Liverpool Ticket News

Everton have today revealed the ticket information for our Merseyside Derby against Liverpool. We have received an allocation of 2948 for the game on the 13th March at 8pm. Something I don't understand though, is the fact that Liverpool fans moan about the views at Goodison, despite selling obstructed views and severely obstructed views. That's a joke! Anyway, the normal views are start from £48. The criteria is as follows;

Barkley Man Of The Match

England and Everton under 19 international Ross Barkley has earned the man of the match award in England's 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic. The young lad had a fantastic game and continues to impress. He also scored an impressive goal in the game but unfortunately couldn't beat the Czech keeper. I can't wait to see the lad play at Goodison after he has impressed in most games he has featured in.

Osman & Rodwell Back, Derby Confirmed

Leon Osman and Jack Rodwellhave returned to the Everton reserve squad today in a 2-2 draw with Bolton. The duo have been out injured for a while now but they returned today in Alan Stubbs' team. Osman particually made a great return after scoring within 20 minutes of the game. Magaye Gueye got the opener at Finch Farm but the match ended in a 2-2 draw after a second half come back from Bolton.

Also, the Merseyside Derby has now been re-arranged after it was postponed at the weeked. The game will now take place on the 13th March at 8pm. The Blues were cheated out of the last derby earlier in the season after a piece of acting from Suarez combined with some truly awful decisions by the referee resulted in Jack Rodwell being sent off desite making a perfectly good tackle.

Jelavic Back for Croatia

Nikica Jelavic has travelled with the Croatian side for their international friendly against Sweden. The striker is hoping to fit for the game and then once he returns, hopefully he can be play on Saturday against QPR. I can't wait to see the lad play as I've heard so many good things about him during his time at Rangers. If he cant return against QPR, we have two massive games coming up against Tottenham and a FA Cup Quarter final against Sunderland as well as a Merseyside Derby during the March period which I hope he'll return for.

COYB!!

Sunderland Tickets Already Selling Fast

Our FA Cup Quarter Final fixture against Sunderland on the 17th March is already selling fast despite going on sale just this morning. The Park End and the Lower Gwladys Street in particular. The demand was always going to be large as it is a chance to get to Wembley for the first time since 2009. If you're thinking of getting tickets in the Lower Gwladys or Park End, you should purchase them as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment. Also, just to let you know, Sunderland lost today against West Brom 3-0, and so, I hope Moyes was watching to pick up on their mistakes.

This image shows the availability of tickets after being on sale just today.

Best Everton Memories........

With no match this weekend, theres nothing much going on regarding Everton news. And so, The Peoples Blog want to hear about your best Everton memories.

I'll get the ball rolling. I have to say that my best Everton memory to date is the 2009 FA Cup Semi against United. Although we lost the final, the semi will stay with me for life. My dad, brother and me travelled to Wembley by coach with a load of other blues with the Everton site Bluekipper. The moment we looked out the window and saw that massive arch triggered a load of songs from us blues. Unfourtunately, me and the family didnt get tickets for the game despite going to most games that season. And so, us and a few hundred Everton fans were left in the Silverspoons nightclub outside the ground while other blues went in. But, I will never forget the moment Jagielka slotted that penalty away. The penalty triggered absolute mayhem in the club which involved fire extinguishers flying everywhere and me and the family on top of the bar celebrating.

We want to hear yours now. Comment on the article or contact us on Facebook or Twitter.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum

Gibson Out and Sunderland Ticket Info

Hi Blues!

Havent posted for a bit because of a business trip but I've been on such a high from the Blackpool game! Can't wait for the Quarters against Sunderland! Tickets are being bought as soon as they're on sale tomorrow! The tickets are on sale from 10am and the prices are available to see on the official site. But it doesnt look like we'll be playing that game with Darron Gibson in the side due to an injury he has sustained. I think he has been a great buy so far but I'm sure we can cope without him if Drenthe plays like he did against Blackpool. WE'RE ON THE MARCH............

Baines in the England squad

Leighton Baines has been called up to the England squad for the friendly against Holland. I honestly think he is one of if not the best left back in the country and it's good that national team have noticed that. COYB!

Sunderland at Home in the Quarters

Everton have been drawn against Sunderland at home in the quarter final of the FA Cup. A win against the Black Cats could see Everton back at Wembley in the Semi Finals! Everton legend Peter Reid was the man with the task of drawing the home teams out the hat and he didn't let us down. This makes it Everton's last eight games in domestic cups have been drawn at home. David Moyes has got a great record against Sunderland and I speak for all Everton fans when I say let's hope it continues!

Quarters Finals, Here We Come

Just on my way home from the game and I'm made up! Great win for the blues today after a fantastic start with a goal inside a minute and another inside ten! A great first half performance was enough for the blues to win it with no goals in the second. I can't fault anyone today. It was never a penalty. I was sitting relatively close to the incident and thought nothing happened to be honest. The second half weren't as exciting as the first but it doesn't matter as we are through to the quarters! COYB!

Blackpool Complete Sell Out

Everton have this morning confirmed that game today is a complete sell out. This shows the spirit from the fans in recent games as the Chelsea game last week was only a 32,000 attendance. I love Goodison on match days and especially when it's a sell out! COYB!

Team News

Everton have just told blues fans the team news for tomorrows game against Blackpool. The club were very brief about it but have confirmed Jelavic will not be playing, Pienaar is cup tied, Donovan is a doubt with the flu, Duffy is a doubt, but Seamus Coleman could return. Except the news on Coleman, overall, some bad news for Evertonians. Hopefully, Donovan will push through his illness so the fans can give him a big send off! Not to mention the fact we need him in the game! COYB!

No Jelavic on Saturday

Nikica Jelavic will not be available for Everton's FA Cup 5th Round tie with Blackpool at the weekend due to injury. The croatian spoke to Everton TV and told the fans that he will be back in training in a couple of days and hopefully will be fit again for the QPR fixture. I'm dissapointed that the ex rangers man wont be playing because we have yet to see his abilities on the pitch after playing just 30 minutes in the draw against Wigan.

With the croatian out, hopefully, Denis can continue his good form and get a few goals tomorrow! COYB!

Donovan's emotional goodbye

I've just watched the Everton TV interview with Landon Donovan. The impression I get from the US international is that of a true Evertonian. You can tell that he loves the club and he is a blue, through and through. Whether he returns or not, there is no doubt in my mind that Everton will always be in his heart. The american told us of how he feels he has played during this second spell at the club and what his impressions are of Everton itself.

But, a quote that he ended the interview really sums up his feelings for the blues in a sentence; 

"There is something magical about this club that captures you the minute you step through the door - and it doesn't let you go."

Who to play on Saturday?

The Blues face a Blackpool side on Saturday who are very much on form in the championship. I know for a fact, no evertonian wants a repeat of last season embarrassment in the 5th round against Reading. And so, this time, we need to go out and play like we did against city and Chelsea.

With Blackpool playing so well right now, it's going to be a tough game but I'm conifdent we can overcome the seasiders. With raises the question 'who will start?'.

With Pienaar cup tied, we won't have that brilliant partnership with Baines down the left. And from what we have seen from Drenthe in the past few games, he doesn't add the same spark as Pienaar. But, I still think Drenthe has something to offer. His speed is brilliant. He has got a number of skills that confuse defenders. And he has got a good shot on him. But, there is something missing when you compare him to Pienaar. Another option is to bring back Seamus Coleman. The young Irish international has only just returned from an injury and so playing him will be a big risk.

My starting 11 would look like this;

Howard, Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Donovan, Fellaini, Gibson, Drenthe, Cahill, Strac.

This is if Nikica Jelavic is still injured. But, if not, I'm afraid Cahill will be forced to the bench and Jelavic to play up front with Strac.

But, we want to hear from other Evertonians, so what would be your starting 11? Comment below or tweet us @PeoplesBlog1878 or contact us on Facebook.

Donovan to return?

Landon Donovan has recently spoken out about his future career and what he believes will happen. The US star revealed that he will be completely loyal to his current club LA Galaxy, but after his contract ends in two years, he doesnt know what the future holds.

I would love to see the American back at Goodison whether its in two years or not. Landon has performed brilliantly in his second spell at the Blues and proving that with a player of the month award. He has become a fans favourite at the club and on saturday, the blues fans will no doubt give him the best send off possible. COYB!

Jagielka Close To Return

Philip Jagielka is apparently close to returning to the Everton squad after a month out with a knee ligament injury. The England international has been out since the Bolton game on the 4th January. But, since having an operation he has revealed he is itching to return to the squad. To be honest, I think that once Jags is fit again we shouldn't mess around with the defence as Heitinga and Distin have been playing really well. I'll be glad when Jags is fully fit again but I think we should leave him on the bench. What do you think?

Blackpool Tickets Selling Fast

A large attendance is expected for Everton's FA Cup 5th Round fixture with Blackpool on Saturday. An Everton media employee has told fans an attendance of around 37 thousand is expected which is one of our biggest of the season considering the decrease in recent games. I for one am looking forward to playing the seasiders after our excellent game last season. Also, it would be great if Nikica Jelavic was to return to the squad and hopefully the atmosphere will be as good as the Chelsea game!

Is Strac the new Duncan?

As many of you may know, Duncan Ferguson has been at Finch Farm over the past few months in order to achieve his training course. Over the past few months, Everton's style of play has been criticised for being to negative and slow. But, since Dunc has joined the back room staff, we have seen a significant increase in attacking football, especially from Big Denis. It looks as though Duncan is having a massive influence on the young Argentinian and it seems to be working! I hope Moyes keeps Duncan on once his course has finished because Evertonians have been waiting for the next Duncan Ferguson for 6 years now, and Denis may just fill that gap!

QPR Ticket Saga

As you may have seen, there has been a problem with the tickets for the QPR game. I have just seen what happened and Everton have explained what has happened. The club refused to pay for the 3000 tickets up front and so we have been forced to take a smaller allocation. But to be honest, I will not be going to the QPR game strictly for the reason that I think it is ridiculous that they are charging us £45 for a ticket! Thats a joke for a newly promoted side!

Francisco Junior 'Very Happy'

Everton's new signing Francisco Junior has told Everton how happy he is to have joined the Blues on a free deal. The lad told Everton's official website 'I feel very happy to have joined Everton, Its a great challenge and now I just want to show my talent to the fans'.

He also said, "I really like the players - there are many famous players here - and I think they can help me develop my talent," he said. "I also feel very good about the supporters. I saw the game against Chelsea and the fans had so much passion for the Club. I can see it is a family Club and I want to play for those fans.

He sounds like a down to earth lad to me and I hope he gets a chance in the first team if he plays well. The full interview is on www.evertonfc.com.

Everton make another signing!

Its hard to believe but Everton have made another signing! 20 year old Francisco Junior has signed on a free transfer! The young lad is expected to train with Alan Stubbs' reserves side and hopefully if he impresses could be joining the first team squad soon. 

Everton v Blackpool Preview

Everton face Championship side Blackpool at the weekend in the FA Cup 5th Round at Goodison Park. The blues last faced the Seasiders last season in the Premier League in which the game ended 5-3 to Everton. It was a fantastic game but with both of Everton's goalscorers having left the club since then, will the Blues struggle? The Championship side will be up for the fixture with their 6000 travelling fans but I'm sure that Everton can overcome Blackpool if we continue to play like we have in the past few games. Also, I would love to see an apperance for Nikica Jelavic on Saturday as he missed the last home fixture due to an injury.

Everton Reserves 6-3 Newcastle Reserves

Everton Reserves beat Newcastle Reserves 6-3 at Finch Farm today. Goals from Magaye Gueye (2), Coleman, Barkley, Baxter and Silva help Everton seal the win in a fantastic performance by the future Everton side. I for one am really excited to see the youngsters in the first team and hope they continue to improve and it wont be long before we see them playing on the Goodison pitch.

Who would you play next week?

Incase you didn't know, Landon Donovan is playing his last game on Saturday. This has caused many Everton fans to wonder who will replace the US star and would you change the formation? Personally, I believe that Tim Cahill should play on the right of midfield and Nikica Jelavic to be given an opportunity up front with Denis. But, what would you do? Leave your comments below or use twitter @PeoplesBlog1878.

Donovan Player of The Month

Landon Donovan has been named Everton's Player of The Month for January. The American has once again impressed Everton fans on his second spell with the club on loan from LA Galaxy. I personally believe Landon is a fantastic player and compete with the best in the world. Although, its hard to see him leave for the second time, he has announced he is an Everton fan and I wish him the best with the rest of his career in the states. Donovan plays his last game for the blues on Saturday vs Blackpool and I hope he gets the best send off he will never forget.

'Born, Not Manufactured...'
'USA USA USA USA'

Back in form and the return of a hero

As a season ticket holder, I have witnessed some truly awful games and some sensational performances under the management of David Moyes. But on Saturday, it was just another reminder of the unbelievable job Moyes has done at the club. Chelsea are one of the biggest economic powers in the world, whereas Everton stuggle for money. But, after an exiciting transfer window and a good few results, we were ready for Chelsea.

The return of Steven Pienaar gave the team a massive boost and his performance speaks for itself! An outstanding game from the whole Everton team meant that the blues would go on to win 2-0. Every single Everton player showed why they are premier league class. And as for Pienaar, I just dont understand how he doesnt get into the Tottenham team. The partnership of him and Baines down the left is something Everton has missed since the South African left last season. But another player who has stood out in the last few games, is Denis Stracqualursi. The young Argentinian has been brilliant and I'm sure we will sign him at the end of his loan deal.

This video taken from my seat just after the 2nd goal shows how happy the Everton fans were with the performance. 'I've never felt more like singing the blues....'