'We have mental block versus Reds'

How's life as an Everton supporter?

Looks like I'll have to start with a cliché to fit in with your Merseyside derby clichés theme... It's the hope that kills you. We had a very good first half to the season, the football we played was excellent at times. However, we were unable to turn our dominance into three points in far too many games - and then when we needed to kick on we failed to add to the squad in January. From the outside it may look like we're around and about where we have been for the last few seasons but we know we've been very close to taking a bigger step forward and not quite made it.

How will you be feeling on Sunday morning and what's your derby day routine?

I normally bounce wildly between nervous and agitated, then excited and confident before settling back finally to nervous and agitated. I've long since given up on going to your place so normally find myself in a local boozer for the game. We've had an horrendous run at Anfield for a decade or more now. We haven't turned up for many derbies in recent years. For some reason the team seems to have a real mental block around the derby currently and can't match the physicality Liverpool bring to game.

Who is making you tick at the moment?

Over the season Baines, Fellaini and Osman have been our driving forces. However, over recent weeks Coleman and Anichebe have been our shining lights. Now Coleman has dropped back into his preferred role he is rapidly turning into a very accomplished attacking full-back.

Best way to beat this Everton side?

Turning up has been enough over recent years. We tend to play a high back line and like to keep the ball in the final third, which does make us susceptible to fast counter attacks. Especially with two attacking full-backs. Which does play into your hands currently, as you possess pace up front. Gibson will be missed if he is not back. I think we need Fellaini and Gibson to play centrally to control the midfield but fear Gibson may not be back or Fellaini will be pushed higher up.

What have you made of plans for Liverpool fans to hold up a 'Thanks' mosaic?

I have only just heard about this and think it's a very good idea. Thankfully the rest of the country seems to be clocking on eventually to the awful truths surrounding this tragic event. The people of Liverpool have always been united behind the campaign for justice. This should never have been a single club's fight, but the whole of football's. We all know people who were there or affected by that day and have been proud to stand up alongside you and support the families affected.

We've run a piece on Merseyside derby clichés this week - what's your favourite derby cliché?

Players giving 110 or 150 per cent does my head in, derby or not. Local bragging rights is also a touchy one in recent years. I remember when local bragging rights meant who won the league, rather than where we finish mid-table. You beat us twice last season in the league and still finished below us. The same could happen this season. Final league position is more important than an individual game.

Who's your all-time derby hero, and your all-time derby villain?

Graeme Sharpe's volley is by far my favourite moment. I'm certainly too young to remember Dixie Dean "I used to stick the ball in the net and bow three times to the Kop. They never liked me doing that" and his 18 league goals against you. Ian Rush must be my villain, having been responsible for much of our pain in the mid to late 80s with all his goals. But I also remember some awful perm and tache combo's that push him close.

Prediction?

Think we'll take a point home (1-1, Mirallas and Sturridge) but see our slim chances of Europa League dashed.

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