Local rivalry is at stake and the Liverpool and Everton fans are getting nervous ahead of the Merseyside derby this afternoon here in the Transfer Tavern.
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The Toffees take on their city rivals Liverpool on Sunday and Everton manager Roberto Martinez admits he has yet to make a decision on John Stones and the Irish full back. “You need to earn those three points and I didn’t think we had that little bit of luck or the little break you sometimes need in front of goal”. Mignolet made two outstanding saves.
“Phil Jagielka, Tim Howard, Gareth Barry and James McCarthy – I thought they were magnificent – then you see the character and personality of players like Tyias Browning, Brendan Galloway and Romiro Funes Mori in their first full debut in a derby, it was impressive feeling that you are left with”.
Coleman’s importance to the side means he will be given every opportunity to prove his ability to play a part in either or both games but the fact that he has been completely sidelined with a hamstring problem since limping out of his club side’s win over Chelsea nearly a month ago makes him a highly unlikely starter against the World champions on Thursday while even the Poland game next Sunday, Coleman’s 27th birthday, looks improbable.
“I doubt [he will be fit for Ireland]”.
Martinez said of Besic: “He is going to be with John and Seamus, working at a separate pace, for the next two sessions”.
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Following the result, six of the last seven derbies have ended in draws, with Everton having only won one of the last 18 league meetings.
