Derby Day

Over the years, it has become evident that the match is also extremely important to the players of both Liverpool and Everton. I have watched some classics where the players play like they have never played before because so much is at stake. I think the rivalry must go back as far as 1892 when the then Liverpool Football Club split into two and became the clubs that they are today. I am sure it is a still a case of we are better than you even though they are either side of Stanley Park.

These matches have also had their fair share of incidents that have led to the many red and yellow cards that have been issued. Steven Gerrard and Tim Cahill have both been sent off in recent seasons due to the fierce tackling that has become a trademark of the game. I just hope that the referee and his assistants tomorrow do not make any of the howlers that seem to be happening far too easily at the moment. The last thing we need is for either manager to be disputing a decision or a goal that will cost them the game. It needs to be won, lost or drawn in a good natured and well behaved manner.

The score lines have over the years become something that you can no longer predict. The game did go through a period where you knew it was going to be a draw which did nothing to add to the atmosphere in the ground whether it be either Anfield or Goodison.

Now to the supporters, they are normally good natured and there is never any real trouble, although I can remember an incident during the 2001 derby game that took place close to the Hillsborough anniversary. There was a section of the Everton crowd that showed total disregard to the minute's silence. I know it shocked and annoyed me so much at time that I wrote to the Echo. I know I said at the time, if my children can observe the minutes silence in the living room, then so can they. Thankfully, though nothing like this has happened since. Tomorrow as much as I hate to say it, I expect the odd beach ball to appear but in a very light hearted way.

The kick off time tomorrow is strange, although I should imagine this has been done to fit in with the schedule that sky sports have in mind for tomorrow. It does mean that yet another Sunday lunchtime is going to be messed about with and in most families dinner with be served that evening. Most men if not at the game will be down the pub watching it with a pint in their hands and you certainly cannot blame them for that. I myself may be visiting my granddaughter tomorrow morning but will ensure that I leave in plenty of time to be home in time for kick off. My family thank goodness understand that my life revolves around Liverpool Football Club and like Sky my days are arranged accordingly.

Who will be the happiest club at around 15.30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, I honestly don't know. I am a Liverpool supporter and hope that this is the game that will finally push our season forward. We now have Stevie G fit and according to press and radio reports today, Fernando Torres may well be playing. He is having a late fitness test today so I have said a prayer and crossed my fingers. He is the one player that can make a difference when on the pitch and he does seem put the frighteners on the opposition. It has also been rumoured that Aquilani may start. I hope so, because it is about time we saw what he can reportedly do. Is this the match that Rafa has said he is saving him for? I am not up to speed on the Everton team but I am sure that they are hoping that some of their injured players are reading and rearing to go.

Score wise, if we are going to win, I think it will be possibly 2-1. Personally due to the pressure on both teams, I am going for an exciting game that ends 2-2 with a couple of yellow cards and

Possibly 1 red. Whatever happens the lucky supporters that are inside Goodison are in for a game full of atmosphere whilst the rest of us, the nation's armchair supporters will shout and scream at the television as the game unfolds?

All in all it should be another of those great Merseyside occasions.