If ever Saints need to win at Goodison Park a ground where they have not won since 1997 then it is on Saturday, here is all the info you need to enjoy the day out.
The Ground
Everton have played at Goodison Park since moving from Anfield back in 1892 after a dispute with the then owner of the ground, who then promptly formed Liverpool Football Club.
Goodison is very much a ground that combines the old, the new and the not so new, two sides are very much refurbished stands that date back to before the Second World war, hence it's nickname amongst Liverpool supporters as Woodison Park, the main stand was built around 1970 and the Park End stand back in the mid 90's, so it could be said that it has everything for the connoisseur of football stands throughout the ages.
Its sandwiched smack bang in the middle of housing, on three sides of the ground, the turnstiles are right on the pavement of the street, bringing back memories of how it used to be at the Dell, many would say that Goodison cant match Anfield for atmosphere due to the Kop, but it has an aura about it that few grounds now have.
With a capacity of just over 40,000 and its mishaped stands its one of the few traditional football grounds left in the Premier league, Everton know they have to move sometime given the lack of space to build, but the day they do move will be a sad day for those football fans that appreciate football architecture.
If you notice a bunch of flowers around the perimeter of the ground, this can be because of the fact that nearly 1,000 Everton supporters have had their ashes scattered at the ground.
Getting there.
By Car
Take the M6 north and then take the M62 signposted Liverpool, follow this motorway till its end (beware of the 50 mile speed limit and cameras as you near the end) and then follow the road onto the Queens Drive A5058 and stay on this road for about 3 miles, turn left into Utting Avenue and then right into Priory Road at the corner of Stanley Park, the ground is about half a mile down this road in front of you.
By Train
Mainline trains arrive at Lime Street Station about a 3 mile walk to the ground, there are plenty of buses that run past the ground or you could walk to Central Station about 2 mins from Lime Street and catch a train to Kirkdale Station, about 5 mins by train and a 7 min walk to Goodison, alternatively cabs are cheap, about £7 from the city centre and cost effective if there are 3 or more of you.
Parking
Parking is very limited around the ground, the only big car park is on Stanley Park the entrance is on the aforementioned Priory Road, which is £8 and takes a while to get out of, otherwise its street parking or small business's etc that do the usual trick of renting out their car park.
Whilst car crime is much reduced on Merseyside, it still happens so be wary, always pay the kids who "mind your car" whilst your at the match, remember to pay half in advance and the rest when you return to your vehicle.
The Away Section
Saints have usually been allocated 1,800 seats in the Bullens Road Stand, this away section consists of two levels, the paddock at the front of the stand and the rear Lower Bullens section slightly behind, this section offers a slightly higher elevation and view but there are many pillars etc that can obstruct.
But for this game Saints have excercised the option to take another 1,000 tickets given that the club and Virgin Media are sponsoring the ticket price to reduce the cost to £10 per adult, these seats are upstairs in the Upper Bullens and offer a better view of the action although the view will still have pillars in the way.
The facilities in the stand are basic, as mentioned earlier its pre ww2 and was built in 1926, it serves the usual pies and pasties etc and beer in plastic bottles as well, but the hafl time queues are notorious.
Drinking Eating Etc.
There are some great town centre pubs if you are staying over or arriving by train and a visit to the home of the Beatles in Matthew Street is always a lively experience even if you aren't a fan, the North Western formerly the Head of Steam on Lime Street station itself (to the right as you come off the platform) is well worth a visit especially to real ale enthusiasts. But in the City centre you really cant go wrong it has something for everyone.
At the ground behind the Park Stand is a small outdoor fanzone which serves alcohol, as well as food. Currently visiting supporters are allowed free entry into the fanzone.
Nearer the ground there has to be just about the biggest concentration of pubs than any other ground in England, the Royal Oak and the Brick on County Road are probably the most partizan and best avoided, but those two apart all of the others will usually welcome away supporters as long as you aren't looking for trouble, if your there for a beer and a laugh then you will probably be warmly welcomed.
Weatherspoons and Bradleys Wine Bar on Walton Road being recommended by a number of away fans., County Road and Walton Road run behind the main stand about 100 metres back from the stand.
County Road also has a plethora of eating establishments, chip shops etc so is the place to be if your hungry.
Some away fans also use the Arkles next to Anfield, this is the usual away fans pub when teams play Liverpool and is a 10 - 15 minute walk from Goodison, if you want a quiet pint the pubs up by Anfield are good because few Everton fans will use them.
Capacity: 40,569 (all seated)
Address: Goodison Road, Liverpool, L4 4EL
Telephone: 0151 556 1878
Fax: 0151 286 9112
Ticket Office: 0151 556 1878
Pitch Size: 112 x 78 yards
Club Nickname: The Toffees
Year Ground Opened: 1892
Shirt Sponsors: Chang
Kit Manufacturer: Umbro
Home Kit: Royal Blue & White