Alan Brazil in disbelief at what Tony Bellew’s said ahead of Everton v Liverpool
Everton will be up against the odds when they take face Liverpool in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
David Moyes‘ Toffees may have won their previous three Premier League matches in a row – reaching that feat for the first time since December 2023 – but they face a Liverpool side in league-leading form and know not many will back them.
The Reds may have suffered a shock 1-0 setback to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup last time out, but they’re unbeaten in the league since mid-September and have won six of their past eight matches.
Despite this, Goodison Park hosting this fierce rivalry for the last time is sure to conjure up an atmosphere like no other at the Grand Old Lady, and one legendary Blues fan is hopeful that it plays into their benefit.
Tony Bellew backtracks early in Everton v Liverpool position
Bellew appeared on talkSPORT with Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist ahead of Wednesday’s derby (12 February, 8:44am), but the two analysts struggled to tie the former boxer.
Bellew argued: “The streets will be painted blue tonight – we are getting the better of these horrible Koptites, well and truly.”
“It’ll be the 120th time Everton have hosted Liverpool at Goodison, with the added intrigue that both sides have each won 41 matches”, Brazil remarked; “So the winner on Wednesday will tip the scales in blue or red favour.”
Bellew added: “It is what it is, we’ve got to get through tonight – there’s no point in lying, I’d probably take a draw now.”
“Don’t say that”, Brazil shouted.
After nearly spitting out his drink, McCoist responded: “Hold on a minute, you were full of bravado about 30 seconds ago Tony, what’s happened to you? What a back down that is!”
Everton need everything to go their way against Liverpool
The Toffees faithful will surely be confident of obtaining one last victory against their arch-rivals before Goodison Park closes its doors forever, and the form of Moyes’ side will help to encourage that confidence.
Winning their previous three games, scoring eight goals in the process and conceding just three since the Scot returned to seize the reins on Merseyside, the Blues are in their finest form of the campaign so far.
Furthermore, last term’s derby – which occurred in the midst of a relegation struggle for Everton and a title assault for the Reds – finished in a 2-0 victory for Sean Dyche’s side, all-but sealing their safety.
That win also put paid to Jurgen Klopp’s final title pursuit at Anfield, and although that’s clearly not the case at this early point of the current season, Moyes’ side certainly have a potential to disrupt their competitors.
Denying Arne Slot’s Reds the chance to move nine points ahead at the summit will be a fascinating one for Evertonians around the world, and if the Goodison atmosphere can be as hostile as the Toffees are hoping, expect a torrid night in store for the visitors.
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