Liverpool vs Everton

Sadly his injury record remains an issue. He o e Keane needs to agreed sold. Godfrey the go-to defender to become the mainstay centres back next season.

Really? Did you hear Mowbrays comments about Branthwait struggling with Ched Evans? He’s a kid with potential, he did OK in a few dead rubbers last year but you would really drop him in against Salah and co?

Then in January when pushing for a top 4 place, Ancelotti allows 2 more players with experience to go out loan without adequate replacements. As of late, Everton are conceding 2 or more goals a game.

Branthwaite and Kenny can't be any worse than those in the defence when considering Richard Dunne was 17 years and 3 months when he made his league debut and played a further 60 games before transferred to Man City.

They could be worse. When Dunne made his debut we were in a relegation battle, the manager was gone a month later and we finished 15th. Right now we are 7th, also the EPL has moved on. The likes of Carlton Palmer and Andy Sinton would not be stars now but they were then.

You seem to think conceding 2 or 3 per game is some kind of maximum. I’d refer you to Southampton’s annual 9-0 losses to illustrate that it could be worse. I get the sentiment, I was a fan of Richard Dunne and of Jonjoe Kenny but I feel JJK was born 30 years too late. The likes of Gary Neville could win titles 20 years ago but now they need more pace and skill. In the Dunne era, JJK could’ve been our Gary Neville but in this era he seems too short, too slow and not skillful enough. Branthwaite, maybe he’ll make it although I had similar hopes for Penno and Duffy and they came up short, but at this minute after being run ragged at Blackburn I don’t think he’s ready.

What planet are we on? We have a Comlumbia international out which is bad news, so lets hit Ancelotti with a stick even though he still has 3 fit CBs in the squad.

It'd be quicker for you online tacticians to just post -I Hate Ancelotti- and leave it at that.

Why can't you dig for real reasons that could help the club progress?

Didn't know Van Dijk was injured though so thats a bonus.

The thought of starting Holgate in the derby, who strolls through games far too leisurely gives me jitters, a back five including Holgate AND Pickford however means I'll spend most of the day on the lavvy.

Seriously unless we start learning how to defend properly we will be darted again tomorrow teatime.

We have this annoying habit of standing off players, do that with the likes of Salah and it will end only in one way.

I'm not even going to mention our record in Merseyside derbies anymore because it's not even a record now, it's a complete embarrassment and everyone that's been associated with our club over this last decade should be ashamed of it.

And the defence doesn't operate as a separate unit detached from the team. They operate in a team structure. More than anything we're conceding because we can't hold on to the ball in the attacking third and can't get a grip on possession. It's therefore easier for the opposition to pile forward and apply sustained pressure.

Some of our football is high risk looking incredible when it comes off but with a tendency to give it away

Usually the defender hits the midfield with a pass and then there is a risky flick tried that works occasionally

We missed DCL holding the ball though Richarlison really tried against City

I thought Allan’s injury looked serious on the night it happened at Leicester. He was running flat out when he pulled up very sharply on tearing his hamstring. That usually means a six to twelve weeks layoff. He was been out for over nine weeks. Throwing him straight into a derby looks questionable to me; not so much concerning the risk of a recurrence, more the risk of him needing an hour or so to get tuned into the pace of the game. A derby game is not usually the ideal environment for a player to ease his way back in.

I agree Pickford should be left out of this one for the reasons cited by Lyndon. This will be the first Anfield derby I will miss in fifty three years so we are bound to win!

Not liking Ancellotti, is a personal opinion, but save it till after the game please, because we are playing the team, that most of us hate the most tomorrow night, and sometimes it means we’ve got to unite.

I can still remember Campbell’s goal, but it was that fucking long ago, I can’t remember it like it was yesterday, unfortunately. United they stand, divided they fall, has never been a more apt description for the football club I love, so come on Evertonians, let’s unite, and see just where it takes us🤞🙏

It helps that they have had an actual leader over that time in Gerrard and now Henderson. Who exactly do we had/have to rally the troops??

Tomorrow will be no different, even without fans, like City they will go up one or two gears if need be because they'll want it more.

I know we have no fans there tomorrow night, but to show the players that don’t already know how much this game means to Evertonians, just show them the scenes behind the goal when Sigurdson scored at Anfield in the cup, I spoke to American relatives who were at that game supporting Liverpool, but they said that was the highlight of the night for them, they’d never seen nothing like that in their lives

Mention it first lads.
Do thier heads in.

If Alisson plays a nervy game and DCL is fit with his aerial ability against their back four, then the lads have to be up for it. If we're under the cosh, I don't mind if we hit it down to the corner flag like rugby just to get Alison to wander out once or twice and see what happens. Doucoure to play slightly to the right to make Trent think twice about a long ball switch to Robinson and any interceptions.

Kunal @ 29 I totally agree. They gloat and brush it off, but they gloat because it means everything to them and nothing less. When we win (you can't throw a heads in a toin coss forever) and they lose, watch their self belief crumble, and accusations, sob stories and bitterness will make the Live Forum show a nothing burger. Admittedly, I like to visit the live forum - great banter too.

But: I can imagine the RS when they lose to the Blues will be the biggest outpouring this side of the Millenium.

100%, with every bone in my body, despise them and the majority of their classless, braying, boorish, fuckwit fans.

Time for every player in blue to put in a proper shift for 90+ minutes and to rip Bugs Bunny's band of entitled, media-shagging charlatans a new one.

COYFB!!!

Luckily we have Ben Godfrey who will step in for Mina no problem. I’m with Lyndon for using Holgate as right back.
They key is Allan and Calvert-Lewin returning. The concern is that it’s a tough first game back for Allan, he may not be at 100% just yet. Still, he’s got to play if he is approaching full fitness.

Olsen
Holgate Keane Godfrey Digne
Davies Allan Doucoure

Iwobi DCL Richarlison

It’s Iwobi I am most concerned about in the line up, he is not as aggressive as I would like. He closes down too slow as well. There’s no doubt in my mind that he needs to up his game. I have chosen him before James as he offers more of an outlet out wide and despite his failings offers a bit more defensively too.

With regards the keeper I marginally prefer Olsen , he is less jittery and more stable than Jordan . Jordan I has some qualities but he promotes panic. I’m far from convinced that either is good enough for us as a long term solution. It’s something we have to look at in the summer window.

It the centre field that will determine alot. To play Pickford or not, that is the question. ??????. To play Pickford would certainly put it up them, but is it worth the one proverbial error risk. .

Forward wish I expect the attack to be as predicted. Hopefully the highly motivated intense Everton will turn up. Glad it is a Away game stats wise.

I will be watching this game from the start believing we can win it, even without Allan and Calvin Lewin, I think we will all know within the first fifteen minutes which Everton are turning up, I hope it’s the one who have come to fight and win.

During the last 25 years I think the only time they were concerned was when Joe Royle was in charge. Whose mantra was simple get stuck into them and let them know they are in a game. Far to often we have paid them to much respect and suffered badly for it. I like many who live in this city have many red supporting friends, and they don't even mock me now when we lose, I think they would view us beating them especially at there ground as totally unacceptable Whereas we get a draw at home to them and most of us are happy with that.

Players owners and managers have changed at both clubs over the last few decades but the one constant is we always lose at Anfield. Here's hoping for a miracle, but not expecting one.

Anyone can watch a winning team, but to go to Anfield with our record there, year after after year is amazing, 10/10 John and to anyone else near to this.

Sky Sports headline ' Liverpool unbeaten run at Anfield by Everton with fans present now stretches to 22 years'.

And on that basis I’ll expect nothing because it simply hurts too much

(I am of course hoping to be desperately wrong and will happily apologise to all and sundry)

Please please please Blues put in a performance and win. Just win. Please

If Burnley and Brighton can go there and win, why can't we? We need to lose the inferiority complex and each player needs to perform. Do that, and we have a chance. It'll come down to being resolute at the back, taking our chances and whether the RS asthmatics are back on the tonic (allegedly).

Only Liverpool have been so badly by injuries seems to be the narrative, led by the Sky numpty. And how this could add spice to tomorrow.

As for that gurning twat Kuyt!

Their full backs are there for the taking particularly the right back but you can't expose him unless you have an attacking intent, if you have 11 behind the ball all the time, he will have an easy day at the office. If DCL is not ready then play King up top, we need a focal point up top and Charlie having a go at the right back.

If fully fit I would go with a 5 - 3 - 2 of

Olsen
Coleman
Keane
Holgate
Godfrey
Digne
Doucoure
Davis
Gomes
Charlie and
DCL (King)

Hopefully our season will be back on track by 7.25 tomorrow evening.

F**k 'em - I'd play Pickford and hopes he takes out Salah and/or Mane this time out before they have a chance to dive their way to VAR victory as usually happens.

Here's hoping that DCL plays, does them with two power headers that Joe Royle would be proud of and sends the Live Forum into melt down for the right reasons for once. Godfrey for captain tomorrow and for next season.

COYB

Olsen,
Holgate, Keane, Godfrey, Digne
Doucoure, Allan, Davies, Gomes
DCL, Richarlison

Plenty of character in that lineup.

In a game where historically nothing has ever gone for us, maybe it’s time we had a right go at these at Anfield. However, do you risk playing and getting caught by the ever dangerous Salah and Mane or do you play Brighton and Burnley style and try and nick a 1-0. In my own person opinion I think attack is the best form of defence however attacking managers such as Martinez have been caught out badly at Anfield in the past and even though their form isn’t amazing, they should not be underestimated.

Is this the game for Pickford or Ollsen. I hate to say it but I actually want to see Pickford in goal and I want him to be everything we know he can be. Demanding for crosses and punches, quick off his line, solid and imposingly etc etc. I hope he starts but I just hope it’s not a game where we are talking about another Pickford error as that could be curtains for him with us.

Also to me I disagree with Lynton’s line up. There’s too many players in that starting lineup who don’t offer much on the day and that is a concern for me. I think we need to play our very strongest team, the team who we started the season with, when we were winning game after game. This to me is the perfect game for James Rodriguez. When you’re looking for someone to provide the killer pass, or spread the ball 50 yards, he can provide. Unlike Iwobi who seems to get the ball, put his head down and run. I would be starting James with the communication with to him, ‘we need a good game from you today mate, this is it, all the other games in the season don’t matter, this is the one the fans will adore you for, for the rest of your life’.

Tom Davies I have always been a defender of. At 22 years of age, he has plenty of time to improve and his main problem has always been not knowing what his position is. When he first burst onto the scene he scored that goal against Man City and everyone thought, wow we have a boss little attacking midfielder here. However, he’s now finding his role more like Allan. A defensive midfielder who will break up play. However I wouldn’t start him tomorrow.

My team would be;

Pickford
Godfrey Holgate Keane Digne
Doucoure Allan Gomes
James Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin

That is the team that was so effective and there’s no reason we can’t play it tomorrow. I would have Godfrey as right back, using his pace against Mane and Gomes in the middle as our goto man for a creative pass out to the flanks. Allan will sit and break up the play. I think starting that team shows intent to go out and actually try and win the game. Bring Iwobi, Sigurdsson and Davies on as substitutes but I think leaving James out is like them leaving Salah out, seems defeatist to me.

As ever, we go in with optimism. A draw is always a good result. But imagine if we go there and win. Not by a sweaty goal, but imagine going there and playing well and beating them 2 or 3 nil. Be great wouldn’t it, here’s to hoping. COYB.

VVD & Pickford

I think I'm just numb to them now such is 20 years of failure, what is it since the turn of the century, 3 Everton wins?

You tend to just go past a point of feeling when you only expect failure in the buildup to them.

I'd say I probably feared losing more in the 1990's because we had that hoodoo over them, we absolutely had them by the bollox and we just never wanted that run to end but the fuckers have made us suffer in the last 20 years for that.

We must get right in their faces, get fucking ripped right into them. Give their supporters something to whinge about for a generation.

Let this be the game where the legend was born.

We do desperately need Allan back and, with no midweek game, there is no need to rotate.

The rare victories, five in the league and one in the league cup, have been well and truly savoured. Arguably the greatest was the 2-0 game in March 1970, not least because it took us within sight of the league title. Having lost 3-0 to them in December, anything less than a win at Anfield would have left a shadow over the season. We beat every team at least once that season. The next time that feat was achieved by any team was in 1984/85, the season of the Sharp derby.

COYB let’s twat the shite!

'I have never seen an unbiased report on the Van Dijk Pickford incident.'

Nearly a week after the game there was finally some level headed and fair analysis by ex-England keeper Rob Green.

Within this written report there is a Tweet by David Prentice in which you can see the play of the incident, accompanied by Green's comments.

It very much supports my own view that this was a football incident, a coming together of two players, which happens scores of times every weekend without injury.

Rob Green on Pickford Challenge

Personally, I would DEFINITELY play Pickford tomorrow because otherwise it can appear that we are allowing history and the opposition determine our team selection.

It's not as if he is going to have 30,000 Vikings baying for his blood, is it?

AND he is a better keeper than Olsen.

2nd half subs incl Allan, James and King, or for injuries or red cards.

*Can pull out the Emergancy Kryptonite Jump on Salah when under the cosh. I'm kind of thinking go with the Sky pundits myths and just make the RS players afraid of him and make it now a strength. :)

Go for it in 2nd half, usual Davies off but this time Allan in so it works out a bit more attacking with defence fairly covered.

I definitely believe that there were referees allowing the VVD incident to influence decisions in games straight after and why was Michael Oliver still being asked questions about in an interview a couple of weeks ago.

And on the subject of refs I see we have the same one that allowed Klopp to run around the pitch like a lunatic when they scored after Pickford's howler.

Pickford
Holgate Keane Godfrey Digne
Doucoure Allan Davies
James DCL Richarlison

I pointed out that VVD had earlier in the game taken out, apparently deliberately, Rodriguez, basically buggering Rodriguez up with injury after he was playing well. And that, if VVD hadn’t done that thuggery the course of the game would have been different and in all probability VVD would not now be injured so severely.

An interesting thing is, none of those reds disagreed that VVD had deliberately taken out Rodriguez, they stayed silent on it. It actually shut them up about Pickford, especially given that we’d recently been discussing Leeds circa 1970 and Norman Hunter who they consider a dirty player.

I even said that what had happened to VVD was Karma given his attack on Rodriguez. And they stayed silent on that as well. These lads are generally reasonable, and I wouldn’t anticipate some other RS fans being so reasonable, but they need to be told nevertheless.

Pickford has to play just to piss them off

The psychology can also play to their ego's by telling them what heroes they would be to be part of the winning team or the legend they would become by scoring the winning goal e.g. Kevin Campbell.

Every man has to fight like he has never fought before, we simply have to want it more than them.

I want the Everton players to show us tomorrow that they do care and that they want to win this game to give something back to us long suffering fans.

Mina out for several weeks

Funny how after our draw against United a few weeks ago Neville and Spit wanted DeGea to come out and clear everything out if the way for our late equaliser but when Pickford did actually clear everything out of the way in the Derby we have had weekly reminders of its impact and how reckless it was.

Foden scored a great goal against us but Richarleson got a lucky break off the post.

Media coverage is a joke. I wonder if it's the same in the other big leagues in Europe. Objective, impartial reporting would be totally refreshing in the modern hyped to death premier league.

Utft.

I pointed out to him that had VVD been correctly carded for his early challenges on James and DCL he may not have even been on the pitch. I also said, like you, that the incident with Pickford was rough justice in that respect. He responded by saying that the “tackles” made by VVD were simply run of the mill defender type letting the opposing players know they were in for a hard game.

Before I could answer, the other red who follows them everywhere, said yes and so was the one made by Pickford on VVD - it happens and there is an element of live by the sword die by the sword. I couldn’t have put it better myself. Needless to say the gobshite shut up at that point and skulked off sulking.

That has happened regardless of the manager and regardless of the players. We have Everton rejects playing top roles for PSG and Ajax. Even Lookman is having a great season. What is it about EFC that produces the worst dross in the Prem? I think it's an obsession with LFC which causes us to go for quick fixes. They never work. This Ancelotti quick fix will not work. You need to build from scratch as Bielsa and Klopp did. But at EFC, it never happens cos we kid ourselves.

I paraphrase.

The story is not worth worrying about because he's not going anywhere this season and if he does want out it is what it is.

We'll come out with a gameplay and stick to it. It will most likely be pack and counter, and when we play that type of game we're at our best. Liverpool will allow us to play that type of game.

I'm hoping beyond hope that Henderson or Milner plays, and they feel some sort of obligation to extract retribution for the VVD injury, and they draw red and go down to 10 men. But knowing the refs in this semi-crooked league, that's very wishful thinking.

Everton 3, Liverpool 2. UTFB

Olsen
Coleman Keane Godfrey Digne
Iwobi Doucoure Allen Richarlison
DCL King

442-. Go at them.

No Holgate at RB. Robertson/ Mane will destroy him.

No Pickford. He's never played well against them. Ancelotti needs to show some decisiveness and select his best Keeper and stop rotating. That is Olsen.

As someone who doesn't wear blue-tinted specs, I reckon it'll be a draw at best. We haven't beaten them for about 150 years now and I don't see any valid reason why that might change.

All of them have a fuck you mentality.
All must start.

“I also don’t like the midfield; Tom Davies is weak to say the least, and you need strength and aggression in there.

“[Abdoulaye] Doucoure brings a lot of that to Everton, but [Gylfi] Sigurdsson doesn’t. That’s going to be a key area in this type of game."

Steve McMahon.

That would go up on the dressing room wall in days gone by

My main concern is can we afford to have James on the pitch? I'd rather Bernard than Iwobi also.

FTRS

I wouldnt start James tomorrow.

I say to them if you think you know better than Ancelotti apply for the job and see how far you get.

In the meantime it would be far more helpful to get behind the manager and the team for what could be a watershed moment..

Personally speaking Pickford would be the first name on the teamsheet to really wind them up and play out of his skin because he owes us a good game.

Then I would tell Richy to run around Thiago shouting "Im coming for you".

I would also tell DCL to launch into the two makeshift CBs at every opportunity and to let "The worlds best goalkeeper" know he is in a game.

I would also invite Peter Reid into the dressing room before the game and at half time accompanied by big Dunc to give the lads some helpful advice.

Three central midfielders.
Richarlison and Iwobi either side.
4-3-3 in possesion
4-5-1 out of possesion.

Olsen
Holgate Keane Godfrey Digne
Coleman Doucoure Davies Richarlson
James
DCL if fit - if not King.

I've included Coleman because of his attitude and to get stuck in to that gobshite Robertson. I've left Pickford out as he will get too hyped up for game and have those in front of him on edge all afternoon. Once we are 3 nil up bring on Allen for James, to choke the midfield and grin at them and keep shouting You're Not Champions Anymore - Simples.

My father once told me that Brian Labone being injured in the semi final against the RS was the changing of the guard on Merseyside - lets hope the VVD accident and subsequent shit fest marks the end of the RS.

Taking stares of death in the process but winding them fools up so much they can't compose themselves on the pitch.

Its going to be very tough and I expect them to come flying out of the traps to kill us early. Refs and luck is always against us but panic is always a problem for us under pressure.

We defend too desperate at times and do ourselves no favours. If we stand tall and concentrate we give ourselves a chance.

Wouldn't suprise me if they have a few changes tommorrow. Likes of Shaquiri. He likes to talk us up in the press does Klopp then picks his bench warmers to embarrass us.

Big shame for me tomorrow is Coleman. I don't know if I would play him. If he was fit enough then yes he plays but look back at how many Derbys at anfield he has been available for over the years.

He was bang on form before almost every derby he missed. Just a hint of the luck we suffer around that shower.

Klopp

Get your retaliation in first boys.

That’s exactly what St. Virgin Van Dick did three times in the first ten minutes at Goodison. Was twice on James and once on DCL. Had the referee done his job properly, then Virgin Van Dick could and maybe should have been sent off for two bookable offences, and we wouldn’t be having the RS and the biased loving RS media mourning the passing of Virgin Van Dick for the last few months. He would have only missed one game! 😀😀😀😀

...

Although our recent run of bad results, I believe we are stronger than back then

We finally have once again our best starting eleven back and Ancelotti has had time to pick up more defensive certenties from that match on and it’s up to him to put them on the pitch...

Olsen

Holgate Keane Godfrey digne

Iwobi/Davies Doucoure Allan Richarlison

JR

DCL

Just hope they're not slow out the traps because Liverpool will want revenge!

He does it every single game.
Only saw someone stand up to him once this season. He melted like a lolly ice.
A bluffer.

Jamie Crowley is right: there is much still to play for.

When it gets mentioned to me I laugh at them and tell them it would have been two knees gone if van dijk hadn't jibbed the tackle.
Always gets an interesting reply.

Your right mate, we get no protection off refs in these games.
Step up and look after ourselves

Did you catch the one during the week?

"we are not happy. Who wants to be on the same points as Everton"

"TWAT THESE"

No other words needed, then just walk back out supping his beverage.

Now you have informed me, I feel more angry about them as a whole and just hope we kick lumps out of them tomorrow.

They are really horrible and although its a clever Klopp statement to get fans on his side after bad form, its poor taste as usual from them sympathy seeking cowards that adore biters and spitters.

To be fair, we have given them reason to do that over the years.

It HAS to stop somewhere mate.

As for us not having a lot of the ball tomorrow and Sigurdsson not bringing much to the team, again I have to agree with him.

On a broader point not specific to you Thomas, Pickford’s ‘tackle’ (albeit with no malice) was diabolical and he should have been sent off, if it had been the same ‘tackle’ made by Alisson on DCL we would have been screaming blue murder. Pun intended. So let’s not drop to a level of hypocrisy usually reserved for the red shoite.

If we can get a draw tomorrow I will be happy. DCL and Allan are fit apparently so we stand a better chance than we might have otherwise. Depends what mindset we turn up with...

I think some of this "Tom is weak" has to do with aesthetics. He's not massive but he will get stuck in. The goldilocks hairstyle probably counts against him in the "weakness" stakes. Allan isn't physically any more impressive. If Tom shaved his head, got a dragon tattoo across his face and had a knife scar across his cheek, I'd bet we'd hear a lot less about him being "weak."

Another fantastic post.

Serious question; Do you post wearing Tommy Gravesen's bills ?

Not for the first time your pre-match post has made me laugh out loud. Keep eating the raw steak lad

I wish you was playing tomorrow

Valid point to Andy.
I didnt say he was weak, I posted an article where Mcmahon said he was i

If experience is what you want then bring in John Burridge as goalie and Kazuyoshi Miura in midfield. Your example of Branthwaite as "experienced" is a head scratcher when looking at games played by our other four center halves.

The first time in any season that Liverpool see a few decisions go against them is the Man U game away. And likewise for Man U.

These 2 are all the premier league care about 100%. The officials discreetly do anything they can to help both sides.

I have spoken with a couple of mates for years now about how its more the little decisions that affect these games and its often overlooked. For example a free kick given for next to nothing to stop a counter.

Its something that has drove me mad for years because the pundits and majority of general fans focus on a disallowed goal or red card.

Over 90 mins the small decisions or 'momentum decisions' as said by Klopp are key to how the game flows and who can gain pressure and momentum.

A couple of seasons back the Evil drew away and West Ham and afterwards Klopp was pressed on a couple of big calls that went against them.

He replied something along the lines of - it wasn't so much the big decisions but the momentum decisons that affected us. My ears pricked up knowing exactly what he meant.

He hated the fact West Ham were slowing their high pressing game down and was annoyed the ref made it easier for them.

Every 50/50 goes their way at Anfield or Goodison in general and I don't see us ever beating them away, a man down before Kick Off.

For me... This is them at Satan's pitt and we always bottle it.

That was in the Champions league at home to Atalanta. .

Look at how many goals they conceded this season when the greatest centre back the world has ever seen was playing.
Then have a look how many they conceded in the next same amount of games

Nothing like a bit of even and Unbiased journalism. Winds me up no end. Please, just for once, can our players get motivated and finally stick one over those horrible, entitled whining bastards.

Actually, when I say he looks ok going forward, what I mean is he can hit a good dead ball or cross if not put under pressure, but he definitely can’t defend. One of the most over rated players I’ve ever seen.

Good enough for me.
Start sharpening your studs.

Rob.
Very over rated in my opinion.
Strikes the ball nice but thats it.
Loses possession more than anyone in thier side.
Poor awareness of space as well

Its the skippers armband for you after that post. 😁

The three central midfielders need to rough up Thiago, and we need to get Calvert Lewin one on one with Henderson.

Play at the right tempo, and this might unseat a Liverpool team packed with quality, but susceptible if you can get to their weaknesses.

Thiago is a talented player, but not a scraper. Henderson a talented midfielder, but won't fancy a foot race with Calvert Lewin as last man.

Get the ball forward and don't be ashamed to play it long. The two midfielders can sit, and 3 can break forward to ensure Calvert Lewin isn't isolated.

Olsen

Holgate
Godfrey
Keane
Digne

Coleman
Allan
Davies
Doucoure
Richarlison

Calvert Lewin

Team selection is everything tomorrow, Ancellotti’s really has got to get his team selection right.

Just Imagine playing at Anfield tomorrow for Everton Thomas? I used to dream about it regularly as a child, and was actually 3 goals down, at Anfield in one cup game with 20 minutes to go, and can still remember everyone of our team, doing airplanes all over that bastard ground, when we equalized with two minutes to go.

All except me, honestly, I was screaming at my own players to get back for the kick off, because playing against Liverpool, my desire always fueled my belief, and we still had time to win the game. Let’s just hope our players have got both belief and desire tomorrow🙏

Don Alexander would love to fill in as bill. I'll fill in as Moshiri and give Ian Edwards a blank check to rebuild the team

Now its lipstick on a pig.

No kamikaze passes in our own penalty area, and hopefully Everton, will shoot on site. Possession wise Everton’s passing and transition play has go5 to be clean, as we’ve contributed to our downfall th3 last couple of games with sloppy passes.

Their Gk, is proving a liability, get some teasing weighted through balls in on angles for our attack, pending whom starts.

Let’s hope Salah and co, get the book tomorrow for feigning and cheating.

He’ll be doing his latest subutteo model, stunts, for sure.

Play tour strengths at corners and deadballs, and they can be beaten. City spanked them 4-1, so Everton can go for them.

Yep the hope is eternal the facts of history state a long time, but that can be changed tomorrow, if Everton turn up.

“What’s Our Name?”

Ive kept the two up front spots for you lads.
Honest.

Whats happened to our posts 😁😁

Here is one for the younger generation about a game us older folk were at.

After ending Geoff Nultys career, did Jimmy case have any regrets, did he fuck, his response was It was a clash of knees, my knee was tougher than his, after that I used to love getting the abuse, because I know I had got under the Evertonians skin and thrived on it.

Not one hint of remorse about his tackle, or ending a fellow professionals career.

Jimmy shithouse case, never forgotten.

Every chance of a null and void.
Have you seen the league table?

Jamie - you think we'll win every game, and one day you'll be right!

MATE! [as they say...] You obviously didn't see my posts prior to the Man City game!!

Christine Foster - Braveheart speech, yes. But I prefer 300.

Link

"This is where we fight. This is where they die. Remember this day men, for it will be yours for all time."

If they played that clip prior to exiting the locker room, I'd club a baby seal to death just for kicks. [Joking].

I couldn't agree more with you both.

This is a game where we must attack. Their back line is vulnerable, and Klopp has a system. He's not good at altering his system.

They can't help themselves. Those wingbacks will bomb forward and leave space. We have to attack and exploit that space. It will be there for the taking. This is the main reason I am positive about this game.

Liverpool have one way of playing, and it involves wide men getting forward. We can just punish them. I'd bet the house and kids they will not adjust to us. They are arrogant, and don't see our attacking threat and feel they should take the game to us. In doing so, in their typical fashion, we can hurt them severely by exploiting that space they will leave open at the back.

They will have the ball the majority of the time. If we can quickly move the ball from the back to those open spaces when we gain possession, we will slaughter them. This is entirely different to Man City, and I expect an entirely different result.

My first recollection was the Andy King 1 - 0. I witnessed the Grahame Sharp 1 - 0 at Anfield as we unknowingly at the time were on the march to the title. Incredible high points.

Yet I remember the 5 - 0 humiliation and despite being on the brink of a second title in 3 seasons and Sheedy's 2 fingers to the Kop after a free kick, losing 3 -1 at Anfield. Real low points.

I despise Liverpool Football Club in a way that holds no logic in the older, wiser football supporter I have become. It is not bitterness, as I respect good football and good teams when I see them. I doubt they can bring themselves to say the same. A peculiar bunch considering we are apparently cut from the same cloth. I could go deep on that, but it's not for here.

I was a bit alarmed the first few posts were debating a player who is not even available for selection. Tomorrow is about those players who walk on that pitch regardless of who is or isn't available or picked.

We owe this lot one. We owe them a lot more than one.

If we win tomorrow, I will not gloatingly post on social media. I will not text my Kopite family members to goad and bait. I will have extra wine, ecstatically jig around the living room and eventually go to bed very content.

As well as showing the VVD incident over and over they now say Leon Osman was a tough tackling midfielder who would get sent off in the modern game.

Rename it Redsports instead of Skyports and you would be more accurate.

Your post mirrors my feelings 100%. Spot on sir.

COYB

The wait ends tomorrow!

When the games are on all you get is a load of babbling about numbers, passes and percentages but very little real commentary about who has the ball etc.etc. like we used to get so expertly with the likes of Kenneth Wolstenhome, Brian Moore, John Motson and other contempary's of their's.
Just too much yakking from today's people.

The interviews with players and coaches especially those who cannot speak good English are especially boring.

As for tomorrow's game we need to come out with attitude and intensity if we are to get anything but somehow I feel Ancelotti cannot instil that.

Anything remotely like many poor performances this season will be another embarrassment I fear.

Osman? So based on that Joe Parkinson must be a serial killer. The punditry is at the level of the old Saturday afternoon wrestling with the RS as Big Daddy and Everton as Giant haystacks.

Why are we all up and at 'em for tomorrow but not for the City game or for any other fixture against hard opposition where we pack in before we start?

Don't excuse fear or lazy disengagement in our team, ever. It's been the curse of the last 30 years at least. If we keep finding reasons why we won't win, then we won't win.

The moment of our redemption when Carlo (like/unlike his predecessors) finds the right mix after a series of astute transfer windows is a myth. We aren't going to buy our way to success, we're going to have to fight our way by altering our mindset, by focus on basic skills of touch, movement and ball retention and, above all, by massive amounts of self-belief.

Soothe these players and this manager with cliches about Rome in a day and suchlike flannel and we will be waiting for centuries.

Start now against the shite and don't stop, game after game after game after game. It's that straightforward and that hard.

Their victory in Leipzig in midweek was only achieved after capitalising on two horrendous misplaced passes by Leipzig players inside their own half. If DCL is fit and able to start then I’d like us to play James (or King) and Richarlison really close to him, and aim to play long to DCL. Liverpool will no doubt look to press us deep in our own half and if we can beat the press with accurate long passes into DCL (and wide in behind the full-backs) - and get support up to him - then I think he will give the make-shift Liverpool centre-half pairing (whoever they are) a tough afternoon. Michael Keane and Pickford (if he plays) will be key, as their long passing is probably most effective for this.

Whatever happens, I hope we find ways to get on the front foot.

If we keep those two quiet, as others have done, and frustrate Klopp's long ball game to and between the full backs then we have a serious chance.

Personally I think the flanks are more important than centre MF in this one so I would consider putting Coleman in front of Holgate to double up on Robertson/MAne and get forward behind them with Iwobi.

Stick DCL and JAmes in the middle to put them away.

COYB Lets make up for all the slip ups and go level with this shower with a game in hand.

Shove Klipperty's words down his throat.

Our best 11:
Pickford (our best keeper imo, and with not a single shred of remorse or regret)
Coleman (our only actual right back and has decent character)
Digne (class act)
Keane & Godfrey (clearly our best and potentially long term CB partnership)
Allan, Davies, Doucoure (modern day Dogs of War and required to give a platform to Digne and the attack) and...
Richarlison, James, DCL (our best attacking players).

People will say that we can't have James because he doesn't help cover their attack. What about their defence? Let it be that lot saying that they can't afford Mane and Salah because they don't take the pressure off their biggest weak areas.

We've tried being passive in big games. We've parked the bus and hoped for the best. We now have a choice, with nearly a full strength squad, to either minimise the opposition's strengths or to target their weakness. I think it's time we put that lot under some pressure and see if they can take it.

Twenty odd years of cowardice - it's far too long to just be an unfortunate coincidence. And it's too long to just hold your hands up and say they must be better than us. It's a statistical anomalie that happens because we go in under pressure every time. We're under pressure when they're in form, and when they're out of form, when they have a controversial player, and when we have one. We think like losers every time.

COYB!

Decent shout. Calvert-Lewin is certainly quick, but his pace never seems to take him away from defenders. Some players seem to travel as fast with the ball as without and Calvert-Lewin is definitely not in that number.

Bring it.

COYB!

Thank you for that info about the incident. Allison has made similar blocks on attackers. Usually the striker tries to avoid colliding with the keeper but, after watching that video, it seems to me that Pickford showed no less courage than did Van Dijk.

'No reigning top-flight champion has suffered four home league defeats in a row since Everton in 1928-29.'

It's about time they matched our record.

If Brighton and Burnley can win at Anfield and West Brom can get a draw, then there's no reason Everton can't win. I would usually be pleased with a draw but for me it's win or bust. Leave everything out there.

I usually watch the derby games but may have to sit this one out today. Having said that, the last game that I missed (well all but the last 5 minutes) was the one where Origi nicked it in the last minute or so.

It's football - bits bang together from time to time.

I wonder if Wijnaldum will be doubting if he can play after his comments incited death threats against a young man and his family?

I'm typically an irritatingly balanced guy, but in my 40 years supporting this club I've never felt more "fuck 'em". Fuck 'em.

As Thomas said earlier. Get your retaliation in first.

Two first class, cracking posts, that every blue should have a read of.

Two great posts, sums today up perfectly.

Let's fucking do this people. COYB

COYB!!!!

Pickford
Coleman Godfrey Keane Digne
Doucoure Allan Davies
James DCL Richy

I also wouldn't be massively upset if we switched Gomes for Davies, or played 2 CM James as a 10 and Iwobi on the right. But starting the team I mentioned gives us the options I have said above Sigurdsson could go into a 10 position off the bench King could come on for Richy or DCL. Holgate could come on to tighten it at the back if needed.

Who are we? True believers, know our history, real footy fans.

Who are they? Mostly glory hunting fairweathers who can't enjoy footy unless it involves having something to gloat about.

Love and respect to all blues worldwide. Whatever happens tonight we'll be the real deal and they'll still have no class.

Put Alison and Alexander Arnold under heavy pressure and they'll cough up a goal or 2. COYB

Just memories, but when Thomas said he was gonna bring me on to change the game, it got me thinking/reminiscing, but history is for fools, sang Roger Waters, and to see that Wattsapp flying round with 1995, replacing the clock on the liver building, it would be nice to shut these horrible red fuckers up tonight, or better still let the phoney bastards show their true colours!

"Nothing will be carried over. A week later, two or three when we got the diagnosis for Van Dijk, it is good we didn't play Everton straight away again. Let me say it like this".

So what exactly does it mean, that had we played them within a few weeks of Virgin Van Dick being diagnosed with an ACL, that it would have been all out war, would their gobshite players have gone onto the pitch carrying machetes, machine guns, a colt 45 revolver, all with the intention of a mass attack on Pickford? The man is a Fucking gobshite, and in my opinion, he should be brought before the FA, because to me, that is a statement to incite revenge, and he should be made to explain.

Play Pickford today. There's no Norwegians, cockneys, all those from the home counties, and wherever they all come from apart from Liverpool, to give him absolute hell. Pickford will be fine, and if any of their players want to take revenge on him, then let's hope the referee is strong enough to send him off.

I’d love to be optimistic but we usually do better against them when we think we’ve got no chance. Despite their dip in form, their front 3 still scare me every time they attack.

Law of averages says we must beat them at some point. Please be today. A win and some stadium news would give us some crumb of comfort during the next 6 months of the “VVD’s injury cost us the title” agenda.

COYB

We just need to keep our heads and play to win, although I think we’ll see conservative tactics from Carlo.

Andy Hunter in the Guardian, I’d love to have a debate with him, alongside many of the other red message makers, who all wear red glasses. You can feel the vitriol for Everton in his writing, so has I said, please let’s make them show their true colours Everton, because it would make our players never want to lose to them again.

Fuck them all.

Same goes for the vast majority of thier fans. From the same city but different to us.

I’ve been saying it for years, the rs have a firm grip on the media unmatched by anyone, even Man U.

It’s not only journos in the print media eg Dunne, Rudd, Northcroft, Liu, Reddy etc all openly avowed rs fans. It’s also the 100’s of former rs players who work as pundits, columnists, co-commentators, social influencers etc We have no chance against such a behemoth.

This is why we shouldn’t go OTT even IF we win. The headlines tomorrow will be something like, “Bitter little bluenoses go berserk after beating the mighty reds for the first time in decades”! I suggest we just take it in our stride and show them our class.

Seriously, COYB

Andy Hunter is an Evertonian and I’ve read the article in the Guardian and it’s reasonably balanced. I’m sure much of the broadcast media and RS fans have attempted to blame Pickford for much of the worlds problems as well as the continued absence of St. Virgil and their lamentable defence of their title since the last derby.

Thankfully not only has our manager won a lot more than Klopp, Ancelotti just always shows his class. Only a few weeks back Klopp chased Sean Dyce down the tunnell again mouthing off but sooned stopped and turned away when Dyce stopped and turned. Again no admonishment about Klopps behaviour.

Nobody can argue that last season they were head and shoulders above every other team in the league and deserved all the plaudits they got. But that doesnt mean the media and the authorities should turn a blind eye when they fall foul of how a club its fans and manager should behave.

Also think Coleman must play right back, Holgate just not at it, and in my opinion the game will matter more to Seamus Coleman than the former.

The rest of our back four pick themselves given Mina is out
Godfrey, Keane, Digne.

It the midfield I just can't make my mind up about

Davies, Doucoure, Allen, Gomes, Sigurdsson, Rodriquez, Iwobi

I think he will go for steel with Davies, Doucoure, Allen and Sigurdsson ( because of his dead ball abilities ).

Up front is obvious.
Calvert Lewin, Richarlison.

The manager will pick whatever side he thinks will get a result, praying whoever ends up starting they are totally up for it and give everything on the pitch.
COYB.

Two players with limited ability to read play, no awareness of runs made off them.
One in a partnership with that lack can be covered. Two of them in partnership is asking for trouble.

Yes I am sure he is an Evertonian. I don't think the article is biased at all. To be fair our manager is the one who stated we should be fearful of the game. Simply reporting that and Klopp's utterances aligned with no win there in 21 years makes for a reasonable article IMO.

Give them hell that kopites will cry about for a generation. The covid derby that will become legend. We will win, oh yes we will win!!

We are Brave,
We are Strong,
We are singers of our own Song.

After today, I'm not giving that shower of gobshites another waste of my breath.

Come ON Blues – make today OUR day!

UTFT

Richarlison has generally been a disappointment this season and James not far behind after a promising start. Without the emergence of Calvert-Lewin, I dread to think where we would be...

However, the main problem is the inability of whoever plays midfield to play as a tight unit when not in possession. The Liverpool front three will have a field day if allowed to have the space to run at Everton's back four like Fulham's offence did.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Liverpool try to get at Pickford in some way for what happened in the last game as it has basically ruined their season.

I just want to see a wholehearted effort by the Blues instead of some of the piss-poor performances we have seen in too many games this season.

Let's hope he's saying nice things about us after tonight.

UTFT!

Back 4 of Holgate, Keane, Godfrey and Digne
Midfield of Coleman, Allan, Davies, Doucouré and Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin up front.

Richarlison, Coleman, Digne and Doucouré with a license to break forward at will knowing that we have Davies and Allan to cover.

Don't give them a chance, kill their fragile confidence, then bring on James and whoever else once they're down.

So should we (whispers it quietly) lose today, I hope nobody wheels out the "Ah another defeat so the club announce news on the new stadium" shite!

Thanking you in advance.

Calmer heads have reminded these hot heads that Everton don't have a genuine hard man, and that of more concern is Everton's propensity to cheat in order to win free-kicks and penalties.
I've always gone on there before the derby, and usually it's condescending snide remarks, nothing more. This time it's bad.

I want to beat Liverpool more than any other team, but 'hate' doesn't come into it. I've always liked Jurgen Klopp up to now, but I think this real descent is almost all down to his hysterical reaction after the last game. This is on him.

Bournemouth have told the league they will no longer be "taking the knee" pre match.

Over the years, I have seen countless examples of Liverpool players committing horrendous tackles on Everton players. In the next derby match, did they leave them out? Short answer: of course not... so why should we? Leaving him out would be like admitting guilt, where there is none. The "incident" was six-of-one and half-a-dozen of the other.

I'd heard good things from Norwich supporters about Godfrey and that was kinda backed up by some on here who saw him in the flesh. He is incredibly quick, but the thing I like most about him is he has demonstrated he doesn't give a fuck for reputations and clearly has a nasty side to him. Mason won't be taking any backward steps today either...

Nasty fuckers are a little like bad apples... they tend to make other players in the barrel nasty too. Allan's return may be perfectly timed. Not my type of player, but he was born for this type of fixture and will not be found wanting when the gloves come off.
A Gray/Sharp type of performance from Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin will soon have the rest of the boys up for the fight.

I fancy us today. I don't care how we get the win. Normally, I like to see the beautiful game played beautifully, but I'll make an exception for this. I don't just want to beat them today... I want our boys to kick fuck out of them.

Twenty years of shit, boys. End it today.
Twenty-odd years of nice. End it today.

Give these fuckers something to bleat about for the next six months too.

I now worry that, the next time we win at their midden, I will no longer need to see the dentist either. Come on, boys – today of all days... stand up and be counted, show us the shirt is worth fighting for, and batter these bastards on their own patch. Make us proud of you.

It's been far too long...

I wouldn't be playing Pickford today. Not because of last time but because he's a terrible goalkeeper. Hard to believe Ancelotti and Brands haven't been able to buy better.

On the way home, the bus was 50/50 with good-natured banter and scouse humour. Sadly, that has disappeared... in the main, nowadays to be replaced by anger and hatred.

Their endless titles, our demise, Emlyn Hughes, Heysel, the gloating and condescension on their part, has all added to the animosity, I believe both clubs need to work harder to lower the vitriol and temperature before someone gets seriously hurt.

Starting tomorrow.

Let's have two big days!

Darren,

For me. Holgate is a nightmare waiting to happen. If he plays, I hope you're right and I'm wrong. Like you, I don't give a fuck how we win – just win!

COYB

Let's just get at 'em boys. Pretty? - ugly? - I don't care so long as it's a win.

Fulham never having won at Goodison, and Everton not having won at mordor this century.

COYB.
FTRS.

I think we need more aggression in this squad though. We need to learn from the top clubs. Snide players win. It is a big part of football.

It's reminded me, because I often forget, that these people (i.e. Usmanov and what/whom he represents) just don't accept failure. They keep going regardless.

It's not merely about Everton, of course, it's about our city and what it opens up for our investors especially post-Brexit, the power and the money. None of that is necessarily attractive but it's relentless and we will have our ascendancy.

I still want us to show courage, control the ball and pass accurately in the meantime, though.

Whatever happens tonight, we need to recall that our day will come because very wealthy and ruthless people will insist upon it. That's good, isn't it?

Perhaps I've missed recent posts by him.

I am just going to give you all a quick blow on my mouth organ - - close your eyes and just listen - - I am sure you can hear it now - - Mmmmmmm - - there you go:

When I was a kid there was an old guy in a gaberdine Mac and flat cap and he would push a pram along Scotty and stop at the top of the Streets - - he would spar and skip with a string - - people loved him and my Mum - - and all the Mums - - would send him something - - a few pennies if you had it but I remember giving him a plate of food now and then - - his name was Gus - - you see we had a community - - a feeling of being part of something - - good times or bad - - we were part of it - - together and we must always remember we are all Blues - - I remember being taken to see Everton around 1958/9 by Frank and Mike Kane from Back Great Mersey Street - - good men from St. Alphonsus - - it’s funny but everything was linked then - - of course Saturday going The Match no matter what - - Sunday Morning Mass - - Father Winder - - the men in their best suits and then into our pub - - The Britannia for a pint before Sunday Roast - - and the singer in our pub - - Alex Young - - Men Who Were Proud To be Blue - - it was in their Blood - - and they taught me to be the same - - True and Loyal and Never to give up - - Tommy Ring/Bobby Collins/Mickey Lill and later The Golden Vision:

“When the vision vanished
They heard a choir of birds singing
In the heavenly silence, between the trance and the reeds
And they stood upon the lawn and listened to the silence”

Lived through tough times - - our House being knocked down - - Communities forcibly split up - - Mums and Dad’s passing on - - tears and fears - - Thatcherism - - unemployment - - Tate’s going - -my sister Joan with her working pinnie and scarf on her head - - - - no more Tillotsons - - Bibby’s no more - - my brother John - - gone - - My Dad used to say “sleep it off John” when he had a few afternoon bevvies - - I wrote a farewell Poem for his funeral called “Sleep it off John” - - my sister Colette (gone) bringing Tony’s Saturday dinner into The Jester and putting it on the counter - - all these memories come back as I go along Scottie/Smith Street and Wessie Road to The Dark House and through it all Being A Blue - - of joyous days and laughs and singing and playing footie together - - I remember after the game when gangs of men would play footie on the Olla or in The Swings and we would join in - - 25 a Side - - Pudding and Beef - - this is where I lived and loved - - and still do - - people talk of getting back to normal - - no - - normal was fear and pressure and work being the boss - - and no time for conversation - - I am looking to be part of The New World - - the world we want - - Our World.

“Why did time begin and where does space end
Isn't what I see and hear and smell
Just the appearance of the world in front of the world
Isn't life under the sun just a dream”

Right now my heart is bursting with memories - - and goodness and fondness and absolutely full of “posso waves” and love for my Fellow Blues - - everywhere:
“And when heart is open
And when heart is open
You will change just like a flower slowly openin'
And when heart is open
You will change just like a flower slowly openin'
When there's no comin'
And there's no goin'
And when heart is open
You will meet your lover”

No matter what - - we will all still be Blues today and tomorrow - - let’s not call each other names today but pass around a cosmic wave of Bluetiful thoughts to all our Blue Brothers and Sisters wherever they are.

I am sending Blue Cosmic Grooves out onto The Blue Astral for all of you - - just look up and you will feel it - -grab it - - it’s for you.

Keep cosmic - - keep cool - - your friend - - George

No inviting Salah on the inside, keep him on his right, and watch out for the diving of Mane, but their all proven to take the dive and use their hands, as if they are allowed to play basket ball.

Both barrels tonight, down the RS, and sort them out. Fekk the media, Everton is all that counts.

Hopefully a good night tonight for Evertonians.

If the players took half the spirit of TWrs, they’d win this match.

I would like to think that we are in with a chance, but watching our team lately I cant fancy us.
Defence wise I think we match them, but its up front where they are the more dangerous.

Stranger things have happened, lets hope its today.

No luxuries, get the ball up to the front three as quickly as possible without losing the shape of midfield and defence.

Good luck blues.

Did you ever get yor hands on a book called "The lost tribes of Everton and Scottie road" by Ken Rogers ?. Came out about ten years ago. There are some truly amazing images of the buildings, the streets and the people from an area you will know like the back of your hand. from Margret street baths to Vauxy

bought it for me dad just before he past on. He was besides himself.

If you havent seen it, make it your business to get a look at it. Its not available on Amazon any more, but you can get a look from the kindle version for about a pound.

We must have been in the Britania on sunday Afternoons at the same time loads of times Jimmy Cass may have been "one of them" but he ran a fantastic ale house