Everton finally managed to get themselves a win at the expense of high flying Arsenal on Tuesday – much to the delight of our Toffees fans here in the Transfer Tavern.
It was a game that saw everything good about the Blues come to the fore as they bounced back from Alexis Sanchez’s opener to completely overwhelm Arsenal with determination, desire and fight.
The Goodison Park crowd played their part, too, as they roared their men on and Ronald Koeman will now be hoping that his men can deliver the same outcome as they face their fiercest rivals Liverpool on Monday night.
The Merseyside derby has produced some of the best games in the Premier League’s history and our landlord here at the Transfer Tavern is hoping that this one is no different.
It is about pride for both of the clubs, of course, with many wondering whether Merseyside will be blue or red come Monday night.
Our landlord cannot wait and thinks if Koeman fields this Everton XI then they’ll surely shock their nearby neighbours Liverpool…
GK: Maarten Stekelenburg
He’s not been the most convincing between the sticks, but his counterpart Loris Karius is in the same boat so it could be a matter of which keeper has the worst game that results in the match being won or lost for their respective sides!
RB: Seamus Coleman
Probably one of the first names of Koeman’s team sheet every week – which has been the case since he arrived at the Toffees.
A true professional and a quality full-back, why change something that doesn’t need changing?
CB: Ashley Williams
Scored the winner for his side against the Gunners on Tuesday night and will look to be the hero for his club in the Derby.
The Welsh centre back has been solid since his arrival from Swansea City in the summer; a true revelation compared to the otherwise shaky looking Everton defence of last term.
CB: Ramiro Funes Mori
Funes Mori will relish this type of game.
In the last Merseyside derby he saw red and got himself sent-off so he’ll be hoping that he doesn’t make the same mistake this time around and remains on the field.
LB: Leighton Baines
It’s great to see Baines back fit and playing and not only that he’s playing well too!
The Englishman has been solid at left back for the Toffees this season but will have his work cut out with Sadio Mane, who’ll cause him all kinds of problems.
CDM: Idrissa Gueye
Gueye has made a great start to life at Everton and has won over many.
Rightfully so, too, after some great displays, so there can be no denying about just how important Gueye could be against a free-scoring front line of Liverpool.
CDM: Gareth Barry
A player who is like a fine wine as he has just got better with age!
Barry will relish another derby day and could be vital in the middle of the park in battle with his counterpart Jordan Henderson.
LAM: Kevin Mirallas
The Belgian is finally enjoying his football again under Koeman and it shows on the pitch.
The experienced winger could cause all kinds of problems for the shaky looking Liverpool defence with his rapid pace and trickery.
CAM: Ross Barkley
He’s not been in every Koeman side and has had a number of critics over the past couple of seasons, but being a local lad he’ll know more than anyone the importance of this game.
With that in mind, though, he needs to ensure he keeps his cool in a very hot atmosphere.
RAM: Gerard Deulofeu
With the injury to Yannick Bolasie, it looks like Deulofeu is finally going to get his chance!
The former Barcelona winger has talent in abundance and when he’s at his best he is unplayable.
With Bolasie out he has some boots to fill in terms of providing for the big man Romelu Lukaku up top and our Toffees are hoping he can do it.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
What a time for Lukaku to play the Blues’ rivals! Loris Karius is in awful form and the Reds’ defence is looking easily beatable after conceding six goals in two of their recent games against West Ham and Bournemouth!
It is the type of game Lukaku shines in and Everton will need a big performance from the Belgian.
Agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below!
