Alan Brazil in disbelief at what Tony Bellew’s said ahead of Everton v Liverpool
Everton will be up against the odds when they face face Liverpool in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
David Moyes‘ Toffees may have won their last three Premier League matches in a row – achieving 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 loss 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 last eight matches.
Despite this, Goodison Park hosting this fervent rivalry for the last time is set to conjure up an atmosphere like no other at the Grand Old Lady, and one famous Blues fan is hopeful that it plays into their advantage.
Tony Bellew backtracks quickly 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 pundits struggled to tie the former boxer down to a solid prediction.
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 said; “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 yelled.
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 certainly be confident of getting one last victory over their arch-rivals before Goodison Park closes its doors forever, and the form of Moyes’ side will help to inspire that confidence.
Winning their last three games, scoring eight goals in the process and conceding just three since the Scot returned to take the reins on Merseyside, the Blues are in their best form of the campaign so far.
Furthermore, last term’s derby – which came in the midst of a relegation battle for Everton and a title charge for the Reds – ended in a 2-0 victory for Sean Dyche’s side, all-but securing their safety.
That win also put paid to Jurgen Klopp’s final title pursuit at Anfield, and while that’s certainly not the case at this early stage of the current season, Moyes’ side certainly have a chance to disrupt their rivals.
Denying Arne Slot’s Reds the chance to move nine points clear at the summit will be a tantalising one for Evertonians around the world, and if the Goodison atmosphere can be as hostile as the Toffees are hoping, expect a difficult night in store for the visitors.