Everton v Liverpool (1st derby of the season)

Well our performances still haven't been what we're expecting and results haven't been as convincing as we'd like it's time for the first derby of the season where form goes out the window and it's just who wants it more on the day (unless Mark Clattenburg is the ref of course)

I don't care how we play or by how many we win just as long as we do win. I F***ing hate these cu*ts with a real passion and it's always that much sweeter beating them at Goodison. I expect it to be the usual fast and furious game with Cahill and Arteta poncing around like their life long Evertonians.

We should be back to full strenght although it'll be interesting which two central midfielders are picked. Personally I think it'll be Stevie and Masch as Xabi won't get the time in this sort of match to pick his passes. First time at Goodison for Torres, what better way then to score. Keane still looking to break his duck, he'd go down as a hero amongst Liverpool fans if he got his first against these cu*ts.

Come on Reds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Putting personal feelings to one side though, there will be a special rememberance towards Rhys Jones ahead of the game. http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,9598.0.html

i agree that the results that we have been getting arnt good enough. but we were saying that before the Manure game were we not? then we just pulled a huge win and a fantastic performance out the bag. I hope it happens again!

So what dya rekon the team will be then.....


Joe

.............Pepe....... ........
........................ ...........
Arb...Skrtel...Carra...D oss
........................ ...........
.........Xabi....Masch.. ......
........................ ...........
Kuyt......Gerrard......R iera
.............Torres..... ........


That team will kill the blueshite IMHO. (swap SG out right and Keane in middle if need be).

Another dogs of war encounter on the cards down the sh*t hole I reckon.

I hope Skrtel has cahill for breakfast. They'll be trying to float balls in for him to get on the end of no doubt.

We've got the quality to outplay these lot. Just have to make sure our determination and concentration turns up on the day.

Play Keane - he will score in this one.

                        Reina
                 Carragher  Skrtel
       Arbeloa                       Dossena
                    Mascherano

      Gerrard      Alonso         Riera
                   
                    Keane
                         Torres

See no reason to play Kuyt this time round. He's had his fill and needs a "rest". :

If we can take care of their talisman (Cahill) then I think we will be ok 2-1 / 2-0 ish

If not Gerrard I will start with Pennant on the right .  He put some decent crosses yesterday

I would go for......

------------------------Reina-------------------------
Arbeloa-----Agger-----Carragher-----Dossena

-------------------Mascherano----------------------

Pennant------------Gerrard-----------------Riera

----------------Keane-------Torres-----------------

Subs: Cavalieri, Skrtel, Benayoun, Kuyt, N'Gog, Alonso, Hyypia

But i dont think Rafa would leave Dirk out!


Joe

Should be tight, I can see it being a very physical affair, but with Masch in our midfield we should have the better of them.

Still, just because it's Everton I've gone for a 3-1 hammering in the Prediction League!

Everton have had no problems scoring this season.

Whereas we, have.

Let's hope Saturday is the day we turn it round.

------------------------Pepe------------------------------
Arbeloa------Skrtel------- Carragher-----dossena

-------------Mascherano ------ Alonso------------

Gerrard -------  keane---------Riera-------
-------------- Torres -------------

2-0 the reds


I cant see him leaving kuyt out.

I've also gone for 3-1 to the red men ! at the end of the day as in the Man ure match performances count for nothing it's the result that matters most ! we cannot,must not daren't lose !

if we get amongst them and dictate .like we did agaimst utd . shouldn't have to many problems. step forward  mr robbie keane . 1st goal and lfc matchwinner

                        Reina
                 Carragher  Skrtel
       Arbeloa                       Dossena
                    Mascherano

      Gerrard      Alonso         Riera
                   
                    Keane
                         Torres

See no reason to play Kuyt this time round. He's had his fill and needs a "rest". :

This is the team I'd go for.  But Rafa dropping Kuyt isn't gonna happen methinks.  I reckon he's the first name on the teamsheet due to his enormous workrate.  I can see Rafa dropping Keane though and setting a defensive stall with Gerrard behind Torres and Kuyt on the right.

I've gone for a close 2-1 to us.  I keep thinking Keane is going to score in every next game.  Now I don't expect him to score so he probably will if he plays.

Hi! going to this one, bein from Ireland i dont get over as much as li like so this is a big one for me. heres my pick....

----------------Reina-----------------

Carragher--Skrtel--Agger--Dossena

--------------Masch-----------------
-----Gerrard----------Alonso------

---Keane------Torres-----Riera-----


4-3-3 where gerrard can pull right to push Keane up and Riera dropping back to strengthen midfield if needed!

2-0 to us and Keane to get his goal!

I agree that the results that we have been getting arnt good enough.

The results or the performances? IMO the only poor result this season was Stoke.

What price for Stevie to get his 100th goal on sat and Robbie Keane his first?

What price for Stevie to get his 100th goal on sat and Robbie Keane his first?

That'll be an interesting one that! I wouldn't bet on it though, too scared of jinxing it!

i just hope Gerrard is back behind torres.hopefully get in the lead and bring babel on on the right instead of kuit in the last 20Min's when they start getting tired and more space.with exactly the same effort and harassing as the man u game!

4-0 to the redmen.I feel a goalfeast coming and when better than saturday to dish it out.

Gerrard never has good games in these big fixtures.

Reckon Keane could make us forget his little drought and make his mark on that number seven shirt.

Wrong one game he actually seems to turn up for.

Remember Rafa with his too passionate interview after last seasons derby at Goodison.

Let's he hope stays on the pitch for the full 90 this time then.

 

Result more important than the performance... however, I think we need to up the tempo, sharpen the passing more. We're playing alright and getting good results (bar Stoke) but we won't win every game playing the way we do. Hopefully Keano getting his first goal should kickstart things a bit...

I'm quietly confident we'll get a result on Saturday. We look more hungry for success this season... 2-1 Reds - Gerrard penalty and an o.g.

We certainly look more difficult to beat.

But for me, a point at Goodison isn't a good result.

Anything less than than 3 against the blueshite will be a let down.

Anything less than than 3 against the blueshite will be a let down.

Of course it will if we don't fight for the points.

We're better than them but then we were better than Stoke as well. It has to be about who wants it more on Saturday. This is their game of their season. I've always felt that you can't predict a derby, but you can predict they'll try have a go at us. We've just got to fight for it and make sure we want the win more.

Passion and determination. If we show that, I reckon we'll have the three points. Because we're a better team.

What price for Stevie to get his 100th goal on sat and Robbie Keane his first?

What is the price on a Cahill goal? He always scores against us it seems and every time he does that celebration it makes me want to punch my TV.

As far as I am concern we need the three points when you consider that Arsenal/Chelsea have easy fixture this week (though it would be nice to see Stoke pull out another result vs Chelsea).

As for the line-up really would like to see us revert to the 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation with Gerrard supporting Torres in attack.

I can see this line-up being used by rafa

=============Pepe================
Carragher====Skrtel=====Agger======Arboloa
==========Alonso====Javi============
Kuyt==========Gerrard============Riera
=============Torres===============

Subs: Diego, Sami, Dossena, Lucas, Yossi, Babel, Keane

I love Danny Agger to bits and his goal last night was top quality but for this game I really hope Benitez doesn't ponce around with Carra or Skrtel. They've been like two rocks at the heart of the defence. Not the time to spring a change in the heart of the defence I'm afraid.

We have nothing to fear from them as we know what they can do but they should fear us because whatever has been said about our team it's not hit the heights yet and it's only normal for it to take a few weeks to get into some sort of rhythm and this will be that weekend, I can feel it in my bones...

Quietly confident about Saturday!

Just hope Phil plays, always good for a goal.

This game will be tight I disagree about the 4-0 predicitions. This will be decided by the odd goal it will be plyed with high intensity and passion. I would like to see Agger get a run but dont think we should meddle with the back four as it is looking quiet solid. I think our biggest danger will be set pieces as the blue sh*te seem to thrive on these. I wont predict the scoreline but am certain we will win.

DonRafa hit the nail on the head

.............Pepe.. .............
................... ................
Arb...Skrtel...Carra...D oss
................... ................
.........Xabi....Masch.. ......
................... ................
Kuyt......Gerrard......R iera
.............Torres .............

Looking forward to this one, another match thats going to need grit, passion and determination as most have said.

Although our form hasnt been the best this season, Everton havent faired any better neither. But to use the old cliche 'form goes out the window derby day'. Had we got three points at home against Stoke I'd be pretty content with a draw, but as it is we need to keep up with the running pack in the Prem and take all three points, keeping the pressure on.

I'd like to see ...

                                   Reina

                  Arbeloa     Carra  Hyypia    Dossena

                              Mascha    Alonso

                        Gerrard     Keane    Babel

                                      Torres

I'd go with Hyypia for this one for a couple of reasons. First being, I can see Everton playing the long ball game upto the 'Yak' and Hyypia by a country mile is our best defender in the air. Agger is pretty weak in the air, surprisingly for a tall fella. Skertel is a bit better, but can be very rash in a challenge. At times Skertel looks a liabilty waiting to happen and I can just imagine a rush of blood to his head, then him chopping Cahill down on the half way line. He goes to ground too much for me and his decision making on this isnt very good IMO, and something we wont need to add in a Merseyside derby. So Hyypia with his aerial dominance and experiance coupled with Carra should be enough to mark out Evertons frontman.

Also Hyypia is probably our most likely candidate to pose a genuine threat from a corner up the other end, seen as were so poor from corners we could do with him in the box, attacking and defending set pieces.

I'd play two holding midefielders, I think this formation can get our best players all playing in their prefered positions with the exception of Gerrard and Keane. But as shown last season Gerrard play in behind Torres and although I've stuck him out on the right he can interchange with Keane or Babel in that trio, it doesnt have to be a rigid formation. I like Torres upfront on his own, it seems hes just as good without a partner and I also think Keane is easily capable of playing the creative second striker role, hopefully he'll break his duck !

i`d think 3-1  to us  no   6-0 no 1-0 f**k it i dont care as long as we win hate dropin points 2 these shower of tossers maybe a a 2-1 like at goodison last year(2 pens and 2 sent off) still laught at dat 1 oh ya and maybe a few peno decissions go against them as well and also we get a goal like reading got. i would like 2 c babel get a sustaned run but not startin untill after  everton game

I'm confident of 3 points on Saturday, and i've also gone for 1-3. Funny thing is i've spent the first couple of months of the season telling all the Bitters, who have made sarcastic comments on Robbie Keanes inability to score in a Red shirt, that Keane won't score until the Derby! Now i'm going to have a few quid on it!

So I intend to have a lot of fun at 'the Pit' on Saturday, Let the banter commence!

To the tune of "Alice? Alice? Who the fcuk is Alice?"

Yer moving out the City,
you've got no where to go,
Yer not welcome in Kirkby,
so where you gonna go??
And for 24 years you've been blaming it all on Heysel,
Heysal, Heysel, blame it all on Heysel!

24 years and yer club is in a mess,
Yer trophy room is empty,
and your full off bitterness,
And for 24 years you've been blaming it all on Heysel,
Heysal, Heysel, blame it all on Heysel! 

Some facts n figures....
Since the bitter last cup final in 1995
LFC have reach 16 major cup finals, 11 of which were successful
including 2 champions league finals, I EUFA cup final
3 FA cup finals, 4 League cup finals, 3 Charity Shields
2 Super cups and one world club championship
Whilst the bitters have successfully avoided relegation 14 times and reached the carling cup semi final
and they still dismiss reports of being a small club?
Source.......comparethem arket.com

ha ha F**k idiots

Everton have had no problems scoring this season.

Whereas we, have.

Let's hope Saturday is the day we turn it round.

   everton have been conceedingthis season whereas we havn't

Some facts n figures....
Since the bitter last cup final in 1995
LFC have reach 16 major cup finals, 11 of which were successful
including 2 champions league finals, I EUFA cup final
3 FA cup finals, 4 League cup finals, 3 Charity Shields
2 Super cups and one world club championship
Whilst the bitters have successfully avoided relegation 14 times and reached the carling cup semi final
and they still dismiss reports of being a small club?
Source.......comparethem arket.com

ha ha F**k idiots

     couldn't have put it any better.... enuff said

I'm confident of 3 points on Saturday, and I've also gone for 1-3. Funny thing is I've spent the first couple of months of the season telling all the Bitters, who have made sarcastic comments on Robbie Keanes inability to score in a Red shirt, that Keane won't score until the Derby! Now I'm going to have a few quid on it!

So I intend to have a lot of fun at 'the Pit' on Saturday, Let the banter commence!

To the tune of "Alice? Alice? Who the fcuk is Alice?"

Yer moving out the City,
you've got no where to go,
Yer not welcome in Kirkby,
so where you gonna go??
And for 24 years you've been blaming it all on Heysel,
Heysal, Heysel, blame it all on Heysel!

24 years and yer club is in a mess,
Yer trophy room is empty,
and your full off bitterness,
And for 24 years you've been blaming it all on Heysel,
Heysal, Heysel, blame it all on Heysel! 

  think theyv'e blamed everything for being sh*te

An old one to the tune of cock of the north.

You are the blue sh*te the cock of F**k all
you get fu**ed by ipswich and norwich and all
you only drink lemo and bottles of coke
the everton fans are a joke na na na na na na na

Follow follow follow,
Will you follow the sh*te to Tesco?
Kenwright said; "Let's go, and move in with Tesco",
And out of the city you go oh oh oh......

                         Pepe
                 
                Agger       Carragher

    Arbeloa                            Dossena
                    Mascherano

   Kuyt             Gerrard                 Riera
                 
               Keane
                            Torres


That would be my pics, bringing on Yossi and Babel around the 60min mark.

We gota win this one. Heading out with some mates to watch it, one been an everton fan. If we lose iv the whole of saturday night to listen to it! But im sure we wont, we have the class to beat this lot and im confidant we will, 2-0

     

i dont think we will score........especially if keane plays and torres keeps missing them

my team

            Reina
                 Agger  Skrtel
       Carragher                       Dossena
                    Mascherano

      Gerrard      Alonso         Riera
                   
                    Babel
                         Torres

I hate these pricks.

I'm an Aussie as you all know and I hate that little f**ker Cahill. Would love to be the corner flag at one of Evertons other games and punch the little sh*t straight back in the mouth 

I was thinking about last week when we played Stoke and Alonso launched 5 or 6 balls into the crowd, geez I hope when we're 3 up, he does the same thing and he can knock some of those bitters blocks off

I seriously think this might be harder than we hope so I'm going for 2-1. Robbie to become an Anfield Hero and Fernando to get back his scoring touch.

C'mon boys, let's kick some Blue arse.

 AussieRed 2-1 will do me  but it will not worry me if we win 4-0.Keane and Torres have got hit the straps soon and it might as well be against Everton. I agree with your comments regarding Cahill.A little bit off topic (I apologise ) but it will be a good night tomorrow with the Warriors to take Manly apart in the league and to cap off a good night us to take the 3 points off the blues.

                                   Reina

 Arbeloa         Carragher           Skrtel            Dossena

                   
                      Alonso               Masch

   Babel                                                       Riera

                                  Gerrard

                                  Torres

2-1 I say. Gerrard and Nando.

If we revert back to this, we will win mark my words. Their biggest threat is their midfield while we have the best defensive mid in the world and best passer in the world along with the best all round mid in the world, Masch and Xabi will out play them as expected with Stevie given that free role to play with Nando. Babel and Riera bolting down the wings with that class, and hopefully a final ball by Riera, should be able to do it. I dont expect them to score but hey, why not let them have one to make victory feel even better for us.

I hate these pricks.

I'm an Aussie as you all know and I hate that little f**ker Cahill. Would love to be the corner flag at one of Evertons other games and punch the little sh*t straight back in the mouth 

Class!!!
 

I've got a good feeling that we can beat Everton tommorow. They hate us that much that they'll be playing with their hearts before their heads which will leave them open in certain area's tommorow.

If we can control our emotions, I think we could take full advantage of this match and batter them 3 - 1
But players like Stevie G get carried away in these type of games, he'll need to control the way he plays rather than rush them down. He's had two red cards against Everton if I'm correct...

Rafael Benitez believes that Dirk Kuyt can be an inspiration again for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
The Reds number 18 was the hero for Liverpool in last season's Goodison Park derby when he scored two penalties, and the boss said there is no reason why he can't score again on Saturday.
 
"With Kuyt, you know he can always score goals," said Benitez.
 
"He proved when we played Everton at Goodison last season that he can handle the pressure that comes when you have big moments in big games and I am sure he can do that again.
 
"He has a habit of scoring important goals at important times. If you look at his record in the Champions League it is very good, and it was only last month that he scored the late goal which allowed us to beat Standard Liege.
 
"That goal was a reward for the effort he put in on that night and I am sure if he continues to work as hard as he does then his rewards will come again."
 
The referee for the 208th Merseyside derby is Mike Riley who was in the spotlight during last weekend's clash between Chelsea and Manchester United.
 
"I don't like to talk too much about referees," added Rafa. "But I have confidence that he has enough experience to understand this game and I think he will be okay."

Wonderful news, I haven't seen Kuyt start for ages! [/end sarcasm]

I hate these pricks.

I'm an Aussie as you all know and I hate that little f**ker Cahill. Would love to be the corner flag at one of Evertons other games and punch the little sh*t straight back in the mouth 

Well i'm just glad Craig 'F***ing' Foster isnt the 'expert' on this match but equally as fu**ed Simon Hill will be.

I can see it now 'Cahill was their only threat which isnt surprising. Cahill is the best. Cahill has a massive cock which Fozzy and I sucked on prior to him signing for Everton.'

Wonderful news, I haven't seen Kuyt start for ages! [/end sarcasm]

Well its only common sense, he slotted in 2 penalties last time. But bloody hell i hate seeing him play.

GRRRRRR!!

I actually doubt that the new boy Riera might get a start tomorrow.

Im going for :                          Pepe

Arbeloa ====== Carra ===== Skrtel ======== Dossena


Kuyt ======= Gerrard======= Masch ======= Benayoun


                       Torres========Keane



I think with Reira and Babel will be subs and the predicted score will be 3-1 to us...with Robbie Keane scoring a double.

No need to rotate, just pick our strongest team

           Reina
Arby Skrtel Carra Doss
        Mascherano
  Gerrard        Alonso
Babel     Torres   Riera

What do you think? 433 anyone?

Anyone know if Mark Clattenburg is refereeing  we can play 4-4-2-1 if he is

Let's be realistic here, we know Kuyt is starting, so the lineup will most likely be:

                  Reina
         Carragher   Skrtel
Arbeloa                       Dossena

              Xabi Alonso

Kuyt           Gerrard          Riera
            Keane    Torres

Plus if you read lfc.tv, Masch and Benayoun are doubts, so the subs bench will probably be; Cavalieri, Aurelio, Agger, Hyypia, Lucas, Babel, N'Gog.

Not happy to hear Mascherano is a doubt. We could really do with the type of performance he put in against the mancs, tomorrow.

Heard that before on the radio, don't worry he'll be fine.

Aurelio fit, Benayoun and Mascherano being checked for knocks - Rafa during his press conference.

                   Reina

Arbeloa    Carra    Agger    Dossena

Kuyt     Gerrard    Masch    Riera

             Torres    Keane


We all know that it will be Kuyt who starts on the right wing even though it should be Babel but unfortunatly there is'nt a great deal we can do about that

If Benayoun starts then i would be dissapointed because he has simply not been good enough so far so why take out Riera when he is settling in well and confidence is high.

Im really not sure about the defence i have a strong feeling that it wil be Skrtel but i have a slight feeling that it will be Agger and there is also a 3rd feeling which is where Rafa will go for the surprise and put Carra at right back so Agger and Skrtel can be centre back.


So far the scumbags have been better when away than at home so lets make sure it stays that way with a 3-0 win

Mike Riley is in charge on Saturday. Expect every single player to get booked for touching another's shirt.

I got this from the Stat Attack on liverpoolfc.tv

Mike Riley has been appointed as referee for this game. He was last in charge of a Merseyside ‘derby' in August 2003 when Liverpool won 3-0 at Goodison with Michael Owen scoring twice and new Reds number 7 Harry Kewell scoring his first goal for the club.

Hopefully history will repeat and our new number 7 will score his 1st goal in the derby again.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/features/stats/FS13571080926-0831-2.htm

I got this from the Stat Attack on liverpoolfc.tv

Hopefully history will repeat and our new number 7 will score his 1st goal in the derby again.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/features/stats/FS13571080926-0831-2.htm

Maybe a flutter on 3-0, Keane first goal?

Kewell scored the third. Torres first scorer, Keane last scorer? I think I'm looking too much into this

He's 7/1 at Ladbrokes at the minute so get your money on him 

No need to rotate, just pick our strongest team

           Reina
Arby Skrtel Carra Doss
        Mascherano
  Gerrard        Alonso
Babel     Torres   Riera

What do you think? 433 anyone?

If only mate if only. I would change Skrtel for Agger though.

can't believe the FA. Why do they put card happy refs in charge of big, passionate games like this? Riley is a sh*t ref, simple as. He'll ruin a great derby day. I expect at least one player to be sent off for each side (probably in the first half so come the second he send four more players off). The fella hasn't got a clue. f***in' joke it is.

Anyway...butterflies are in me stomach already. Get a decent kip tonight, go through me derby day routine tomorrow and watch the mighty Reds give those cu*ts the stuffing they deserve.

Frikin Mike Riey....i could do a better job than that sh*te. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrr

4-0! Keane and a Torres hat-trick.

Well, I have to say I emulated the match on FIFA 08, and it was 1-0 to us with Pennant scoring. We'll see though

Well, I have to say I emulated the match on FIFA 08, and it was 1-0 to us with Pennant scoring. We'll see though

1-0? Thats a bit embarrassing to be honest

1-0? Thats a bit embarrassing to be honest

I know! Especially as I predicted 2-0. But it was on world-class if that makes a difference.

Working again today! 

Going to try and wangle the afternoon off... can't miss this one! 

Expect to see

---------------Reina-----------

Arbeloa-Agger-Carra-Dossena

Kuyt---Alonso-Gerrard---Riera

-----------Keane-Torres---------

Agger maybe on the bench again with Skrtel in his place but even though Skrtel has been great I want to see Agger back for this one.

Alonso playing depends on if Mascherano passes fit or not I think.

Aurelio could be back in place of Dossena but I think Rafa will give Dossena his derby debut.

I see Rafa was talking up Agger so I expect to see him playing alongside Skyrtel with Jamie out wide (don't worry guys I rarely get Rafa sides right).

 Liverpool will be without defenders Fabio Aurelio and Philipp Degen for the
Merseyside derby at Everton in the Barclays Premier League.

 Derby game absentee: Fabio Aurelio is injured
Brazilian full-back Aurelio is still struggling with an ankle problem while Degen is out for three weeks after cracking ribs in Tuesday's Carling Cup win over Crewe.

Don't know what it is with us, we never get all are fullbacks fit.

Today is the day to crank it up a gear wont try and guess the team (im no magician) just the eleven go out and batter them the way we now we can, going to the pub to watch with a few mates c,mon the reds .

Mike Riley? FFS.

Going to be an explosive one then.

Mike Riley? Attention seeking c**t him, he will love the spotlight this game will offer him, going to be a few cards handed out today then.

Can't wait now, would love Stevie to get his 100th today, and for keane to score his first for us.

Mike Riley? FFS.

Going to be an explosive one then.

sh*t

Ok im going to say right now there will be a sending off in this match riley loves to show off his flashy cards on the big stage

Mike Riley? FFS.

Going to be an explosive one then.

You - yellow card for dissent.

Martin Skrtel: I'll make Everton feel pain
Sep 27 2008

MARTIN SKRTEL is intent on making Everton feel the pain at Goodison this afternoon.

The Slovakia international has become a cult hero with the Liverpool faithful since his arrival from Zenit St Petersburg in January.

Skrtel’s no-nonsense approach has seen him forge an impressive partnership alongside Jamie Carragher at the heart of Rafael Benitez’s defence.

With his shaven head and steely glare, the 23-year-old strikes an imposing figure when up against opposing attackers. And the defender is more than willing to live up to his assumed persona as Liverpool seek a derby triumph today. “Yeah, maybe I am a hardman,” says Skrtel. “If that is the way that people and Liverpool fans think about me then I am not unhappy with that. Certainly, I do not like losing. I hate losing – and that is an attitude I always take with me on to the football field.

“I don’t give up easily and because I am prepared to work hard to get what I want. I am prepared to put myself in the firing line for the good of the team.

“I’ve had a few knocks and bumps along the way in my Liverpool career but I try not to show that they affect me.

“Pain is part of being a footballer. If you don’t like it then you are in the wrong job. When you play in the centre of defence you have to be prepared for pain.“I am not in the team to make life easy for strikers. If I was doing that I don’t think I would be playing. My job is to keep them from scoring goals any way that I can.

“I have maybe found the perfect league for my type of game. It’s true that I am a physical player.”

Skrtel’s only previous appearance at Goodison came with former club Zenit in December, when the 10-man Russians fell to a 1-0 defeat.

He did, however, play a part in the Anfield derby victory in March in which he helped keep Everton dangerman Yakubu at bay. Skrtel will be asked to do the same again today, and he says: “I think I am strong enough to match up to any striker – but I am also fair. I don’t try and make it a personal battle.

“One of the keys to winning football matches is to win the battles between the players – like centre-back against centre forward or central midfielder against central midfielder.

“But I try not to make a battle of personalities. It’s my job, not personal. Sometimes that can happen, however, like in the game against Standard Liege when I played against Mbokani.

“I felt he was acting up a little bit. He was fouling me when he didn’t have to and then complaining to the referee about everything when he was tackled.

“I admit that night he got under my skin and I became even more determined to match him in everything. Every tackle, challenge and run was a challenge between the two of us. It was a rare occurrence – but it can happen.”

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/eve ... -21910748/

COME ON LIVERPOOL

Beat them bitters in their own back yard, just like we did last season.

Going for 2-1 to the Mighty Reds.

Getting nervous..........I hate Derby Day.

Mike Riley..........God help us 

Enjoy the game everyone, and lets hope bragging rights belong to the RED side of the City by this afternoon.

Today is the next biggest game after the Man U clash and I firmly beleive it will be a resounding win for the mighty Reds. I've gone for a 2-1 with Stevie scoring a screamer to bring up his ton and perhaps Torres, Babel, Kuyt or Keane breaking his duck for the other. In all honesty with the fire power we have in the squad I would be sorely dissapointed if we don't return to Anfield with the derby scalp in the bag.

My starting XI:

REINA

ARBELOA  -  CARRAGHER  -  SKIRTEL  -  DOSSENA

KUYT  -  GERRARD  -  MASCH?  -  RIERA

KEANE
    TORRES

SUBS: CAVALIERI, AGGER, SAMI, BABEL, PLESSIS, NGOG

COME ON LIVERPOOL

Beat them bitters in their own back yard, just like we did last season.

Going for 2-1 to the Mighty Reds.

Getting nervous..........I hate Derby Day.

Mike Riley..........God help us 

Enjoy the game everyone, and lets hope bragging rights belong to the RED side of the City by this afternoon.

Are you going to be drinking during the game?

Are you going to be drinking during the game?

At least a dozen Ra Ra   

Welcome back RED 1028......... Nice of you to grace us with your presence
Glad you got your computer sorted 

Match Thread here
http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,9665.0.html

Pre-Match topic now locked.