 Friday, 26th Oct 2007 20:54 It’s interesting to speculate on what might have happened at Derby if Gregory had been allowed to sign Aiyegbeni – or as he’s come to be known; Yakubu. Derby County V Everton Work permit issues put the kybosh on that move although some more cynical fans thought that was just an excuse. It would be interesting to see if John Gregory could have survived with the more financial backing. Another more interesting what if is; What if Leon Osman had not been signed on loan? He only played 17 games for the Rams, scoring 3 goals and yet his contribution was immeasurable. There's a very good chance that without Osman, the team would have failed to survive the Championship and we would probably have ended up in the wilderness with Forest & Leeds. If George Burley had been allowed to buy Osman, there is a good chance we would have achieved promotion under George Burley - which might have meant the 3 Amigos would have survived into the Premiership? I suppose it's all swings and roundabouts however Leon should get a good reception from the Derby faithful. The reason for this Sunday kick off is that Everton were playing in the EUFA Cup on Thursday night. Despite some dodgy defending, they came out as 3-1 winners in their first group game against Greek team Larrisa. Good news for Evertonians was the return of Tim Cahill. Out since March, he wasted no time in showing the form that made him a crowd favourite. He scored after 14 minutes - From a Leon Osman cross. Also back was Thomas Gravesen. David Moyes is happy to have both players back. after the game he told the BBC; "I thought the goals we scored were really good and getting Cahill back and Thomas Gravesen was a bonus. Scoring is what Tim does for us and he has been doing it for years. He did again and you see what it means to him. Given that Phil Neville and Tony Hibbert will both be suspended this weekend, their return is important. Moyes went on; "It is a big thing for our squad and thankfully he is back and come through it with no problems. It will benefit him in the coming weeks." Despite the Toffee’s European triumph, the Premier League has not gone so well for them this year. They currently lie 11th with 13 points. They have also scored and conceded 13 goals. They've lost their last two games including a dispiriting Derby defeat by Liverpool. Current Everton Squad 12 GK Iain Turner Last 5 games Everton 2-0 Middlesbrough Danger Men Billy Davies rates James McFadden very highly. The player was developed by Davies at Motherwell along with Rams Midfielder, Stephen Pearson. “It was clear in those early days at Motherwell that both James and Stephen Pearson had something special,” Davies told the Derby Evening Telegraph. “James can play in a number of positions - striker, wide or going forward from midfield areas, “Davies added: “James has gone on and done good things for Everton and Scotland and I am delighted for him.” Everton fans aren’t so convinced. “Sulks if the game doesn’t go his was and acts like a little boy who can’t get his own way,” said my colleague Ernie who’s followed the Blues since the days of Harvey, Kendall and Ball.
We know how good Leon Osman is but what about Yakubu? He’s scored twice for Everton so far but there’s no doubt the guy knows where the net is. Then there’s ‘defender’ Joleon Lescott. Five goals so far this season and he looks dangerous every time he goes forward. I thought he should have won two penalties last week. Perhaps of more concern to Everton fans would be his defending. He is prone to alarming errors at the back. There’s also Arteta and Anichebe to consider. With so much talent in the team, you have to wonder why Everton aren’t in the top quarter of the table? Perhaps we can take advantage? Andy Johnson will miss out with an ankle injury. The Rams The BBC says; “Derby central defenders Dean Leacock and Claude Davis are doubts with groin injuries, while Andy Todd (back and hamstring) also looks set to miss out.” That sounds like a central defensive crisis to me yet there’s no recall for either Michael Johnson or Lewin Nyatanga. Either Davies is playing it cool or We’re going to have a new defensive partnership. Darren Moore and Jay McEveley – assuming he’s fit? Bob Malcolm? Steve Howard? The central defensive pairing is a very important part of the team. The goalkeeper and the rest of the team have to have confidence in the centre half otherwise there is a nervousness in the team that can lead to disaster. Last week against Fulham the team looked much better than they have previously away. Okay, Fulham were down to ten men and we couldn’t convert our chances – but at least we created some. We really have to start picking up points at home. One win at home will not keep us up and adopting a defensive stance to avoid heavy defeat will not either. Billy has to go out with an attacking formation against Everton. Make them worry about us for once. If we attack them, the defence will not be under half as much pressure so the injuries will not be as worrying. Mick’s team: Bywater, Mears, Moore, McEveley, Edworthy, Oakley, Pearson, Fagan, Barnes, Miller, Earnshaw What the bookies think Our odds are coming down a little - but the Toffee's are still the favourites to win this one. They are practically even at 11/10 while the Rams are at 2/1. The draw is at 11/5. You can get 9/4 On Yakubu to score while Leon Osman is ay 11/2. Our best striker is Miller at 11/4. There's money to be made on those odds. Information for travelling fans Drinking: There are very few pubs very close to the ground but if you come by train, the locale around the station is fairly inviting. The Crown and Cushion at the junction of London Rd always seems to be full of away supporters. The Brunswick is a must for any real ale fans and the Alexandra next door is my personal favourite. Fans tend to mingle in these pubs and as long as you’re not being aggressive, the atmosphere is good. The Waterfall opposite the station is okay as well. If you are driving, the Navigation Pub on London Rd opposite the parking area is your best bet. Driving: It’s about 93 miles to Derby from Liverpool. Best route is M62 to the M6 then south to J17 or J16 (not much in it) then A500 to the A50 through Stoke. Follow the A50 to Derby and stay on it until the turn off for Alvaston. There will be traffic around Alvaston however if you stay on London Rd you can get to the parking areas described below. Parking: It used to be at the old Wilmorten College site however that is now a building site/housing estate, so away fans should park at Catalyst on London Rd opposite the Navigation pub. It’s about 10-15 minutes from the ground. Don’t be tempted to park at Pride Park shopping centre unless you fancy being clamped. You can also park for a £5 at the hospital further up London Rd near the hospital and the Railway station. Mick’s Prediction We need to be adventurous and attack to win this one. A defensive game will see us beaten. Mark Lawrenson predicts 2-2 but if it’s a high scoring game I can see us struggling. Lets get behind the team and take it to them. 2-0 to the Rams.
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