Everton vs Liverpool

If we get that and a referee who doesn't himself worship the very ground the reds walk on, then just maybe we'll give them a hiding.

First priority: nail their front three.

Not for me it isn't. COYB...

One thing is for certain: we are due a moment of good fortune... I've been waiting for 50 years.

We go in with an equal chance, simple as that.

As in so many recent derby games, we won't lose through fitness or tactics but through mental preparation – this is where Ancelotti needs to focus.

Prepare for a RS backlash. Klippety and his players are too good not too – unfortunately.

Time to put that run to bed though, we have the players to do it, let's hope we've got the confidence to end the hoodoo. I feel that Richarlison holds the key as it's the space behind Arnold that has been their weakness this season. He's a fantastic player no doubt but he does leave huge holes behind and Gomez has been struggling too so that's the area we need to attack.

Hopefully Mina makes it but I wouldn't be too worried with Godfrey coming in as we could definitely do with some pace against their front three. Big ask to make your debut in a derby though.

Hate this game with a passion but It's bloody time for an overdue win. Will have everything crossed whilst watching from behind the sofa.

We'll have a fairly strong bench to call upon should it be needed, even leaving out Delph and Davies:

Olsen, Godfrey, Nkounkou, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Bernard, Gordon.

Get a goal ahead early doors and they may fall into a more defensive shape to ensure there's no mauling again – which we can dream of!

I will refer to what I have christened the "Blue Wall": Allan, Gomes and Doucouré, who will be very hard to play through, added to the guile of James. We also have great fullbacks and carry the pace to play on the counter with Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin.

I think in Godfrey we are going to be excited; he has pace and ability that Carlo has been drooling over this week – he has obviously been taken during the training sessions.

What will fascinate me is the tactics: Aston Villa destroyed Liverpool's high-line press and I am sure Carlo is pondering how to do the same. I expect us to win with a performance that will shake up those big-six luvvies at Sky.

They may be a little confused after tomorrow...

Salah, Mane, Firmino

or

Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, James

Obviously Liverpool's trio has been together longer and are more battle-tested... but with James reigniting his world-class mojo and Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin getting better and better and still in the process of reaching their full potential, it becomes a very interesting debate.

Or we could all just agree the answer is Everton and the RS fans can suck it!

As Robert says, the early goal could be very telling as to their response tactically. This said, their defence is nothing to worry about.

They're just 11 blokes in a horrible kit.

Looking at the team sheet set out by Lyndon my only concern is our Number 1. He was at sea for the Denmark penalty during the week. We have more than enough up top to cause them problems and I expect that current form will prevail and we will win!

Will tomorrow be any different? It's hard to tell, so many times we have felt well placed to have a right go at them but on the day our big players haven't turned up.

My biggest concern is our goalkeeper, to be honest. I just feel like there's always a high-profile mistake in him and he so often he saves them for derby matches.

Can we hurt them going forward? You'd have to say Yes but it's crucial our better attacking players turn up on form, we can't have shrinking violets, we need to be clinical in front of goal when chances arrive.

I worry that we have left ourselves short up front now with nobody coming in to replace the departed Kean; if Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison miss a few games, it's a concern.

But it's all on tomorrow for the moment, let's just hope we can finally end this quite abysmal embarrassing record.

Everton still haven't won a derby that both teams have scored in since the Kanchelskis show at Anfield in 1995... maybe one to take a punt on?

Really can't make up my mind on how this goes. But there's no reason to fear them.

The thing in my mind is not if we lose. Regardless of that, I would think we've made great strides and I'll be happy with our start. But if we win... we'd be in Dreamland. Beat them and we start talking about top 4.

Terrible really that these occasions are passing this way. Would love to be hidden up in the top balcony.

If only we could be in the ground making so much noise. Real noise, not the manufactured, choreographed flag-waving, tourist attraction at Mordor, but real brutal 'shit yer pants' noise. Damn this virus.

Plus we have a manager who will be relaxed and confident (football is simple!) with a front three who are flying. A high Liverpool line could actually be a gift for us.

Having said all that, defensive injuries could be our undoing, so fingers crossed, particularly for Digne. But, if Villa can do it, why can't we?

However, I don't care if we lose to them home and away for the next 10 years – as long as we beat every other team home and away in that time and end up as Champions and European cup winners. Let them playing us be their "cup final" in the future - not ours.

Anyway, I am sure that the "Professor" will have his team and tactics sorted and also that we will build on the quality players brought in this summer over the next few windows.

We are at the start of an exciting journey – so don't let's be put off if we have the odd slip along the way.

I have always thought that their fullbacks are better going forward than they are defending, I also think Gomez is a weak link. With no Allison in goal, you could see they were nervous every time a ball was played into the box, as we know to our cost at times: goalkeepers can win or lose you games.

I am sure Robertson will get tight to James, especially early on, and won't be averse to leaving a foot in. But I think, in Allan and Doucouré, we now have midfield players who are more than a match for their midfield. Obviously their big threats are Mane and Salah but, if Coleman and Digne are fit, I will feel more confident.

10 years is a long time to go without beating your neighbours, and I would suggest that a win tomorrow would give the players and fans massive belief for the rest of the season.

Having read all the comments there seems to be a mixture of confident optimism, and some who still think it will follow the path of so many previous derbies. Being the ever-optimistic type myself, I actually think that it will be different this time.

It won't be easy but I do think we will have too much for them, I just hope there are no dubious decisions from Oliver, and we saying "Please Sir, we want some more!"

Not me. I want to win every match and am a bastard to be around when we loose, especially to this shower of shit.

Let just utilized our chances and set pieces as well. I see us winning, The Lion might be the king of the jungle but it should pass where the scorpions are having lunch. That is a warning to Liverpool.

With the team given as above, we can have a go at anyone. We have real top quality players, an excellent mix of youth and experience, energy and guile.

Everton 2 Liverpool 1

A right mayhem bastard of a game, injuries and a RS sending off. A header from a set piece seals the win for the Blues.

Love it mate, let's hope the scorpions have an extended feast of a lunch tomorrow and there is no sting in the tail.

We've got to take them tomorrow, Richarlison missed two very good chances in that game... Come on, Charlie, do the business tomorrow and start to catch up to Dominic in the goals race.

Mind you, Dominic could be further ahead if he takes his chances. Then there is James, who is also ahead of you, and if he takes his chances? I think it will be raining goals, all Blue ones.

It's all about attitude; if we think we can win, then we may well do, or at least we will come close. This is the best team and squad we have had for at least 35 years; the squad is probably the strongest I have known in my lifetime when you look at the bench, and if the three new boys perform, we are in with a decent chance.

The bit of niggle at Gibbs caused a red card (reaction is totally Gibbs fault) but if you watch, James does it all the time. Loves leaving a bit on his opposite number and just backs himself to be better than them.

I think he's a bit more physical than people give him credit for. Not a soft touch at all.

I feel that needs a tune to go with it, and further lyrics.

A bit more confident than normal about tomorrow but at kick-off I'll be full of trepidation. Can't wait!

I predict a win to us. A win to them. A draw. An abandoned game.

Paul, that is so lame mate, sorry, but what a defeatist attitude!

I can never forgive this little runt for disallowing the Distin winner at Anfield for no apparent reason... even Carragher didn't appeal. He then booked Anichebe for mouthing the words "What was wrong with that?"

Then, 5 minutes later, permitted Slippy G to get in his face screaming "Fuck off, you fucking shithouse" – yet took no action. I smell controversy here...

It's been a really bad year in many ways, not just in a football sense but these last few weeks have rekindled the hopes of long-suffering Evertonians.

We can justifiably believe in winning this one even without Mina or Digne but have to be wary of the RS rebound after the Villa debacle.

I really don't care how we win but it could go a long way to showing the world that we are a force to be reckoned with again.

Possibly a garden gate, I'll get my coat. :-)

As I'm sure Ancelotti is aware, it's the old saying attack is the best form of defence and that's true in their case with their much over-rated centre-back, patience is the key, frustrate them and hit hard and fast when the opportunities arise.

On another note did you know they have 63% of their squad registered as asthmatic, this allows for the legal administration of performance enhancing substances, just saying like!

What does strike me are Klopp's words. We usually get a patronising pat on the head from him. This time, he is praising Everton in advance. So should the RS lose, he will be able to say, "This is not a surprise, I told you so" to their fans.

What this says to me is that he is certainly concerned, maybe even worried. Let's hope his fears get transmitted to his team.

Not just because it's the derby and the weight and wait of 10 years needs expunging but because this is our first real test of whether our early momentum is genuinely sustainable – post International break; one or two injury doubts; top 4 opposition etc.

Beating any of the top 4 at this point – and especially Them – will give genuine believable optimism that at last something is happening at our club.

Impressive and enjoyable though our form has been – and catching Spurs cold early on aside – we've beaten sides we would expect to beat as a top 7 side.

There are enough new faces playing tomorrow that shouldn't give a flying fig about the last 10 years – and I happen to believe the ground being empty may take the pressure off the players and work in our favour.

This is definitely the big test – and I believe we'll pass it.

The road of "we're as good as them" is littered with blue corpses flattened by crushing reality. This is the devil's outfit Ronaldo and Messi playing in blue wouldn't guarantee another embarrassment with the Northeast Fumbler in goal.

Don't do it to yourselves.

If they both do miss, with the best will in the world, it's going to be an uphill struggle with their front three and our kids.

Liverpool have 63% of the squad registered as asthmatic?

The local Care Home probably has less of their octogenarians registered!

Is this a loophole within the rules they are exploiting to allow the administration of certain drugs to aid respiration and enhance performance.

Didn’t Bradley Wiggins do something similar?

3-0 for the mighty blues tomorrow.
COYB FTRS!!

I'm not joking this time, but the National average in the UK, which is across the whole population, including from cradle to senior citizens is only 12%. Considering the age group involved in a professional footballing side those figures would be vastly reduced if averaging it out.

Taking performance enhancing drugs, although permissable in certain cases, still seems to be an anomaly here, again if your figures are correct. See reference : https://statistics.blf.org.uk/asthma#:~:text=How%20many%20people%2

I expect a full strength team selection from Mr Klopp and plenty of examples of their dark arts.

I also feel confident that we will prevail. Buckle up lads and lasses, this game will rock. COYB

Andrei is apparently looking for opportunities now, we should find a place at the club for this man.

We've got the makings of a good team and the squad looks a little more like it; but my view is that most important match, is the one you're playing in; and the next most important, is the next match in cup or league.

The past is the past, I think our future is looking pretty good; but although I'd like to hope that we are suddenly an invincible machine, I don't think that we are...yet!

In the club, I think The Prof is building a momentum and an ethos that we take each game as it comes we build a spirit of becoming a team that never gives in, never gives up and that we're building a reputation that other teams won't relish playing us.

All I want to see is that we match them in commitment for every minute of the 90 and we contest every loose ball and to play the football we are capable of.

As we all know, anything can happen during the match, luck comes into it as well. If we allow it to deflate us for the rest of the season, like it did Anfield in the last minute, then it could shatter morale.

It will be good to match ourselves against them, as it will against every other side in the Premier League.

Hmm it's still very early season and conclusion being made on Blues achievement for the season by him...

COYB prove him wrong...

As for Mina and Digne possibly not making it, then it's the perfect opportunity for Godfrey and Nkounkou to show what they can do. It's what we bought them for.

No fear = no nervousness = no problems. If they score go back up the pitch and score two. Time to repay the humiliations of the last 30 years. Three points and top of the pyramid please.
COYB

Someone kicking that fucker Mane up in the air in THEIR half would certainly help as well. I stress THEIR half because, if it's over the halfway line, those fuckers will get a penalty for it somehow!

You can go back to Tom Davies's shot coming back off the post last season, the Virgl complete shanked shot heading for the corner flag, but does an unbelievable spin back towards Pickford's crossbar, Gomes's shot being cleared off the line, probably Distin's only mistake in a Blue shirt under hitting a back pass, Carol heading the winner in when he had his back to our goal and hit the back of his head, when did we ever get a break at the other end against them, probably Andy Johnson's goal to make it three-nil, but we were already out of sight by then.

That is why I always dread this game, no matter how well we play, we just never catch a gift or break against them.

Just for once, I would love Everton to change that, outplay our neighbours, and give them a beating on merit, without Lady Luck helping the shite again.

Alexander Arnold and Robinson like to get forward a lot and I don't think that will change so, with James on one side and Richarlison on the other, this is where we can exploit them. I hope Digne is fit as I think Niels would struggle with Salah.

Let's hope Mr Oliver is on his game as I think them dirty red bastards will try and take James out the game. Come on, blues, let's make a statement to the rest and show we mean business, think their will definately be goals in this one, I'm going 3-2 to Everton.

Liverpool have 63% of the squad registered as asthmatic?

I couldn't possibly speculate either that the administration of medication via an asthma loophole is responsible for the unbelievable and unprecedented stamina and endurance shown by Liverpool players in their constant pressing and harassing of opposition players over the last couple of seasons, and their super-human performances, often twice a week.

Also, Is this a loophole that is commonly used by all of their competitors?

Then Pickford realized he can’t play center field.

Therein lies the rub for me.

We’re good enough to beat them. But we can’t gift them any goals tomorrow. No gifts, 1 or 3 points. Play Santa, 0 points.

A surprising stat, which seems out of the ordinary. Like Iain, is your source credible? It's not like a stat that one could pluck out of thin air.

A shame Holgate isn't available but I think we have enough steel and horribleness in the team now that we can dish it as much as take it.

I think we might see Delph starting but, as far as the result goes, I'm seeing 0-0 in my tea leaves but any score on the doors will do as long as the second one is nil.

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet but subs could be the key and for once I think we've got the better bench. Good defenders and midfield options mean we can cover injuries well and even mix up our tactics. Reasons to be cheerful!

I hate playing them for two reasons; I hate losing to them and I hate our players bending over for them.

In my time supporting the blues there have only been two players who have really given it to them – Ferguson and Cahill.

I'm hoping we now have two more – Allan and James. If these two can give it to them, we'll win. Simple. They fucking hate it when we have a player (or players) who don't give a shite about them.

I agree it's only one game, it shouldn't matter either way and shouldn't dictate our season... but I fucking hate them!

Attitude or mindset is a vital part of the game and we have a team with a positive attitude. We have a team who are capable of beating any team in the league but tomorrow will be the only time I will be happy to hear the final whistle and be able to control my emotions until we play them again.

I've been trying not to get too excited about this one. It'd be very Everton to give you hope and then slug you in the gut! It just seems different now. Richarlison and Digne should be injured, but they're fit. Allan. Coleman and Gomes are back and fit. Carlo seemed to say Mina is fit. Godfrey is on standby.

Everyone should have a spring in their step and 10 years is far too long. Tomorrow has to be the day!

I want to see them beg for mercy and so scared to ever come across Stanley Park ever again. Pick them up like a shitty rag and rub their noses in the shit they given us for far too many years. Ruin them. Fuck them good style.

And whilst you are doing that, whisper in their ears "It's over, you've been rumbled... now Fuck Off!"

Tomorrow is our Gunfight at the OK Corral. The Earps destroy the Clantons. Blue destroys Red Forever! COYBs

Now where are my blood pressure meds?

His name is Doucouré, Jurgen.

They can talk all they want about quality players and the rest, but a lot of their success is down to superior fitness. I mentioned earlier, perhaps in close season, about an article whereby the author pinpointed a period of "cycling off" in their fitness. Basically, this means that as their fitness has peaked (at some point last season) and the fitness needs to go up and down like a (longwave) radio wave, their fitness levels have to drop. Footballers need the close season to do this, and without the close season they won't be able to start the upwards trajectory on their fitness for some time. The author said if they keep with their regime of caffeine use, and do not cycle their fitness off, then players will experience heart failure.

Other sports that rely on fitness, such as cycling and athletics, all allow their stars have periods whereby their fitness goes away and comes back. The best cyclists always target the Tour De France, and never go for all three of the "Grand Tours" (May's Giro d'Italia, June / July's Tour de France and August's Vuelta d'Espana) because you cannot keep your fitness at peak levels and there is insufficient time to cycle the fitness off between them. Some hope to peak late at the Tour and hold on to enough on the down swing to get lucky at the Giro.

Regardless of the caffeine, the TUI's for asthma, and whatever else they are pushing in the grey areas, the heart cannot take it, and they have to cycle off soon, or players will start developing cardiac issues.

We are in the best moment we've been for ages, the harmony amongst the fanbase reflects that. There no need for superstition or prescient.

We have a winning manager who eats these type of games for breakfast. Tellingly we have a team worthy of the game, reflected in Ancelotti's confidence and manner.

It's a full 24 hours before the game and I got up this morning distracted and starving. I then realized it wasn't hunger, it was excitement. I haven't that feeling about this game for years.

We will win tomorrow.

Good advice, but there is a rider to that "Don't get caught" – which will be pretty difficult in front of both the camera, and the watching millions!

Oh, and I hope Ferguson has the last words in the dressing room before they get on the pitch. They'll come out jet-propelled if he does that.

The author seems legit and it has been much quoted over the last few months.

We can but hope! 😉

What they will try to do is press very high – Keane and Yerry (not worried if it's Godfrey) will need to be confident and composed. They will of course hit their long diagonals – Digne and Seamus key.

I'll sleep easy tonight. For the first time in years, I look around our side and feel we have the better footballers.

Don't get too impatient. Don't give the referee a chance to send you off. Win your personal battles.

Do those three things and we see this crew off tomorrow.

Other than that, l think Richarlison will have a stormer and Allan and Doucouré will run all over the redshite midfield while also finding the time to toss Salad and make Mane cry like a baby. We won't be seeing much of Klopp's gnashers – he'll be too busy sulking about a second hammering in a row.

Oh and l'm due both a win on the lottery and a hole in one. That's golf, not me socks.

Pickford's errors usually seem to involve aerial balls. If the RS had Andy Carroll then I'd see them whipping in crosses to exploit that but, outside of Van Dijk at corners, they aren't much of an aerial power.

Anyway, even if Pickford throws the ball into his net, the team this season have a different mentality than before. They don't let their heads drop, they go an do something about it, as we've seen against WHU, WBA etc.

James, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin played a lot during the internationals. James hardly runs, so not worried about him. Richarlison seemed to play himself fit. Calvert-Lewin is young and riding the crest of a wave and should not be feeling fatigue. Digne looked a worry, but reported ok after the game and that's seemingly confirmed by Carlo.

The RS have Thiago back from Covid, so perhaps he's been on the old inhaler to help with his asthma / Covid / respiratory issues. Henderson started only one of the England games, playing 66 minutes, and then 14 minutes of the defeat. So, he should feel relatively fresh. Fabinho was an unused sub (I believe) for Brazil. Whereas Gini Wijnaldum played both of Holland's games in full, though he is likely to make way for Thiago.

Not sure his “hiccup” against Denmark was an aerial ball, or the ones last season that went under his body, or the star jumps in the League Cup.

I hope you're right. I desperately want us to win, but he is now the weakest link and the mistakes keep coming.

However, I don't think that'll be a problem if Keane or Mina pick up Origi. Best to drop zonal marking then and just stop the big guy.

Since they need the turnaround, I suspect we'll lay back a bit and look for breaks in the first half. As they get frustrated the Reds back line will get exposed and subsequently carved up. 3-1 with a late one being icing on the cake.

It's the first time in years where quality-wise we look like we can come close to matching them.

Here's hoping.

If as some Twitter conspiracy theorists allege, Pickford's errors are because he's on the take, the good thing is that his handlers probably make their dough by betting on surprise results. So hopefully they'll tell him to keep a clean sheet.

Adrian's people have to decide if it's too obvious for him to throw another game or if he can make another quick payday before Allison is back.

We had a chance that day to annihilate them, “but no” we took a two-nil victory, over a very poor Liverpool team, and I can honestly remember coming out of Goodison, absolutely fuming, but also having to reign it in because I sounded like a lunatic.

There is only one way to lose any inferiority complex, and that is to battle, fight, have no fear, and if you get a chance, like we had that day, go and fucking destroy your enemy.

I hope we get another chance tomorrow, but I'm not interested in destroying Liverpool (although it would be nice), I'm just interested in learning a lot more about our own players. I honestly wouldn't swap our midfielders or forwards for theirs, and tomorrow might help me decide if I'm right.

Good luck, Everton, I'm hoping for a day like the League Cup Final at Wembley in 1984, when I suddenly realised we had a team that could compete with the best. Now wouldn't that be a great feeling.

I understand our rational perspective but honestly, I would like us to humiliate them as Brazil, World Cup semi-final style.

Just absolutely hammer them, destroy their confidence, send them into a downward spiral of despair and financial ruin until they disappear into oblivion. But that being said, a point would be a decent outcome also.

I think I've just about heard it all now...

When Everton finally beat Liverpool and went on to win the league

I hate derby games though. I'm just praying for a win tomorrow. In some ways, there isn't that much pressure on us. They'd need to beat us with 4 goals in order to go above us. The pressure is more on them. If they lose 2 consecutive league games then they'll be in a position they're not used to.

My biggest concern is Mina, if he isn't fully fit and Pickford in goal worries me. For once, he needs to keep his concentration for the whole game.

I think we will create chances. It will come down to whether we can take them and not give soft free-kicks and mistakes around our box.

Wish the Goodison faithful were there tomorrow. I think the place would have been rocking and I genuinely think we could do them with the fans behind us. We've got a decent record at home against them though. I think that Mane winner in injury time when Koeman was in charge was the last time they beat us at Goodison.

My lad is 10 in December. He's never seen us beat that lot and taken a lot of stick at school. Would be nice to just let him experience that feeling of turning them over.

On a positive note, Tom Cannon has been on fire and now he’s doing this in training:

Link

We finally have the ammunition and the confidence to beat them.

I do however expect a few goals so I am going for a 3-1 or 3-2 to the Blues.

Carlo will have them organised and prepared.

As long as we are ready for all the long balls they will play down the flanks I am sure we will cope with their front 3.

The secret for me will be to trouble their back line as they have got away with it for too long.

Pressurize them, force them back, make them uncomfortable.

On the playing front I think Gomes is too slow and caught too much in possession so I would go for Delph for this one. Other than that the team picks itself and watch for Pickford having a blinder!!

COYBB

I was actually trying to be humorous and offering a silver lining of sorts to the folks on here who are doom and gloom. Sorry to cause such offense to everyone.

For a nano second, Steve, I was really worried about the lad!

If Simms moves up, then I can see him getting into the U23s and maybe then we can see Kouyate starting for the U18s.

James Rodrigues has been dispossessed 9 times this season, the most of all of our players. Richarlison has 8, and Coleman has 8 also. Gomes has 6. I think you're singling him out and he's been getting back to his best this season.

Guess I'm getting old and grumpy as I hate social media almost as much as I hate the RS... almost!

Would love it if Simms progresses so much to be able to step up.

I am surprised at Coleman's stats although I believe, if we look into it further, we will see he also won the ball back. I just have this awful memory of Gomes fouling from behind on the edge of our box after he has been dispossessed because he is too slow.

A simply shameful record, especially when you consider how many shit teams they had during that period.

I was at that game... and I remember the good feeling everyone had in the weeks leading up to that game, they had their 3rd choice keeper and they were struggling for form and we were flying.

The sound of the helicopters above on our walk back to the car surrounded by kopites will haunt me forever. They weren't singing or fuck all very quiet... it was weird. I would have put me house on that game, they don't call them the devil's club for fuck all.

So what does he do, stand toe to toe with them or be organised and hit them on the counter? If Alexander Arnold and Robertson push on, like they generally do, we can expose them from both sides.

Just watch it, nothing else needed to be said.

The last time Delph played against the redshite, against the kids in the FA Cup, he was embarrassing, and threw the toys out of the pram after. I'd play Gomes all day long, especially with Allan behind him.

Also, Gomes has played less minutes than those 3 players Steve Ferns mentions, so relative to his playing time Gomes is very much on a par in terms of how often he is dispossessed.

I'd personally pick Sigurdsson over Delph or Gomes at present, as I believe he offers greater mobility, less risk of committing reckless or stupid fouls, and can offer more of an attacking threat. I also think he has played pretty well when used so far this season.

We finally have a midfield that won't be bullied and will take the fight to the oppo as well as some magic up front. Richarlison has not just got talent but incredible stamina and if he and James can stay fit, Calvert-Lewiwill get the chances by just staying in and around the box.

Fingers and toes all crossed our main players are fit. If so I really think we can take them tomorrow.

I am just hoping. Pickford doesn't have another Origi moment.

Can't wait.

Early days yet, but I expect us to win tomorrow, not because we are at home or they got hammered at Villa or Klopp is worried or down to injuries etc. It's because Carlo knows his team is ready and fully expects to win.
Relax, time's are a changing!

Interesting that they have had that type of regime. Could fall flat on their face with that crack.

Paul Hewitt
42 Posted 16/10/2020 at 11:15:08
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Brian@40. You call it defeatist. I call it being let down SO many times in derby games.

Quite simply, judging by what Paul says, he doesn't anticipate Everton ever winning a derby match ever again, and I mean for eternity, as I suspect, a few other TW'ers feel likewise.

These winless runs against certain teams (not just the RS) have to, and will end sometime. Sooner or later we WILL win against the RS, we will win away at Chelsea, Arsenal, and this season away at the RS. Players like Allan, James, Doucoure, Ben Godfrey, and Nkounkou probably have no idea about our dismal run against these teams, and so won't go out tomorrow thinking the worst. They will only be thinking about victory, like the previous seven games this season.

The only people thinking the worse tomorrow is us, the fans, well some anyway. If we were top of the league, (which we are) and the RS in league two (which I wish they were) and we drew them in the cup, people on here would still probably feel the worse, simply because it's them.

What's happened in the past is gone. This season is the dawn of a new era, an era which will see the mighty blues take on and beat the so called big six teams. We might not win the league, we might not even finish top four, but I sense a cup landing at Goodison this season and a minimum top six finish.

So please, can everyone remove the negativity from their minds about tomorrow. We have the players who can, and will, beat that shower of bastards.

COYB. FTRS!!

The mindset is key and I-am, sure Carlo will nurture all his experience and nous to get one over them, tomorrow. Klippety knows he has more than a match now.

I agree with other posters, the RS, will be flying in and doing their usual diving stunts, and the dirty tricks. They'll contribute to their own downfall.

Win the midfield and we have proven so far this season,we have an attack that can score from all over the box.

I hope the referee stands up and doesn't get taken in by Manes and Salah's diving, and the hand balling of their back four, gets punished.

I reckon a very tough battle but Everton, have added more style, belief and a killer instinct, so the RS, will be doing their homework, but Everton, will prevail.

Stick to the game plan, manage out the whole game, and beat Old Nick. I've confidence if the new lads in defence are called upon.

History beckons if we can beat them, so let's see some positivity, we can beat them.

Villa took them apart, no mercy, keep the minds focused and Everton can do it, tomorrow.

No luck, we can beat them on merit but a slice of luck, is always useful.

Forza Everton!

Going to feel sick for most of the morning and during the match probably. Whatever happens, great start to the season.

The biggest things is, if we get beat tomorrow, even if it's a sickener, I believe it won't derail the season. I think we will be straight back on it at Southampton. That's the mentality which means we will treat tomorrow as one game and not an emotional drama we always seem to approach it with.

We'll beat them at football rather than kicking them off the park and emotionally overwhelming them. That's a recipe for winning games, not just a hyped-up one-off. That's the shift Carlo has managed. I expect James and Allan to run the show tomorrow and others will step up when they see it's just another game.

It's just another game until you have got a team who have got the talent to compete, then it takes on a lot more meaning, so I can understand why you are suddenly a lot more nervous, Dan, mate!

My nerves are in tatters, there's no pleasure in feeling like this!! I just pray for a win!! Please God let us win!! We've deserved some luck for all the failure we've endured over years!

Hopefully Carlo, Allan, James, et al experience of bean there won it can rub off on everyone!!

It's going to be torture!!! Come on boys.

It can't top Goodison Park in Creed for big screen community pride.

A man who is smiling and saying we will find out tomorrow if we are catching up to Liverpool, but seemingly using them not as the enemy, but more of a yardstick of where he's aiming to take his team?

Typical Liverpudlian behavior, they don't come out until it's getting dark, but I just think of the stick Man City fans took for years before the tide turned, and know it's coming soon for us Evertonians, singing we shall not be moved!

Play to our strengths, discipline and focus, we can beat them.

Let’s stay positive and believe, it’s a new era, new Everton, and genuine hope.

It’s another game, let them worry about us.

Tomorrow hopefully is our day, Everton’s day.

This is why Micheal Keane has by far the highest number of competed passes in our team. The actual real context matters. James keeps the ball fantastically, I only remember him losing it or being tackled three of four times, but okay it's nine. Incredible when you think how often he's turning around and dribbling around the toes of opposition players. He simply twists most into submission.

I like Gomes but he's lost the ball in dangerous places too many times. Ditto the stupid fouls. It's all a balance really. Upsides, downsides.

As to the game, I'm not nervous at all. Can't wait, got that humpback bridge gonads feeling.

Tomorrow we have a big chance to really make a statement that Everton are serious about top four. We have all spoken over the years about the mentality of our team going into these matches, I really hope this has changed and we will see this tomorrow.

This side is capable of winning tomorrow and Klopp knows it. Coleman scoring and us winning would be a dream – I have a feeling, must check what price he is.
COYB.

Never confident playing that lot, we will have to play the ref as well as lady luck to beat them tomorrow.

They will kick scream and whinge their way through the game, they will also be hurting after the Villa trouncing.

If we do beat them, watch and listen to the red hoards question whether Klopp is the man for the job, its the way they are.

Please, please Everton turn these bastards over convincingly and show them for what they are, ungracious, classless, overrated media protected prima donnas.

Forgot to mention the Devil will be pulling the strings for them as well.

Darren (#99) sums it up beautifully. Don't think the goals will flow as they have done so often lately, but I think we'd all settle for a scrappy 1-0 win.

After a busy night in AED on a Friday, I could sleep through an earthquake.

I've told wifey to wake me at the final whistle if we win, leave me if we lose.

I pray to the blue gods I get that wake-up call.

The boy said, "my name's James
And it might be a sin
But I'll take your bet, you're gonna regret
'Cause I'm the best there's ever been."

Gomes. Gomes. Gomes. Gomes.

Everybody say after me - fecking Gomes!

I was mortified to see the 4:30 am kickoff time then realized my work computer is on PST. Now I have the relative luxury of an extra two hours of sleep.

As you say the current players don't carry the baggage of the past. In fact Doucouré is probably looking around thinking “I beat this lot six months ago with Troy Deeney, this should be fun.”

However, from what I have seen, read and heard, they only play one style – the hi-press "gegenpress".

Clearly this is what Aston Villa knew and set their own tactics to exploit it.

I doubt if Klopp can organise his team to play in any other style, with the personnel he has, so I expect them to line up in exactly this way tomorrow and, if they do, I am sure Carlo will have seen the effect of the AV tactics last time and be aware of the frailties.

I am also pretty sure that the "Professor" will have other tactics to hand if the RS do try to play in a different way.

For once, I think, they are the known quantity and we are the unknown one.

As others have said – let them worry about us, and what we are going to do.

Link

Just when you think it’s impossible to love this man anymore. It’s brilliant. Ancelotti just seems such a genuine and great guy. Now wonder players, superstars even, want to run through brick walls for him.

If he has another meltdown and hands them the game, I'll lose my shit big time.

So tomorrow, Klopp will be going for a deep defence inviting us to attack deeply and raise our back line because James's accurate passing will be nullified if their defence leaves no gaps behind them. So we will get plenty of corners and they will try and suggest pushing in the box. Thankfully, Calvert-Lewin and Mina are getting on target with their headers and Sigurdsson is getting back to his best with longs shots.

I expect Godfery to be on the bench along with Olsen, Bernard, Iwobi, Davies, Gordon or Nkounkou. These subs allow us to replace full-backs and to change the attack.

If we score first via a penalty from Robinson or Trent Alexander-Arnold then it will scare them to bits about stopping players in the box.

Biggest threat from LFC will be from Jota via through balls from Thiago.
Was it Jota that got Jags a red card when he fell to the ground 'seriously injured' by Jags's correct tackle, until the moment the red card was given?

Goals from James, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and maybe just maybe Iwobi or Doucouré.

These pretentious pricks have got away with this too many times, with unspotted fouls (obvious to us btw) and decisions which have historically changed their way.

The tide has eventually turned, my friend, they are driftwood, flotsam, and should be regarded as the detritus they have portrayed themselves over the years!

That article is brilliant. Everybody should read it.

Link

Hopefully, this Duke of Earl, url, if copied, works.
Next up let's all sort out a song, and ditty, for Allan and James.

Du, Du, Du, Doucouré, Repeat, to this tune. Imagine tomorrow, Goodison Park bouncing with a full crowd.

Onwards Evertonians!

Tomorrow, our hearts and minds, can help to win this game.

Onwards Evertonians!

Kieran #193, great point, wittily made.

But there are Some points we should get clear: Klopp is talking good things about us to confuse us so we relax, that's pure pre-match psychology.

The other thing: if we win, we won't be the best... and, if we lose, we won't be the worst.

I mean, although I don't want to recognize it, and although they fell 2-7 to Villa in their last game, they do have more experience than us (as a unit) in preparing for tough matches. So that for me is and advantadge for them.

James played two full matches in the last days with Colombia, so hard to expect him as fresh as we would like. But he's class, and that's very important and not just a detail. So if the likes of Allan and Doucouré do their jobs (and I expect them to due to the fact they are supposedly “fresh”), James will get the best benefit.

Firmino and Wijnaldum also got 90 minutes of international football on Tuesday/Wednesday so things are pretty tied on that aspect of it. But what makes me feel very confident, apart from having Carlo on the dugout, is we'll have a very good bench as we never did against them and that Allan has the experience of thrashing them apart at midfield.

Godfrey, Delph, Sigurdsson, Gordon, Nkounkou, Bernard, Olsen (leaving Iwobi out) are all really hungry for first-team football and, with that genuine desire and experience from the bench, the starting 11 will get out and give their lives for the glorious blue shirt. Whatever happens they I now they will.
COYB!!

Steve @196 Thanks for the link. Fab read about Ancelotti.

Geoff @179 & 181 – You missed your vocation mate! Great poetry!

Link

Just read that. Nice to see he rates the players already in the squad pre-summer and that the new guys were warmly welcomed.

In my younger days I'd stay up all night and pack in the bevies. I'm older, wiser? and prefer to view the games sober nowadays. COYB

My box went off against Brighton and I heard a roar that definitely never came from “the blues” next door, and when the telly came back on Brighton had equalised. Ok, I had to suffer in silence, these people having a couple of party’s after they won the league, but when Mina made it 2-1, I reckon the whole street heard my roar, along with a couple of obscenities.

I hope it’s quiet today, I’d sooner celebrate with a little bit of class, just as long as I’m bursting with happiness inside mate That will definitely do for me!

Let's hope for a win today on the anniversary of our win against them in 2010 as per Lyndon's article.

Surely we are going to have to score at least 2 as our keeper can not be trusted to keep a clean sheet at this present moment.

We need to be wary of the rs wounded animal so lets stand up and be counted, win our personal battles and show our charming neighbours exactly what the new Everton is made of.

Onward Evertonians.
Full support 💙

They are in league with Splitfoot, we all know that, and we must accept that if we are two-nil up in injury time they will "win" three penalties.

The battle of light versus darkness continues though and I'm looking to see how we react in the next few games.

Having said all that, please God we moida da' bums.

Stay safe, Webbers.

Having said, that, I wouldn't be surprised if we do beat them. It would just be 'Everton that' to end the hoodoo in front of no fans. One thing their fans certainly aren't fully appreciating is James. I've seen comments like 'if you give him space on his left foot he can cause you problems'. They have no idea who they are facing, hopefully.

The radio is usually a minute, or so, ahead of the TV so try having that on in the background.

Don't disappoint us, lads!

“Woke up this mornin' feelin' fine
There's somethin' special on my mind
Somethin' tells me I'm into something good (somethin' tells me I'm into somethin')
To something good, something good, something good”

Strange days indeed - - did we ever know how much we would miss the whole package of going to the game - - seeing friends - - the noise - - the talk before and after the match - - debates and the singing together - - we would always have a little sing song in TDH especially on derby days with the old tunes coming out - - for me the walk along Old Ancient Haunts - - memories triggered at almost every step - - images, faces, names all conjured up as I walked along those streets to Goodison - - Scotland Road - - Churches Pubs and Chippies - - onto Smith Street - - past Whittle Street - - many a morning waiting for the 33 bus for Cardinal Godfrey - - amazingly at the bottom of the road where I now live in New Brighton - - each set of steps that lead down from the Prom onto The Beach - - and coincidentally - - opposite Bramley Moor - - each set are numbered and those at the bottom of our Road are numbered 33 - - the Magic Number - - along to Westminster Road - - passing the baths - -where on Saturday mornings we would run to be the first “in” with our “cozzies” already on under our “kekes” - - who would have through that one day I would be a Dark House regular - - turning the bend and seeing Goodison in the distance - - “What Larks Hey Pip Old Chap - - What Larks” - - hey Mr. Lennon - - thank you for saying it for us all:

“So long ago was it in a dream
Was it just a dream?
I know, yes, I know, seemed so very real
It seemed so real to me
Took a walk down the street
Through the heat whispered trees
I thought I could hear
Hear, hear, hear
Somebody call out my name
As it started to rain
Two spirits dancing so strange
Ah, bowakawa pousse, pousse
Ah, bowakawa pousse, pousse
Ah, bowakawa pousse, pousse
Dream, dream away, magic in the air
Was magic in the air?
I believe, yes, I believe, more I cannot say
What more can I say?
On a river of sound
Through the mirror go 'round, 'round
I thought I could feel
Feel, feel, feel
Music touching my soul
Something warm, sudden cold
The spirit dance was unfolding”

So for today I will just have to sit in my top front room where the TV is watch our Bleutiful Boys on TV - - on my own due to the “restrictions” - - who would have thought it - - but I will be of course floating on The Blue Astral - - like the boy at the beginning of Tarkovsky’s Ivan’s Childhood - - fly over my world - -look below at the many roads leading to our Blue and White Palace - - the green turf surrounded by Blue - - as I fly I can see you gang - -Tony and Dave and Steve and John and Rob and lifting my head I can see as far as I want - - I can see our friends in America - - and other places - -Laurie Hartley and all other exiles - - and you all look up and smile - - knowing - - no one is surprised – “oh yea that’s George just flying on the Blue Blue Astral - - well it is match day”.

We are a Bluetiful gang.

I’m with you Ma Joad. You knew.

Hey I just passed 1 Smith Street and for a moment I saw My Ma - - Annie - - standing at the front door - - arms tucked into her flowered pinnie - - for a moment she looks up - - a smile on her face - - “We’ll do what we got to do “she mouths like Ma Joad - - we all know - - we all recognise all The Ma’s of Scotland Road - - all Ma’s everywhere who looked after us and set us on the road - - in their pinnies - - with wisdom in the hearts and minds.

Hey gang good wishes today:

“Life is sad
Life is a bust
All ya can do is do what you must
You do what you must do and ya do it well
I'll do it for you”

So for a moment this afternoon before the game starts - - close your eyes - - think of all of our friends - - fly over them for a moment - - give them a smile - - We Are All Blues together - - finally a thank you to all of you - - for keeping me going through 6 weeks of incredibly intense treatment in hospital - - for Being Blue - - for all your opinions - - your thoughts and dreams and visions - - and thank you to The Professor for bringing a bit of dignity - - of hope - - pride - - to our Club - - I send you as always Cosmic Blue Grooves all the way out of the window - - across the now Blueing Sky - - into the cosmos - - to you - - just you wherever you are - - have a Bluetiful Day - - sing and dance and chant and jump about to your Blue hearts content - - do not let anyone tell you stop - - do it - -Be Blue:

“I want to go out in the countryside
Oh sit by the clear, cool, crystal water
Get my spirit, way back to the feeling
Deep in my soul, I want to feel
Oh so close to the One, close to the One
Close to the One, close to the One
And that's why, I keep on singing baby”

I am just going to grab my “gob-iron” and blow a tune for you all:

“In the golden afternoon when
We sat and let Sonny Boy, blow, blow his harp
And you look out on the water
And the big ships, and the big boats
Came on sailing by, by, by, by
And you felt so good, and I felt so good
I felt I want to blow my harmonica”

There you go Blue Boys - - take care and have a great day - - a cosmic and firm handshake - - your friend - - George

Our senior players will not be fazed; James, Allan, Doucouré, Digne, Keane and Coleman will really fancy this today. Our younger lads Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are firing on all cylinders, top quality and are ready to do the business.

I'm confident simply because we have a great team, great players in every position and a great manager. Admittedly Pickford has to raise his game but, even so, we have the team to beat Liverpool.

Come on, you Blue boys!!!

I've got a good feeling about today, not easy, but we will do it (them)!

George, glad you're on the mend. "for a moment I saw My Ma - - Annie - - standing at the front door - - arms tucked into her flowered pinnie" - that one tugs.

"It gets stronger when you get the feelin'
When you get it down in your soul
And it makes you feel good
And it makes you feel whole"

Thank you all. Cosmic grooves all the way.

God bless.

Here's to the best day possible in memory of Dearest Howie – RIP!

Come ON you Blues!!!

I think its great for our manager to live among our supporters rather than leafy Wilmslow or Cheadle Hulme. How great to hear him talk about Crosby, and let's remember this guy has lived in some pretty amazing cities around the world.

Also thanks Steve for that awesome Big Dunc interview

Feeling weird, feeling emotional, yet cautious.

But I'm right with all my blue brothers til the day I die.

COYB!!

Ma Joad, George, I can see those red fans eating the grapes of wrath while you're doing your dancing. By the way, my house number is 33, another omen pointing to our victory today.

Cosmic greetings back George, really hope to see you soon, very best wishes.

I had trouble sleeping last night and have convinced myself that the press are being played for fools by the managers. There is no way Digne would be fit to play – his injury looked like a twisted knee or ligaments and I can't see him playing. Carlo of course isn't going to flag this up to Klopp before 11:30 and I also can't see Mina being fit though maybe he will be risked.

I think Nkounkou will start with Delph playing defensive midfielder on the left of centre to support him, together with Richarlison.

This leaves a problem on the bench: if Mina doesn't play or comes off injured, Godfrey will play, but what if Seamus isn't fit? Tom can fill in if needed but I wouldn't like to see him there for the majority of the game with James as protection. I am seeing a case for Matty Pennington on the bench if he hasn't gone out on loan.

I think Klopp is doing the same. I can't see Mane and Thiago starting so soon after a bout of the virus. Jota will play and they have any number of midfielders to take Thiago's place.

I probably have it wrong and they will both play full-strength teams. I can't watch it live and will go out and allow myself a glance or two at my mobile to keep up with the score. If we win, I will then spend the rest of the day and evening getting Jane more and more annoyed by rewatching it over and over again.

No wonder I couldn't sleep!!

So how we react will tell us about the character of this team. If we are the real deal or is this just another false dawn. I believe it to be the former but only time will tell.

For every player in our shirt today, it is the chance to be written into the history of Everton. To have your name said when you are long gone, to be a legend. This is our day.

(If you're wondering what I'm talking about, Google "how many Liverpool players are asthmatic"). Dodgy, very dodgy.

It won't be easy but, if Everton keep their heads, and give no freebies, we can win.

If we win then great, it's a big statement of our intent. If we draw, then fine, we stay top... but, if we lose, then we will still be up there in the top 4 and as long as we put on a show then we can be proud of our team. It's a marathon, not a sprint. I still really fancy us to win, 3-1.

Play it as tight as a ducks arse at the back, we'll get two or three great opportunities in each half. Let's hope at least one goes in.

My soundtrack today for overcoming this obstacle is https://youtu.be/CTAud5O7Qqk

Full of trepidation for this game against them. Then read George's usually brilliant post. And it seems like 1985 again, no fear, thanks George, COYB!!

Steve (252) - Richarlison and Keane scored in last season’s defeat at Anfield.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP1Xk0FyVdo

Not sure how secure it is, so won't risk it.