That came around fast didn't it? The palpitation roller coaster of mostly dread but occasional aceness. And that aceness has been sadly in short supply over the last decade or so. Does it feel different now? Read on to not particularly find out.
For a team aspiring of finishing in one of the top four money shot spots then you have to consistently take your chances. A draw is sound but its not Champions League place winning. Its two points lost instead of one gained. For this particular fixture we've been often guilty of either bottling out or playing the occasion & not the game. Or sadly both.
Yet after the tad over dramatic opening lines it is only another game and one that were capable of winning. There are not too many teams that you'd back to blow us away in the current league. I just hope the players realise this too – instead of the usual cluster-crap of hard luck stories, moody referee decisions and an opposition team that raises its game when we stroll into its vicinity.
I’m not too arsed and know why? We can have these. That’s why.
The Cup game was a welcome tonic and a refreshing change to see Everton casually bum lower league opposition and in the process disappointing the eager cameras hoping for a toe curling ‘cupset’. Add a hashtag here I think. Either way pipe down, it’s no Ronnie Radford. Or Nigel Jemson.
So were still amongst it in the league although at this point there’s a wee break away from Arsenal, City and Chelsea. With the quality and depth in their squads it will be hard to reel them back in too perhaps. So Liverpool along with a couple of others and ourselves are reduced to eyeing up the fourth place position as the whole definition of our season. Or so the media would have you believe. Were not that arsed as we half expect us to miss out through hook or crook and at the moment its sound anyway as you get a feeling this particular Everton team will do some boss things for the next couple of seasons. Were not going anywhere anytime soon, so as you will. Just make it good.
Its at this part of the season where our esteemed hosts go down through the gears – like an Escort Mark II approaching the lights with a questionable gear box. From Champions CLUNK into contenders CLUNK down into top four CLUNK into European place and a cup run CLUNK/CRUNCH finally into season of transition and we'll win the lot next year. Shudder to a stop at the lights and shake the ambulance next to you.
As you expect between the two teams there’s a continual theme of sniping and writing off of each other’s chances. Were only doing well because we've loaned the entire division and apparently they're a one-man team. It’s trite to suggest either. Both teams are going through a bit of a renaissance although that positive change isn't cataclysmic, as some would suggest. At the moment were both marked under potential to be ace rather than world-watch-out.
Self-awareness and welcoming of constructive criticism is not in any way shape or form a typical kopite quality. So you'll get various wools trying to over-scouse their accent talking of dem bitters being dead bitter. Yet mention the words Manchester United and, well, the magic truly happens to them.
Right I type this there will be banners being rushed to completion with zany sentences with seventeenth century syntax either lauding their players or trying to rip us. Foist smelling old fellas with Silk Cut stained tombstone teeth repeating mantras that ultimately mean the sum of nothing when you break it down. A foppy haired youth from Crosby trying to belittle his privileged upbringing by getting all dead narky at us from 200m away.
But that’s a derby and a well wrote about rivalry. I write samey-trying-too-hard match previews on a website so I’m not in any position to really comment on others. I’d rather we shared the city with Port Vale or someone less offensive but it’s them and you don't get to choose your family do you? Two teams on the up should be an occasion for everyone to at least enjoy in the build up and not act like a [Poor language removed] about in the heat of the moment. Players very much included.
Love or hate him – and 90% of the population are firmly in the latter category – that Suarez lid is some player. As good as any around in the division at present. One top class striker who makes things happen by acute skill or sheer bloody minded willingness to make every interaction on the pitch count. Yes he’s got ears like something left over on a cut price buffet but you can guarantee he'll be referenced strongly to our players in their pre match brief.
Sturridge is an utter trumpet of a man. With more than a whiff of hard-nosed entitlement typical of the modern young top class player – his celebration is a useful reference point for what an utter bellwhiff he is. I’m not too arsed by him as he carries the kopite premium of too much hope on just not enough talent. That’s obviously sealed his brace for him right there.
Midfield is their worry due to the injuries at present. Lucas is important to their set up in stopping their back four being over ran and being a tenacious anchor in the middle. The stories of Gerrard’s demise are prone to exaggeration – he can still hurt a team when suited/allowed. But like a favoured dog that’s getting arthritis in its back legs there are all the signals but a reluctance that it might be time for tough decisions. I will shed no tear for the snidey faced DJ bothering Texan.
Jordan Henderson is this year’s great RS hope on the back of a few decent performances in midfield a-la-Scott Gemmill on form. There'll be their celebrity hobbits in Sterling and Coutinho running dead fast and flicks that look boss on Youtube. Let them get their tail up and more fool you.
A defence that is as comfortable as an eighteen year old doing a slowy with an awkward erection. Would I lie to you baby? Would I?. These are crap so run right at them and yield the rewards. Their new keeper is having a bit of a welcome wobble at the moment too.
I got progressively more confident as I went through their team there but it won't be maybe as easy as that. There’s no doubt though that generations of buying overpriced players combined with a few present injuries maketh an intimidating team not. No matter how much they rate their own.
So what about the personnel in royal blue?
Despite the recent signing of Traore it’s a good bet that Lukaku will start up front against a team he likes playing against. And how we could do with him playing himself back into form again. Naismith done his chances of a central attacking role no harm at all but were going to need the quality we have in hope starting this game. Mirallas doing well just behind the striker in the past couple of games could tip a returning Barkley to start from the bench. Although sense dictates you’d rather have them both on the pitch at the same time. I’m not having it Wavertree’s finest is out, any local lid would try and hide acute Ebola in order to be declared fit for a derby.
Pienaar is a doubt but again could be named back and someone else on the other side of midfield. Be that Mirallas, McGeady, Naismith or the spiritual residue of Paul Power.
McCarthy and Barry are a midfield made for a derby if there ever was one and despite my poor typecasting of Henderson and Gerrard before it will be a tough battle in there to be won. They're gladly more than capable of it though.
Baines will start at left back. Just as he will for the next four years, is right Leighton. A voucher for iTunes is in the post any time you want it. As for the rest of the defence I unfortunately don't have a hotline to Finch Farm physio department but take your pick. Hopefully containing Jagielka though. Tim Howard will start in goal.
Going through and comparing both teams I'm less apprehensive about a visit over there as I've been for some time. Little by little there’s welcoming cracks in the glass ceiling we apparently had fitted that should encourage the talented bunch of players we've got to get out there and play as though the points belong to us.
Kopites know this too; hence they're not looking forward to facing us right now - even despite the bravado. Fourteen years for a win against some very average Liverpool sides at Anfield is nothing to celebrate.
You really want this Everton? Then right into them and make it happen.
What’s our name?
For a team aspiring of finishing in one of the top four money shot spots then you have to consistently take your chances. A draw is sound but its not Champions League place winning. Its two points lost instead of one gained. For this particular fixture we've been often guilty of either bottling out or playing the occasion & not the game. Or sadly both.
Yet after the tad over dramatic opening lines it is only another game and one that were capable of winning. There are not too many teams that you'd back to blow us away in the current league. I just hope the players realise this too – instead of the usual cluster-crap of hard luck stories, moody referee decisions and an opposition team that raises its game when we stroll into its vicinity.
I’m not too arsed and know why? We can have these. That’s why.
The Cup game was a welcome tonic and a refreshing change to see Everton casually bum lower league opposition and in the process disappointing the eager cameras hoping for a toe curling ‘cupset’. Add a hashtag here I think. Either way pipe down, it’s no Ronnie Radford. Or Nigel Jemson.
So were still amongst it in the league although at this point there’s a wee break away from Arsenal, City and Chelsea. With the quality and depth in their squads it will be hard to reel them back in too perhaps. So Liverpool along with a couple of others and ourselves are reduced to eyeing up the fourth place position as the whole definition of our season. Or so the media would have you believe. Were not that arsed as we half expect us to miss out through hook or crook and at the moment its sound anyway as you get a feeling this particular Everton team will do some boss things for the next couple of seasons. Were not going anywhere anytime soon, so as you will. Just make it good.
Its at this part of the season where our esteemed hosts go down through the gears – like an Escort Mark II approaching the lights with a questionable gear box. From Champions CLUNK into contenders CLUNK down into top four CLUNK into European place and a cup run CLUNK/CRUNCH finally into season of transition and we'll win the lot next year. Shudder to a stop at the lights and shake the ambulance next to you.
As you expect between the two teams there’s a continual theme of sniping and writing off of each other’s chances. Were only doing well because we've loaned the entire division and apparently they're a one-man team. It’s trite to suggest either. Both teams are going through a bit of a renaissance although that positive change isn't cataclysmic, as some would suggest. At the moment were both marked under potential to be ace rather than world-watch-out.
Self-awareness and welcoming of constructive criticism is not in any way shape or form a typical kopite quality. So you'll get various wools trying to over-scouse their accent talking of dem bitters being dead bitter. Yet mention the words Manchester United and, well, the magic truly happens to them.
Right I type this there will be banners being rushed to completion with zany sentences with seventeenth century syntax either lauding their players or trying to rip us. Foist smelling old fellas with Silk Cut stained tombstone teeth repeating mantras that ultimately mean the sum of nothing when you break it down. A foppy haired youth from Crosby trying to belittle his privileged upbringing by getting all dead narky at us from 200m away.
But that’s a derby and a well wrote about rivalry. I write samey-trying-too-hard match previews on a website so I’m not in any position to really comment on others. I’d rather we shared the city with Port Vale or someone less offensive but it’s them and you don't get to choose your family do you? Two teams on the up should be an occasion for everyone to at least enjoy in the build up and not act like a [Poor language removed] about in the heat of the moment. Players very much included.
Love or hate him – and 90% of the population are firmly in the latter category – that Suarez lid is some player. As good as any around in the division at present. One top class striker who makes things happen by acute skill or sheer bloody minded willingness to make every interaction on the pitch count. Yes he’s got ears like something left over on a cut price buffet but you can guarantee he'll be referenced strongly to our players in their pre match brief.
Sturridge is an utter trumpet of a man. With more than a whiff of hard-nosed entitlement typical of the modern young top class player – his celebration is a useful reference point for what an utter bellwhiff he is. I’m not too arsed by him as he carries the kopite premium of too much hope on just not enough talent. That’s obviously sealed his brace for him right there.
Midfield is their worry due to the injuries at present. Lucas is important to their set up in stopping their back four being over ran and being a tenacious anchor in the middle. The stories of Gerrard’s demise are prone to exaggeration – he can still hurt a team when suited/allowed. But like a favoured dog that’s getting arthritis in its back legs there are all the signals but a reluctance that it might be time for tough decisions. I will shed no tear for the snidey faced DJ bothering Texan.
Jordan Henderson is this year’s great RS hope on the back of a few decent performances in midfield a-la-Scott Gemmill on form. There'll be their celebrity hobbits in Sterling and Coutinho running dead fast and flicks that look boss on Youtube. Let them get their tail up and more fool you.
A defence that is as comfortable as an eighteen year old doing a slowy with an awkward erection. Would I lie to you baby? Would I?. These are crap so run right at them and yield the rewards. Their new keeper is having a bit of a welcome wobble at the moment too.
I got progressively more confident as I went through their team there but it won't be maybe as easy as that. There’s no doubt though that generations of buying overpriced players combined with a few present injuries maketh an intimidating team not. No matter how much they rate their own.
So what about the personnel in royal blue?
Despite the recent signing of Traore it’s a good bet that Lukaku will start up front against a team he likes playing against. And how we could do with him playing himself back into form again. Naismith done his chances of a central attacking role no harm at all but were going to need the quality we have in hope starting this game. Mirallas doing well just behind the striker in the past couple of games could tip a returning Barkley to start from the bench. Although sense dictates you’d rather have them both on the pitch at the same time. I’m not having it Wavertree’s finest is out, any local lid would try and hide acute Ebola in order to be declared fit for a derby.
Pienaar is a doubt but again could be named back and someone else on the other side of midfield. Be that Mirallas, McGeady, Naismith or the spiritual residue of Paul Power.
McCarthy and Barry are a midfield made for a derby if there ever was one and despite my poor typecasting of Henderson and Gerrard before it will be a tough battle in there to be won. They're gladly more than capable of it though.
Baines will start at left back. Just as he will for the next four years, is right Leighton. A voucher for iTunes is in the post any time you want it. As for the rest of the defence I unfortunately don't have a hotline to Finch Farm physio department but take your pick. Hopefully containing Jagielka though. Tim Howard will start in goal.
Going through and comparing both teams I'm less apprehensive about a visit over there as I've been for some time. Little by little there’s welcoming cracks in the glass ceiling we apparently had fitted that should encourage the talented bunch of players we've got to get out there and play as though the points belong to us.
Kopites know this too; hence they're not looking forward to facing us right now - even despite the bravado. Fourteen years for a win against some very average Liverpool sides at Anfield is nothing to celebrate.
You really want this Everton? Then right into them and make it happen.
What’s our name?
Last edited by a moderator:
