If we win our game in hand and of course the Derby, we will be 2 points behind with plenty of games to play, so then yes. Lose the Derby and it's over. Credit to Everton they have done well this year, more of a concern is that we haven't made up much ground on the top 3 even if we were to scrape into 4th again. 4 teams being eligible for the top Euro Cup and the financial windfall it brings has made the mediocore seem palatable, it wasn't good enough for Evans, but I will give Rafa at least as long as Houllier.
Bayern beat Real Madrid 3-0, Roma 3-1 and Dynamo Kiev 3-0 at home, that is quite a pedigree to bring into this tie. I am worried about some of Rafa's negative tactics away, but at least he has said he wants to score at least 1 away. The 4-2 exit in 2002 is still fresh in the mind, although that score would be enough this time around. I would like to think we would do enough to win. It is also funny to be worried about Traore missing the game, but he has been pretty solid of late, and played well in the home tie.
I really though he would be gone last summer, maybe a few more rest threats could change his mind ;)
Injuries did play a part, but performing pooe against what should be lesser teams is nothing new, we always seem to lose at least one to a bottom 3 side. Bringing in an unfit Pellegrino who hasn't adapted to the speed of the game, could be blamed for Southampton, but they also took their chances well. Birmingham closed down every ball, and I think Newcastle caught us with a League Cup hangover, I think it would be hard to lift after that one, Gerrard must have been gutted.
