Merseyside Derby: Everton v Liverpool

We’ve witnessed every form of derby defeat there is to observe, Wembley semi-final defeats, Steven Gerrard hat-tricks, last minute heartbreaks from Origi and Mane, 4-0 hammerings, weakened team cup defeats, I could go on and on….

A number of Evertonians are fearing the worst for Wednesday night but we’ve been here before, haven’t we?

Memorable Merseyside Meetings

Winter 1992, 19th placed Everton take on Liverpool – Final score Everton 2-1 Liverpool.

Winter 1994, bottom of the league Everton host 4th place Liverpool – Final score Everton 2-0 Liverpool.

Autumn 1998, 17th placed Everton freshly KO’d from the League Cup by Coventry City welcome McManaman, Fowler and Co to Town – Final score Everton 2-0 Liverpool.

Winter 2004, with Wayne Rooney recently sold & Everton tipped for relegation the toffees took on soon to be crowned Champions League winners Liverpool – Final score Everton 1-0 Liverpool.

Summer 2006, Everton host Champions League finalists Liverpool to Goodison Park – Final score Everton 3-0 Liverpool.

February 2009, Striker-less Everton greet treble chasing Liverpool in a FA Cup 4th round replay – Final score Everton 1-0 Liverpool AET.

Can the Toffees upset the odds again on Wednesday night?

Too right they can if Evertonians can turn Goodison Park into the famous bearpit atmosphere.

I’ve met Everton supporters who don’t attend derby matches anymore – it’s simply too much for them to take.

I also know a lot of Blues who have already given up on any kind of result on Wednesday evening.

For every pessimistic Evertonian there’s a thousand optimistic Toffees.

One thing you can guarantee is 35,000 passionate Blues making a cauldron of noise come 8:15pm.

Sirens, Z Cars and an atmosphere which has no rival.

Two Merseyside derbies remain at the Grand Old Lady after this fixture

Cherish Goodison Park, soak up the atmosphere if you’re lucky enough to be there and revel in the moment if we win.

As history tells us, you just never know.

Keep the faith. UTT.