Everton vs Liverpool

We also have a potential team of grafters with no shirkers, so team selection for the derby could be crucial. It is not easy to come to a new Club and be thrust into a derby for your initiation.

Obviously Gana has previous experience in these encounters, and I can see him possibly going straight in, with a note, "Carry on where you left off, mate!" Still be interesting to see the starting line-up.

I just hope Bette Davies doesn't start, because he is a local lad and all that guff. The only factor that does worry me a tad is, where the goals are going to come from?

Surely Gordon can't score again in consecutive games for the third time, will Maupay be risked as a debutant?

Gray and Mcneil are a possible source, unless a set-piece comes into the reckoning, either way looking forward as always to (hopefully) getting one over on the RS and halting their progress while improving ours.

It's crucial that we keep our concentration for the full 90 minutes, it's easy to switch off against the smaller clubs.

Everton 2 v 0

I reckon Gueye can slot straight in. His experience and understanding of the league would allow him so. But Frank might still start with the same midfield for now and when Onana is tired or someone pick up a card, or to see out the game, Gueye will be released.

A win is overdue. I feel we might get something out of this game.

I now believe Frank has built a good team of players, and so I am hoping it will be a home win of 2-1. (However, last night I dreamt it was a 3-3 draw!)

What could possibly go wrong ?

Interesting to see if they throw their new guy straight into a high intensity game like this

For tomorrow, it's a disaster if we all get wound up and try to play at break neck speed, because quite simply they are better than us in most areas of the pitch.

I hope Frank and Co have devised some sort of game plan, as Leeds game, and we keep the three man midfield, where I hope Gana can play. I appreciate he will not be match fit, but Tom Davies in these matches always lets himself down with silly fouls and is likely to be sent off.

I also hope we keep the same two on the right hand side, where Patterson and McNeil played so well the other evening, this would mean that initially at least Gray would loose out as surely Maupay will start.

Essentially we likely to be unable to out play them, but with the tactics right and our two canny street wise centre backs we will hopefully come away with the 3 points.

I can see the likes of Cody, Maupay, Gueye, Garner, Gordon and Onana being well up for this one. We must keep 11 on the pitch.

Going to be a feisty one. A lot of scouse on the pitch ha ha bound to be trouble UTFT 2-1

We cannot allow yet another game to pass without a recognized striker, it hasn't produced goals so far and tomorrow won't be any different.

Play the best players you have available and then you can have no complaints.

Liverpool are there to be got at, they scraped home on Wednesday night, lucky against Palace and Fulham.

It's up to Everton to be a bit braver though, I'm concerned again we are far too cautious in games, we need to start taking risks.

It's hard to imagine that we haven't beaten Liverpool at Goodison since 2010 and there is a possibility now that may not happen again at the Old Lady, tomorrow may represent our best chance.

Hope the team get it done and you enjoy the game Mannik. Either way, it's going to be a burn into the brain experience.

Anyway, this lot will be full of themselves and we have a number of new players who will be playing and maybe some who won't. If we can get the midfield right, and don't think it's a bad midfield now, but Davies maybe as a sub and bring Gana in. I think three fast forwards, if they are given the through balls to attack them, can cause damage to their defence.

Don't really know anything about Maupay and it might be too much to expect him to start. I'd like to see him take some part though. But against Leeds, Gray and Gordon both hit the back of the net. Though the insane use of VAR currently in use, ruled it out.

I'm hopeful that we don't collapse, as we have so many times, and I hope we get a referee who isn't their twelfh man! Other than that lets see how we shape up. We have a better defence, much more choice in midfield and fast forwards. Thats progress and if we win or lose tomorrow, I'm much more hopeful that, for a start, we can steer away from the mire this season.

PS, Minik, well done for making such a trip and I hope you enjoy the game and see the Great Old Ground before we move to Bramley Moore.

Have a great time, mate.

Gana walks into our starting eleven as does Maupay.

A number of blues I’ve spoken to this week are supremely confident ! I’m not sure what they’re on but the gulf between us and the shameless ones remains huge unfortunately. I am praying (don’t laugh)for a fair crack of the whip tomorrow from the officials. Should that happen, along with the bear pit atmosphere at the old lady, we could scrape a draw.

My prediction - an improvement on the same fixture from last season but still a defeat I’m afraid : 1 - 3 with Maupay getting our goal.

Onward Evertonians.
Full support

Also he has to balance the midfield out by playing Onana Iwobi and Gueye (get a least 60mins).

As Jim #13 said play our best players frank, RS midfield isn't good we should beat these.

on another note I have a spare ticket as I'm unwell. if your interested email jjcolly78@gmail.com.

Substitutions will decide the outcome of this match and we will have a more balanced bench to choose from to counter the chemically induced running of the asthmatics over the full 110 minutes (they get extra added time if they're not winning, remember).

If Pickford keeps his sensible head on and we can wind them up with an in yer face performance, we can win this one courtesy of a debut goal from Maupay just to rub it in. I want to see an apoplectic Klopp whingeing about injuries, the wind, the grass being too wet, green etc. etc.

Oh and our 12th man needs to be right at them from the off. If we are to get our first win, I can think of no better fixture to achieve it in. COYB.

PS Hope you have a day to remember for the rest of your life Minik!

Given Lampard's comments at the end of last season, when we were hard done by on blatant decisions, I smell a rat.

Patterson
Tarkowski
Coady
Mykolenko
Gana
Onana
Gordon
Iwobi
Gray
Maupay

In the hope that Maupay could make himself an instant Goodison legend.

“It's easy to switch off against smaller clubs.“ I love it!

I can see why Lyndon has gone for Tom Davies, Gana must be way off match fitness.

i Would like to see Garner involved at some point, i liked what I saw in his clips from Forest.

They look a bit shaky at the back but, if we don't pressure them and try and hit them on the break, it's asking a lot. So Lampard, be brave: 4-3-3 Gueye to start as well as Maupay and have a go.

1-0 Gray with the winner. UTFT.

For me, I would go 4-5-1 moving into 4-3-3 when we have the ball:

Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Coady, Mykolenko, Gordon, Gueye, Onana, Iwobi, Gray, Maupay.

Is it unrealistic of me to think we can pinch this? I will be travelling back from holiday in the car so will only have it on the radio above squabbling kids. COYB.

Either way, I'm sure we'll be far more competitive than the last 2 derbies.

As I say, the Plan B and C, ie, subs etc, not his strength but we have to grow with him. Benitez was hopeless at that from day one. These can be got at as long as there are 3 in midfield and Maupay from the start.

Gueye has seen these games before and walks straight in ahead of Davies (who has been functional but average).

The rest of team picks itself, Maupay has to start over Rondon and Gray and Gordon either side ahead of Onana, Gueye and Iwobi.

That should be enough to give them a game.

ps: I don't want to see any of this shithouse time-wasting that we did last week. It's pathetic.

What's the reward, does he get a move to Everton Ladies? Or maybe a trip to the hairdressers to get his man-bun groomed, Calvert-Lewin will be sooo jealous!

Anything can happen in a derby, just don't give the cheating red bastards any time on the ball. So much will depend on the ref, a win for the RS is what the "Premier League Product" requires for worldwide audiences, so don't expect VAR to do us any favours

Cynical me, never.

Or is there another reason why we can only afford to buy a Brighton reserve to improve what is comically referred to as an 'attack'?

Nothing personal against the lad but he's never improved in all the time he's been here.

A non-fit Gueye is better than a fully fit Davies.

Been a good window, irrespective of some of the nay sayers on here, the most important thing is to get behind Frank and the team. Fuck Klopp and the red shite, bring it on.

Another Ian Rush vs Glen Keeley debacle is on the cards given the present chasm in ability, spirit and pace between the two clubs. I wouldn't be surprised if we get done by 6.

Taking my blue glasses off we are out gunned, so I expect to lose.
Just hoping for the best with no red cards, anything we can get will be a bonus.

The awful recruitment and spending policies over the past 5 years have got us in this mess.

I would love to see Gana straight back in with Maupay, agree that McNeil may be a better option on the right to hold Robertson down with Gordon on the left in TTA's face. CYOB, time to click.

Being a slave to fact and history l can cure the dread affliction of optimism in a trice. Our reciprocal arrangement with the RS began with Shankly and is now a common question on Physics A level papers.

Q: "When was Newtons 4th law of motion discovered and what is it?"

A; 1971 semi-final. The discovery that, as Everton get worse, Liverpool get stronger, was confirmed.

Up front we have effectively swapped Richarlison for Maupay, I doubt they are worried about being out-gunned by us. Get in their faces, try to disrupt them and pray for a new hero.

We can definitely nick a win. Came close away at Leeds and Brentford with a weaker side than will be available tomorrow so why not?

The make or break tomorrow will be how well our full-backs cope, and how well they are supported. Need to work our socks off in this department.

We've already seen that Gordon is kicking on and the end product is now on its way, I can see him getting into the box and being fouled for a penalty or scoring. Maupay will be fired up and looking to impress on his debut. He can cause problems and force mistakes. Liverpool's defenders have not looked comfortable in a few games when under pressure. Get right at them and force those mistakes.

It's going to be tough and a fight, as usual, but I'm confident we will do well tomorrow and get a point maybe three.

COYBLUES!

You are right, we were giving Liverpool a good game at 1-2 when Coleman made the cock-up and it became 1-3 and game over.

One of the reasons we were giving them a good game after Gray scored our goal was Rondon, yes him, was getting stuck into Van Dijk and worrying and upsetting him until he got injured and went off, not long after they scored that third goal.

Watching Liverpool this season, they struggle when they are pressed, Van Dijk is not the player he was, I think he has lost something physically, so play on him and we might find a goal at least maybe more.

Start Rondon, yes can hear the screams, with instructions to work the bollocks off Van Dije for 45 minutes then set the nuisance from Brighton on him for the second half kicking into Gwladys Street, it could possibly work.

Minik enjoy your debut at Goodison, I hope you have a day you'll remember for the rest of your life very best wishes to the Blue from Greenland!!

“Our team is exhausted after playing extra time on Wednesday. Having to play the derby already on Saturday just proves that we are always the victims,” stated Klopp.

Get to the ground a good hour before the game and that way you can walk around the whole stadium and get to see the statues of the Holy Trinity and Dixie. There is a mural photographic timeline around the ground and its great to see where it all started and is well worth a read and will help to build the atmosphere for you. Read the plaques either side of the Dixie statue. The shop is opposite the statue. Give yourself a good solid hour or two at the ground before going in. You won't regret it. I guarantee you'll find it well worth it. Enjoy your first trip. It will stuck in your memory forever. UTFT's

His last game for PSG in the league was way back on the 21st May and he only played 11 minutes of it. The last time he was in the PSG squad at all was for a cup game on the 31st July when he was on the bench and didn't even play.

He hasn't featured in any of their 5 league games this season so he hasn't kicked a ball in anger for getting on for 4 months.

Notwithstanding the fact that on paper they are the better team with far more talent to draw on especially in the scoring department we could indeed get a good result if the referee is up to snuff.

As someone who has seen more Derbies than most I have learnt not to get too excited or over confident about the outcome anymore but it would be great to put one over on them and Klopp.

With three draws on the bounce one hopes we are becoming a more difficult team to beat and I would have liked to have seen this game come around a little later giving the new lads a few games to find their feet.

Hopefully the defending will be strong enough to keep Salah & Co. at bay as we now they can be deadly.

I’d prefer Allan all day long then Davies off the bench or Gueye when he’s knackered

Scoring goals is still an obvious concern. So I woiuld go with Dave A's suggestion and start Rondon to annoy Saint Virgil and Maupay 2nd half to piss him off further.

Not sure when the last player to score on debut happened but for my ever hopeful soul it's Maupay to get the second as we win 2-0. !

Minik hope you have a great time and go in the Wimslow for a drink

COYB

We will be ok we will finish 11th this season

Never seems to happen for us though against them though, best I can come up from memory was the last-minute Jagielka thunderbolt at Anfield, but that was only an equaliser.

Out of interest, can anyone else remember us ever getting a last-minute winner against them, maybe in the '70s or '60s?

Hope you're right of course but I shall ignore the game as usual and watch highlights only if we win. It will be an event that never happened if the usual script gets played out at chez Rathbone.

Ancelotti got us in the right frame of mind.

No need to get all Kevin Keegan "Love it if we beat them" about it. Just keep it calm and patient, understand we'll get our chances and play to a plan to frustrate them and exploit some of the weaknesses they have.

Final point, Mal #69. Holgate has been decent this season. Now that Gomes has gone and Iwobi rehabilitated, let's get behind the players.

Desperate to win this game tomorrow. COYB

Pickford,
Patterson, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko
Allan, Iwobi, Onana
Gray, Rondon, Gordon

Up the Blues!

All the negativity towards Davies is unreal, he has done nothing wrong since coming into the side, and complaining about Pickford's time-wasting against Leeds, would it not be better to pick on the opposition instead of our players?

Hope it's four at the back, and Maupay upfront. I wonder will Calvert-Lewin make the bench, back training this week.

And the suggestion that Rondon should play tomorrow – who would have great trouble running to catch a bus, so would have great difficulty making any runs to get on to the end to any crosses in tomorrow's game against Liverpool – proves how limited striking options are, which are not a good sign against a Liverpool side who have now begun to find the form of last season.

I agree. Tom isn't some expensive flop; he's a squaddie who does his best but isn't that great. We've got rid of the expensive flops so let's get behind those who remain.

My granny would catch that bus before that useless Rondon and I'm 65 and she would be about 140.

My first ever game at Goodison was the 2-0 win over that lot where Danny Cadamateri and Ruddock's arse were the goal scorers… I hope you have an equally happy result. COYB

Maupay should start and be told to run himself into the ground. He may not last the full game but we need him to give Van Dijk something to think about.

Aside from Christy's point about Gueye not having played lately, he and Garner only have one day of training with the team. I presume Frank has been prepping for this game the last two days, '

So, in that respect, I wouldn't be surprised if they start on the bench although I think Gueye is the kind of character we need for this.

I agree. Tom Davies has been excellent. Committed in the tackle and sharp passing.

I should have known better. Once again, one name dominates the thread. One name is mentioned more than all the other players put together. I don't get it! He is a bit part player. A useful freebie. The only reason this willing but limited player is even getting in the squad is that he is braver than all those gutless midfield players we spent £500M on and who have aided our slide into near oblivion.

Coady's diagonals will find their wingbacks out tomorrow. I actually think we have the tools for this one.

Minik

Bring me sunshine and don't forget to check out BMD.

No, it didn't surprise me about Rondon. I don't think Frank will start him to be honest, mind you he started Gomes against Crystal Palace and that amazed nearly everyone, that didn't end well for Gomes though.

I just hope we beat Liverpool no matter who plays and it won't bother me one bit if Tom Davies plays a part in the game. He has done a lot more good things in his appearances this season than wrong ones but Tom will never please some fans no matter how he plays.

I owe you 10p from the Blackpool game over Rondon. You can collect it in The Upper Bullens tomorrow before the game. You will recognise me by the security men around me because I'm carrying money, Row J 195.

Just say the words, “Gimme my bleedin' money” and I'll know who you are, otherwise I will give it to the charity of your choice. It is a lot of money so be very careful before making your mind up.

It will have to be 10p exactly, Dave. I've adopted your habit of not normally carrying change. And I notice you say "ten pence" - I suspect that's old pennies.

Let's give the RS an overdue pounding ! Enjoy your day Minik you will be amongst the best fans around !"

Enjoy !

COYB 💙💙

On the game it is a match between a team who struggles to score goals v a team that scores goals for fun so it is not a game for the weak of heart.

Despite their lofty reputation ably assisted by match officials and the administrators they are very beatable this season and I am sure Frank has been doing his homework on Klippetty and his bums.

Tight derbies used to be the order of the day until recent years so I expect a tight game tomorrow with a sneaky win by the odd goal for the Blues.

Shout out to Minik I hope you enjoy your day and it is accompanied by a win.

COYB.

I'm actually getting a wee bit excited about tomorrow. Every game against that lot, we start level. And I reckon we're a bit stronger now than last season.

Gordon to terrorize Arnold. We can turn them over.

Apart from last season, our record against them at Goodison was decent. I think Mane's jammy injury time winner under Koeman was the last time they beat us at home prior to last season.

Minik, I hope Everton and Goodison make your first visit a memorable one with the stadium literally and visibly shaking at the end with Spirit of the Blues belting out.

I hope Gueye can give us at least an hour and Maupay gets to be a wasp in Van Dijk's ear.

On Davies, I'm not going to claim I've never criticised him or been frustrated with him. I have on both counts. But he's worth a place in this Everton squad. I get what Derek is saying, sometimes the local lads can let their adrenalin get the better of them in this fixture to the point of making them ineffective. Local or not, this fixture, more than any is about controlled aggression and controlling the emotions.

But some rise to the occasion because they understand it. Let's not forget Tom's swivel just outside our own box and near perfect pass into the path of Richarlison to start the move that led to the penalty that clinched the 2-0 win at Anfield under Ancelotti. That was extremely calm play in the cauldron of the Merseyside Derby.

He's not become what many hoped for, but still a decent player who just lacks a bit of confidence and consistency at times.

Oh, go on then. 2-1 Everton. 102nd minute winner. The official desperately trying to play until Liverpool win even though the 4th official only displayed 6 minutes of added on time (there should actually have only been 4, but Henderson had to tie his boot laces, which took 30 seconds).

We break from our own box. Gray picks up the ball 10 yards inside our own half and runs at St Virgil of Anfield, who slips and his halo falls off. One-on-one with the keeper but Gray calmly slots home.

A nervous few minutes as VAR does a quadruple check. Could it have been offside? Was the holier than though Dutchman infringed upon? Was the Liverpool Keeper's line of sight blocked by Pickford in the opposite 6-yard box. Was it the pitch that gave VVD a disadvantage?

No, Not even Stockley Park can get this wrong. The Ref reluctantly points to the centre circle but sends Gray off for crimes against the Premier League.

He knows a 3 match relief of Premier League duties is coming and he's probably at Oldham next week. There will an investigation followed by a cull at Stockley Park. Gray is likely to receive a 6-match ban and Lampard 3 matches in the stands because Klopp refused to shake his hand.

God this fixture really brings the bitter out in me.

I too am a bit excited about tomorrow and don’t usually like carrying a lot of money with me but just for you and only for you I will be able to have your change ready for you.

edit- yes we have but it was disallowed by that guess wonder Graham Poll

Looking forward to tomorrow also as we definitely have a mean steak in the team now and it will be interesting to see how the RS cope with that.

If Nunez starts for them what are the odds on him being sent off?

The 4-3-3 used against Leeds has to be the way forward, we looked so much balanced with that formation.

Gueye is a real athlete and Frank may be tempted to start him irrespective of his lack of games played for a while. He will add some real steel to the midfield which will help release Onana and Iwobi more.

Come on blues, make us proud.

Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Coady Mykolenko
Onana Gueye Iwobi
Mcneill Maupay Gordon

That's a hard-working and canny team that can hopefully frustrate them and then get a chance on the counter or at a set piece.

With only Maupay added we basically only have two forwards in the whole first team squad, and one has missed most of the last 12 months of football through injury and is a question mark as to how may games he'll play. The other is 5ft 6 and not renowned for scoring goals.

Time will tell how they gel together and what our playing 'style' develops to be but the next few games may be quite sobering.

Fingers crossed neither Mayday or DCL get (re)injured!

Oh, just saw Sam's remark on McNeil's corners. That possibly displaces Gray.

Lampard seems to er on the side of caution so I'd be pleasantly surprised if he starts with that. However, Gueye hasn't played since last season by all accounts, so chucking him in straight into a derby may be a bit harsh. Can see Davies starting myself.

You were right to question Derek's post, Sandy Brown scored in what was a 3-1 victory.

Roger Hunt scored the winner in the Charity Shield on 13 August, and the derby game was a fortnight later, 27 August.

Yes, it may depend on how fit Gana is and how sharp in training this week. Not sure Lampard is a big fan of Davies so I reckon he'll be keen to start Gana if he can. We'll see.

Legs could decide this, if we keep the tempo high, make changes when we tire. Make it ugly, make them rush every pass don't give them a minute and we will have a chance.

The last match at Anfield shows we can put in a shift, now we have a touch of quality to go with it. We need that back 4 to be on form.

No-one's expecting us to get anything so play with some freedom and have a go.

Palace got into them and the Skunks, they don't like teams getting into them.

Show Salad his bad side, target inn between their midfield and centre-backs, and keep composure, Everton can win.

UTFTs, "What's Our Name?"

"Well you see we didnt have the normal arrangement with the match officials to send some of their players off and add 2 hours on at the end and the VAR didn't disallow their 2 goals like we spoke before the game".

"It is so unfair to expect us to play 2 games in a week".

"Yes Jurgen but every other team has to play 2 games in a week"

"Yes, that's my point we are supposed to have an advantage, I didn't demand 5 substitutes so we could be treated the same as other teams, we are supposed to win things!"

"Yes but you lost this one, Jurgen."

"Oh life is so unfair, I even lost some teeeth today and it's all that Lampard's fault, I was ranting down the 4th official's ear when he turned and caught me in the mouth knocking my teeth out, it's just not fair."

Start Maupey, get the fans onside from the off instead of cautious, risk-averse selections. Go for it instead of overthinking it.

Oh and Frank, give Bingo some abuse from the start. Wind the psychotic smiling nark up to fuck. It's our ground, let them know they're uninvited from the first whistle.

I wouldn't be surprised if we saw Gana come off the bench to replace Onana who only played his first full 90 minutes on Tuesday.

We did not get all what we wanted from the transfer window but, on the other hand, we never spent useless amounts of money to bring in overpriced players.

I am not going to predict the score because I am hardly ever rite, as an Evertonian I know what I would like, but my hope for tomorrow is Do not Lose.

Trouble with Everton is, they have been violating this basic law for far too long in derby games. Here's hoping we can finally start following it under Lampard and the recent new signings.

I don't think Gueye will start the game, also I'm doubtful Maupay will start.
The only thing going for us is home advantage, man for man its a mismatch in most positions.

I would dearly love us to win or draw but my head is saying 'nah'.

I just hope he doesn't go back to 5 at the back, because our midfield is a lot stronger more offensive and has pace now, which was totally lacking, and Frank has addressed that now.

I think McNeil will edge it over Gray because he provides Patterson with good defensive cover.

That's a side that can be compact and resilient without the ball – and carries a goal threat going forwards.

So we should be aiming for a draw and cautiously hopeful of a win.

You'll be struck and in a great way, the atmosphere, the fans, thd Old Lady, life will never be the same again.

UTFTs!

You couldn't have picked a better match to really "Feel" Goodison, and should we win, you will really feel it to another level.

Hope you have a good seat and view. There can only be one first time; perhaps you'll write an article to share it all.

I know you mean it in jest but I wouldn't be surprised if you accidentally hit the nail on the head there!

I think we could get twatted tomorrow as this squad still needs time to gel but I'm hoping for a draw.

I think their midfield is very ordinary and Henderson, who makes them tick, is likely to be missing, too. We just need to avoid silly early yellow cards.

There is no doubt this man gets the club, our history and what we want as fans.
He is very impressive when speaking to the media.

I have my doubts if he is the man, but I really like the guy – his honesty in what lies ahead and the rebuild we are on is a breath of fresh air.

Nothing would please me more to see him transform Everton, starting tomorrow.
COYB.

Just hope it's not all the shitehawk managers we have had in last few years making Frank look like the dog's bollocks.

I hope we get a result tomorrow to kick our season on.

As I've said, he doesn't line them up or select them how I would but he definitely is a good fit for the club right now. We need belief and fight as much as we need tactics or game management.

Frank will figure out how to deploy the subs but we will probably go through a phase where we get in good positions but do not hold the lead; that will be solved.

I have such a decent feeling about the chap that I won't even emphasize that he is a good foil against Moshiri. It will be up and down, but more up than down and for some reason, I get the feeling that this is a squad that will support each other and grow under Frank's tutelage.

Both Newtons never hit it off at Everton. Keith was an English international full-back bought from Burnley, Henry was a midfielder bought from Nottm Forest but played a lot of games at full-back.

If Henry was a shining light when he played for Everton, they must have taken the batteries out when I saw him... and Keith never fared any better.

I've changed (and keep changing) my view on this but Lampard seems to me to have something rather special about him. He has the winner's knack, the indefinable capacity to stay ahead of the scythe.

It may not look like it just now but I suspect we have the right man already.

During this period, when Alan Ball was transferred to Arsenal, the Everton successful winning team of 1970 went their own ways, while Harry Catterick looked for replacements, especially for Alan Ball. But none were found, and Harry Catterick soon after left the manager's job.

Everton went into years of finding the right manager and the right winning formula, which they did in 1984 through the management skills of Howard Kendall. The long road back to recovery took so long because Harry Catterick sold one of the most important players in Everton's history, Alan Ball.

Now that said he was implying that James will be with us longer term and would develop at Everton but he didn't commit either way as to whether he would be involved tomorrow really.

I have never seen his handwriting so can't comment.

Come on blues, we need to paint the city blue again. Put the RS T***s to the sword. Need to show them the blue steel tomorrow.

UTFT

Kieran (167) Yes used the wrong word, lol. At least he’s not illiterate I saw him signing on for us!!

John (166) Yes Keith Newton came from Blackburn Rovers and left Everton for Burnley, Henry, as you say was a wing half but not sure that he ever played for England.

But I confess to having the colly-wobbles and I really wish I had you beside me tonight Christine to hold my hand. and sit between me and my wife -- she supports the other lot. more fool her!!

Both arrived as potentially good signings as I recall Keith lost Harry Catterick's confidence and Henry was used to plug gaps in an ailing team.

Sadly Harry's health and consequently vigour wained at the same time the team needed him post the World Cup. The rest is a story of how the foundations of where we are today came to pass

Henry Newton was a midfielder. So we accommodated him by playing Howard Kendall centre back (for one game, which we lost 4-0).

And people come on here talking about square pegs in round holes. It’s been going on for a while!

If we had come through the post-1970 league win and World Cup hangover in better shape, I doubt we would be in the doldrums we find ourselves for the past 30 years

Henry Newton was fairly good, but by that time we were a shadow of the late 60s side, having sold Alan Ball and destroyed arguably the best midfield in the world (on a par with Brazil’s).

Everton have been selling our best players at the drop of a hat ever since, and have generally buggered about in terms of any real ambition to win major trophies.

Robson nearly did come but a mysterious 'leak' denied by all involved to their grave scuppered the move as I recall

As you say, maybe history would have been different but who really knows? Would we have hit the heights of the mid 80's without Howard.

With the absentees they will have (alcantara, henderson, keita), we must have an energetic team all round and we have a chance. McNeil service is awesome but for this one we need to never stop running and I see Maupay better suited for that than McNeil. Also I would probably drop Davies probably because of that. Iwobi Patterson and Onana wound never stop running and Allan (although Ill doubt hell start) is a very inteligent player and has a winners attitude. I think we need him for these derbies and more to have some experience beside so many young players, someone who can guide and not always go forward.

Someone said our inexpert fullbacks may show the raw they are against top opponents and that may happen. But Gordon will get plenty of chances too to show his talent and I'm looking forward to that. I don't know how long ago Garner hasnt played, but if hes kind of fit I would probably play him. Or put coleman in defense and Patterson in right midfield. Experience (seamus) and energy/speed/hunger (nathan) to control luis diaz.

We have options, finally!

would love to see:

pickford;

Coleman, coady, tarkowsky, mykolenko;

Patterson, Onana, Allan/iwobi, iwobi/gray;

Gordon and Maupey.

it looks kind of defensive but I think that team has balance and could at least take it 0-0 to 60 minutes. And then, let the magic flow Anthony.

COYB!

With a stronger rejuvenated midfield, Gordon finding the net, Coady and Tarkowski finding their feet, Patterson and Onana growing with every match — and with no Origi on the pitch — I think there’s a good chance we get points tomorrow. COYB!

Keep it tight, press their defence at all times and let Gordon give their back line the same shit he gave them at Anfield, their back 4 did nothing but hack him down.

Hopefully Klipperty will play Nunez which Tarky and Coady will take full advantage of..

It means that they’re there for the taking.

UTFT

If we fancy a win we need two clear goals, and if we want a draw we need to take the lead.

Then whatever the score, celebration or commiseration, move on quickly.

Be strong, be decisive, be good and full concentration please.

Goodison faithful, be loud and sing your hearts out!

Colin, if you’re thinking ‘shining light’ from a midfielder in those days, are you confusing Henry Newton with Martin Dobson? Now he was classy.

That'll do.

Going back to the game at Old Trafford, Harry was too I'll to go with the team and after the midweek loss to the Greeks in the European Cup the morale was low, boosted by a goal by before half time scored by Alan Ball we seemed ready to come back but an injury to Brian Labone put an end to that.

Regarding Keith Newton, that injury he received certainly didn't help him because he never played many times for Everton n the times he was here.

Of course, Manure 'snapped him up' (?) from a neutral perspective when I saw highlights of Man Utd games he seemed to have carried on from Swansea, and even plundered a few goals.

I was a tad surprised when United only played him sparingly and eventually went to Leeds, where again, he seemed to be okay when I saw Leeds play, again in highlights. Which beggars the question, why have 3 Clubs wanted to move him on mid-contract?

Another thing, but slightly off topic I have arranged another TW Get Together at Bramley Moore Pub on 18 September (West Ham Game 14:00) so people can watch the game and hopefully be joined by match-goers after. I know it's not the easiest to get to at present,, but feel to make ourselves known to the Manager, (Angela) could pay dividends when the New Stadium opens.

I have asked the Ed's to post it and even sent a reminder, but nothing has appeared yet in General Forum and time is running down. I know there has been a lot of activity in Transfers to report on this week so maybe it has taken a back seat. I know you will be there, not missed one yet, but be great to see you and the other regulars there, plus a few new faces.

It's not like we have these every month, in fact it is a year since the last one. We have a special guest this time too, John Hall from the Philippines is over for a few weeks. He is a Liverpool lad and has supported us since childhood, so it would be nice to have a good turn out to meet up.

I like what I see and hear from Lampard. Let’s give him time, and resources, to build his team. It might take a season or two but I feel we are now on the right track and we will no longer be a pushover for anyone. We might lose today but that doesn’t change anything. Time and patience is essential.

And shame on you who don’t recognise Wayne Newton! After Elvis and Tom Jones he was the biggest act on the Las Vegas strip. He was better than both Henry and Keith. Singing, that is.

If Tom hadn't scored that goal against City where we won 4-0, I truly believe he would be now playing for Skateboarder Rovers !

Christ, you must be a bundle of laughs to go the match with. Is being a miserable get natural or do you have to work at it? Just askin'...

If we have enough numbers maybe Angela will open the upstairs bar for us?? Good view over B-M Dock.

If we do the same today we have got a chance of getting something out of the game, anything less or reverting to five at the back and we will get battered 4-0. Good luck lads COYB.

By the time the Stadium is finished it will be a totally different area altogether. The other alternative is a Taxi share, and at the end of the evening Angela or her staff will generally phone a taxi. I was in Sunday evening as The Danny was moored behind the United Utilities Plant and adjacent to our new home. Hell of a walk through the Dockyard though to get out, only to walk all the way back again on the main road.

It was actually heaving in there, as there was a Charity Football Event with many attending, seats were almost at a premium. All very friendly and accommodating. I noticed (just) on the way back to the ship, that other businesses and another bar (Royal Crest Hotel) had opened. Look forward to seeing you there mate !

“Liverpool have scored 40 winning goals in the 90th minute in the Premier League, 12 more than any other side.”

They’ve won 1PL vs other multiple title winners esp Man Utd. So why do they call it Fergie time?

But we've got to have 3 in midfield, and I'd go for the 3 that started vs Leeds. People calling for gana to start, are a bit nuts, he hasn't played a competitive game since May.

But onto Davies; interesting post match comments by Lampard, that everyone played to instructions, and that's what Davies does, sits in front of the back 4 and transitions the ball, nothing fancy or eye catching, just pop, pop, pop, to confuse the press.

I know people don't like him and when gana, Garner and Duke get up to speed he'll be way down the pecking order. But if he starts to FFS watch what he does

Really excited for this, even if the odds are stacked against us. We will have a decent and competitive midfield when everyone is fit, with Duke back in training now. Hopefully DCL will be back soon too, Frank is right - the spine of the team is a lot stronger after this is transfer window.

I’m going with our Gordon to carry on scoring, hope he keeps his head for this one and doesn’t do anything rash. I wish people would leave Davies alone, he’s done nothing wrong and we all know his limitations but he is a tidy player.

COYB!!!