Everton will be looking to build on the fives goals they smashed past Blackpool last time out as Everton continue in their attempts to distance themselves from a nasty looking relegation dog fight. Bolton on the other hand will be looking to close the gap on Sunderland in their quest for European football next season. A win for Everton today would lift them to the lofty heights of 8th.
MOYES ON COYLE
David Moyes says it is no surprise to see Owen Coyle doing well at Bolton and is pleased to see a fellow Scot and friend enjoying such success.
Owen has done a good job in getting them playing and will be happy. He took over 18 months ago when they were in a really bad position but now they are near to the top of the league and they are close to winning big games. He will be happy with their progress.”
“Kevin Davies is still a big part of the way they play. They have added Stuart Holden who is a really good player in central midfield. They are also developing Gary Cahill into a top centre-half but has their style changed that much?
“I think the Scots who are here at the moment, with the exception of Sir Alex, have followed in the footsteps of great managers who have come not necessarily from Glasgow but certainly nearby.
“Jock Stein, Bill Shankly, Matt Busby? you can go on and on. Then there was another generation headed by Sir Alex Ferguson and now there is another generation of us doing well.
Bolton Team News:
Loan signing Sturridge is set to start this afternoon after enjoying a good start to his Bolton stay with two goals to his name already.
Steinsson is a doubt after suffering from a knee injury.
Jlloyd Samuel has returned to training after a six month injury lay off but he is still some way from being match fit and thus will probably miss out.
Bolton will also be without Gardner with a thigh injury as well as S Davis & J O’Brien who both miss out with knee injuries.
POSSIBLE XI Jaaskelainen, Robinson, Cahill, Knight, Ricketts, M Davies, Holden, Taylor, Elmander, K Davies, Sturridge
Player to watch: Kevin Davies
The Bolton talisman.Whenever Bolton are at their best Davies is never far from the heart of it. He will drive them on and keep them pushing Everton this afternoon. He is also prone to popping with the odd goal or two especially from set pieces, something Everton have been guilty of being slack on of late.
Everton Team News:
In typical Saha fashion no sooner has the striker hit a run of goal scoring form he picks up an injury and will now sit out the next fortnight. Anichebe would be my choice to lead the line today due to his physical presence with Becks on the bench. Jack Rodwell is be out for at least the next month as he picked up a groin injury whilst representing England in midweek.
Jagielka is still pushing for the first team after being kept out of the team by Jonny.
POSSIBLE XI Howard, Neville, Distin, Heitinga, Baines, Coleman, Arteta, Fellaini, Billy, Cahill, Anichebe
Player to watch: Tim Cahill
His first start for Everton since New Years Day possibly. Hopefully Timmy will recapture the fine goal scoring form that he showed before heading off on his jollys. With Arteta’s deliveries getting mildly better and with Billy showing some good form you would expect the little Aussie to be on the end of them.
Match Facts & Stats and that
Victory at Manchester City in December is Everton’s only away win in their last nine league games
David Moyes is one short of collecting 500 points as a Premier League manager. He would be the fourth manager to reach the milestone after Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp.
Bolton are unbeaten in 13 games against teams in the bottom half of the table this term
According to Opta statistics, referees have penalised Bolton 357 times this term, more than any Premier League side (at the start of the weekend). Everton, meanwhile, have been fouled more than any other top-flight team
Bolton have only won one of their last nine games against Everton, losing six of those matches
Wanderers have won only one of their last seven league games, losing five of those matches
Ref Watch:
Lee Probert will be the man in middle for todays match.
Match Prediction:
Even with Saha out I feel strangely optimistic that Everton will score goals. Few question marks about our defence of late however that Everton will need to address. I predict a 2-1 win for Everton with Beckford, Cahill on the scoresheet for the blues.