Liverpool vs Everton

I say, unleash the kraken. Those snotty nosed kids will never have faced a beast like Niasse. He'll run them ragged, batter them then fall on his arse to fumble the ball over the line.

Give Tosun a farewell game as well. He might not score but he'll scare the hell out of them.

Lossl
Coleman
Keane
Mina
Bainsey
Walcott
Schneiderlin
Sigurdsson
Bernard (if fit)
Niasse
Tosun

The very best we can hope for is a replay but a win doesn't seem likely given the way they are playing over the last 18 months, a team that no matter what players it has sent out it never seems to tire.

One day we will end the hoodoo but it won't be with this current crop of players at Everton, they simply aren't brave enough to take chances against the very best teams and be trusted defensively to not make any mistakes.

Jim, do you think Klopp is repeating the German tactics used in the 1954 World Cup final against Hungary? They never seemed to tire either.

The team have to out Everton them.

But then again Klopp is to proffessional to slip up..

I can only realistically see another heavy defeat...

Our season begins after Sunday...

I am most definitely a glass half empty character but we have to go in with a direct approach in an effort to at least unsettle them.

4-4-2 reads as more aggressive but I think a part time sweeper is also necessary to counter those diagnoal long balls.

Their players are outstanding and it could leave gaps around the back but we really need to play higher up the pitch to stop those long balls being delivered.

Why don't Everton players incorporate the ball over the top and turn their defenders

Never happened once against City even when the opportunity was there.

Instead taking 5 minutes to win the ball and 5 seconds to either give it back to City By trying to play through them or turn potential attack into a long back pass to Pickford who invariably puts the ball

1. Out
2. Back to City
3. To an Everton player in a worse position and under more pressure than the one who passed it back to Pickford

Hopefully we start to improve this aspect of the game against the shite

COYB

I cannot understand how we can say that "nothing else matters except beating the Reds". Perhaps from a hyperbolic mood, but if that's all that matters, then we have become the Man City of old.
That's all they were concerned about, defining themselves by being concerned about their red neighbours.

Yes, I see the value of giving players exposure etc.
We don't have the luxury of this at the moment.
Even then, the best managers don't do it indiscriminately.
This though is our last chance of silverware this season.

Play to win.

We should go in to each game thinking we can win it. I am sure this is what Klipperty has pounded in to the RS players.

I agree also with Carlo - we will have to be at our best to beat them . but anything is possible. Keep the faith.
NSNO

Carlo says we have to be perfect to beat Liverpool. Everton are far from perfect and haven't been for years.

COYB!

So the Klopp changes to his number one battalion will have something to do with that. Also the Carlo factor. I am thinking the reds are not to keen on this tie and if a tight game, Klopp would rather lose than go down the replay route!

Like Eugene the 2-1 to the Blues looks a possibility at 11/1.

Against Liverpool, if Michael Keane is selected, we have to play deep, play like we did a few weeks ago and we could be in for something like the same result. Attack, and down the middle, as against Burnley and sometimes v Newcastle. Liverpool are a very good team but have conceded against nearly every team, even if VAR have saved them a couple of times. Oh, and try to keep possession of the ball for more than three or four seconds without giving it back to the opposition.

However having said that, it's not impossible either, with the run that they are on, can't remember when they last lost at Anfield, almost as far back as when we last won there.

If they go out with the right attitude and self belief, anything is possible, go out believing that they have little chance, they are on the route to a defeat straightaway. Come on you Blues remember this is the FA Cup where upsets are common, let's make sure we cause the biggest one.

True Dave, or Silva, Martinez etc., how much stick would they have taken? We were totally outgunned in midfield so why not play OVER midfield and use DCL against their relatively suspect defence.? It was as, as you say, only when we took the game to them that we looked as if we might have scraped a point from the game.
I hope Carlo has done his homework better for Sunday.

How many times have MoD or whatever Media is covering the game proved he has 'erred again'? It is almost inconceivable that Sky or whoever, have more Camera angles than the officials have access to!

It's too soon for Carlo to have changed the mentality. And instead players like Kean seem to have bought into it

Unless/until we can get mentally stronger we'll never win at Anfield and that because a) we don't believe and b) we are too scared

Origi isn't better than DCL or Ritchie or other we have. But he has bought into their mentality and the result is he's a champs Lge winner. We are just too fragile

Such a shame cos I can't stand that lot

He gives fouls to gain a rest imo, and once you start blowing for tugs, the first thing that goes is the brain, and this is the reason that I think he's not good enough to be refereeing at this level.

He's the worst type of ref imo, because he definitely sides with certain teams, and I've witnessed him send players off, but not even book others for the same offence, in the same game, such is this mans incompetence.

The richest league in the world, also has some of the poorest officials, and you only have to see some of the decisions, even with the help of instant replays, to understand this. Some of which are that bad, that loads of spectators are actually questioning the integrity of certain officials, which I just hope is not the case tomorrow.

We all want to win tomorrow, because as Ancelloti says, that would be perfect, but the most important thing is having a proper good go at Liverpool, especially if they disrespect us.

Firstly, unlike his previous ones where he gave the calm assurance that he had a plan and was confident of victory, today's seemed about his adulation for his opponents and how tough a task.

Secondly and more worryingly was the remarks about the fitness of the team. He argued that he was happy and surprised with the fitness levels he encountered. This totally goes against what we have seen all season and doesn't fill me with hope that it's an area he wants to address.

It's all about belief and mentality to achieve things.

As you point out, our players are far too mentally fragile and confidence is and always has been very frail and limited amongst Everton's players for years now.

A prime example was the City game on New Years Day, the amount of times we passed the ball back playing safety instead of playing with risk and believing we can beat them.

For too long at this club the fear of losing is greater than the will to win.

Ancelotti will hopefully sign better more self confident players as time goes on but sadly I think with the majority of this group of players you will never be able to get inside their heads enough to alter that.

This is the only trophy we can win this season so we need to make a statement of intent & pick a side accordingly.

I think Pickford must start in goal with Sidibe, Keane, Mina & Baines in defense.

Then play Holgate & Davies in centre midfield with Richarlison & Walcott as the wide men.

A must is Kean & DCL up front with speed & aggressiveness.

The bench will be dictated by whoever else is fit. Please no Sigi or Schneids unless as subs.

"We have to be perfect to win" smacks a little of knives to a gunfight, but I think this is a bit of kidology from our man. He more than anybody knows that isn't true. He has already seen them off this season and his team were far from perfect when they did it.

What his players DID do was compete all over the park, Made absolutely sure they would win their personal battles. He was brave enough to tell his wide players to force their full backs to retreat, thus nullifying, their devastating service. He ensured his defenders sat very deep leaving very little grass for Mane or Salah to get in behind.
He basically let the Liverpool midfield players to have possession and simply asked them if they were good enough or have enough flair to find the pass to open up his team. They weren't. They didnt.
He hit them with their own break in numbers at the point of transition tactic.

I've made no secret of the fact that I worry about Ancelotti being able to work with the calibre of player we have here, but he will have devised a game plan and if the players can adhere to it, we have a chance.

There may be a few who will be let down by their Anal nerve tomorrow. Ancelotti will not be be one of them

I was going to say the exact same thing as you, with a bit of a twist.

I don't care who we play at CB. Keane or no Keane, it doesn't matter. We need to play deep. Really, really deep. No looking for offside, don't get sucked forward, barely cross the center line.

And that goes for the entire back four, for me. Klopp is a master at exploiting space. They'll give up space out wide for our fullbacks to think they can get into the attack, and then cause a turnover and exploit the shit out of that vacated space.

All four defenders need to stay home, in their positions, and defend.

Let Rich, DCL, and Bernard (or whomever) provide the attack.

I'd also try to clog midfield.

For me:

Picks
Sidibe Keane Mina Digne
Holgate
Davies Sigurdsson
Rich DCL Bernard

Rich and Bernard will need to run their nuts off, as they'll have to drop to clog midfield.

I usually prefer a more attacking approach. But let's be honest, the rs, as much as this is painful to say, are the best team in world football, and dangerous as fuck. We need to stay deep at the back, clog midfield, and take the opportunities as they come to us, not forcing them.

As long as Origi doesn't play, we'll win. That guy seemingly is our Grim Reaper.

Effort, prudence, intelligence and opportunism. Easy.

For mental well being a quick glance at the inevitable on the web then back to the film or documentary as though nothing had happened is where it's at for me.

Heartily recommend it

Even if we do win, which will be brilliant, the headlines will be 'second string Liverpool exit cup in derby defeat.'

Ancelotti is right. Everyone has to be on it. Everyone has to do their jobs and more. He knows how to beat Liverpool. Do the players believe they can?

Tony 51-How many games have we won in the last ten minutes? Even under Dunc when he tried to increase our intensity we were out on our feet against Utd in the last twenty minutes and against Arsenal. It was one of the big problems I had with Silva and I was hoping this will improve under the new regime. He will get time over the next few weeks but doesn't seem a priority and his chief concern seems to be our lack of quality on the ball.

We looked physically okay against Burnley, I presume we done okay at Newcastle? (never watched) but this took its toll, and we were absolutely shattered against a weakened but much fresher City team.

That's my worry tomorrow because if Liverpool use some of their younger players, you can guarantee they will be fresher, but hopefully the extra days rest we have had since New Year's Day will help, because we are going to be seriously fucked if it doesn't.

If we think we need big hearts to win tomorrow, then if Liverpool play a weakened team, I personally think we are going to need massive hearts, such will be the pressure on Everton not to lose. Let's just hope we relish it, and then put the boot back on the other foot!

Our problem there and at home over the last few years has been either negative fear or fiddling with philosophies over believing anyone can win a Derby.

Scandalous decisons have cost us too but I never hold my breath in the hope of a brave ref.

Conor 46 i thought we looked stronger late on in the last few games and once these Italian coaches get into the players we won't have any stamina issues.

Its all down to desire then.

Jamie, I like your lineup.

Klopp unfortunately has instilled they are beyond being beaten We have to frighten these arseholes that we
are as good

'This was a worrying press conference for me.'

Why?

When asked about transfer rumours, there was a long pause and a wry smile before he replied: 'I know it's your job to get me to answer such questions, but I want to talk about the game and the derby. It's a fantastic challenge and a fantastic opportunity. They are the world champions, but it is a fantastic challenge for us. That is my focus, not the transfer market. I want to put all my energy into explaining to the players the game we want to play.'

On explaining his own wide experience as both a player and a manager in derby games, he acknowledged how special and important it is to the supporters, but you never know what will happen.

'We need to play with confidence. Play our best and move forward in this competition. Everyone knows how important this competition is. But the last time I played in it, I won! It can be good luck for us! It's a really exciting game for us and we have confidence to do our best. You can only do that with focus and concentration, without fear.'

When questioned about playing without fear, giving Everton appalling recent record against Liverpool, he replied:

'The best way is to be focussed on what you are going to do on the pitch. And nothing else. Be focused on how to defend and how to attack.'

In referring to the fact that his Napoli team beat Liverpool in the CL not only THIS season, but also last season, he said - very accurately, very honestly (considering they just went through the entire 2019 PL fixtures undefeated):

'To beat Liverpool you need a great performance. A normal performance is not enough. Everything has to be perfect. No mistakes. Work hard. Sacrifice. Intensity. To beat them the game has to be complete.'

On being asked (on the back of DCL's comments that Ancelotti is already imposing his way on the team), he humbly deflects the praise:

'I found a fantastic spirit when I arrived which was an important base to work with, to improve. I know the players need to adapt. I ask them to do new things. I have to be patient as they adapt to the new things I ask of them every game. The fact that they try to do something new on the pitch for me is important. I don't want to change a lot and cause confusion.'

On being asked that DCL also said Carlo's confidence is rubbing off on the players, he replied:

'I am here for this. To improve the squad, the team, the club. This is my goal. This is everyone's goal and I think it will be good for our future.'

On a direct question (which you seem to be primarily basing your opinion about the interview on) how good Liverpool and Klopp are, again, he answers honestly:

'Everyone knows how Liverpool play. It's a fantastic team. Fantastic in counter attack. Fantastic in transition. Fantastic in recovering the ball and quick attack. As I said, you need to do a perfect game to beat them. Defend well. Avoid transition. Attack well because you cannot defend for 90 and we don't want to defend for 90 minutes. When we have the possibility we want to play our football.'

On the question of the congested fixture list and general fitness of his squad, he replied:

'Usually when a new manager arrives he says the physical condition is not good. I found the players' physical condition really good. The fact we didn't get any muscular injuries in this time is really good, that our physical condition is good.'

So, in contrast to your description of the presser that he spoke primarily about 'his adulation for his opponents and how tough a task' it's going to be, I heard it as a very honest appraisal about currently the world's best club side, as unappetising as that statement may be to many Blues. It is the harsh reality of just how well they have been playing for more than 18 months now.

BUT! In the same breath, he also talks up his team by saying what he wants us to do: not to defend for 90 minutes, but also attack, play with confidence, without fear.

Secondly, on the question of fitness. He did NOT express surprise at the fitness levels. He simply stated the fitness levels he found on arrival were good. The energy and effort expended by the team since Silva's demise is evidence of this, including recovering from 2-0 in the league cup to Leicester with an equalising goal in the 94th minute.

That your interpretation of that 'doesn't fill me [YOU, Connor] with hope that it's an area he wants to address' says more about you and the ambiguity you express towards Carlo's appointment than the words he actually did express.

His words equate to nothing like Moyes' 'knife to a gunfight' quote.

Couldnt agree more. News conferences generally mean nothing, but they are worth their weight in gold to the media. Journo's know there will be enough people hanging on to a managers every word and will take them all quite literally.. Keeps them in a job

We should be able to win this game, so long as we're well organised to do precisely that. And that is Ancelotti's expertise. Which players the opponent selects in their team is of secondary importance. The prime consideration is how well we are organised with a focus on winning, whoever the opponent is.

Ancelotti's focus will be a logical one, on what is required to maximise the chances of winning. He is not concerned with the history of Derby results.

In many of the posts above there is too much attention paid to negative possibilities, and a corresponding defeatist mentality. Fortunately, Ancelotti's approach is a positive one with a winning mentality.

Our right flank was exposed to the long, diagonal ball last time. That has to be addressed this time round. No adulation for them but a grudging acknowledgement of what we're up against.

COYB. It's only a month since the last game there but let's not lose by three goals this time, nor two, nor one...

Don't forget I remember you arguing with me that Silva didn't look upset after his press conference this season when he didn't get the players he wanted and we know subsequently how off you were then.

In terms of the fitness levels I used the word surprise as he said normally when you walk into a struggling team you have to address but here he found them good. Yes this worries me because we are far behind the likes of them and City in both intensity and fitness. I'm shocked you have a problem with this as you put down City's win to "they improved and we started looking leggy".

It's strange how you have used the fact that I would have preferred Pochettino and Arteta to Ancelotti as proof that I am misguided here. I really want Carlo to succeed and pointing out what I feel are valid points which I see as being mistakes of previous incumbents should threaten nobody. I have been much more complimentary than negative about Carlos impact but I will not like you bullshit people into thinking we are great when not.

Before the City game we were told "their back four and Bravo can be got at...can we exert enough pressure to exploit them...hopefully Carlo has a cunning plan". Then after as bad a half as we have had, can't string two passes together and fail to do what you hope prior to the game due to our negativity you denounce "that was a good half by us". Thankfully for us Carlo admitted in the presser how poor we were in that first half and doesn't share your analysis.

For a man who is so detailed in deciphering over every word could you please afford me the courtesy of doing the same with my name as I wouldn't expect a wordsmith like yourself to continually be so inaccurate.

I agree with Rob that they'll put a decent side out, as they should do, and I believe we will beat them.

This won't be the reversal of the turn of fortune created in the 1971 semi-final (the moment when Satan began to support them), but it's going to be a step on the way to it. We will start to drive the Forces of Darkness back.

2-0 to us. And no, this is not tempting Fate; let's say it out loud and then make it come true.

I'd like a Moise Kean to start and dish out a bit and make space for our flanks.

Hopefully the players will use all their rations of shooting power tomorrow, and the Anny Road, will do the rest.
These RS, punish teams for Amy mistake, but if you recall the recent Watford match, the RS, whilst winning 2-0, where flattered as Watford had x5 clear opportunities to score, and missed or messed the, all up.

The RS, can be beaten.

He'll what a day tomorrow could be, with some proper effort and luck.

Do not write this game off. With an effort like the Derby a year ago, we can win this.

I hate to be pessimistic about it but I write off every derby game as a certain loss, draw at best. I've ran out of patience with watching derbies, I simply can't watch us lose against them, again. Rips my heart out!

COYB FTRS!!

Liverpool are a very well organised team that consists of many good players and several exceptional players, like most teams near the top of the Premier League. Similarly, we have many good players and several exceptional players, who shine when they are well organised as a team. That showed, for example, last season at Anfield, and it surprised an awful lot of people. That included the reds I know, who were unusually quiet after that game despite the daft mistake at the end.

So long as we're organised well, we have a good chance of winning. The difference between us and Liverpool is down to organisation. They are not at the level of Man City, they are simply well organised. The reason we've got Ancelotti is his ability, which is beyond that of the likes of Klopp, to organise.

Stay positive and focused.

If the players play to Carlos plan then we have a chance...

Its all about bottle and that includes the fans...

Beat them and the next derby at the old lady will have it buzzing...

Keep the faith we can win this game...

Maximum effort and nous, we have a very good chance to beat Old Nick.

They are due to lose a big game soon, and I sense their supporters, know it's due.

They've been too lucky, too long.

I find double irony in your posts in this thread. On the one hand you say his press conference 'worried you', but then @ 62 you acknowledge that 'news conferences generally mean nothing'. The latter is a sentiment I concur with. So why 'worry' about such an irrelevance?

The second irony is your pursuit in the belief that it carried less than positive connotations. I've pointed out a number of positive statements he made about his own team. But still, YOUR interpretation of it was that it was negative in its overall tone.

You now come back with another line from the presser about how he replied to the question, having played in and managed teams in many different very big derby games, what was his record.

Again, you put a negative slant on an honest, shrug of the shoulders reply. His actual response was 'I really don't know. I've won some, I've lost some. Which is normal.'

That's it.

I quoted almost verbatim what you describe as him 'speaking very highly of the opposition.' Again, you are being selective on what you chose to highlight and how you personally chose to interpret the words.

He was very honest and not in denial in describing them as they really are: an exceptional team in a long run of good form.

But interspersed with his acknowledgement of how good they are (and they are), he also spoke positively of his own team. Or were you deaf to the following?

'My focus is not the transfer market. I want to put all my energy into explaining to the players the game we want to play.'

'We need to play with confidence. Play our best and move forward in this competition. Everyone knows how important this competition is. But the last time I played in it, I won! It can be good luck for us! It's a really exciting game for us and we have confidence to do our best. You can only do that with focus and concentration, without fear.'

On the 'fear' of playing Liverpool with our poor recent history: 'The best way is to be focussed on what you are going to do on the pitch. And nothing else. Be focused on how to defend and how to attack.'

'To beat Liverpool you need a great performance. A normal performance is not enough. Everything has to be perfect. No mistakes. Work hard. Sacrifice. Intensity. To beat them the game has to be complete.'

'Everyone knows how Liverpool play. It's a fantastic team. Fantastic in counter attack. Fantastic in transition. Fantastic in recovering the ball and quick attack. As I said, you need to do a perfect game to beat them. Defend well. Avoid transition. Attack well because you cannot defend for 90 and we don't want to defend for 90 minutes. When we have the possibility we want to play our football.'

With regard to giving the team confidence:

'I am here for this. To improve the squad, the team, the club. This is my goal. This is everyone's goal and I think it will be good for our future.'

PLENTY of positivity to be heard, but only if you are receptive to it which you apparently are not.

To reply to further points in your latest post, the following is a classic example of someone taking something completely out of context and passing it off as fact, when it's YOU that's putting up nonsense:

'If your happy that we aren't going to defend for 90 minutes that's your prerogative.'

1) I didn't say that AT ALL!
2) Unless you are exceptionally stupid - and I don't think you are - you know full well that when Carlo said we CAN'T ONLY defend for 90 minutes, he is saying that we also have to attack. He is NOT saying as you attempt to imply in your sentence above that we are going to go all gung-ho and neglect defence all together at any time in the game.

Finally, dunno why you reference that you preferred Pochettino and Arteta to Ancelotti. That's done and dusted, surely? I haven't mentioned them AT ALL. Nor have I described you as 'misguided'. I simply put up my own interpretation of the presser to counter your own self-confessed more negative slant of the same.

It is allowed, Conor, as much as you seemingly resent it.

I genuinely have no idea what you are talking about when you haughtily claim that you 'will not like you [ie, me] bullshit people into thinking we are great when not.'

If you think selectively cutting and pasting from my posts from the City live match thread is evidence of me trying to 'bullshit others', then that's pretty limp-wristed of you Conor.

Why? Because you employ exactly the same tactic as you did with Carlo's latest presser. Isolating a few phrases. Take them out of context. Add a negative spin.

The full 11 minutes presser taken as a whole does not equate to submissive negativity as you are attempting to pass it off as, IMO.

As many teams are treating the F.A. cup much the same as the other one there would be nothing to shout about except that this is still a derby game and a win is a win.

However, the next 5 Prem. games are winnable and I would love to have a team that has a better chance of beating RS in the next Prem. game if it is the only one they are to lose this season.

Lousy timing for Harry Kane to get injured just as Spurs are to play RS next week.

Let's all, despite our previously battered confidence, remember it's a simple game football played in the head as much as anywhere else, and concentrate on getting behind our Team and start believing we can win this match. Because we can, but it needs bravery and a positive attitude from every Evertonian!

We won't get beat tomorrow

2. Can we all, please, make a New year's resolution, to do away with the relentless, mind-numbing negativity, that pervades these pages, and makes them [sometimes] such a chore to read. Occasionally it will be justified; but not all-day, every day!

3. Paul [63] … how can you be having banter with the Kopites, when you don't speak Norwegian?!

I always knew we had a few gullible fan boys within our ranks. They flag themselves up often enough when offering up the contradicting stats they pick up from daft arsed websites as irrefutable proof, but dear me. This is just unadulterated born-yesterday naivety.

For the benefit of the starry eyed, lets just clear one thing up. Ancelotti has done Thousands of Pre-match interviews. He knows how to fob Journos off. He knows how to throw the dog a bone.

Ancelotti doesnt even know what sort of opposition he will face today, He may well face their best eleven, but he also knows'he could be facing a bunch of fringe players and kids - Like Villa did in the mid week cup. So he will give the standard answer and talk up the opposition. They all do that and do for a reason.. And does anybody actually believe that a man as experienced as he is, believes their is such a thing as the "perfect game" ?.. Another bone he is throwing to keep the dogs happy.

I believe those hanging on to his every word will be in the minority. The exception rather than the rule. The answers he gave were pretty much what you would expect. He more than anyone will know that no game was ever won at the press conference. He knows he will ultimately be judged on what he does, rather than what he says.

I don't care what Carlo Ancelotti says. I don't care if he says nothing. I wouldnt care if he Mimed the fucking team talk. This awful shaming record we have at Mordor has been an agony in the hearts of every Evertonian for too long. I just pray he will end it today

That's what today's about. Nine out of ten times, they'll beat us. Let's make today the one time. You'll hear me from up here when we do!

All he's doing is playing the press conference game and there is no point in hanging onto his every word.

I think we will win but with James Milners old school teacher in charge this will be tough. We need to overcome them and him to win today, no question.

Klopp will go all out for this, it wont be kids, it will be as close as he can to his best eleven.

The good guys will win. 2-1. DCL and Kean.

Have a great day. COYB

All he's doing is playing the press conference game and there is no point in hanging onto his every word.

I think we will win but with James Milners old school teacher in charge this will be tough. We need to overcome them and him to win today, no question.

Klopp will go all out for this, it wont be kids, it will be as close as he can to his best eleven.

The good guys will win. 2-1. DCL and Kean.

Have a great day. COYB

I haven't looked forward to a derby as much as this in a very very long time.

Yet even a team picked from their squad of 25 is likely to be stronger than our team.

On top of that we have to beat the media, the rabid crowd, the ref and var.
It will take a major effort to triumph today.
The bookies have lfc as 23/20 favourites

I think he is a very arrogant man and does not care about the prestige attached to the Cup.

We are good enough to beat them on the day whoever they field.

I have a bad feeling, especially after seeing reports of record losses, even though these losses won't be on the pitch today. (Some of them will be, I know!)

This just isn't like me because I've never been scared of Liverpool, Infact the only thing that does scare me about Liverpool, is that I might die before beating them in a really massive game.

I want to see those reds suffer, like I've suffered myself, and this is where the fear comes in, because if they beat us with a weakened team, then the stick will be absolutely unmerciful, but that doesn't bother me by itself, because my skin is thicker than a rhino's, when it comes to Liverpudlians.

I want us to win, but I also want us to hit the bottom of that fucking well, and start becoming the club we used to be again. Playing to win, and not just to exist, my biggest prayer is that we hit the bottom of the well the last time we played at Anfield, and we can beat these sacrilegious bastards today. “Come on you fucking blue boys!”

RS want the title badly and they will rest a few players but we will need a high tempo performance and maybe some decent refereeing decisions although I doubt that will happen.

In terms of me apparently selecting bits from your match thread I was just honing in on your hypocrisy. In your post at 72 the point I took exception to was the "says more about you and the ambiguity you express towards Carlo's appointment" so obviously you haven't put that to bed.

The vast majority of my posts towards Carlo have been positive and supportive in nature but like most fans I will question things I don't like. You linked this critical post to my impartiality. I brought up the City game as you being in favour of Carlo's appointment have continually been gushing over his every move and it seems all objectivity has gone out the window.

As pointed out the result against City was as expected and six points from three games is an excellent return and probably more than we hoped for. I could have taken anyone of your posts from City to highlight your blinkers. You praised Carlo for his handling of the squad over Xmas, over how he set up against City, praised him for how we didn't meekly surrender, praised him for positive subs and so on. Every post marvels at the manager and his decisions on a night where arguably he got his tactics wrong, where we didn't attack weaknesses as previous victors did (Mendy, Fernandinho's pace, Bravo) and where he adopted the better approach of causing an upset when the game was over.

Carlo Ancelotti is certainly walking the walk, I'm not sure he needs Jay Woods to talk the talk.

Sorry to all for ruining this thread on a day we should be positive.

Its around about now when we all start climbing onto the same boat

Pre and Post Press Conferences are just a manager or player fulfilling the contractual obligations to Sky, BT etc. How often do we hear Goodison, Molyneaux, Hope St etc is a “Tough place to come “ after they've just eviscerated the home team? Carlo will say one thing to the bellends from the Sun (spit) and something entirely different to the players. Take no notice.

Just get into them, whatever team they put out. And go there with a bit of conviction for a change.

Liverpool
13Adriàn
76Williams
12Gomez
47Phillips
7Milner
20Lallana
68Chirivella
67Elliott
18Minamino
48Jones
27Origi
Substitutes
10Mané
14Henderson
15Oxlade-Chamberlain
24Brewster
51Hoever
62Kelleher
65Larouci
Referee:
Jonathan Moss

Lads stop bickering over Carlo statements in press conferences he is a well seasoned professional who will the give the press exactly what they deserve - Nothing, He will talk while saying nothing ala (insert policticians name here ) COYB

Is a big guage this of the "actual" gap between the clubs we all know it exists, Question is how big it is

COYB

Wigan have won the cup in recent years so that says it all for both teams chances today. Its a cup tie, anyone can have a one off performance and anyone can score in a derby.

If we are switched on we should have enough to see a win.

We just have to win this game and carry on winning to the final at Wembley.

Two of our most expensive signings have been ruled out for the season. We have been ravaged by injury, That didnt stop them rubbing it in when they beat us a few weeks back. They did not give a shite.

I don't care who plays for them. We have a miserable run of results at Mordor to end.

If we get in front I hope we go for the kill and have the media darlings holding him to account.

Its all down to us to stop it.

It's still a derby match but RS have nothing to lose.

The results over Christmas show that 40 points may well be needed this year in order to survive. The sooner we can pass that total the sooner Carlo and Brands can put the plans in place for another hectic summer.

Some of them cowards should never ever be allowed to wear the shirt again - but they will.
The only good thing to come out of today is hopefully MA realises how bad we actually are.

Chins up blues !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!