Everton look to bounce back from their midweek draw to Aston Villa with a tough tie away to Blackburn.With both teams in form and Evertons past three matches ending in draws this match could very well go the same way
Vital Quotes: Moyes
Everton gaffer David Moyes has said that Everton must get used to being treated as a top four side when they go to play teams such as Blackburn: ‘Does it make it more difficult when teams treat you like that? Well, it does but I also think you have to be able to handle that and that’s maybe something which we could have done better in recent games,’ opined Moyes. ‘We’ve gone in front and we need to be able to handle that a little bit better than we have done’
Blackburn Team News:
Rovers maybe without big defender Samba who picked up a knock in their draw against Manchester United.
Emerton and Olsson are also doubts
Player to watch: Dunne
Top scorer for them this season and from what I have seen of Rovers would suggest that he is a big player for them. Obviously one eye will be kept on Diouf in case any accusations of racism surface (just dont let him near the ball boys)
Everton Team News:
Everton have fresh injury concerns over cult hero Heitinga who limped off in the midweek clash with Villa.
Arteta looks certain to miss out with a groin injury and Anichebe also looks unlikely to feature. Would be very surprised if Osman wasnt given a late fitness test after the kicking he got the other night as well
Player to watch: Cahill
If he can give the same kind of performance that he did midweek and with the presence of Samba in the middle from set plays and crosses I can seeing him bagging one or two.
Match Facts & Stats
Everton are unbeaten in the last 7 Premier League games.
Rovers are unbeaten at home in their last 8 games in a run which has seen them hold the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Rovers will be hoping that King Louis doesnt start as his current record stands and 5 goals in five starts against them.
Match Prediction:
My prediction for the match is 3-1 victory for Everton with the goals coming from Saha and Cahill (2). Having put in a good performance against Villa and with still everything to play for I can see Everton wanting the points more. Not that Rovers will make it a walk in the park.
Next Fixtures:
Evertons next game is home to Fulham
whilst Rovers take on Wolves away