The feel-good factor that engulfed Goodison Park for the Merseyside Derby has been diminished somewhat, and fans on the Grand Old Team forum are showing that.
Some are displaying startling confidence that we can beat Chelsea when they travel to Merseyside on Sunday, but those voices are in the few with the majority expecting another disappointing day.
The doubters have good reason to hold back their excitement as the last time any Everton side managed to take all three points against the Pensioners was in 2015, when Steven Naismith smashed a hat-trick on home soil.
The best Premier League results we have mustered since have all been draws – two were also nil-nil’s – but we did knock a Guus Hiddink managed Blues out of the FA Cup in March 2016.
When Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea arrive on Merseyside, they are also not in great form, it has to be said.
A 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers last weakened was a fairly lucky outcome for the Stamford Bridge side as their guests held onto a one-goal advantage until the 91st minute.
So, who knows, we may have a chance, and the doubters on the Grand Old Team forum will have reason to turn their thoughts around.
For now, however, here’s how some of the Goodison Park faithful see Sunday unfolding…
“Skip it.” – Nymzee (March 14, 07:08)
“Barkley flicks a ‘V’ to the crowd as he finishes his pre-match warm-up, on his way to the tunnel our favourite ball boy ‘accidentally’ trips him up to Goodison roars of approval. Cue the sirens.” – Blue61 (March 14, 07:18)
“Higuain and Hazard are apparently both out. Anything other than a win or that’s him done.” – ForeverBlue92 (March 14, 08:04)
“I think Sarri will be too clever to know what will happen with Barkley. The most he’ll get on Sunday is a late cameo off the bench if they’re winning comfortably.” – EvertonAndChelmsford (March 14, 09:20)
“This is the game Sarri should be the least worried about…” – Igrok (March 14, 09:26)
“Our fans will celebrate a 0-0 as if we’ve just qualified for the Champions League.” – Big Fat Sam (March 14, 09:41)
“I would be surprised if Hazard didn’t play as it’s a big game for Chelsea given their league position. Anyway we will beat them whoever we play” – T Leafe (March 14, 10:59)
“I’m sensing a nascent groundswell in optimism not unlike the feel-good factor that percolated around GOT post the last AGM… And isn’t it infectious! I can’t wait for kick-off!” – Deipnosophist (March 14, 13:03)
“Chelsea…. nah!… We could even go one up after 90 seconds and still lose.” – Charles Hawtrey (March 14, 16:26)