Everton risk being drawn into a relegation
scrap ahead of their home clash with high-flying Tottenham. The
Toffees have established themselves as regular qualifiers for
European competition in recent years but they have made a
disappointing start to the new campaign.
David Moyes' plans have been thrown into turmoil by an injury
curse that shows no sign of relenting, with three more players
struck down in the midweek Europa League match against AEK
Athens.
Everton did at least manage to claim a morale-boosting victory
in a rain-soaked Greece as Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's early goal
carried them through to the last 32.
They can now switch their focus to domestic matters and Moyes
will be anxious to pick up another win as Everton are currently
just two points clear of the drop zone.
Moyes will not be able to freshen up his side as much as he
would like after three successive Premier League losses, with Jo,
Sylvain Distin and Dan Gosling all doubtful after being forced off
against AEK.
Leon Osman has a foot injury, while Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta
and Phil Neville are among the long-term absentees.
John Heitinga is suspended after collecting a fifth yellow card
of the season and those players still standing may again be asked
to fill unfamiliar positions.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is convinced that his side can
finish in the top four and they currently occupy fourth place after
an impressive start to the season.
An under-strength Manchester United side knocked Spurs out of
the Carling Cup in midweek and Redknapp will want to see a positive
response.
Having made changes for the trip to Old Trafford, the manager is
set to revert back to something like the line-up that drew 1-1 with
Aston Villa last weekend.
Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong should form the central
defensive partnership once again with Ledley King (hamstring) and
Jonathan Woodgate (groin) both still missing.
Carlo Cudicini is facing a long spell out after injuring his
wrists and pelvis in a motorcycling accident, although Luka Modric
is closing in on a comeback following a fractured fibula.
Redknapp must decide whether to start with Peter Crouch or
Robbie Keane alongside Jermain Defoe up front.
Everton: Rodwell, Agard, Nash, Jo,
Aiyegbeni, Howard, Baines, Coleman, Duffy, Pienaar, Hibbert, Saha,
Yobo, Cahill, Fellaini, Baxter, Neill, Bilyaletdinov
Tottenham Hotspur: Pavlyuchenko,
Dawson, Bentley, Bassong, Keane, Alnwick, Hutton, Bale, Corluka,
Huddlestone, Gomes, Assou-Ekotto, Defoe, Jenas, Crouch,
Palacios,