Question: Norwich were poor in defeat to Southampton, Everton arguably deserved more than a point from their game against Liverpool – so, first up, what do you expect from the Canaries?

The Pink Un: Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti Picture: PAEverton manager Carlo Ancelotti Picture: PA (Image: PA Wire)

Answer: A strong reaction. Before the Southampton game the manager said that five wins from nine games was the aim for his side. Defeat against the Saints changes the equation slightly, but 15 points is still the aim and I am sure he will be demanding a response from his players.

Question: And from Everton?

Answer: The team has been resurgent under Carlo Ancelotti. Before the coronavirus outbreak, and a very disappointing defeat at Chelsea in March, we had picked up the third-most points of any side in the league since his appointment, behind only Man City and Liverpool. The derby display was positive, and with eight games left in this mini end-of-season battle, there is still lots to play for.

Question: Never has a Merseyside derby been played in such strange circumstances – what do you make of it?

Answer: Speaking after the game, Dominic Calvert-Lewin said it was a “bizarre” Merseyside derby. Goodison Park would normally have been bouncing, so it was a strange situation in these surreal times. With no fans and a different atmosphere you can tell that the players have to get used to the surroundings as well. But with all teams now having had at least one Premier League game, hopefully the tempo now increases in the coming matches.

Question: Is there anything that can save Norwich from relegation, or is it a lost cause?

Answer: I don’t think it’s a lost cause. Five wins out of eight is a tough ask, given there is still Chelsea and Man City to come. But then you look at the other matches Norwich still have to play and there has to be belief. I would expect them to come out firing tonight, so it should be an entertaining encounter.

Question: If you could sign one Norwich player for Everton, who would it be?

Answer: Max Aarons. Since Ancelotti’s arrival, the rumour mill has been working overtime with the amount of players we’ve been linked with. But right back is one of the most pressing positions I feel we need to strengthen. Skipper Seamus Coleman was outstanding as man of the match in the derby, but I have always been impressed with Aarons and he is definitely one of the most exciting young full-backs in the Premier League.

Question: You’re 12th in the table – where, realistically, do you think you will end up?

Answer: With eight games to go and being eight points behind Man United in fifth, a late European push would have been the target. We still have games against Leicester, Spurs, Wolves and Sheffield United to come so there is still plenty to play for. With a strong finish, a top-eight place would be the aim.

Question: You have a big-name manager in Carlo Ancelotti so big things are expected – can Everton deliver?

Answer: I would hope so. Everyone in the squad knows they are playing for their futures under Ancelotti. The average age of our starting line-up on Sunday was telling as it was 24 years 356 days... the youngest for a league match versus Liverpool since 1986. That was during a period of much success, and that has to be Ancelotti’s aim.

Question: And, finally, a score prediction please?

Answer: I think the game will be quite open, with quite a few goals. We were awful at Goodison in November’s defeat, but with Ancelotti now at the helm and performances having greatly improved I am going for a 2-3 away win.