Looking for Blues to answer some questions from The Liverpool Word ahead of the derby

[Dublintoff]

can you make the questions clear, concise and write them in english please, not in your native norwegian language.

can you avoid your specialist subjects of obscure uruguayan versions of spanish, as we don't want our answers to be deemed racist.

can you please refer to yourselves as liverpool, most of us were born here and we know who you are, there is absolutely no need to add "football club", this may save you some time typing, and stop your extra fingers from developing cramp.

feel free to ask us about your new documentary, yes we've seen it, and yes we think it's ace. especially the bits with " david brentman rodgers".

avoid bannermaking, upside down, scarves, in bed at the time, witty slogans and poetry....it's really not our thing.

please write your questions wearing full kit,shinpads,and brown pointy shoes...it's your website and we wouldn't want you to get changed on our account.

feel free to refer to us as the bitters, as it provides us with great amusment when you are accusing alex ferguson and the fa of everything from match fixing to genocide.

ps welcome to the site, and may the best team win on sunday.

pps it was chelsea.

*chuckling*

 

[TX Bill]

I'll just give you a score prediction:

Heart: Everton 2-0 Liverpool

Head: Liverpool 2-1 Everton

That's just how we roll against you guys.

 

[Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian]

Sorry about the delay just having my dinner (pickled herring caught from the local fjord, naturally).

Nobody could claim to be unimpressed by Everton's start to the season, and you've had some great performances from a large number of your players, some from new faces and some from more familiar names. Which Everton player has impressed you most so far this season, and who should Liverpool fans be the most wary of?

The Blues are certainly blessed with greater squad depth than they've been used to in recent seasons. However, are there any Liverpool players you would take in the Everton starting XI?

With Everton having forgone their usual catastrophic start to the season, and already in the Champions League places, can you keep this up and 'break the top 4'? How do you feel about the current setup at the club, in terms of boardroom and manager, being right to keep the club progressing?

Recent news regarding the Hillsborough disaster has brought a heart-warming response from across the vast majority of the English football league and beyond. However, not surprisingly, Everton were a cut above the rest and I'm sure it goes without saying that all Liverpool fans would take any opportunity to thank the Blues for their gestures over the past month. The question is, with these genuine examples of Scouse solidarity, are we poised to see a return to "the friendly derby"?

Moving back to the game itself, in recent encounters between the sides, especially last season, Everton have gone into the games with more optimism than usual, and have perhaps even been considered favourites, as they may well be this week. Unfortunately for the Blues, the result has usually gone in Liverpool's favour even on these occasions. David Moyes has a pretty drab record in the Merseyside derby and some Blues I have spoken to believe he has a bit of a complex when it comes to games against Liverpool, where team selection and tactical decisions often take a negative and sometimes curious turn. Is this something you're aware of, and what side do you think Moyes will go with this weekend?

For a bit of nostalgia, what's your favourite Derby memory, and for our readers if you don't mind, your worst?

Finally, how do you see the game going? A scorecast prediction please!

It's ok mate, you don't have to aspire to the stereotype for fear of not fitting in....... You can just call it 'The Ford' like everyone else.

Can I just add that I have done these Q&A things before and been taken out of context. As a 44 y.o. I do remember the friendly Derby's (of a sort) there was always banter and a bit of argie bargie cos everyone was aled up, but aled up together, anything went regarding chants back then as well but the difference was that offence wasn't taken, just laughed off and try and hit back with something wittier and closer to the bone. I thought the "F-Off to Kirkby" at the time was hilarious.... My response ? Get everyone downstairs singing "F-Off to Norway." The socks thing was crap though.

Anyway, here goes.

Player : Fellaini, we really don't need to tell you why do we ? You know how good he is which is why you call him dirty. I think Mirallas could cause mayhem as you concentrate on the big man though.

Your Players : Every team could do with someone that is their Talisman like Gerrard is for you, aside from that though I think the squad that you have at the moment is way off what you all seem to think it is, it's mid table at best, and believe me we recognise mediocrity when we see it. Some of the young ones look handy but it seems are already walking the walk etc. If the rumours about Sterling and his propensity to shoot as soon as he enters the box are true then we can soon expect an implosion and loss of form as the tabloids go to town on him. Shelvey is ****. (that should prompt anyone to put a fiver on him based on my previous Q&A attempts).


Top 4 : Too much put on that 4th spot, as it only gets you a qualifier and we have a bit of a bad memory where they are concerned. To make any money out of the CL really you need to take the squad you have into it and hope for a bit of a break in getting into the groups, you know yourselves that the outlay to compete in it far outweighs the return and it has to be done consistently season after season, you guys are a perfect example of where it puts you when you drop out of it and tbh should be seeing that, as opposed to craving it and demanding huge spending to achieve it again.

Hillsborough : We don't expect any thanks from anyone for our support as from that fateful day until the present our support has been unconditional, I like to think that over the years I HAVE changed some other peoples attitudes when talking about it. I've always said that there was a link with Orgreve as well that would come out one day.
RE: Friendly Derby, I went round to the away end last season (my daughter was Toffee Lady) and I would say that the majority of your fans that get tickets are old enough to remember when it was played in black & white, which kind of confused me a bit really as if it's the Scallies and Urchins that are misbehaving then why aren't the 'elders' doing something about it ? I have to say though that 90%(prob more tbh) were totally respectful of the fact that it was a 12 y.o. girl, and when the odd one answered with "No, F off" someone else did push them aside and ask her for a mint.
The 'Friendly Derby' is still there below the surface imo, waiting to break back through, and I think if there was a bit less offence taken then it would be a step in that direction. Having to travel down separately to Wembley, not being allowed in the services together and all that really got on my waz as well, get so many people together and there's always gonna be something happens, and not necessarily between opposing fans. Objections should have been raised from both sides at the time as the media and authorities have made our game appear like the Glasgow or Cairo Derbies.

Outcome : We really get no rub of the green against you guys, and even when you outplay us there is always something that happens that alters the course of the game in your favour.
I won't go on to list them though as it just prompts the 'B' word. I'll stick with the most recent example of Rodwell, I cant understand how it has been used as an example of Suerez "Not Diving" in fact how anyone can not watch that and say that it is one of the cleanest executed tackles they are likely to see beggars belief, I know that at full speed it's a different matter but to me that shows just how much he was in control of himself as even at that speed and knowing what Suerez would do he managed to toe poke the ball away.

Derby Memory : More than 1 for me, from days out at Wembley, the taking of Moss side, standing on the hill of pish with THOUSANDS of Blues, Sharpy, Big Dunc at the 'agent johnson' (thought that funny as well tbh) scoring and then running past me as I landed on the gravel in celebration in the Kemlyn Rd, 4-4, Kev the Rat getting a Brucey Bonus (was on the gravel then as well). Loads of em.
Worse : any where the ref has influenced the result, if you outplay us then fair enough but when it's all hinged on the ref then that aint footy.

Result : as they say "form counts for nothing" in these games, again we are in a position where if we win we put a bit of fresh air between us, you win and it's 3 points followed by us losing the next game and you going above us (happened a ridiculous amount of times). The difference this time though is if we play as good as we have at times this season then we will have you looking for the exits, whereas we can easily handle the best that you have played this year.

You seem quite a well rounded fella so I'll ask you this.....

Brentdan ? Do you honestly and truthfully believe that 'he da man' ? or is it the famous 'managerial support' (mutters Woy under breath) because we are a bit bewildered by the fella and how you all seem to lap up his soundbites, and he was after all about your 6th choice, in fact whilst you were searching for a gaffer is there as much as one example of a fan saying "you're going after the wrong ones..... this is the fella for us ?"

On the subject of "Bitters," I emigrated and was away for 7 years altogether, weeks after my return was the Lee Carsley Pile On derby, I went off to the pub with a whole load of red & blue mates, it was then that I 1st experienced being called it. Now bear in mind, away 7 years, starved of football in Aus/NZ (agent Johnson was during a visit home just before I went to NZ and a mate gave me his Season Ticket as a parting gift) so I was on the sauce as we all were. As soon as the game was won though they all turned on me, absolutely no bragging rites afforded whatsoever, I was called bitter this and bitter that by folks that had froth coming out of their mouths and I just didn't get it as the bitterness was coming from them, I had nothing to be bitter about as I was celebrating. I've had nothing to do with some of them ever since as I saw a side to them that I had never seen before, and these are lads I have been mates with since we were kids, that turned on me because I dared to celebrate a victory.... gone the days of them all getting you a pint as the victor and you going home with kebab all down you having tasted the spoils of victory, some were more likely to pot me with the glass ffs.

My best wind up with them now is to have a discussion about what it was that made them hate utd back in the day, it was the eternal belief that each summer they had signed the greatest players in the world and were going to walk the league.... then fail miserably (and hilariously) each time, their fans would cripple them with the weight of expectation and hark back to the Busby Babes, 1968 and vaunt their attendances and how far fans come to home games as some sort of success. Do I need to go any further ? or can you see what I am saying ?
I usually leave with giving them a new song to sing, from the song by James, "I've become the kind of man I always HATED." It's banter, it's to the point and leaves them shaking their heads because it's so close to the truth it aint true.

Anyway, hope you have a good day out, not too good mind, and that you will buy your Blue mate a congratulatory pint after the game whilst telling him that we were awesome, played you out of sight, hit the woodwork most, won the passing, at 3-0 you thought there was still a chance (blah blah Istanbul, stars etc), and that it's all deez new yanks fault.




*removes tongue from cheek.

 

[ToffeeBlueNose]

I wasa going to reply but you said you only wanted 3 mate so you have them already

 

[Coach]

It's ok mate, you don't have to aspire to the stereotype for fear of not fitting in....... You can just call it 'The Ford' like everyone else.

Can I just add that I have done these Q&A things before and been taken out of context. As a 44 y.o. I do remember the friendly Derby's (of a sort) there was always banter and a bit of argie bargie cos everyone was aled up, but aled up together, anything went regarding chants back then as well but the difference was that offence wasn't taken, just laughed off and try and hit back with something wittier and closer to the bone. I thought the "F-Off to Kirkby" at the time was hilarious.... My response ? Get everyone downstairs singing "F-Off to Norway." The socks thing was crap though.

Anyway, here goes.

Player : Fellaini, we really don't need to tell you why do we ? You know how good he is which is why you call him dirty. I think Mirallas could cause mayhem as you concentrate on the big man though.

Your Players : Every team could do with someone that is their Talisman like Gerrard is for you, aside from that though I think the squad that you have at the moment is way off what you all seem to think it is, it's mid table at best, and believe me we recognise mediocrity when we see it. Some of the young ones look handy but it seems are already walking the walk etc. If the rumours about Sterling and his propensity to shoot as soon as he enters the box are true then we can soon expect an implosion and loss of form as the tabloids go to town on him. Shelvey is ****. (that should prompt anyone to put a fiver on him based on my previous Q&A attempts).


Top 4 : Too much put on that 4th spot, as it only gets you a qualifier and we have a bit of a bad memory where they are concerned. To make any money out of the CL really you need to take the squad you have into it and hope for a bit of a break in getting into the groups, you know yourselves that the outlay to compete in it far outweighs the return and it has to be done consistently season after season, you guys are a perfect example of where it puts you when you drop out of it and tbh should be seeing that, as opposed to craving it and demanding huge spending to achieve it again.

Hillsborough : We don't expect any thanks from anyone for our support as from that fateful day until the present our support has been unconditional, I like to think that over the years I HAVE changed some other peoples attitudes when talking about it. I've always said that there was a link with Orgreve as well that would come out one day.
RE: Friendly Derby, I went round to the away end last season (my daughter was Toffee Lady) and I would say that the majority of your fans that get tickets are old enough to remember when it was played in black & white, which kind of confused me a bit really as if it's the Scallies and Urchins that are misbehaving then why aren't the 'elders' doing something about it ? I have to say though that 90%(prob more tbh) were totally respectful of the fact that it was a 12 y.o. girl, and when the odd one answered with "No, F off" someone else did push them aside and ask her for a mint.
The 'Friendly Derby' is still there below the surface imo, waiting to break back through, and I think if there was a bit less offence taken then it would be a step in that direction. Having to travel down separately to Wembley, not being allowed in the services together and all that really got on my waz as well, get so many people together and there's always gonna be something happens, and not necessarily between opposing fans. Objections should have been raised from both sides at the time as the media and authorities have made our game appear like the Glasgow or Cairo Derbies.

Outcome : We really get no rub of the green against you guys, and even when you outplay us there is always something that happens that alters the course of the game in your favour.
I won't go on to list them though as it just prompts the 'B' word. I'll stick with the most recent example of Rodwell, I cant understand how it has been used as an example of Suerez "Not Diving" in fact how anyone can not watch that and say that it is one of the cleanest executed tackles they are likely to see beggars belief, I know that at full speed it's a different matter but to me that shows just how much he was in control of himself as even at that speed and knowing what Suerez would do he managed to toe poke the ball away.

Derby Memory : More than 1 for me, from days out at Wembley, the taking of Moss side, standing on the hill of pish with THOUSANDS of Blues, Sharpy, Big Dunc at the 'agent johnson' (thought that funny as well tbh) scoring and then running past me as I landed on the gravel in celebration in the Kemlyn Rd, 4-4, Kev the Rat getting a Brucey Bonus (was on the gravel then as well). Loads of em.
Worse : any where the ref has influenced the result, if you outplay us then fair enough but when it's all hinged on the ref then that aint footy.

Result : as they say "form counts for nothing" in these games, again we are in a position where if we win we put a bit of fresh air between us, you win and it's 3 points followed by us losing the next game and you going above us (happened a ridiculous amount of times). The difference this time though is if we play as good as we have at times this season then we will have you looking for the exits, whereas we can easily handle the best that you have played this year.

You seem quite a well rounded fella so I'll ask you this.....

Brentdan ? Do you honestly and truthfully believe that 'he da man' ? or is it the famous 'managerial support' (mutters Woy under breath) because we are a bit bewildered by the fella and how you all seem to lap up his soundbites, and he was after all about your 6th choice, in fact whilst you were searching for a gaffer is there as much as one example of a fan saying "you're going after the wrong ones..... this is the fella for us ?"

On the subject of "Bitters," I emigrated and was away for 7 years altogether, weeks after my return was the Lee Carsley Pile On derby, I went off to the pub with a whole load of red & blue mates, it was then that I 1st experienced being called it. Now bear in mind, away 7 years, starved of football in Aus/NZ (agent Johnson was during a visit home just before I went to NZ and a mate gave me his Season Ticket as a parting gift) so I was on the sauce as we all were. As soon as the game was won though they all turned on me, absolutely no bragging rites afforded whatsoever, I was called bitter this and bitter that by folks that had froth coming out of their mouths and I just didn't get it as the bitterness was coming from them, I had nothing to be bitter about as I was celebrating. I've had nothing to do with some of them ever since as I saw a side to them that I had never seen before, and these are lads I have been mates with since we were kids, that turned on me because I dared to celebrate a victory.... gone the days of them all getting you a pint as the victor and you going home with kebab all down you having tasted the spoils of victory, some were more likely to pot me with the glass ffs.

My best wind up with them now is to have a discussion about what it was that made them hate utd back in the day, it was the eternal belief that each summer they had signed the greatest players in the world and were going to walk the league.... then fail miserably (and hilariously) each time, their fans would cripple them with the weight of expectation and hark back to the Busby Babes, 1968 and vaunt their attendances and how far fans come to home games as some sort of success. Do I need to go any further ? or can you see what I am saying ?
I usually leave with giving them a new song to sing, from the song by James, "I've become the kind of man I always HATED." It's banter, it's to the point and leaves them shaking their heads because it's so close to the truth it aint true.

Anyway, hope you have a good day out, not too good mind, and that you will buy your Blue mate a congratulatory pint after the game whilst telling him that we were awesome, played you out of sight, hit the woodwork most, won the passing, at 3-0 you thought there was still a chance (blah blah Istanbul, stars etc), and that it's all deez new yanks fault.




*removes tongue from cheek.

Good stuff Reidy

 

[Tom_TLW]

I wasa going to reply but you said you only wanted 3 mate so you have them already

Go ahead mate, now its on here I'll probably just take a range of answers.

Thanks to everyone who's answered so far

 

[ToffeeBlueNose]

Sorry about the delay just having my dinner (pickled herring caught from the local fjord, naturally).

Nobody could claim to be unimpressed by Everton's start to the season, and you've had some great performances from a large number of your players, some from new faces and some from more familiar names. Which Everton player has impressed you most so far this season, and who should Liverpool fans be the most wary of?

Baines has been outstanding, apart from the QPR game. His confidence and composure are just getting better and better, he's a real top quality player and i'm glad he's a blue. You should always be wary of Jelavic he only needs a sniff to slot and the pace of Mirallas can keep full backs occupied.

The Blues are certainly blessed with greater squad depth than they've been used to in recent seasons. However, are there any Liverpool players you would take in the Everton starting XI?

No, disagree, our squad depth is what will be a major factor in pushing for a European place, it just isn't there especially in centre mid. I would take Johnson or Kelly and if it was on ability alone the Sewer rat. Looks like some good young players coming through or so Roy Hodgson thinks as they are already playing for England.

With Everton having forgone their usual catastrophic start to the season, and already in the Champions League places, can you keep this up and 'break the top 4'? How do you feel about the current setup at the club, in terms of boardroom and manager, being right to keep the club progressing?

Top 4 is so unbelievably difficult now we will need an exceptional season to do it but it's not out of the realms of possibility. A European place is a must this season for me or we will lose a big hitter next year. I would like more investment certainly and wish Moyes would stop bottling big games, overall we are treading water and it's getting harder each year.

Recent news regarding the Hillsborough disaster has brought a heart-warming response from across the vast majority of the English football league and beyond. However, not surprisingly, Everton were a cut above the rest and I'm sure it goes without saying that all Liverpool fans would take any opportunity to thank the Blues for their gestures over the past month. The question is, with these genuine examples of Scouse solidarity, are we poised to see a return to "the friendly derby"?

When you look at a lot of Derbies around the world they still don't come any friendlier than ours. It's just got a little bit petty with the insults for me.

Moving back to the game itself, in recent encounters between the sides, especially last season, Everton have gone into the games with more optimism than usual, and have perhaps even been considered favourites, as they may well be this week. Unfortunately for the Blues, the result has usually gone in Liverpool's favour even on these occasions. David Moyes has a pretty drab record in the Merseyside derby and some Blues I have spoken to believe he has a bit of a complex when it comes to games against Liverpool, where team selection and tactical decisions often take a negative and sometimes curious turn. Is this something you're aware of, and what side do you think Moyes will go with this weekend?

I can't help but worry about our mentality when we play you lot, Moyes can't seem to find a winning formula and no matter how well we are doing, when we play you lot we freeze it's men against boys and I fear it will be Davey boys legacy with a lot of fans unless it changes.

For a bit of nostalgia, what's your favourite Derby memory, and for our readers if you don't mind, your worst?

Probably a shock one here but for sheer emotion as it happened my best moment was Stuart McCall's equalizer in the FA Cup final, even though we lost, when he scored that volley I was as ecstatic as I have ever been, a bittersweet moment to be sure.

Finally, how do you see the game going? A scorecast prediction please!

2-1 Everton, I have to remain optimistic and we do look a different side at home this year.

There you go mate.

 

[Ihaters]

Sorry about the delay just having my dinner (pickled herring caught from the local fjord, naturally).

Nobody could claim to be unimpressed by Everton's start to the season, and you've had some great performances from a large number of your players, some from new faces and some from more familiar names. Which Everton player has impressed you most so far this season, and who should Liverpool fans be the most wary of?

This season we're a bit different to the past, you can't just take one person out of the equation.. Fellaini, Pienaar, Baines, Jelavic, Mirrallas, Gibson are all dangerous, sadly a few are injured but as for the rest, you cover them all and then Distin or Jags pops up to put one away. I would say Baines though, not for the goals but for the crosses and general play.

The Blues are certainly blessed with greater squad depth than they've been used to in recent seasons. However, are there any Liverpool players you would take in the Everton starting XI?

Disagree, worst squad depth in years, we have roughly one reserve per place of much lower quality than our first team except the odd place.. CB for example

With Everton having forgone their usual catastrophic start to the season, and already in the Champions League places, can you keep this up and 'break the top 4'? How do you feel about the current setup at the club, in terms of boardroom and manager, being right to keep the club progressing?

No, not with our squad so small, having said that we will be hard rivals to anyone this season (except Leeds obviously)

Recent news regarding the Hillsborough disaster has brought a heart-warming response from across the vast majority of the English football league and beyond. However, not surprisingly, Everton were a cut above the rest and I'm sure it goes without saying that all Liverpool fans would take any opportunity to thank the Blues for their gestures over the past month. The question is, with these genuine examples of Scouse solidarity, are we poised to see a return to "the friendly derby"?

It would be great to see but doubtful sadly

Moving back to the game itself, in recent encounters between the sides, especially last season, Everton have gone into the games with more optimism than usual, and have perhaps even been considered favourites, as they may well be this week. Unfortunately for the Blues, the result has usually gone in Liverpool's favour even on these occasions. David Moyes has a pretty drab record in the Merseyside derby and some Blues I have spoken to believe he has a bit of a complex when it comes to games against Liverpool, where team selection and tactical decisions often take a negative and sometimes curious turn. Is this something you're aware of, and what side do you think Moyes will go with this weekend?

Ah believe me mate, we are more than aware of how Moyes behaves in Derby's, believe it or not some want him sacked because of it.
We always have a little secret optomism but we never consider ourselves favourites as the ref will always help you out. This one in particular I wouldn't see us as favourites as you are currently in form and we are dropping off.

For a bit of nostalgia, what's your favourite Derby memory, and for our readers if you don't mind, your worst?

Cahill hammering the corner flag after Colemans cracking assist right right where I was sat.. next a rather sheepish and subdued Liverpool fan.
Clattenberg's entire match, Fellaini gettitng injured, Rodwell geting sent off for no reason and so on and so on.
Just give us a fair ref and lets have a decent game for a change. Suarez to attempt to stand on his feet for 90 minutes, likewise Gerrard, lets see who has the best team instead of who can influence the ref most by waving pretend cards.

Finally, how do you see the game going? A scorecast prediction please!

1-1 in terms of goals, you to win on account fo the ref either knocking off our 2nd or giving you a pen for no reason.

Bitter.. yep.

 

[parkendmaster]

Sorry about the delay just having my dinner (pickled herring caught from the local fjord, naturally).

Nobody could claim to be unimpressed by Everton's start to the season, and you've had some great performances from a large number of your players, some from new faces and some from more familiar names. Which Everton player has impressed you most so far this season, and who should Liverpool fans be the most wary of?

Hard to pick one out, but i'd go for Baines on the basis of his set-piece and crossing quality.

The Blues are certainly blessed with greater squad depth than they've been used to in recent seasons. However, are there any Liverpool players you would take in the Everton starting XI?

The obvious answer here is probably Gerrard, but I'd probably go for Agger, I think him and Jagielka would make a V good CB pairing

With Everton having forgone their usual catastrophic start to the season, and already in the Champions League places, can you keep this up and 'break the top 4'? How do you feel about the current setup at the club, in terms of boardroom and manager, being right to keep the club progressing?

No, the main reasons being are lack of real squad depth and the fact that at times Moyes seems to eager to take a draw in the away games, beating Man utd is great, but we also have to beat the likes of Wigan and QPR which we failed to do.

Recent news regarding the Hillsborough disaster has brought a heart-warming response from across the vast majority of the English football league and beyond. However, not surprisingly, Everton were a cut above the rest and I'm sure it goes without saying that all Liverpool fans would take any opportunity to thank the Blues for their gestures over the past month. The question is, with these genuine examples of Scouse solidarity, are we poised to see a return to "the friendly derby"?

Unfortunately, I think there will always be idiots who try to ruin it for everyone else, just hope the media recognise that the troublemakers are a small minority

Moving back to the game itself, in recent encounters between the sides, especially last season, Everton have gone into the games with more optimism than usual, and have perhaps even been considered favourites, as they may well be this week. Unfortunately for the Blues, the result has usually gone in Liverpool's favour even on these occasions. David Moyes has a pretty drab record in the Merseyside derby and some Blues I have spoken to believe he has a bit of a complex when it comes to games against Liverpool, where team selection and tactical decisions often take a negative and sometimes curious turn. Is this something you're aware of, and what side do you think Moyes will go with this weekend?

We're all well aware of Moyes negativity going into these games, and its one of the reasons I hate the debry at times. In terms of the side he will play, it'll depend on whether or not some of our injured players (i.e. Fellaini, Gibson) are able to play.

For a bit of nostalgia, what's your favourite Derby memory, and for our readers if you don't mind, your worst?

Best- Carsley Derby, the first Everton victory over Liverpool I can clearly remember.
Worst- In terms of anger- the Clattenburg Derby, In terms of sadness- McAllistar's free kick, as I remember turning the tv on and seeing the Liverpool Players celebrating, after I thought it had ended in a draw.

Finally, how do you see the game going? A scorecast prediction please!

With Fellaini and/or Gibson 1-1, without them 0-2 to Liverpool sadly

 

[The Size Of A Cow]

Sorry about the delay just having my dinner (pickled herring caught from the local fjord, naturally).

Nobody could claim to be unimpressed by Everton's start to the season, and you've had some great performances from a large number of your players, some from new faces and some from more familiar names. Which Everton player has impressed you most so far this season, and who should Liverpool fans be the most wary of?

This season, Fellaini has impressed me as he's added a level of consistency he'd maybe not had before. Also, obvious one, but Baines has been genuinely superb aside from the last game. In the absence of Pienaar, Jelavic is probably the one you should be most wary of, of all our players he seems the least likely to suffer from this complex that seems to affect us whenever we play you.

The Blues are certainly blessed with greater squad depth than they've been used to in recent seasons. However, are there any Liverpool players you would take in the Everton starting XI?

Agger

With Everton having forgone their usual catastrophic start to the season, and already in the Champions League places, can you keep this up and 'break the top 4'? How do you feel about the current setup at the club, in terms of boardroom and manager, being right to keep the club progressing?

I would love to see us finish in the top 4 again, but I don't see it this year. We actually don't have the necessary depth yet. At board level, we're not progressing, and there does need to be a change at the very top

Recent news regarding the Hillsborough disaster has brought a heart-warming response from across the vast majority of the English football league and beyond. However, not surprisingly, Everton were a cut above the rest and I'm sure it goes without saying that all Liverpool fans would take any opportunity to thank the Blues for their gestures over the past month. The question is, with these genuine examples of Scouse solidarity, are we poised to see a return to "the friendly derby"?

As much as I enjoyed both the show of respect from Everton (every bit as classy as always in this matter), and the show of respect from Liverpool for our tribute, I would be amazed if there's a return to the friendly derby. It will take one incident and the idiots in the support (on either side - every club has some) will return to the usual baying lunatics.

Moving back to the game itself, in recent encounters between the sides, especially last season, Everton have gone into the games with more optimism than usual, and have perhaps even been considered favourites, as they may well be this week. Unfortunately for the Blues, the result has usually gone in Liverpool's favour even on these occasions. David Moyes has a pretty drab record in the Merseyside derby and some Blues I have spoken to believe he has a bit of a complex when it comes to games against Liverpool, where team selection and tactical decisions often take a negative and sometimes curious turn. Is this something you're aware of, and what side do you think Moyes will go with this weekend?

Even aside from the debacle of the team selection at your place last season, you only need to look at the Semi Final to understand Moyes' derby thinking. I'm sure you will agree this is not the strongest Liverpool team, and at 1-0 we should have gone for the jugular and killed the game. Instead, the thinking was to sit back and invite you on. Unfortunately this seems to sum up our manager's approach to these matches. In terms of team selection, I would imagine Neville is a near certainty to start. I worry that starting him alongside Osman in the centre is tantamount to waving a white flag.

For a bit of nostalgia, what's your favourite Derby memory, and for our readers if you don't mind, your worst?

Best - probably Kanchelskis' brace at Anfield. I think I was still in a state of disbelief that we'd signed him to be honest, but that performance was outstanding. Worst - already mentioned, but the Clattenburg derby was a genuine disgrace to the game.

Finally, how do you see the game going? A scorecast prediction please!

Much will depend on the fitness, or not, of Gibson and Fellaini. If they are fit we can get a narrow win. If one or the other plays, we could get a draw but more likely wouldn't. If neither plays we will lose. Since you asked for a scorecast, 1-1 Mirallas to score first

 

[Tom_TLW]

Thanks guys keep them coming, will try and include as many as possible.

On a side note do those links come up automatically on the forum when you put in a player name? Pretty smart feature that.

 

[gheesom]

The links do come up automagically - It is a cool feature.

I really hope for the return of the friendly derby - I've stood in the kop as a kid on derby day - and had a great time (apart from the outcome) - no abuse as a blue stood by myself in amongst reds, the worst I got was someone messing my hair up when you scored! Bloody Stuart Barlow had a barn-full of chances

 

[Ihaters]

Thanks guys keep them coming, will try and include as many as possible.

On a side note do those links come up automatically on the forum when you put in a player name? Pretty smart feature that.

Can I ask you of your opinion of Suarez?

 

[Tom_TLW]

Can I ask you of your opinion of Suarez?

Certainly, but I'm wary of derailing the thread to be honest.

 

[Ihaters]

Certainly, but I'm wary of derailing the thread to be honest.

Fair enough mate, probably would