Everton vs Liverpool

Think back to when Liverpool couldn't beat Joe Royle's Everton, and the angrier they became with each passing game – they created that much pressure for themselves with their hatred, it definitely worked against them.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow night… but I haven't seen our team-sheet yet though!

It might be an interesting story on Thursday morning!

No doubt the 1995 song will come out, love nothing better than to ram it down their throats and a chorus of Oasis – Don't Look Back In Anger belted out to them.

This is something of a free hit but I still expect nothing less than a draw at home. Hoping we give them a real game and take all 3 points off 'em.

However, the only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain so up and at them.

Hate to say it but in the scheme of things, and our present position, Saturday's game is far more important.

Mind you how good would it be to do them, and at the same time us a favour.

A draw please and more importantly no injuries!

They are far better than us and tbh Sunday is much more important.

Would still obviously love a cheeky win or even a draw so fingers crossed, batten down the hatches and roll on tomorrow night!!!!🤞

But the pressure is off us and colossal on them — it might become a once-in-a-blue-moon win. Even a draw would be like a victory in the present circumstances.

In the scheme of our relegation fight, this game is not critical. The next 3 games are, however, all very winnable and this will be where our season is decided.

And who knows, with the brakes off and a chance to play without fear, and the other lot under a great deal more pressure, good things might happen...

Dyche reminds me of Moyes with his “Oh well, what can you expect” approach, so I'll remain holed up somewhere, waiting to read about which Everton player is out with injury for the rest of the season, which other will miss the next three through suspension and how Michael Keane somehow started the game and was at fault for least two of their goals.

If it's any better than that, I guess I should be pleasantly surprised. I just can't get motivated to watch the poorest group of players to ever pull on the shirt and to listen to Dyche talking about the effort and work the players put in.

I really didn't think it was possible to plunge the depths beyond Fat Sam and the FSW, but here we are.

They don't deserve it. Go at them with confidence.

I know a l lot of people will be anxious, but we don't need to be. It's 11 against 11.

To put a light touch on it. Favourite Goodison Derby moments?

For the younger generations, maybe Tim Cahill's sliding finish, Andy Johnson in the 3-0 win. Lee Carsley's goal. Dan Gosling 2009? Duncan Ferguson in front of the Gwladys Street? Wayne Clark denying them an unbeaten season?

I'll inevitably go back a bit. Probably the best and most memorable for me was that Andy King goal in 1978.

I'm sticking to Goodison but I have some good memories at Anfield too.

I think it was the first time I had seen us beat them.

To coin the descendants of my Grandad's old Regiment, the Royal Irish motto, "Faugh a Ballagh".

Roughly translates to clear the way. We're coming in.

I admire your confidence. But beating the RS doesn't guarantee safety. Unless I've done me maths wrong.

Maybe Garner at right-back, but probably Godfrey, and pack the midfield.

In agreement with most posters, the pressure's off, and who knows… we might get the points, after we were comfortable with 10 men at Mordor, until Keane decided to hail a taxi.

Looking forward to tomorrow. UTFT

I hadn't considered the numbers. I just feel that, if we beat them, then the confidence will be through the roof and the teams below us will get that sinking feeling… but I take your point.

What a story that would be!

Let's hope Goodison is bouncing again for another memorable night.

Up the Toffees.

The better option is probably Godfrey as he has pace – which we'll need against the RS forward line.

40,000 Evertonians giving it their all.

and

Don't forget to wave bye bye bye bye bye bye to Klippetty..

Humour aside, the arrogant and hateful fans despise us, laugh at our predicament, so imagine how they are going to feel on their first visit to the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock knowing they will never ever regain the city. Knowing that all they can look forward to at Anfield is relic status.

I digress. As I said, they have to win, we don't, but how often do we see teams fall when the pressure is on! See them off Blues, and it will make half the world smile on Thursday morning!

Not overly confident for tomorrow, but then again I wasn't on Sunday, but got a pleasant surprise, not so much scintillating play but the result, and the manner in which it was achieved!

I would love 3 points, a derail, and a confidence build towards Sunday!

COYB 💙💙👍

Anyone thinking we will beat them tomorrow night is living on planet twat. Our players play the name – not the game.

I'd be happy with a draw but the run would still go on.

Just for once, Everton, can you just prove me wrong. Please.

There is an old saying, you should be nice to people on your way up because you'll meet them again on your way down...

This lad has 'pissed on his chips" and I am sure the next time he comes to Goodison Park, 40,000 fans will rightly give him dog's abuse. He is only were he is today because of Everton, he should remember that, but he won't because he believes his own hype.

It's funny but the fans won't forget, and neither should they, the clubs or their fans who line up to stick a knife in your back. I certainly will not forget or forgive Anthony Gordon. I hope he enjoys his 5 mins of fame and life in the wonderful north-east.

In Gordon's defence, he was accosted by fans. What do you expect him to say? Fucking fans made up his mind.

What have we become??? UTFT

He could show a little more gratitude to the club who gave him his big chance. He refused to train and play when he was badly needed, a total lack of respect to the manager, the club and genuine fans.

What the few so-called fans did was despicable, but he definitely burnt his bridges.

My favourite derby goals:

- yep, Andy King in ‘78 right up there
- Alan Ball to win cup game in ‘67
- Big Dunc in'94
- Howie in ‘68
- Gosling in ‘08 cup game
- Wayne Clarke ‘87

As you go through them, I guess they are all special. A Tarkowski header from a corner tomorrow. You heard it here first!!

He wasn't accosted by fans at all, far from it.

He was approached by a few lads while sitting in his car looking straight ahead.

At least Yerry Mina had the balls to get out and have a word with the lads who allegedly in your words accosted Gordon.

As Christine said, he's pissed on the chips as far as we're concerned and to actually reference Gerrard was the biggest insult of the lot.

Good riddance to the Clare Balding lookalike bastard, sickening.

" Them, them... them".

I hope that Everton can take confidence and belief into this game and shoot from 20-25 yards from all angles and beat the RS.

Hopefully Everton will get fair justice as well from the match officials...

I sense the RS are already wound up. Everton can pick them off, but the whole Everton squad must work hard for each other and look after the ball.

The form book doesn't often deceive but tomorrow hopefully Everton can spike the RS and give Klopp a life lesson in humility.

The most ungracious moaning manager in the Premier League.

My wish for tomorrow is that Juergen Klopp, gets to see the Everton crowd at its very best because, if he does, it can only mean one thing…

Jagielka's last-minute classic in front of the piss-stained Kop.

And that's the real attraction, isn't it? We all but mathematically secure our safety against 'them', and simultaneously ruin their season.

How freaking phenomenal would that be after this gigantic shit-log of a season??!!

I honestly don't hold too much hope, if any. But I didn't see a result coming against Forest, so what do I know? These quick-succession games never go well for just about any Club. But we'll see.

I do hope McNeil comes more central because when he did do that against Forest he was dangerous and we looked a different team, one capable of really threatening.

UTFT

One of my favourite Derby games was at Anfield besides the 4-0 game, was the one like tomorrow nights where no -one gave us a chance of winning, and we didn’t but we got a draw with Duncan Ferguson scoring the goal in the Kop end, Mick bleedin ‘ Madar missing an absolute sitter in the same end and Everton doing better than we thought.

“ The Guvnor “ who was he trying to kid” Paul Ince snatched an equaliser with minutes to go and after the game Roy Evans said “ We controlled the midfield” Our two central midfielders were Clause Thomson and his twin Gareth bleedin’ Farrally and yet we could have won the game with those two in the engine room. Unbelievable.

Turn up blues, give it everything and maybe just maybe.

Oh and Graeme Sharps stunner and Sheedys two fingered salute to the kop.

Balls to resting players, the red shites are on the ropes afters Arsenals win tonight, get at them, go all out to get a point or three

Think of Clive Thomas, Handball Hanson, Hutchison goal ruled out, the clattenburg derby, the 95 song, the bucharest flag and you want to rest players and give them a lifeline.

We have to go with our strongest line up available and get straight in their faces from the off, this is a huge chance of righting some of those wrongs and to stop them getting 3 points.

I am not even nervous for once, very little to lose and so much to gain.

Can you think of anything better than stopping them getting three points and singing and now youre going to believe us, you nearly won the league

Come on fellow blues get that positive vibe and stop shitting yourselves, we can do it against the horrible bunch of red shite
Believe, utft.

I wrote a post on Sunday morning about tonight’s game and Charlie and Sams games on Sunday morning which you were going to watch and I asked if one of those games was a cup final but I think the thread was scratched by the time you got back from watching your grandsons matches. How did they get on ?

The Everton supporting boys, one of whom (Charlie) you granted an audience to at the recent TW gathering at the Bramley-Moore, both had great footballing weekends, thanks, although the Cup final is not for another few weeks.

We’ll all be at Goodison tomorrow evening, I may go and have a chat with my Dad and Grandad and brother in the graveyard on the way.

But that detestation rose to new levels while I was watching the highlights of them beating Fulham. I actually heard them singing “We shall not be moved” – honestly I did.

I hope we knock the stuffing out of them.

Up the Blues!!!

My couch is pulled from the wall so I can hide behind it. Coyb

Don't worry. David Coote is a Notts County fan.

Banter died with Heysel. Shamefully never acknowledged, they disgraced the city and as a result blotted their glory years and our expectations.

Today, I would like to see a little payback. Retribution, call it what you will but I think God owes us one and a win for us today would scupper their title hopes (again).

I don't ask for much God, I promise 10 Hail Marys if you do and I will go to mass on Sunday as well..

Do you hear me, wall?

Dear God, please let that motivate our lads not to wilt or be beaten before or during, stay strong. It feels like the 300 in that film, what's it called?? 🙏🏼

A draw will be a massive win. Goal difference is the biggest fear…

However, give it 100% Blues – that's all we ask.

Pickford,
Godfrey, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko,
Garner, Gueye, Onana, McNeil,
Danjuma
Chermitti.

COYBS!!!!

Pickford
Garner Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Harrison Gomes Onana Gueye McNeil
Doucoure

With Chermiti, Danjuma, Young, Godfrey, maybe Calvert-Lewin coming on if required, on the bench.

That might allow Young to play on the left. (Please, no Young!) Hope I'm wrong about Myko! COYB!

If, as people suspect the Premier League is corrupt, they will want their showpiece to go down to the wire.

A loss will put Liverpool out of the race. Will they want that for the "product"?

Unfortunately I'll be working tomorrow, so will miss the match, but I'll always believe in the magic at Goodison, especially under the lights.

There are too few matches left to just give up on this one. Let's go grab a point or three and keep up our streak at home — and give me the opportunity to rub it in the face of my RS mate.

On some of the comments, the relationship definitely changed over time. This is just my personal experience and probably a generational thing, but Heysel was a definitive turning point, but it was changing before that when they dominated through the 70s.

I don't think the recent Policing has helped. Escorting the fans to the ground in their own city? They don't do it with other supporters. It is not required and probably antagonises more than it solves any perceived trouble.

The 'friendly derby' tag was a media thing because we would sit and stand together but, believe me, it was far from friendly. It was always hostile.

I always remember when we used to take roughly a third of the Kop on the right hand side as you looked at it. One particular time, at half-time, a big circle opened up as two blokes were having a scrap. The crowd, both sides, cheered and clapped them on. It all settled down once the second half started!

Likewise at Goodison, they always used to have a significant pocket of supporters in the Lower Gwladys near the front, to the left of my spot in the centre just above the ledge, getting pelted with objects and abuse.

It never came to serious trouble. It never did.

As a group of mates, both sides, we would travel together, but once the match started, the gloves were off. Then we would meet up afterwards to head home together. Argue, debate and me accused of autism as I would sit there reading every single word in the programme on the train from Kirkdale to Hunts Cross or the 81D along Queen's Drive!!!

I've sat in the Main Stand and Anfield Road (not the Everton section) at Anfield. I've had banter and arguments. I once somehow ended up in amongst the Liverpool supporters in the Paddock near the Park End. We lost 3-2 and it wasn't a great experience.

I've always disliked them since I can remember, but once the match is over, I guarantee supporters on both sides will be mixing and arguing in the bars around the city after the match.

Regardless, we go in tonight to win. Then the Toffee Lady in the old Pink Echo can dance showing a point with the Kopite sobbing.

Bring back the Pink Echo online!! It used to be essential after match reading!

My poor red brother-in-law, recovering from illness and operations, is going to have to deal with two of his red supporting sons, Sean and Michael and then his other son, Patrick, the Everton season ticket holder tonight!!

Good luck tonight blues. We can take them.

Bella Ciao. Spirit. Forever.

Arguments and handbags maybe. But I have that at family Christenings, Weddings and Funerals. I had to separate my two cousins at my mother's funeral as an Everton - Liverpool debate broke out in the car park!!

Jonathan, get yourself back to Goodison before she is put to rest and make sure you come to Bramley-Moore Dock and the new Everton Stadium.

Let's go and take these barstewards.

I suppose all this will depend on the officials and the VAR?

101 Dalmations?
633 Squadron?
The Magnificent 7?

Something with a number in it anyway…

Make it happen, guys. Make it our season to remember... show a buyer just why we are the best-supported club in the world.

Bar a few exceptions, derbies over the last 30-odd years have been both traumatic and dispiriting. I'm not saying we can't win but avoiding a battering would be almost as good as a win.

I'd take a draw right now. One more point to our survival and put a big dent in their title hopes.

Trouble is our corners and free kick routines are well known and have lost their effectiveness (some variation might be worth a go).

So I am hoping that we prevent them from scoring and we nick a goal right at the end, happy, happy days. Hoping Dyche sticks with the tracksuit, and if he plays any part, young Chermiti shows what he can do and manages not to get himself booked.

Palace – same date as the 1984 Cup final.

I doubt I will this time. Hopefully we can do something incredible and give these deserving fans something to celebrate for a little while.

Chermiti is the worst player I have ever seen. I doubt he's even a footballer.

But other than pride, we have nothing to lose. Tonight won't define our season.

But we can get something out of it.

We've recently beat Burnley and Forest and have Brentford, Luton and Sheffield United coming up.

Tonight, as always is about local pride.

Do not fear them.

We are more than capable of keeping a clean sheet!

I hope I am wrong but, with possibly both strikers missing, we will be reliant on a strong defence and dead-ball situations to cause them any problems.

My favourite derby goal was David Johnnson, November 1971, in a 1-0 win at Goodison Park, my first derby as a 9-year-old.

My dad took me, he passed away recently, so I hope he's doing a deal with him upstairs for a win tonight!

Top 12
68 Romelu Lukaku
60 Duncan Ferguson
56 Tim Cahill
47 Dominic Calvert-Lewin
45 Kevin Campbell
44 Leon Osman
43 Richarlison
33 David Unsworth
29 Kevin Mirallas
29 Paul Rideout
29 Leighton Baines
28 Tony Cottee

That said – let's smash them tonight!

I hate that label of "the friendly derby", it was a media myth dreamt up after Hillsborough. Apart from the 1989 final, it's never been friendly.

I too have stood on the left side of the Kop, those were the days when you just had to go to the game or a few games before and pick up a voucher to be able to buy a ticket.

A ring of people formed just like you said, but this time it was a bloke taking a dump, with much cheering from his fellow blues!

Mentality - We are up against a club who expect to win every game and will do whatever is necessary to win it, they can be brutal.

The Brand - We are up against the EPL who want to see 3 big clubs slugging it out at the top for their global audience.

The Officials - Are either poor or have their own agendas. Which clubs are best placed to get the benefit?

I just hope we don't get battered and are at least in the game for the 90+ minutes.

And if Dyche and these players pull something off, then it will be stuff of legend for the Goodison faithful to have forever.
UTFT!

I have a lot of friends from Glasgow.

At a derby some time in the 80s, there were a few Celtic supporters around us who had travelled down. They said that it was more hostile than the Old Firm.

I suppose because at the time you had mixed fans in all stands whereas theirs has always been segregated.

But they have been caught out by playing a high line quite a few times this season. So, don't play with a target man, put Danjuma there to attack at pace… I think that might work.

Instead of relying on set pieces which they will expect, play a central speedster with McNeil and Danjuma sharing the central role.
If we are chasing the game, substitute Harrison or Young with Keane up front... we may have to mix this up.

The lad's big enough and can hit a ball, throw them off then spew them out. Does Mr Dyche have the imagination?

I'm assuming we will sit very deep and just try to block them. A back five, and someone quick up top would be my choice. I'd play Danjuma up front. He'll barely get a touch, but you never know.

Playing cleverly on the break (we know they will dominate the ball) and using Danjuma's pace is different and plays to their weakness if playing a high line. Gomes and McNeil are both capable of finding the gaps.

I also keep reading about this being a free hit. A derby is not and I hope we don't rest players and hold them back for Saturday. If Calvert-Lewin is fit, play him! Gomes only played 60 minutes on Saturday. Play him!

Oh and to the favourite derby goals, Danny had originally said at Goodison. If Anfield, we can throw in Sharp of course, the Sheedy free kick, Dunc in the '90s and the Richarlison goal 3 years ago!!

I'm also of the opinion that Calvert-Lewin should be left out, given there's doubts over his fitness. That leaves us without a striker. So keep it tight and leave it to attacking mids to cause them problems on the break.

What??? Despite the rarity of blue victories, the Everton v Liverpool fixture has been drawn in 8 of the last 10 seasons. How can that be possibly construed as a non-contest? On at least four of those occasions, Liverpool have not deserved anything at all.

Oh and we don't all know what happens. We only know what will happen if we go into the game with that sort of mindset.

They have the better team and are obvious favorites, but we're facing half decent opposition, that's all. We're not being lined up to face a firing squad. We have a say in this and we are due to beat these fuckers.

Let's not give a single inch. Anywhere. Not at Work. Not in the street. Not in the crowd. Not on social media and most definitely Not on the pitch.

J L A T T S B T W S

That we remember those few goals scored even more so.
I dread derbies. We always choke. Add in regular abominable officiating and we always know the outcome.
The PGMOL (aka Worst And Never Konsistent Ever Refereeing Society or WANKERS) will be out for blood after Ashley "Liability" Youngs hat-trick of howlers against The Robin Hood XI.

If we don't concede calamity cartoon caperesque goals, which we excel at, 0-0 could be seen as a double positive.
I ain't mentioning the W word against our bastard child. It only ever ends in heartache and sorrow.

Still if there is a repeat of that wondrous flag-waving and card show from Sunday then I will be a happy Bluenose.
COYB.

There will ba a combination of dodgy penalty denied and dodgy red card awarded, in their favour if that needs saying.

Notwithstanding that, throwing 5 at the back and 2 in front of them and denying them for ages would do for me. The kopites chewing their finger nails and having heart attacks.

Best goal? Andy King for sure. Seven years without beating them. Felt like forever. How times change.

Remember Danny Cadematri. The future looked bright. But it turned out it wasn't. Very very sad. I thought he had the goods. Again sad.

Not sure it's the match for Chermiti. I remember Simms getting a start against the RS a couple of years back and barely getting a touch. If Calvert-Lewinis fit then play him, if not then Danjuma.

I'm also not sure it's the match for Gomes as we will have to do a lot more defending than attacking so I'd put Onana back in to help win that midfield battle.

Young's luck will not last forever so I expect them to target him heavily. I'd try Garner at right-back but Dyche won't.

I'd be delighted with a scrappy 1-1.

Well said Dave Cashen. A ball hasn't been kicked yet and thousands are descending on Goodison as well as those watching around the country and globe.

Believe we can do it.

If we can play with controlled aggression and with no fear then anything can happen. We can almost guarantee safety and end their title hopes with a long-overdue win. We'll need a bit of luck, fingers crossed we're on a run of ‘lucky form' after the weekend.

If the VAR is indeed from Nottingham then he'll be scared shitless of causing any controversy – so 2 early red cards for the shite will do nicely!

Don't care who Dyche picks, I'll try not to moan like hell if Young is in the starting line-up.

COYBB!!

Well said. Of course Liverpool have the better players and are a better team team but eight out of the last Derbies played at Goodison have been draws — tells a story, even with this squad, we have a chance.

One of those two victories for Liverpool came in the 98th. minute after Everton we're having a good go at Liverpool until James McCarthy, who was running and winning the midfield battle, was taken off with one of his many hamstring injuries and the other one was when we got back in the game, after going 2-0 down, then Seamus made a complete cock up defensively and Liverpool finished us off.

It is obviously not just another game, it's a derby but one we can get something from as long as the players go at it in the right manner, with no reckless tackles, controlled aggression, vary the corner kicks which have all been mentioned by various posts adding to the run of the ball. The VAR is the only thing we can't control and each team is at the mercy of him!

Thirty-seven thousand Evertonians, under the floodlights of Goodison, 39 years to the night, the night I witnessed the noisiest ground I've ever been in, in my entire life.

Let's go and make it as uncomfortable for Klopp as we made it for his compatriots on that special evening, and leave him with memories of Goodison Park forever! 💙

Please don't say it was 2010 when Roy was managing them!

We have not won a Goodison derby and he's 13 now.

UTFTs

I remember saying we will win now and my sisters partner saying “why, Cos you have forgot the tickets?” And I said yes, I won't be in the ground in time to see those horrible red bastards walking onto our pitch, and that is exactly what transpired.

I was actually fuming after that game, and could have easily got into a couple of fights with the Evertonians who were celebrating. I had to get my head together because I was probably looking stupid, but I was very angry that day because Liverpool were ripe for a four- or five-nil defeat, and Everton took their foot off the pedal, much to my dismay.

Arteta was loving it, but Peter Reid, wouldn't have stood for it, was what I remember thinking that day, and maybe if we had fucked them, it would have given a lot more confidence for the next derby?

Tony, you are correct in a way in your observation.

I don't usually wear colours, but I've gone with amber for today.

Worth a punt?

All too often, I believe we have gone into these fixtures, thinking 'damage limitation' before self-believing 'we can do these'. Let's hope that has filtered down to the players, whoever is chosen tonight!

Only ever seen us win when watching on TV. TW posters will be pleased to know I will be watching on TV tonight.

He won a good few pound and never gave his dear old dad a carrot!

I fear it's gonna be the kid up front.

Optimisim by the bucket load, only to have our hopes dashed by shit refereeing or a shit performance? I've just got back from Vegas with a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label and a bottle of Talisker in tow.

If we win the Blue Label is getting a hammering, draw and the Talisker is getting cracked open, lose and the cheap beer is getting it.

Here's to a Blue Label night.

If we get a draw it will feel great, but I'm not expecting Dyche to do anything that shocks me.

Probably Dyche would like to rest a few players but knows he will get stick from supporters if he does, which may stop him.

Sad to say there are more important games to come for us, as our survival is still on the line.

I would love us to derail their title challenge but I don't see it happening somehow.

Godfrey for his pace and effort at right-back (Young would be targeted); room for Onana and Danjuma (both trying to earn future contracts elsewhere). I hesitate with Keane's inclusion. Danjuma definitely, Liverpool play high line frequently exposed by pace.

Tonight we need 11 battlers, Brentford, Luton, Sheff Utd, we need our best 11 to find the required points.

We have to pressure them from the start, just keep it simple for the first 20 minutes, the pressure is all on them.

Getting a point today would be massive and dent the shite's title hopes even more. But we can genuinely win this, our xG is always pretty high and if we convert some chances we have a shout.

But the Luton match this weekend is bigger. If we beat Luton and Man City beat Forest, then we are almost home dry.

COYB!!!!! It looks like Dyche has stumbled upon his best team with Gomes in the middle.

I would snatch anyone's hand off for a draw at this point. I actually think 1 more point might be enough for us to be safe, given our superior goal difference. My concern is that this is Everton, and we never do things the easy way do we?

I was looking for omens that we might win tonight. The only thing I could come up with was back to the Mike Walker era when we'd just had our worst run of results (recently equalled) and they were top of the league, we were bottom. Memorably, Dunc and Rideout got us the win in Joe Royle's first game in charge. It feels a bit like that tonight, to me. There's a massive gulf between the two sides but a bear-pit atmosphere might just give us a chance. It is a bit of a free-hit as nobody fancies us tonight. My worry is if we get destroyed and what that would do for the Brentford and Luton games. I see the Sheffield United match as a get-out-of-jail-free card.

I'm not Onana's biggest fan but I'd fancy him over Gomes in this one. I think Gomes gets the wrong side of players too often and gives away too many free-kicks in dangerous areas, which the RS will exploit. I'd like to see Danjuma play over Harrison, who I think has been poor of late. I'm not sure who he can play up front if Calvert-Lewin isn't deemed to be fit enough but I'm not sure Chermiti would be the answer.

At least during the Big Dunc days, even the Fellaini days, we had a plan and a player that nobody could handle. Dyche can't even play anti-football well. Go get some 7ft freak from Div 3 and give the opposition something to worry about.

A draw tonight would be a major achievement and would seriously damage their chances of winning the league. I'd happily settle for that.

Whilst we go into every game full of hope (and a few prayers) these days with the average squad we have I firmly believe we can stay away from Luton and the others below even if RS win.

Yes, it will be disappointing to lose to them again at Goodison, God knows we have had enough derby losses over the years sometimes undeserved but the Brentford, Sheffield and Luton games will be the big ones to win and hopefully the full squad will be up for those.

I do hope Dyche comes to his senses and leaves Young on the bench.

Cheered up by my 2-year-old granddaughter arriving in full Everton kit this morning.

On the train yesterday, listening to one of the not very nice people from across the park on his phone moaning about their players. Not fast enough, can't place a pass etc!!!!!!

Said he hates going to Goodison. I'd heard enough.
His head nearly swivelled when I said “I hate Anfield“.

Admittedly at my age I really should know better, but I'm sick of them. And I did feel better.

All I ask tonight is for every player to turn up and have a go.
We will be there as always giving our full backing.
COYB

Garner and Gueye as defensive midfielders, Harrison and McNeil flanks with Doucoure and Onana as the 2 attacking midfielders just like the Bournemouth 1-0 at the end of last season.

Keep it at 0-0 for as long as possible, 0-1 for as long as possible and so on. Fill the midfield and make them work for everything. If it is close towards the end then Dyche can think about Dom, Chermiti or Dannjuma.

When the rs start their nasty songs don't forget to sing 'In bed with Utd you're in bed with Utd, In bed with United, you're in bed with Utd.

Because they are. Traitors to the city is what they are!

In fact, given it's the Red Shite, a dodgy penalty is guaranteed to balance the books even if Young is warming the bench.

If we can really frustrate the fuckers and put a final nail in their title hopes then I'll be made up... but obviously it will be tough with key players being out but I've got a good feeling about this one folks.

Stalemate... 0-0... same as last season, methinks!

Our strike force has nothing to worry RS especially with Calvert-Lewin not 100% and Beto out.

Their strike force is always going to score against poor teams like Everton but just maybe our defense can be strong, especially early on, and not let them get an easy one.

If we play well and keep them out, we may just grab a set-piece bonus but I won't hold my breath.

But in all seriousness, one thing I would definitely do is defend deep and concede half the pitch, and look to break on the counter, very quickly!

As Dychey puts it, minimum requirement is maximum effort.

We need every point we can get but … have a strange feeling that we win this one and that we play well in winning.

The game has more at stake for the Red Shite. We have a great chance of having a great afternoon. 2-1 Blues.

A draw tonight then beat Brentford… we should be home and dry.

Come on, old girl, cast your magic spell and help make it a glorious night for the Blues.

Yard dog Robertson with an early straight red etc. Like others I am worried about how many penalties and other decisions they will get, but we live in hope.

Heading out soon to watch in a bar I've never been to that's convenient for the Black Crowes show later tonight. Knowing my luck, it will be full of Norwegians!