Saturday afternoon pits European chasing Everton against relegation threatened Queens Park Rangers with a vital 3pts on the line at Goodison Park. Both teams suffered major setbacks to their respective hopes for the rest of the season. Everton conceded a late equaliser as they drew 2-2 with Tottenham, a result which seriously crippled their chances for 4th. The visitors also conceded a late equaliser as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Wigan, a result which might of secured their fate for next season. With games fast running out, both sides are desperate for the 3pts, because a loss, or even a draw could end the hopes for both sides goals for the season.
Vital Quotes:
Everton right back Seamus Coleman issued a warning to QPR saying
‘This is a must win game for them if they are to have any hope of getting out of relegation. But it is a massive game for us as well. We definitely need to make the most of our home form especially with the tough away games we have. If we can get a win on Saturday it will give us confidence going away to Arsenal. Wins breed confidence and that is what we need.’
QPR manager Harry Redknapp spoke about the late equaliser conceded to Wigan saying
“It`s a cruel blow, Nobody at this football club deserved that, especially the fans.The players didn`t deserve that, they were fantastic. We`d worked so hard with 10 men all game. Every one of them worked their socks off’
Everton Team News:
Everton are set to welcome back key players Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar as they both finished their 2 game bans. The major concern surrounds the fitness of the in form Kevin Mirallas as he continues to struggle with a groin injury, however, he is expected to take his place in the line up. Right back Tony Hibbert could make his return to first team football via the bench after missing the last 5 months with a calf injury. In other news, Phil Neville announced during the week that he will leave Everton in the summer after 8yrs.
Possible Starting XI: Howard, Baines, Distin, Jagielka, Coleman, Gibson, Osman, Mirallas, Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic
Player to watch: Kevin Mirallas
The other Belgian at Everton has really stepped up his game since the suspension to Pienaar and Fellaini. After injury set him back at the start of the season, the pacy Belgian is showing his true potential as two brilliant solo efforts have seen Everton secure 4pts from the 2 games without Fellaini and Pienaar. Despite having a couple of niggles, he should be in the line up to face QPR and fans will be expecting him to continue tormenting Premier League defenders with his combination of pace and technique. If he is allowed space and time, then QPR could be in a world of trouble
QPR Team News:
QPR will be without striker Bobby Zamora as he was sent off last week against Wigan. QPR will also be missing Shaun Wright Phillips as an ankle injury has ruled him out for the rest of the season, fullback Armand Traore is also a doubt after coming off last week at halftime. Other than that, harry Redknapp should have a fully fit squad to choose from
Possible Starting XI: Cesar, Onuoha, Samba, Hill, Bosingwa, Jenas, Mbia, Townsend, Hoilett, Taarabt, Remy
Player to watch: Loic Remy
The French striker is showing his worth to this QPR side as his vital goals are giving this side a chance of staying in the league next season. Remy has shown just how clinical he is with 4 goals in his last 5 games and Everton can ill afford to give this guy a chance in front of goal because he has shown he can punish teams. Will be the danger man for Everton and will need to monitor him closely, should he be kept quiet, it is hard to see QPR winning.
Match Facts & Stats
1. QPR are a bogey team for Everton, the Londoners have only lost twice in their last 11 games against Everton, which includes 6 wins
2. QPR also have a terrific record at Goodison Park, they have won 3 of their last 5 matches at Goodison, only losing once
3. However, Everton have been strong at Goodison only losing once this season at home to Chelsea
4. Everton and QPR both have two of the in form players of the league, Mirallas has netted 3 goals in the last 4 and Loic Remy has scored 4 goals in his last 5.
5. QPR have only held to lead twice at halftime and on both occasions failed to win.
Match Prediction:
It is a vital game for both sides, with both sides in desperate need for the 3pts, Everton need them to keep their slim hopes of 4th alive and QPR must win to keep in touch with the likes of Wigan and Aston Villa as they seek to beat the drop. Everton have been in decent touch recently and were unlucky not to get the 3pts at White Hart Lane after a decent performance. With the inclusion of Pienaar and Fellaini, which is a very big boost for Everton and the fact that it is at Goodison, where they have been extremely good this season, I think Everton have enough to get the 3pts, as for a scoreline, I think a 3-1 win with Mirallas, Jelavic and Fellaini scoring for Everton and Remy for QPR. COME ON LADS!! MUST WIN GAME!!!!