Season › 2017-18 › News
Liverpool vs Everton
FA Cup 3rd Round Preview
Cenk Tosun's proposed transfer from Besitkas is reportedly close to completion and could be ratified in time for him to be eligible to face Liverpool
Updated Everton's road to Wembley starts in one of the last places they would have wanted it to… at Anfield against a Liverpool side who are unbeaten since the first derby of the season on the same ground less than a month ago.
On the 10th of December, Sam Allardyce took his new charges across Stanley Park with a mission to defend and not much else and though the danger of relegation has eased, not much appears to have changed in the interim.
Despite winning at Newcastle and brushing Swansea aside at Goodison Park, the Blues have turned in frustratingly inept attacking performances over the last four games, registering an average of one shot on target per game.
All Evertonian eyes will, therefore, be on the manager again to see how he approaches a team whose attacking prowess has not diminished since he fortuitously came away from Anfield with a point. Liverpool have scored 16 goals in five matches, the 0-0 draw at home to West Brom four days after the 1-1 draw with Everton being their only blank.
Jurgen Klopp was criticised for being too complacent with his line-up against the Blues when he rested Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mané but he will be without two of that so-called “fab four” again this time, albeit not by choice. Coutinho will be omitted as his proposed move to Barcelona has reared its head again now that the transfer window is open while Mohamed Salah is ruled out as he undergoes treatment for a groin injury that kept him out of the reds' trip to Burnley on New Year's Day.
In addition to that, both the Egyptian and Mané will be in Ghana 24 hours before this FA Cup Third Round tie kicks off as they attend the Africa Footballer of the Year awards. Both players will take a six-hour flight back to Merseyside but Allardyce will be hoping that it sufficiently impacts Mane's preparation. Virgil van Dijk could start, though, following his £75m move from Southampton that was completed on Monday.
The Everton boss, meanwhile, will also be pulling for the final details of Cenk Tosun's transfer to be ironed out in time for him to be registered to play in the match. It seems that, according to FA regulations, the Turkish international would need be registered by noon tomorrow which should, assuming a final fee is agreed, mean the player can undergo a medical and then sign the required paperwork in time to qualify.
If his move from Besiktas be completed in time, it could alter Allardyce's game-plan, although on the evidence of the past few games, it's going to take more than the addition of a striker to transform Everton into an effective attacking unit. It would certainly be a start, though.
Having rotated his squad for the match against Manchester United, the manager could revert to the line-up that was so successful in the early part of his tenure, when Mason Holgate was excelling in his natural role at centre-back, Jonjoe Kenny was getting to grips with life in the first team at right back and Gylfi Sigurdsson was beginning to show signs of settling following his decidedly iffy start to life at Goodison.
Two of those three were benched on New Year's Day while Holgate played out of position and the 2-0 defeat provided enough support for the argument that they should be restored to their previous roles.
Another foot injury for Michael Keane which required stitches on Monday looks like it will force the issue at centre half regardless. The former Burnley man won't be risked by Allardyce for this match.
Elsewhere in midfield, James McCarthy's positive impact off the bench will likely earn him a place in the starting XI alongside Morgan Schneiderlin, particularly if, as is likely, Idrissa Gueye misses out with a hamstring strain.
Up front Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hold-up play would give him an advantage over Oumar Niasse, who was poor against United, and he might get the nod to start even if Tosun signs.
They might not have won at Anfield for 19 years but Everton have a favourable cup record there, having never lost an FA Cup tie on Liverpool's turf. They drew 1-1 on their last meeting in this competition thanks to a Joleon Lescott goal and you would wager that Allardyce would take another draw and the opportunity to face Klopp's rabble at Goodison if he could.
Kick-off: 7.55pm, Friday 5th January, 2018
Referee:
Last Time: Liverpool 1 - 1 Everton (25 January, 2009)
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Martina, Schneiderlin, McCarthy, Rooney, Sigurdsson, Bolasie, Calvert-Lewin
Full details: ToffeeWeb match page
Reader Comments (92)
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2 Posted 04/01/2018 at 10:03:18
I don't like those odds.
Someone please tell me I'm wrong and we are going to get something.
3 Posted 04/01/2018 at 11:08:01
Despite all of the above, we need a bloody Miracle on current form. See you behind the sofa.
5 Posted 04/01/2018 at 11:29:06
What irks me is Liverpool seem to have players that no matter where they come from know what it means to represent the club in a local derby , then you look at us and even local lads like Barkley etc play within themselves almost in fear rather than being desperate to beat them.
Davies was anonymous at Anfield last year in April and was shit in December.
Who's going to stand up and make themselves a hero and a man tomorrow!!!?
8 years without a win in a derby match is unacceptable for an Everton Football Club.
6 Posted 04/01/2018 at 11:35:52
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc6Jrs6gPfA
Not saying that's what's going to happen to us... just saying...
7 Posted 04/01/2018 at 12:01:23
Peter #3. Quoting stats does not help us. All too often in recent years, any decent records we've held against fellow teams have been dashed. So-and-so have never won at Goodison in 30 years - we get beat. XYZ hasn't scored against Everton in 10 seasons - he scores. etc.
And the same will happen tomorrow. A nailed-on defeat.
8 Posted 04/01/2018 at 12:10:09
9 Posted 04/01/2018 at 12:39:25
We will have one shot on target, when the wind takes a long Pickford punt into their keeper's hands.
Ad infinitum.
10 Posted 04/01/2018 at 12:57:43
Anyway, three thousand of us in the league game can make more noise than them bastards. Eight thousand will make it sound like a home game for us.
COYB FTRS.
11 Posted 04/01/2018 at 13:03:43
During my time as an Evertonian it was only when we had Duncan Ferguson in his first spell that we had them rattled consistently. I read in the Faith of Our Families book that Peter Johnson never lost a game against the RS when he was chairman. Who'd have thought that that particular period would be our best against them for decades?
Hate derbies and am dreading this game.
12 Posted 04/01/2018 at 13:04:35
1901-02 – 0-2 in Round 1 (that was before top flight clubs were exempt from earlier rounds);
1931-32 – 1-2 in Round 3;
1954-55 – 0-4 in Round 4; and
1987-88 – 0-1 in Round 5.
I was actually present at both the 1955 and 1988 games, in 1955 Liverpool were in Division 2 and without an away win, when they won 4-0 with goals from Johnny Evans (2) Billy Liddell, and Alan A'Court. In 1988, the goal scorer for Liverpool was Ray Houghton.
13 Posted 04/01/2018 at 13:20:14
15 Posted 04/01/2018 at 13:30:29
Pickford
Kenny Holgate Williams Martina
McCarthy
Lookman Bolasie
Sigurdsson
Sandro
Tosun
16 Posted 04/01/2018 at 13:35:49
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beCYGm1vMJ0
17 Posted 04/01/2018 at 13:52:15
Unfortunately you are dead right.
It's been a long time since we controlled a football match.One day someone will get it right a Everton, one day.
18 Posted 04/01/2018 at 14:10:34
19 Posted 04/01/2018 at 14:24:18
20 Posted 04/01/2018 at 14:39:00
21 Posted 04/01/2018 at 15:06:56
He's tinkered around the last few games but I think he will revert to those who have been better, though that's relative !
I can't see us being, as usual, too expansive, and think he'll keep to form and hope he can restrict them and hope we get a lucky break.
Best case a draw and bring them home to do it all over again !
22 Posted 04/01/2018 at 15:10:54
Peter(#3); "It's 11 men v 11 men, 90 minutes".
What, with Schneiderlin playing?
23 Posted 04/01/2018 at 15:27:26
We know Coutinho is out but any team we face these days is a problem.
A pity Tosun wasn't already here as the striking options are very limited, still we can always park the bus and piss off Klopp again.
Seriously though none of us can hope for anything unless we have a big slice of luck.
24 Posted 04/01/2018 at 15:28:14
No.
What's worse is when I watch the shite play, I think how nice it would be if we played that type of attacking football.
Sue me. We're boring as shit 99% of the time, and the dark side plays a brand of football that is, in an objective moment, wonderful to watch.
Ugh.
25 Posted 04/01/2018 at 15:31:31
If we shit ourselves yet again and play completely on the back foot it's unforgivable for me.
Tomorrow MUST be the time when we really make a trip to Anfield matter.
The fact we have gone there for 19 years now shit scared and practically beaten before we set foot on the pitch needs to be put to one side , men in blue need to stand up and show up and show guts and backbone , not be beaten by the noise pre-kickoff by their flag waving nuts.
Show up Everton and make a hero of yourselves.
26 Posted 04/01/2018 at 15:48:27
I can only assume that you have drank copious amounts of alcohol before posting, it wouldn't matter if they played their Under-17 side – Sam will still play with only one up.
You have to go back to Joe Royle as the last Everton manager to have a go at them. The fear they put in our managers and players and fans is mind-blowing. But you will get some pundit who will say that form goes out the window in derbies, but I suggest they look at our record at Anfield before uttering such nonsense.
I just hope tomorrow isn't a total embarrassment, the only thing that worries the other lot's supporters is they say surely in one game at our place you're going to win.
27 Posted 04/01/2018 at 15:51:09
I'll wait until 10pm tomorrow night before the copious amounts of alcohol start. I think we'll all be needing to forget what happened in the two hours prior.
28 Posted 04/01/2018 at 16:29:59
30 Posted 04/01/2018 at 16:57:44
31 Posted 04/01/2018 at 17:00:55
33 Posted 04/01/2018 at 17:40:32
36 Posted 04/01/2018 at 19:44:42
I'd love to see us just compete instead of parking the proverbial. Couldn't care less if we got beat by one or two, just put a fucking display on for us...Please .
37 Posted 04/01/2018 at 19:52:26
Allardyce said in his press conference this morning that Keane would not play as he sustained a cut to his foot against Man Utd and it needed 5 stitches. I will be happy to see Holgate and Williams in the centre of our defence.
38 Posted 04/01/2018 at 19:52:55
[LAT]
39 Posted 04/01/2018 at 19:57:53
40 Posted 04/01/2018 at 20:15:36
41 Posted 04/01/2018 at 20:19:03
They are not Barcelona. I would rather have Allardyce than the lamentable Klopp. I would rather have every cursed bit of bad luck that we have suffered than be one of them.
Sam Allardyce, do it. This is your time.
42 Posted 04/01/2018 at 20:21:03
45 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:03:52
We need a team which will work its balls off and fight for everything which means James has to play based on his cameo against MU.
The management team needs an inspired talk before the game and at half time and just get stuck into them.
Rooney also has to start as he will be well up for this.
Pickford
JJK Holgate Williams Martina
McCarthy Rooney Davies
Bolasie Tocsun/ DCL Siggy
46 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:15:18
I am normally dreading the game, but with Coutinho and Salah out and Everton having Bolasie and McCarthy back along with just short of 8,000 Evertonians in the stadium we have a team we could field to not only match but beat them.
To do this we need to start Schnids on the bench and play McCarthy and Bolasie from the start, I would even put Beni alongside McCarthy for some steel in midfield.
I do not think Keane will be too much of a loss, Holgate is better in the middle than out wide.
It all comes down to Sams team selection and tactics, be bold, get it right and I fancy our chances.
Hope that makes you feel better Paul, no doom and gloom fellow Evertonians let go smash them in their own backyard, and ram it down the throats of those gloating Reds.
47 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:21:34
48 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:29:12
49 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:29:24
50 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:33:24
51 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:50:50
52 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:51:27
53 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:55:07
54 Posted 04/01/2018 at 21:58:04
I think he will start with Calvert-Lewin and have Niasse on the bench
I would not play Tom Davies, for some reason, the derby games seem to bring the average game out of him.
55 Posted 04/01/2018 at 22:04:17
After all the football that these players get through over Christmas, I think it might be better to frustrate Liverpool again tomorrow.. but, then again, if football was that easy to predict, we would all be making a fortune on the fixed odds every week!
I might be on my own, but Liverpool don't scare me. I hate them but I've never once been scared of playing them. I just wish our players felt the same way.
56 Posted 04/01/2018 at 22:24:08
A win at Mordor would make a huge difference to the mentality of the fans, the players, and the Club as a whole.
I hope he does go for it and the players turn up.
Not as nervous as I was before the last one -– that for me is a big plus.
Up the Blues!
57 Posted 04/01/2018 at 22:47:06
59 Posted 05/01/2018 at 00:39:14
We've got to win there again sometime; no better time than in a live FA Cup tie on the tele with the backing of 8,000 mad Evertonians
60 Posted 05/01/2018 at 06:12:34
They're far too cocky.
61 Posted 05/01/2018 at 07:44:03
62 Posted 05/01/2018 at 08:17:41
63 Posted 05/01/2018 at 09:08:43
64 Posted 05/01/2018 at 09:51:53
With McCarthy and Gaye in midfield and pace up front this is definitely winnable.
65 Posted 05/01/2018 at 09:54:10
I don't know if you go to Anfield George, but I bet you've looked down the hill from mere lane, and cursed the other crowd many times, on your way too and from Godfrey!
Maybe not George, you come across as a better human-being than that, preparing to concentrate on the things you love so much more than the things you don't, but either way can you please get on here and cheer up your fella Toffees now please mate!
66 Posted 05/01/2018 at 10:48:59
Get in their bloody faces for the full 90 mins. I want to see Anfield deserted bar our 8,000 travelling supporters at 90 mins. COYB
67 Posted 05/01/2018 at 11:37:49
The other key factor that I have noticed in the games where we have been beaten; which is closely linked to the aforementioned; is allowing the opposition, whoever they are, too much space.
It happened in the Manure game, and to a degree with Bournemouth; though that was more poor passing (sideways and backwards) that contributed there.
For the reasons mentioned, I hope if Schneiderlin plays, he does not commit any of the above; there can be no passengers or casual play tonight.
Whether the new man plays is debatable; if he does have any involvement at all, I would imagine it would be from the bench, when we are two goals to the good; and requiring an Insurance Policy!
68 Posted 05/01/2018 at 13:17:59
Every cloud has a silver lining for them.
69 Posted 05/01/2018 at 13:18:12
They'll never understand what it is like to be lucky enough to be a Blue. They can never really beat us because we know and have something they will never know and can never have.
Tonight we'll show them! Come on you Blue Boys!!! My God, I am ready for them. Ready for every single one of them.
Will be in their main stand somewhere high up wishing I was down in the Everton end but hey, I'll be there. And if we win not one will stop me from enjoying that. And if we lose I'll show them my colours and be as proud a Blue as every other day of my life.
For us, lads. For Everton FC. For Dixie, Howard and Big Nev. Latchford, Royle and Davie Watson. For every single Buenose around the world!
It's time
It's time
70 Posted 05/01/2018 at 13:38:01
We should just go for them tonight, sod it, we have everything to gain – like Allardyce said, the league is the priority so sod it, go all guns blazing I say.
If we can do such a thing!
71 Posted 05/01/2018 at 13:50:40
72 Posted 05/01/2018 at 14:05:01
All this is academic anyway, Allardyce is in charge, and Allardyce will play Allrdyce's way. If we are lucky, we will get a draw or sneak a win. If our luck does not hold, we will go down to a narrow defeat.
No point hoping for something that ain't gonna happen. Allardyce might not like the cups, but usually that is because he has other things on his mind. If things carry on as they have been, then we can expect a very middling position in the league and to be a good 10 points or so clear of relegation. So in essence, tonight's game is our season. Lose and we're just limping to the end of the season and to see what happens then.
For that reason, I fully expect Allardyce to do everything he can to win the game, but that will still be doing things his way, his brand of KITAP1. As much as I dislike the man and his methods, he does present the best chance of getting something off the best Liverpool team for a good few years.
73 Posted 05/01/2018 at 14:06:22
74 Posted 05/01/2018 at 14:08:48
Just have to win it on the night.
75 Posted 05/01/2018 at 14:43:20
When we got tonked at Anfield we werent gung-ho, we weren't anything. No attack, midfield or defence.
I don't care how we beat them. Just beat them.
76 Posted 05/01/2018 at 14:49:48
I'll be watching through my fingers tonight every time they attack us. Maybe we'll get something one of these days but I hate these games and I hate the RS.
77 Posted 05/01/2018 at 15:22:06
78 Posted 05/01/2018 at 15:27:10
With that in mind we should go for a win, problem is we are not creating chances from the midfield, to trouble teams.
I have a sneaking feeling though we might give them a game tonight and win.
A pipe dream, probably, lets hope we get a few lucky breaks.
79 Posted 05/01/2018 at 15:35:49
I would play Oumar, unpredictable yes, but if we don't know what he'll do, sure as eggs are eggs, the RS won't know either. Plus he would definitely be more of a nuisance factor to them.
Obviously no Tosun, even from the bench, Bolasie can be a major player.
80 Posted 05/01/2018 at 15:42:29
81 Posted 05/01/2018 at 15:45:00
I've got a 20 year old brother who has never witnessed Everton win a match at Anfield , never had the euphoria of celebrating a win away to the enemy...
Disgrace or what ????
82 Posted 05/01/2018 at 15:47:30
Let's see if he puts his money were his mouth is,or he picks Scheiderlin and co.
83 Posted 05/01/2018 at 15:49:13
Just think back to Anfield in December. He had no service at all, he had just one thing to do, and he made the most of it and won a penalty. Niasse started that game remember, and like against Chelsea, he was ineffective, only that day he was hauled off early.
For me, Niasse is a very limited player, but sending him on against tired legs, his speed and ability to create chaos is enough to maybe help us get something out of the game. Niasse is definitely a better option from the bench.
84 Posted 05/01/2018 at 16:01:11
Golden opportunity for Allardyce, its almost a free swing. Nobody is really expecting us to win, but he will accrue a lot of Brownie points from people like me if we go there and have a proper go. . . if he manages to pull it off, they'll sing songs about him for years.
RS are without their big guns, that has to be encouraging
85 Posted 05/01/2018 at 16:18:33
Who ever plays up front though there's got to be someone along side them to pick up the second ball. And, everyone who plays has got to put in a shift, no place for passengers in a Derby.
86 Posted 05/01/2018 at 16:23:50
Also don't understand the wishes for a draw and then 'have a go at them at Goodison'. If we did that they'd rip us apart on the break and be embarrassed at home.
Sorry, but the only strategy away or at home is to keep it tight and hope to nick something on the break or from a set piece.
Boring I know - but its where we are right now.
87 Posted 05/01/2018 at 16:32:12
89 Posted 05/01/2018 at 17:24:36
90 Posted 05/01/2018 at 17:31:37
That will be a Bookmakers enticement.
Read it properly.
Maximum bet £1 probably
91 Posted 05/01/2018 at 17:41:02
They will lack Coutinho and Salah but still have the firepower to score goals at will but having said that, this is the cup and anything can happen, especially if we score the first goal with a minute to go.
C.O.Y.B.
94 Posted 05/01/2018 at 18:33:51
No surprise there but will lodge complaint just to make his life uncomfortable!
95 Posted 05/01/2018 at 18:35:50
96 Posted 05/01/2018 at 18:38:53
97 Posted 05/01/2018 at 18:50:46
98 Posted 05/01/2018 at 18:51:20
99 Posted 05/01/2018 at 19:00:48
100 Posted 05/01/2018 at 19:03:18
101 Posted 05/01/2018 at 19:03:20
Been checking my sky sports app and they've got us playing with 10 men!!!!
They've missed Bolasie out!!
102 Posted 05/01/2018 at 19:03:35
Goal threats in Rooney, DCL, Bolasie, Siggurdson.
104 Posted 05/01/2018 at 19:10:38
105 Posted 05/01/2018 at 19:33:56
Prepared for the match in my usual professional manner.
Pasta, isotonic drink and a long walk for our Dixie. (Got a stitch on the way home but walked it off.)
Breathing exercises and some light limbering up.
Can of Stella just about to be opened.
(I can't watch these games down the pub as too many rs about and it just winds me up).
1-2 to us (all three goals by VVD).
COYB!
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1 Posted 04/01/2018 at 09:58:55
We will be set up very defensively I think 5-4-1 , in order to keep their pace at bay. I would settle for a draw and attack them more at Goodison.