Liverpool vs Everton

The post-match interview will be a real treat.

If that's true we are well and truly doomed.

Taking the exchange on the train on its own, there are a few ways to look at it, the most obvious being that Bill is hardly likely to talk openly in public about a lack of faith in his manager or any temptation to sack him.

Another is that Moshiri ultimately holds sway, even if he only has a seat on the board by proxy, and if he feels strongly that Martinez has to go, then surely that's what will happen in the summer if things go badly awry between now and the end of the season.

In terms of the next two games, if we lose both then the clamour from supporters will become very hard to ignore. Whether that has any effect on the hierarchy's plans would remain to be seen.

Rodgers knew his time was up before the game. That's why he wore a black tie, rather than the customary red.

No club wants to become a revolving door for managers – unless you are Chelsea, that normally only leads to longer term problems. However a well-run club will decide to replace it's manager, find the next person whilst leaving the incumbent in the role, and then make the change.

My fear is Kenwright is so desperate to be loved by all who work for him, his natural inclination is to give him more time – then as Newcastle may find out, making the change and bringing the "right" man in may be too little too late.

We could win all our remaining fixtures, thereby lifting silverware, and I don't think it would change the groundswell of opinion now.

They are far from invincible and very beatable in my opinion and whilst I appreciate our form in the league hasn't been great we are safe with no threat of relegation and should just go out and play with no fear.

For us fans who are there tonight we need to put aside the Martinez out feelings and sing our hearts out. You just never know, but yes Lyndon, it is the hope that kills you!!

We've been up shit creek many times in my 40 years of watching the blues and we have surprised a few teams when our backs have been against the wall, so come on let's try and enjoy the day and remain positive!!! COYB!!

(Takes another blast on his crack pipe and dreams of a derby win!!!)

We have had two week breaks this season and came back after the rest looking as jaded as we would after three games in a week.

Put simply, if we lose these two matches then there is no going back for Martinez and many of these players.

Whoever sets foot on the pitch tonight should NOT need to be motivated by anyone else for a Merseyside derby.

If there are any shrinking violets in blue tonight then they should never be seen in a blue shirt again and offloaded in the summer.

We have a disgusting record against Liverpool and defeat tonight will put enormous pressure on them to pull out a performance on Saturday that to be honest at the minute I don't think the team is capable of.

It will be interesting to see how many times we cross the halfway line tonight and how many shots we register on target considering we have scored about 5 goals in 13 visits to Anfield and such is our usual timid nature of approaching derbies.

Martinez and the team seem to have put us in a weird state of limbo where our season feels over despite having the best chance of winning silverware in decades. To be feeling like that on the cusp of a derby game and Cup Semi in the space of four days can only prove there's something deeply wrong.

To be honest I think the issue has been forced by the Moshiri money.

Our expectations have been lifted but I think it's completely undermined what confidence the players and Martinez had (waiting for the hammer to fall), leading to shocking form, which has gone against the grain of how we think we should be performing and has heaped further pressure on the team.

It's a vicious circle which I think will only be broken now by either a huge change in form and a Cup win or the removal of the manager. I am expecting the latter to be the case and don't expect this to go away until Moshiri puts his cards on the table, which won't be until the end of the season.

So, let's pull our socks up, get through these games, get a Cup in the cabinet and see how the chips fall from there. No matter what happens we need action from the top to take the club forward though, they have caused the situation, now they need to fix it.

Surely they can't serve up more of the same shite and our 'big' players have done nothing lately so owe us big time.

FFS!!! What is wrong with people? Everton – get out there and batter the fucking shite out of them. If we lose we lose but we're taking a good few of those cunts down with us.

Roll on Wembley!

So, perhaps, even if we get nowt tonight (I've put a 'brown un' on the draw at 13/4) our manager will see us through to the Final.

Here's hoping anyway!

They also had Michael Ball on, who mentioned he goes to every game, and suggested he, like the rest of the crowd, is bored shitless with the tippy tappy (don't) keep ball.

I would give some youngsters a crack tonight. Not because of resting players for the semi but because I think they seem the only ones who really deserve it. Its hard to pick more than 3 players who have been playing with any heart or form for the last month. Funes Mori, Robles, Lennon and maybe Stones and Barry at a push?

Luckily both the derby and the cup seem to provide a platform on which previous form goes out the window and as such a potential release for the players. I fully expect to see a much more energised performance. I'll take a last minute equaliser in the derby and a tight win in the cup please.

Anyway, it hardly matters. Win, lose or draw, the most discredited manager in Everton's modern history will still be at the helm come Saturday. For me, that's the bigger concern.

Moyes's record for his first three full seasons was 45%, 24% and 47%.

Lesson learned = NEVER trust TS!

In Lukaku we always have a punchers chance, but we need to give him chances; with this in mind, I hope Ross is never more than 10 yards away from him.

The fallout from the next two games is what really interests me. COYB's

Unlike some Blues, I don't hate Liverpool, don't even dislike them to be honest, but it would mean the world to me, nevertheless, if we could do what we haven't done for nearly 20 years and beat them over there.

So COME ON, MARTINEZ,
COME ON, YOU BLUES!

I've been defending our city (the blue version) all morning.

All that x-box 'call of duty' stuff too hard for me - this is my idea of a game, saving the lives of Evertonians in the city.

Link

(there's a red and neutral version on there so you can compare scores with chums etc)

By the way, I'm shite and games so you all died about 50 times this morning.

As always this is a very important game to Liverpool's fans. Their players understand that, respond accordingly, and we habitually lose.

I've said it before, when we can match Liverpool will to win, and not just in the derby games, then we might start to match their achievements.

We've experienced some dark days as blues but I can't remember a derby where I didn't think we at least had a chance.

I agree. Responsibility for sending out a team with the will to win rests with the management team – if they can't instil it in those players at their disposal then such players should be replaced with ones with the required will.

Failure to do either should result in replacement of the management team itself. Will to win and fitness are the two most important elements of a winning team – failure by our current crop of skilled individuals proves the point. All that said, COYB!!

That's a paltry SIX wins in over FIFTY years so little blame can attach to Roberto if we don't pull it off tonight. (But it will, of course!)

I think that's how a lot of us feel.

Howard;
Connolly, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway;
Besic, McCarthy;
Deulofeu, Dowell, Oviedo;
Niasse.

Along with a good few youngsters on the bench (Holgate, Foulds, Henen, etc).

I'd rest Lukaku, Barkley, Lennon, Mirallas and Barry – and give Dowell a well deserved debut.

While also giving Howard a last derby day.

I suggested in one post a few days ago that in some ways tonight's game couldn't come at a better time (howls of derision I know!). The team needs something to give them some impetus prior to Wembley and "just another league game" wouldn't cut the mustard – but tonight's game is a totally different kettle of fish.

The occasion simply demands that we turn up and fight our corner, the very injection of some much needed chemistry is a must and a top performance will carry them though to Wembley in the right frame of mind.

At least that's the theory.

As for the rumours about RM staying at the helm even if we lose both games, I just can't see it. Maybe that's BK's idea, but the fans will turn I think. The only think that has stopped them doing such so far is our cup run. But I would love to win both, especially Saturday;, we're all desperate to win a trophy to repay the thousands of travelled miles, wads of cash spent and the emotion we invest in them, we just want a trophy. It'd be beautiful.

Kunal, 'results based business' – but according to RM it's not about results, but 'performances'! Mind you, both have been woeful.

Matt, glad Ball said that. I am also very 'bored' of the slow passing game we play.

As for tonight, give a few youngsters a go as on Saturday, they really put themselves about, some heart in their display; prob. because they haven't been as exposed to the Martinez bullshit.

Would love to do the RS, COYB, give us something to cheer about!

The type of football Martinez wants his teams to play for me has now been found to be flawed. hence Leicester and Spurs at the top of the league and not the tippy tappy purist type played by Man city and Arsenal.

Even Barcelona seem to have been found out now, if there latest results are anything to go buy. Up and at them high intensity game has now been proved to be the way forward, if anybody has any doubts about it then just watch tonight's game.

Yes, tactical expertise can influence a game... but give me a manager / coach with real motivational skills and understands the game – goes to war with you every game, a manager players look up to, and respect... That's when you know you can beat anyone!!

Sadly we have a manager who struggles to hide his shameful weaknesses and pretends to be in control of this magical, special football club.

Dreaming that our club will employ a manager, who doesn't hide behind a philosophy that looks great on paper but a manager who Leads by example, shows his feelings, gets everybody on-board; and makes every player feel they are invincible when they play for this great club!!! Martinez Out!

If we try and play the game in their half, and get bodies round Lukaku, we will win!

We need guile and heart in the middle of the park – put Pienaar in the centre.

Robles,
Connolly, Stones, Funes Mori, Oviedo,
McCarthy, Barry, Besic,
Pienaar,
Barkley, Lukaku.

Bring Osman on for Pienaar after 60 minutes.

The one thing going for us going into this game is that they will think they only have to turn up to win – their smug like that. Let's give it to them.

Up the Blues.

Wednesday (4-3-3), GK Howard, RB Connolly, LB Oviedo, CD Stones CD Funes Mori, CM Osman CM Gibson CM Besic, RW Deulofeu, LW Mirallas, CF Kone

Saturday (4-2-3-1) GK Robles, RB Coleman, CD Jagielka, CD Stones, LB Baines, DCM Barry, DCM McCarty, RW Lennon ACM Barkley LW Cleverly CF Lukaku.

I have assumed that Coleman, Jagielka, Baines, Lennon will all be ok for Saturday. From these 2 teams there is only Stones who needs to play 2 full games.

I think Robles is going to be busy, but I think its an excellent opportunity for him and the defence to show their mettle.

COYB!

I think £13.5 million makes him our third highest signing behind Rom and Fellaini so would reasonably think at that price that he at least could give a kick up the backside to Lukaku and galvanise the team for the remainder of the season but all we hear is that he's not fit cos he's got a bad wrist!!

I can remember Kevin Richardson playing a number of games in the 80s with a cast on his arm and scoring against Villa with it on in the League Cup semi final. Surely Martinez should be quizzed on why, after 3 months at the club, he still reckons he's not fit??

Saying that though, if he comes on tonight and scores the winner, I'll be jumping up and down as much as anybody!!

Even in the years of our decline (Harvey, Kendall MK2, Walker, Royle, Smith) we never took a bad pasting, no matter how bad we were in ability we always put up a fight and had a bit of pride.

The 1990's gave us a good Derby record (8 games unbeaten at one stage, thanks mainly to Big Joe). But once Moyes got in it all went pear shaped.

Relegation (we nearly there twice remember) seemed better than being beaten twice by that lot every season, being in a different division meant they couldn't beat us (i hope that makes sense).

Our record since Moyes got in is just unbearable, something has to be done about the inferiority complex in the players minds before these games, whether it be the manager's mindset or tactics. It's just not acceptable on any level and has gone on for far too long.

I've a cracking DVD called "Victories over Liverpool". Can the players not watch this in the week building up to the Derby to see what it really means to the fans and what it takes to do it?

Tonight, I'm telling myself "don't watch it, it'll take years off my lifespan...again". But it'll be championship manager on the computer and watching it, swearing, shouting etc etc because I simply can't fathom why a player in our blue shirt isn't going after every one of them like a starving lion going for his next dinner.

If it was me playing my only mindset would be looking forward to booting them all over the park and winning. Nothing else would be good enough. Those ba57@rds bring out the worst in me. A draw stops their slabbering, a win for us keeps them quiet for a while.

And yes, tonight on Championship Manager, I'll be managing Everton. Under Harvey, Kendall and Royle we always knew we had a good chance in the Derby's' how has got to be so bad now?

I also think the players have decided that all that matters is the game on Saturday at Wembley. Despite a couple coming out and saying its the players fault for this season, I don't believe many have any faith left in RM. So for them it will be all or nothing at Wembley on Saturday.

Notwithstanding that , the form of our strongest team is poor and so it seems the RS will be licking their lips.

We can but hope for a miracle because that is all Martinez is clinging to these days and yet sometimes they do happen. Could this be the only one that happens this season (apart from Rom's goal against Chelski)?

BK really does believe its all down to bad luck this season. Crazy situation. Ah well not long now to heaven or hell. Do I come on TW after I get back from the game? Mmmm... let's see.

However, in a perverse sort of way, because everything does seem against us, I have a glimmer of hope that we will not only get a point, but that Lukaku will earn his salary for the first time this month and score a winner in the 91st minute.

It's too early for a vodka so I'm stone cold sober.

I feel exactly the same, in my case it's around 45 years since I started supporting Everton. They must/should know what it means to us.

It saddens me to say this but they do need to see a film of teams from our past and be told, that passion, not to mention any "trick" you can pull out of the bag to win; we should get out and get at them quick – let them know they're in for a hard game.

Link

Martinez's reign could be summed up by the line from Bon Jovi "You promised me heaven but put me through hell."

I'd play him and tell him to rise to the occasion. I like this kid.

I have a meeting this afternoon with my web / marketing guru so I can't watch. Although this is the least excited I've ever been in my 9 years of bastardized, overseas support for a derby, I'm gutted to have to watch delayed.

7 pm EST with 5 sons and the Mrs watching on the DVR is going to have to do. No barstool in America derby this game.

More's the pity.

I'll say a prayer at 2:45 pm EST.

Surprise us and just fucking win please Everton.

Scott, love the link! Far too many ted shite pundits.

I've tried not following derbies or pretending they don't matter but I'll end up kicking every ball thinking "why do we put ourselves through this?" and usually it ends in massive disappointment.

Relax, Said Roberto,
We are programmed to keep the ball,
I'll still be here talking shite next year,
Even if we win f*ck all..............

Cue Joe Walsh, Glen Frey etc.............

I wish Roberto would just take a Mink DeVille (Spanish Stroll)

Last 6 league games for us: D3 L3, for them W4 D1 L1.....I just hope we can nick a goal from a corner (Funes Mori?) or a Barkley/Mirallas wonder strike.

Only by doing that will his pure genius be recognised.

Interesting....

So that is why we are sitting mid table or lower...

Thank fuck that we managed to "compete " with Villa.....Sunderland and Newcastle Utd.

What a manager.

Personally I think the RedShite will be happy with a 1-0 and will be happy to sit back – while we huff and puff. Losing 1-0 and the board will give him more time; getting thrashed will signal the end and do we risk him for the semi-final? Let's see how it all pans out this evening.

And Lyndon, after reading your preview, I had to check it will be 11 against 11.

Come on the Blues!

"It is about the style of football, not how good you are with that style. I will always promote a style of football that will allow us to compete with any team – and not have a roof of the top seven."

So remember everyone, it's all about 'style' – not how good you are.

People say he is 'nice' is he fuck, he's an arrogant wanker.

For the first I can remember, not just because I'm on holiday, I'm turning my phone off, ignoring it completely and going to a national park.

I cannot believe how slowly this miserable season seems to be crawling towards the end. Bring on the cricket and Martinez's sacking!

Why play any defenders or a goalkeeper at all?

On a side note, I've always been one for rubbishing blues that think we're harshly treated but I've just noticed that Sky have a headline article on how Liverpool might look next season.

I would fucking love it..............love it.

That redshite jersey should be a bloody rag to a bull for an Everton player, or I've been following the wrong team for a long time now? A few extra strong tackles, and this Liverpool team which is predominantly made up of spice boys (Coutinho, Firmino, Sturridge, Moreno, Lallana, Origi et al,) can be at the very least be roughed up. We'll get to watch as their self-entitlement fuelled over reaction kicks in, and even give the blues a chance, dare I say.

Please, please a bit of fecking pride and fight, we're not going across the park to make friends now are we?
COYB

Anyway I am working tonight will have an eye on the forum for updates so just want to say

COYB STUFF THE RED SHITE TWATS

We dominated possession and scored plenty of goals. Now probably because Martinez has adopted a more safety first approach to counter the defensive mistakes we look dreadful. Looking at our last few games there are only two that look like possible wins.

We really need an ambitious charismatic leader to bring our club back. I'm fed up with going into these derby games with dread.

"He was saying Everton hadn't underachieved in the league and that the players weren't exactly challenging for the league title beforehand."

Anyone know if true??

Should be sacked before tonight's game!!!

That last statement wasn't meant to be taken seriously, at the end of the season will do for me..............JUST!

So, let's take it to the limit as love will keep us alive until we have a new kid in town. As the song says,

We may lose and we may win though
We will never be here again
So open up, I'm climbing in,
So take it easy.

COYB!!!

Send out our best 11 who are fit. No square pegs in round holes either. Start with a 4-3-3 since the Rs won't be expecting it and go out and win this. Besides, our away form has been better this season so why can't we win it?

So, pardon my American optimism but we will win this dammit.

Courtesy of my USWNT's supporters, repeat after me, I believe. . . . I believe that . . . . I believe that we . . . . . I believe that we will . . . I believe that we will win . . . . I believe that we will win. and keep saying it until you can shout it! COYB

Graham, wouldn't surprise me!

The idea of Martinez playing the likes of Hibbert, Kone and Osman instead, leaves me wondering why these players are still considered first team material, when they are never going to be good enough anytime now.

In truth, its all bollox and like any other manager he will ultimately be judged on results. There is NO escape from those. It's just a matter of how long it takes Uncle Bill and Mr 49.9% to take a look at them.

In the meantime, I wish him and the team every good fortune tonight and on Saturday.

Let's hope that whatever happens this week, the only Eagles song title that needs to be attributed to our present manager is "Already Gone".

COYB

And, no doubt, by the morning we shall all be hoping to 'Get over it'

I've been feeling a bit low over our current situation. The drawer in the kitchen ,with all the sharp knives is locked. Can't find any tablets and I've lost the shilling for the gas cooker.

However, all your comments above have given me a bit of lift. So,as we seem to be having a musical interlude – "help me make it through the night".

"Go Now"

COYB

I cant believe you of all people have penned such a gloomy preview. I know you are trying to be realistic, but you're acting out of character. Hope does not kill you, its springs eternal

Sure we are second favourites, but this is a winnable game, they are vulnerable at the back and we have 2-3 players who are likely at any given time to cast of their uninspired performances of late and spark into life.

And what's with the people who say they aren't watching? what are you going to do, listen to Dot Cotton or Emily Bishop?

These are the games we should be relishing, if we cant get up for this what's the point.

If you haven't got a ticket, get a couple of Mahatma`s down your neck, get in front of the telly and burst a few blood vessels.

Give these fuckers nothing.

But rapidly switching artists, let's hope Neil Diamond can be singing a 'Song Sung Blue' tonight rather than drinking 'Red Red Wine' after tonight's game.

Although, I guess we can sing the former whichever way it goes!

We don't agree on much but I'm with you 100% there. We should go there on the front foot and tear into them.

You are probably like me and wouldn't set foot in that ground. Telly for me and on the vino as we speak.

Fuck that; Martinez and each one of these footballers should be playing for their future at the club.

It's guts and pride in the shirt needed tonight and guile on Saturday. Believe.

But the bookies don't know everything......or do they?

Come on Everton, just fuckin' come on, you Blues, and do the business

This is going to be fun!

OK, maybe one eye on the game.

I've already started on the Famous Grouse (much too important occasion to drink the local piss!) so no driving into Pafos for me. Only problem is that Wigan Woman will be in my ear all night!

The teams haven't been announced yet!

Whilst I can't quite be positive enough to take 9/2 on us winning I've gone over 12.5 corners at 7/5 and over 14.5 at 29/10.

COYB

Get into them you Blue Boys – take no prisoners and make us proud. The next game is a always the most important – tonight is the next game. Saturday can look after itself. COYB

Never mind though, whatever happens tonight, as long as the players go at them, give them a fight then even if we get beat, the players will get full support of the fans.

I think the worry is (certainly for me) that we don't turn up. I can stand getting beat, they're a good team in top form and we've been through several mangles!

I'll be sitting in the parlour with the radio on and just wishing I'd got several bottles of beer in. Ah well, a nice cup of milky tea does wonders for assorted ailments and attacks of the vapours.

If some of the kids play, there'll be no disgrace on them whatever happens, just get stuck into them and keep your heads up lads.

They just need to get out there and give it to the RS. I can't expect a win but I demand passion.

Over to the players.

Texas Flood (Steve Rae Vaughan)

One of my fave pieces of music.

It's an omen I tell ya...

I hope I'm pissed before the game starts. Come on Everton, try your best is all we ask for.

It's very good compared to home form.

Doesn't change the managerial position but I need to read and see something positive around our great club.

COYB!!!!

Everyone of those players with a blue shirt on tonight with the exception of Funes Mori needs fucking.

Forget the semi – we'll get fucked with this idiot in charge... just get this twat out now before he does any more damage.