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Radio City's Alan Irwin

Posts: 61

Alan Irwin is the Voice of Everton for Liverpool's Radio City 96.7. An experienced radio journalist, Alan commentates on all of the Blues' matches and is well placed to provide insightful blogs on the progress of the team.

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Having taken a "blog" break for a couple of weeks over Christmas it's great to return with so much to look forward to... our team in a fine run of form and, of course, the FA Cup.

I have to start with the Cup draw, after all everyone else has had their say!!

Personally I'm disappointed - David Moyes has said before that luck does seem to dessert us in Cup pairings and it's happened once more. Chelsea, for example, seem to extract regular opposition from the lower leagues and each tie at Stamford Bridge. It is only the fourth round stage and although we've only ourselves to blame for our third round exits in the last two seasons we never appear to get a "home run" to the quarter finals.

Yes, you do have to be at your best to in six matches to win the FA Cup but you also need a huge slice of luck on your side - and anyone that has to beat the league leaders away from home deserves their place in the latter stages of the competition. Look at Portsmouth last season, conquerors of Manchester United at Old Trafford and subsequent winners!!

However, should we beat Liverpool it will make the rest of the season hugely enjoyable, provided we don't immediately go and blow matters in the next round.

Given our current form and ability (at last) to keep clean sheets (5 on the trot now!) there has to be a fair chance we can progress.

Firstly though, we should ensure we obtain all the points against Hull at Goodison and consolidate our position in the top six.

It's important we have a nice cushion in terms of points given our forthcoming fixtures, and it's important for confidence going into the derby games. In fact, if we do take the points on Saturday (as I expect!!) we'll be heading to Anfield in a fine run of form - our best this season - and I reckon this is our best opportunity for years to win there.

Finally, it's all quiet still in the January transfer window and not too many players "linked" with a move to Goodison! Let's hope Mr Moyes surprises us all and pulls a rabbit out of the hat from somewhere!!!