Away Derby: No Alarms And No Surprises Please By Eric Howell

After the fantastic result against Spurs, and almost an entire squad no longer needing to visit the physio for treatment, I am begging and pleading for a clean, professional away derby at Anfield on Tuesday.

Both clubs have all important FA Cup Quarterfinal ties on the weekend. In the tie we care about, Everton host a shorthanded Sunderland side.

Sunderland saw attacking danger-man Stéphane Sessègnon sent off early during the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle last weekend He threw a elbow straight into the chest of . But the Beninese attacker that wears #28 for the Black Cats will not be the only SAFC player to miss this all important FA Cup tie through suspension.

Lee Cattermole who has a reputation of rash and unsporting challenges was booked in the 1st minute for such a challenge on Newcastle’s Cheikh Tiote. The booking was his 10th so far on the campaign and comes with a 2 match ban. Then after the final whistle, the black cat’s captain verbally abused the match referee and was given a straight red. This has been confirmed by the FA to tack on an additional 2 match suspension.

Now we all know derbys are derbys, and there is no love lost between EFC and LFC. And with the results on the weekend we find the Toffees just 2 points being our cross-park rivals for 7th. Derby matches are always important. Now with the proximity of the clubs in the table this match could be huge. But I am saying it isn’t as big as all that this year. I would be happy with a boring nil-nil injury free draw.

We need to escape Anfield without injuries first and foremost. Secondly we need to leave there with all of our players eligible for the more important FA Cup 6th round tie with the aforementioned Sunderland Black Cats.

Everton is 90 minutes away from Wimbley. But we have to navigate the most treacherous 90 minutes of every season first. Here’s to no alarms and no surprises, please.

-Eric Howell
co-host
The Followtonians
@eric_howell