or what? COYTs!!!!!!!

"They have enough admirers in the media and elsewhere without Evertonians feeling they have to pump up their already inflated egos. Sky deemed fit to have a day of Liverpool Football Club today, hardly the action of an organisation that has no favourites is it?"

Maybe you missed it. Sky spent the day at USM Finch Farm in February, to be broadcast before the April 1st Derby. They had Carra wearing an Everton shirt and Rom roasting him one on one.

https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2017/2/28/14760618/sky-sports-spends-the-day-at-evertons-usm-finch-farm-training-ground

Nothing lasts forever and who in all honesty would have had us beating West Ham 4-0 after getting thrashed by Southampton?

So let's get our heads up and get that belief and confidence that we so often accuse the players of lacking and convince ourselves we'll get a result on Sunday.

But for us fans, there is always a choice. We can, if we wish, choose to go there with a winning mentality. Or do we go their cowering???

Time for a change of attitude on our part. Haven't we had enough?

I can't go there (because I am on the other side of the world) but if I wasn't, I would definitely find a way of getting into this game and I would release my inner madman.

As Darren Hind said, they don't like it up them, those RS. I hope our 7,000 give it to them before and after the kick-off.

I also hope Sam Allardyce starts with the same team as the West Ham game, with Rooney leading us out. Rooney won't be going there thinking we are beaten. I reckon he'll score.

Up the Blues!!!!

We desperately need Allardyce to conjure some movement and pace in this team. And 90 mins concentration in our defence.

We're better than several teams that have beaten them. That needs to be ringing in their ears when they walk out there tomorrow.

However there is one thing I do know.

In my opinion if we try, as some have suggested, we try to take the RS on at their game, open it up and go for them, well we will get... How can I say it?

Oh yes, fucking hammered!

Loved Roy Keane's after match summary the other night after their 7-0. His face said it all and he gave faint praise saying they will get beaten when they play a top team. He obviously hates them.

On another note, I think as a lad Sammy Lee was a blue and went to SFX. Anyone confirm?

"Chris Coleman's debut was, I am afraid merely Sunderland's latest disaster. Yet again they lost to opposition that were rather bad, but unfortunately not bad enough."

Oviedo and his back up are both out injured and Gallagher is back in the side at left back as they face table-topping Wolves! Eek!!!

Second half, Gueye sent off, queue a short improvement in our performance, then 2 more goals in last 15 minutes.

Final score: RS 0 Everton 3

The RS aren't a great team – we must get at them in their faces, squash the space and make sure we get runners in their box and good crosses and make use of the free-kicks.

No doubt they'll come out fast but we can't get overawed and the players bottle it. Sam and Sam won't make this happen as, unlike the last 2 managers, they have pride and realism of the task at hand.

Here's to bookie buster tomorrow. Worth a win double – this game and the Cup game v the RS.

Of course we can beat them. Their defence and keeper are undeniably poor. Worrying for them when they laud the renaissance of Moreno at left back and bemoan his absence through injury. They can't defend dead balls and if anyone is ace at coaching those, it's our man in charge.

Gueye has done a number on better players than Coutinho.

We won't be naïve as we have been recently and anyone who thinks Rooney won't be up for it doesn't know the man.

Can't wait for kick-off.

There is next to no chance of Sam sending us out there to go toe to toe with them and leave ourselves open to their lightning counters. The aim will almost definitely be to be well organised, compact and to frustrate them for the first half, whilst hopefully having the facility to launch our own counter-attacks and/or be a danger from set pieces.

I wonder if he will be tempted to shift Calvert-Lewin to the left and play Niasse through the middle giving us a front three of Calvert-Lewin, Niasse and Lennon. That is a front three that is hard-working and quick and well suited to harassing them in possession and being able to spring a quick counter. It would mean leaving Gylfi out though and likely Sam will want his set-piece delivery.

I understand your realism view but you never throw a derby.

We go there and give it our best shot or what's the point?

I may be a dreamer thinking we can win but the pleasure in doing it is what keeps me going.

Unfortunately refs don't allow the 'dogs of war' any more. Those days are long gone. Any over-zealous challenge is a booking and flair players are over-protected. The first tough challenge from us will be a yellow and then that player is walking a tightrope.

We have to sit back, be 100% focused, make zero mistakes, and get a bit of luck. We also need an unbiased ref, or better still, a ref that's biased in our favour!

So, massive challenge, but not impossible.

It's definitely all about what goes on between the ears and Liverpool have been much better psychologically for many years. Here's hoping for a magnificent turn-up for the books tomorrow.

As it stands, I'm afraid I can see a 3-0 home win.

Despite the red media predicting the second coming, we might just surprise a few people, and nick a point.

That's a good start from Sam. Let's hope the players respond.

11 v 11. Sunday league mentality required when you would look at your immediate opponent before kick off and think "You're getting fuck-all off me today. Nothing!"

You said that Gueye has done a job on better players than Coutinho... Which players would that be then??

Let's see if the bookies have it wrong!

Dear oh dear, gents, grow a pair! Personally I can't wait for tomorrow. Will we win? Well, we've got a chance. They're great going forward but let's be honest absolutely shite at the back; almost laughably at set pieces, and guess what Sam's teams are good at?

To the poster that said we sold our talent, they wanted to go. Don't forget, Bobby wouldn't sell Stones to Chelsea, but if a player wants to go, they go. Simples.

And speaking about the loss of Lukaku, we've scored 1 more after 15 games than we did last season, but conceded more, so I think I know where we need strengthening.

But COYB! Let's take it to them. Nothing to be scared of! There for the taking!!!! There we go. A win guaranteed. And breathe.

Please, Sam. Please, lads. Surprise me. Delight me.

He has a plan and a strategy to beat them and that is a first for many years. I am pretty sure it does not involve a knife to a gunfight.

If We get a George Mckane score tomorrow, that is 250-1. I can dream, can't I?! Let's do it, Blue Boys!!!

The teams and players that played in those past games played their hearts out, these draws do not get any attention but, more often than not, it has been blood and thunder that has got them.

We go there, fight like lions – there's no reason we can't come out with something. Especially as their defence can wobble like a jelly in a sauna.

Even Jagielka and Baines's friendly smiles and cowardice before the game doesn't compare with the cowardice of the fans.

Baines even said to my daughter in Formby he likes Gerrard as a person... Jesus, he is a vile arrogant man I have first hand knowledge of. Bit of banter with him got out of hand before FA Cup semi-final and he called me a bluenose bastard so I obviously replied, "39 Italians can't be wrong, you Huyton red prick!"

Merry Xmas. COYB

Some seem to be assuming we'll lose, and some even say that logic dictates it. In fact, logic dictates that we might win, that the chance of winning is less than the chance of losing or drawing, and that the chance of winning is influenced by how Allardyce sets us up both tactically and in terms of attitude.

That has been the problem we are too nice. Even Carra admitted that we were very friendly in the tunnel. Hope if big Sam sees this, it will be a massive slap on the head for the culprits.

I'm surprised Gerrard didn't try to land one on you but I'm guessing he didn't have ten mates to back him up this time.

They're all the same, mate. i bumped into Phil Thompson this time last year. He was with his family and I was with my brothers. Football naturally got mentioned (not by me) and he said something like "Oh you're a bitter are you, my mate's a Blue and he's the same – really bitter."

Owing to the fact that he was with his family I just looked at him and shook my head. I can't believe the sheer lack of awareness of the possible reason we're "bitter" towards them (for those that are) and the total disregard of everything that surrounds that reason.

It's as though they revel in what happened to us (the ban) while totally dissociating themselves from the real tragedy. It's this that has made me have no respect for any of them that refer to us as the "bitters".

I've only managed to have one conversation with one of them over this, a decent fella I have to say, and when I put my side of things to him he was mortified and said "I'd never thought of it that way." And that's coming from a decent fella!

They are currently a better team than us but, if we are set up properly and fight like hell for every ball, then it will not be easy for them.

Sam will relish this – probably his biggest ever game in terms of atmosphere etc – and he will have had them working all week on how to play it.

We have to play a team who will fight and scrap and refuse to lie down and a noisy Everton fans' end will help a lot too.

Teams have done this at Anfield before whilst we lie down and let them trample all over us. No Baines or Jagielka this time – so let's show some bottle and see what we can do.

That would be the Thomson who – having had a fall out with his mate – stood up in a medical tribunal to let them know his ex-mate, who was claiming disability benefit, managed to climb the stairs to sit in the top row using the complimentary tickets Thomson supplied him with every week.

They are a different breed mate.

Sam just got caught, he has got a point to prove and I've got faith in him. Another thing is this "style of football" garbage I hear people talking about, I don't care if we play 10 centre halves and win 1-0 every week! It's a results business... not who has the best style.

Let's be realistic, Sammy Lee is a great great great coach as well; welcome on board, Big Sam an little Sam! They can put Phil Thompson on there as well if they want – as long as Everton win, I'm happy... I don't care how it's done.

As for tomorrow, with Wayne Rooney in the ranks, anything is possible; it requires a lot of things to go in our favour. The weather will help us. The ref needs to not get intimidated and the players need to puff their chests out for once and stand tall.

Onward Evertonians! To victory... Side by side as we sing along together, Ev-er-ton, We're Everton and we'll be Everton forever.

Exactly!

Nice piece this from Jonjoe Kenny.

Out of the doldrums, on the ascent, 2 Sams on the touchline. Derby game leveller – it's ours to lose.

COYBs – Just do it. 1-0 win tomorrow

The snow itself won't stop the game either – the Anfield undersoil heating will see to that.

I can't see us beating them tomorrow, although I also don't see us shipping too many goals. 2-0 to them would seem like a reasonable result given the way things could turn out – I don't see us scoring, but I also don't see them scoring their current hat-full.

Didn't a 17-year-old Rooney, get reported off 100's of Liverpudlians for something he done in a Goodison derby game?

I think I understand most things in life, but I don't understand a snitch!

What a piece of work that Thompson is... Has the cheek to call us bitter! Makes me sick when I hear him discussing Everton on the Phil Thompson Show... Sorry, I meant Soccer Saturday. I think to myself "You hate us, you bitter Bastard – stop trying to be impartial!"

The producers of that show must know he's bitter. He's never reported on an Everton game as far as I'm aware. Along with that other horrible prick Aldridge that club is riddled with them. And they wonder why we hate and despise them?

One of the morons in work said to me last Saturday before the Huddersfield game and said to me "Where are you watching it today?" I just give him a dirty look and said "I'm going, you cunt." He looked at me incredulous. They're the ones who I loathe the most, the pub goers who make out like they're the greatest fans in the world... They'd need a Satnav to know where the hell-hole was.

Our club has an inferiority complex when playing them based on defeats in 3 finals, 4 semi-finals and numerous heavy derby defeats (4s and 5s against). Fact is they usually win when it matters, especially in the modernish era, and tomorrow will be no different.

I do have hope though; I hope we don't get a real thrashing, although I know that we really could! I'm a realist but my fingers will still be crossed!

By the way, Little Sam did go to SFX in Woolton. I played against him in school footy.

Went bright red and walked away without reply.

There's another example Tony.

As I say, a different breed to us.

Our job is to make it tough for them and I think we have bits and pieces of quality that could help us to nick a goal. I don't expect us to win but what I do expect is undoubted effort and determination to get a result.

Let's give them something to think about, let us be physical, let us be aggressive as the brilliance of their front line can be levelled out by a lack of desire to beat a more determined and aggressive man to every ball.

No club with any top table ambitions can afford to constantly sell their best players. We've done it for years. Never mind Lukaku, Stones and possibly Barkley, we did it with Arteta, Lescott and even further back Keown, McMahon, Ball etc etc.

Not to mention players who went on to be top world players like Dacourt, Materazzi and possibly Mustafi and Dier. We've had so many top top players at this club over the years and have let them slip through our fingers to the benefit of other clubs. This has got to stop if we are to be a top club again.

First half there were three blatant simulated attempts by Chelski players to get free kicks, one in the box by Morata, needless to say there was no retribution by the ref. This is what grinds my gears, there is no consistency, bet Oumar feels it even more than I do.

So you see before today's match, you would think the Hammers would have been torn apart, there is hope, when it seems the odds are against.

Like Sam has intimated for tomorrow, West Ham got the early goal and it has rattled Chelsea.

COYB

Sam to do likewise tomorrow? Tight at the back. Fast on the break.

Similarly, Coutinho was very inconsistent before Klopp arrived, as was Firmino. He's got them sorted, by organising the attack and motivating them. Form comes and goes, and their attack is in very good form. But let's get it into perspective, a reality check.

A lot of folks talk on here as if Liverpool are great, but they are simply not. I know a lot of reds, and they don't think they're great, they just think the attacking players are very good and in good form, but they're not too happy with the defence because they know that to get to the next level (of actually winning things) a team needs a strong defence including a top keeper.

Their squad is not significantly better than ours, despite the assertions made on here. We have been incredibly disorganised, hence the changes in manager. There's now a chance of some stability, so let's see how that goes.

Used to love playing SFX when I was at school. All the inner city schools had the Council pitches which, as you might know, were like the Pennines and as bloody rough as them. Definitely Allardyce footy on them. SFX had their own pitches which were like snooker tables, absolutely Wembley class. They had changing rooms and we always got a cup of tea after the match.

Always looked forward to playing them. Plus, we always hammered them! Bit before Little Sam's time though!

If they can beat Chelsea, we can surely beat the Red Shite. We are much closer together than those two teams so follow the Hammers example.

I wasn't watching constantly but, from what I saw of the game, Mark Noble had a great captain's game. If Williams (assuming he plays) can put in a shift like Zabaleta seemed to and our boys keep their belief, we will do this.

Just wish I could be there.

I hold my hand up now (probably to ridicule) but I have always liked Sam Allardyce as a manager. I have kept my head down on here though due to all the slagging off he got on his appointment. How many of those same people are now praising his organisational ability?

It remains to be seen of course if he can actually change things and tomorrow is just too early to judge him so, if it all goes tits up at Anfield, I will not be blaming him... as long as we show some spirit and fight and don't surrender like we have in the past two years' 4-0 drubbings.

It's a mixture of several factors: their current form, scoring goals for fun,; our suspect defenders, essentially in the centre; our depressing form this season, until a fortnight ago. The fact that we have a new management team in, stuffed with fellows who enjoy a fight, somewhat brightens up my pessimism, but only somewhat.

Still, of course, lurking in the dark, is that small bright light that tells me the score is still nil-nil and anything can happen.

COYB!

All clubs sell their top players for the right price.

I would appreciate thoughts on a young lad Sisto playing for Celta. Watched him a few times, potentially a good Premier League player. Better wide left for me, but can play right or off a forward.

Thanks, chaps.

You know who you are own up! Or be outed...

When the group chat is lit

Somehow reds seem to want to win the game more and that's the key, it's not really so important how many talented players you got, it's how much you want to win.

Nowadays, quite often reds lose at home to lower teams like Crystal Palace and then destroy us. In the 70's derby-games were always tough (usually ending 0-0 or 1-1) even if the dark side were champions or not. Sometimes we were also near the top (1975, 1978).

Or is that being Catty?

I'll have to check the claws in their contracts.

A lot won't take this lion down.

If we lose 4-0 it will be hard to take but, frankly, not the end of the world. We have become immune to such shit. But, say, we win 4-0, well, it would be the stuff of which legends are created, it will be the turning point. I demand that it is what we aspire to.

Jordan Pickford – will play for England for years. He can stop anything they throw at him.

Jonjoe Kenny – local lad, no nerves, this is your day.

Leighton Baines – you are not done yet. You can whip in winning crosses.

Ashley Williams – no back number, get back to Euros form.

Mason Holgate – class, keep Ashley calm.

Gana Gueye – stay on your feet and hit them hard.

Tom Davies – whizz the hall about and show how great you will be.

Aaron Lennon – you have been a revelation, protect Kenny and scare the shit out of them in your free time.

Wayne Rooney – be, fucking Wayne Rooney, this is your time.

Gylfi Sigurdsson – you were worth every penny and you will show it.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – on MotD they will compare you to Harry Kane.

Sam Allardyce – you won't ever lead England to a World Cup Final but now you have the chance to do something better. Let this be the turn around, let us be confident, and let us aspire to greatness. We are better than sneaking a point at Anfield.

We all know that our defence needs surgery, so give him time to put it right and let's not throw tantrums if we come unstuck today, he needs time.

I'll dig the car out just in case though... UTFT

It's one thing beating them but beating the ref too is virtually impossible.

I always think about the loyal and die hard fans who have to travel, and that applies to both sets of fans, who have to travel long distances to the Match.

Fans are always secondary, and last to know of these things as long as Sky are getting their ill-gotten revenue, all is well in their eyes.

Talk about raising the white flag! (I do think we'll lose by the way!)

I have negotiated the time slot with my wife to lie in bed and watch it. I have very little else to do here in Latvia on a Sunday afternoon; there are no mountains so I can't do my hobby of hiking, the standard of football played here is dismal (besides, winter sports prevail here), and I have no family or friends to visit.

In other words, I want it to go ahead, even though the fundamentals are bad for us: they have a world class attack against our horrendous defence; they are at home; they normally beat us which gives an extra psychological edge to them and to their fans; and our attack is very average if not poor.

The only positive is that our manager doesn't suffer fools and might be able to organise us well enough to contain them, or even nick a cheeky win.

Latvia sounds a lot like where I live – West Sussex! I will be watching the game in the pub with two gobshites and a spud. Not confident to be honest but I'll never admit it to them bastards!

Come on you Blues!

The colder and wetter the better!

Yes they are a good side. A very good attacking side but they will not like it up them. We need to go into this game with every intention of winning it – not pinching a point winning it!

We are Everton for god sake and we should not be contemplating losing. Strong at the back with enough attacking prowess to really make them think (Lookman, Vlasic).

I'm not praying for a win. I'm expecting one.

But Allardyce doing the "soft German" stuff on Klopp, and giving clearly disingenuous praise to Liverpool may be what can reverse the results of the century to date.

Initially. I was not in favour of 'Big Sam' at Goodison, but after a while it became clear that a collegiate and passionate Unsworth was getting no change out of the players, and only someone with a very fixed view of what was acceptable on and off the pitch would do. I came to the conclusion that the players deserved an Allardyce (a Ferguson would have done much the same).

A good result would begin to persuade a few of the slackers that their approach is not going to continue to pay, and may also start to heal the horrific divisions that the appalling Koeman put into the players: 1) old Moyes/Martinez, 2) Unsworth's young lads 3) vastly overpaid and overpriced mediocrities who in no way justified their ever-present status.

I look forward to Sam Allardyce's Goodison Mindgames stuffing the rather unstable Klopp, and to a healing of the rifts in the team. Actually, I'd be delighted to see Klaassen, Schniederlin and Siggurdsson turn out to be world beaters - but if they don't begin to show form, I'd flog them to anyone who'd take them, at any price just to get rid of the divisions sown.

Meanwhile, I look forward to this afternoon with no expectation of success, but at least a bit of hope.

I am feeling very optimistic and I'm expecting three points and a famous win.

COYB

Yes we will have to defend well but when in possession we will need to keep the ball, and by that I don't mean the back four inter passing. I think Rooney and Sigurdsson will be very important in that department. I would think when we havent got possession Allardyce will have Lennon close to Salah, to try to negate his pace.

I will be delighted with a draw, but history tells us it might have to be a damage limitation game. Just as long as they don't capitulate if they score early, as any confidence picked up in our last 2 wins will quickly disappear and all the negative thoughts will come flooding back to players and fans.

Great post, I do believe we will win; after reading that, I will be gutted with a draw.

Today I'd have Kenny, Lennon and Holgate back when we get corners and Gueye just outside their penalty area, four players with decent speed to cover them on breakaways, they are lethal on them especially the Egyptian, apart from that let them worry about us, we can win this if everyone is up for it, the fans going there will be.

I really hope you are right and we do win, but other than the 60s were I expected to beat them and the 80s when we had as good a side as they had. The rest has been really depressing, I keep trying to hang on to the old adage of surely the law of averages we must beat them sometime at Anfield. But now I just hope we get out of there without a battering, I mean how unlucky that our bogey team is our neighbours. I just hope today is the law of averages game.

Pickford
Kenny
Martina
Holgate
Keane
Lennon
Gueye
Beni
Rooney
Sigurrdson
Lewin

I would put the extra man in midfield to try and stifle them the longer it goes 0 - 0 the pressure grows on them.

By that I mean, no stupid or rash challenges in dangerous areas, Tom Davies and Ashley Williams the most likely culprits, because the ref can, and will be swayed by the Anfield crowd.

I know it won't be easy by any means, but still remain confident we can get something.

COYB

Belief will go along way, Sam and Sammie will make sure we have plenty of it, the rest is up to the players.