Tim Howard has played in his fair share of Merseyside derbies across his nine-year stint with Everton, seldom coming out on the right side.
After all, the Toffees’ record against Liverpool across the last few decades has been horrendous, and considerably inexplicable considering the Reds have not exactly been the dominant force they are now throughout that entire period.
It feels like, having gone so long without a consistent run of wins, this marks more of a mental barrier than a technical one nowadays, although there is quite the disparity between the talent across both dressing rooms.
Yet Howard still suggests that this will not be the easy victory that many pundits like Ally McCoist think it will be…
Tim Howard makes bold Merseyside derby claim
Speaking on NBC Sports, the former Everton shot-stopper, who made a whopping 414 appearances for the Toffees, sought to preview tonight’s Merseyside Derby.
As someone who played at Goodison Park for so long, he has naturally turned into a fan of the club, and thus has that same nervous energy when discussing this particular fixture.
After all, historically, it has not been one that has been kind to Everton.
However, Howard did suggest there was some cause for optimism, even stating one method that Sean Dyche might employ to disrupt Liverpool.
He claimed, when asked if the Nottingham Forest win might help their chances: ‘It will, because it gives Everton some momentum. They’ve had a difficult time scoring goals this season, they get the two and they probably feel better about themselves going into a derby.
‘Look, ultimately it’s about quality. Everton don’t possess the quality to beat Arsenal, going toe-to-toe. I think when they play some route one football it looks somewhat pleasing on the eye, because it goes from Pickford to Dominic Calvert-Lewin who can jump with anyone, it comes down, they can play a little bit.
‘But it has to be that. If they try to get expansive against Liverpool’s press they’ll get outnumbered.’
Everton cannot show Liverpool too much respect
When facing a team that, on paper, boasts far more quality than you, a certain degree of respect must be shown.
However, in a derby match, that almost needs to go out of the window.
If Everton are too passive and standoffish in a way that threatens their own goal relentlessly, the home crowd will get antsy and nervous, which will translate down onto the pitch.
They need to know when the right time to press is, but also be brutally aware of the threat that Liverpool pose. This balancing act is exactly what Howard is worried about, but that lack of respect shown has to be evident in the way in which Everton push on, when they do.
They have to be aggressive and relentless, giving both the crowd something to feed off whilst also spurring the rest of the players on to join in a crusade.
Should they do that at key moments, whilst remaining solid and concentrated for the rest of the match, there is every chance that the Toffees could pull off a historic upset tonight.