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After a two week break, the Toffees return to action in the Premiership with the loss of a few players to injury, heightening an already dire situation. Over the break injuries to Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman have hurt an already threadbare squad, but on the bright side Tony Hibbert celebrates his 10-year anniversary at Everton with hopes of a victory that could help propel Everton up the table.
Earlier in the season Everton travelled to Aston Villa to try and end their losing streak, but were unsuccessful as they fell 1-0 despite an excellent effort from the visitors. Since then both teams have followed similar paths of dropping needed points, and as a result neither team is as high in the table as their supporters would have hoped based on past seasons.
As mentioned earlier, both Seamus Coleman and Jack Rodwell picked up injuries over the break that forced both to withdraw from their respective international squads, and hopefully both players will be fit for this weekends match. Tim Cahill was also absent from Australia’s victory against Germany in the midweek, while Victor Anichebe was able to participate in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Kenya in which he also scored a goal. Thankfully both Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka made it through the international break in perfect health despite some heavy rumors about an injury to Baines.
Of course all of these injuries make Moyes team selection a bit problematic, but below is a lineup based on everyone being healthy for the weekend:
Beckford
Cahill
Osman – Neville – Rodwell – Coleman
Baines – Distin – Jagielka – Hibbert
Howard
Regardless of how healthy the team is, Moyes seems certain to maintain the same back 4 as against Fulham, with Phil Neville most likely needed in the midfield to fill in for an injured Mikel Arteta. Baines, Distin, and Jagielka have all been stalwarts in the back, and while Hibbert may not be as talented as Neville at the right back position, he is certainly more than capable of filling in for a few games, and maybe he will get lucky and finally score for the club.
In the midfield, Osman is almost certain to start on the left side, with Neville moving up from the defense to a central midfield position. Assuming Jack Rodwell is fit, he will partner alongside Neville in middle, while Coleman will start on the right side if fit. Should Rodwell be unfit to play, it is likely either Heitinga or Billy will get the start alongside Neville. With Heitnga’s recent comments over break, the smart money is probably on Billy to get the nod over Heitinga should Rodwell be ruled out. If Coleman is also ruled out, look for Neville to move over to the right side, and either Billy or Heitinga will get the start in the midfield, and possibly both of them will start together should Rodwell and Coleman be out of this match. Another possibility on the right could be Victor Anichebe, but Moyes has shown a preference to playing the Nigerian international up top, much to the team’s detrmient.
Up top Jermaine Beckford seems almost certain to start given the fact he is the lone striker on the roster to have scored this season, and if fit Tim Cahill would be almost certain to start in his favored role of the withdrawn striker. If Cahill is kept out of the squad, Anichebe is likely to partner up top with Beckford in a classic 4-4-2 formation.
Everton will certainly be the favored to win this match, considering they are going up against a defense that has allowed 51 goals this season, tied for 3rd most in the league. In addition, Everton have yet to lose at Goodison Park since November, with 4 victories and 3 draws in that time, although Aston Villa has certainly had the Toffees number over the past few seasons with the team not losing to Everton in the past 9 league meetings, something David Moyes will be keen to change.
On the Villa side, Stewart Downing is certainly a player to watch, and the Toffee defense will certainly be careful of Luke Young who scored the only goal in the previous meeting this season. Although Brad Fridel has gained another year in age, he is still a top goalkeeper in the EPL, and more than capable of denying Everton a deserved victory.
Saturday’s game is on at 3pm in England, and 10am here in the US, and can be found on FoxSoccer.tv, or your favorite internet stream. Leave your thoughts and comments about Saturday’s game below, and as always we will gave a gameday thread up at Royal Blue Mersey for everyone to talk about the game. Everyone enjoy your weekend and make sure to check back for our thoughts and analysis after the match, and until next time COYB!
Category: Reviews
Tags: David Moyes, Everton, Jack Rodwell, Leighton Baines, Leon Osman, Phil Neville, Reviews, Seamus Coleman, Tim Cahill, ToffeesTweet « Tony Hibbert – Everton’s Ryan Giggs | Home |
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