Cornish Steve

The closer we get to the game, the more optimistic I'm becoming!

Oh dear. Where else was this posted? I definitely missed it. Sorry.

As was mentioned earlier, he's made few mistakes. Nervousness emanates from (1) he's not played many first-team games, and goalkeeping has to be the most difficult position for a player to sit for months on end on the bench, and (2) his style is quite different from Tim Howard and others. One obvious example is that he punches the ball a lot more. In a sense, I hope he doesn't get a string of games, because it would have to be because Tim Howard is injured. On the other hand, it's the only way he can prove himself for the longer term.

Both Liverpool and Krasnodar being investigated for potentially violating FFP rules. http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29356406

You've only just realized this now? All my friends know this - only they'd claim all the time, not most of the time.

For the record, I too think that Robles is quite capable. He needs a steady run of games.

And I love you too. why would I waste so much time here if I didn't support Everton? You are a complete jerk sometimes - as well as being unrealistic. How many people have posted here over the last several weeks staying that the league cup is the lowest of our priorities?

Pretty decent assessment, I thought. http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/24/deconstructing-everton-whats-gone-wrong-and-stopping-the-rot/

My oldest son lives and works in Denver, and Colorado is another state that legalized Marijuana. It's been interesting to see why crime statistics have risen. It's, by all accounts, because of the influx of "undesirables" into the state due to the new law. (Not meaning to suggest, of course, that you're an undesirable! )

Actually, I thought that Garbutt did well as a replacement for Baines. His crosses and corners, in particular, were excellent. It's right back where we struggle.

Responses embedded above - and edited since I kant spill.

I still don't understand the angst. This is the League Cup. The League Cup! The competition for which Bradford City reached the final a couple of years back. When playing in the league, the FA Cup, and in Europe, very few teams care a wit about the League Cup. We put out mostly a B team to play away against Swansea's mostly A team. What, for crying out loud, is the big deal?

One small correction...

Excellent. Couldn't have asked for more ahead of the derby.

Last season, Barkley and Stones went from being squad fillers to regular starters and full England internationals. It would be nice to see Garbutt and Browning, for example, do the same this time around. At the start of last season, we had quite an aging squad. Really, it's no surprise that remaining players in their 30s are beginning to reach the twilight of their careers. So far, the transition has gone smoothly for Everton. Just look at the turmoil at some other clubs, even big money clubs.

Because he doesn't need to be rested ahead of the derby game, that's why.

And your point? We're playing mostly a second team tonight, resting players ahead of three really important games. All the sarcastic comments tonight are really getting tiresome.

Some real fair weather friends in here tonight! All of a sudden, the entire team, the manager, and probably even the tea lady are crap. This is the least important game in a current run of 7 in 22 days. Get real.

If we breezed through the first two rounds, we'd probably take is seriously. Otherwise, this cup is usually a distraction.

Garbutt having a good game. Alcaraz a little rusty, but he reads play really well. Besic showing his worth. Hibbert showing he's past it - shame, but must face up to it.

When was the last time we could have fielded such as strong "second team"?

Presumably Tim Howard is in goal in order to restore his confidence.

Quite pleased with this - although hoping Browning gets to play at some point.

Why? - Last year, this game was played when we had the most injuries - This year, Liverpool have no Suarez - This year, Liverpool are struggling to accommodate so many new players - After last weekend, our team will be resolved to win and win big Personally, I see this being a rather close and wide open game.

It's worth overcoming hesitation about calls of "USA". When viewed and heard live on NBC Sports, it surely creates many new supporters feeling proud of "their" man. Tim Howard is the key that can unlock substantial new funds for the team!